San Antonio Motorcycle Accidents Stats

Motorcycle accidents are a growing problem in San Antonio. Not long ago, San Antonio was second only to Houston for the number of motorcycle accidents. Various reports have indicated a wide variety of causes of motorcycle crashes, but some motorcycle accident stats stand out.

Notable San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Statistics

• Of all motorcycle accidents, only 25% are single motorcycle accident. 75% involve the motorcycle and a vehicle.
• Among accident involving a single motorcycle, two-thirds were a direct result of operator error, mostly exhibited by a laying down of the bike or fall as the result of braking too quickly or overcompensating when maneuvering a curve at a high rate of speed and losing traction with the road surface.
• Alcohol was involved in about half of motorcycle accidents.
• When alcohol, speed, and size of the bike are joint factors, there is a notable increase in the severity of injuries sustained.
• Two-thirds of the accidents involving both a motorcycle and a vehicle occurred as the result of the vehicle not giving the right-of-way to the motorcycle.
• When a motorcycle operator wears appropriate gear (i.e., helmet and durable clothing), the risk of serious injuries decreases.
• Most of the 3% of single motorcycle crashes were the result of vehicle failure resulting from a tire puncture.
• Only 2% of motorcycle accidents are weather related.
• The single greatest factor in motorcycle accidents is the result of the failure of an automobile operator to be aware of motorcycle traffic. (This can be resolved by the motorcycle operator ensuring its presence through the use of proper equipment (e.g., safety headlamps) and the operator wearing reflective clothing)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in their 2004 report on motorcycle safety, 4,008 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 76,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States in 2004.The State of Texas had the 3rd largest number of motorcycle accident fatalities, second only to California and Florida. There were 285 reported motorcycle fatalities in Texas in 2004 over half of whom were not wearing a safety helmet. It is estimated that motorcycle helmets saved the lives of over 1300 cyclist. In analyzing these statistics, it is determined that if all motorcyclists had worn that year, an additional 671 lives could have been saved! Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists, which mean that for every 100 motorcyclist killed in crashes, 37 could have been saved.

Post-Iraq War era statistics reveal our military combat veterans experienced a high rate of motorcycle fatalities. In a time period from October 2007 through October 2008, there were 24 Marines who died in a motorcycle accident. That same year, 78% of the accidents involving Marines involved a sport model motorcycle.

Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic for those involved and the laws that apply to crashes such as these can be hard to understand. You want an attorney that understands the wide variety of circumstances that can lead to a motorcycle accident – that’s where Carabin Shaw comes in. Our knowledgeable lawyers will ensure that you will receive the compensation you deserve.

San Antonio motorcycle accident stats are closely tied to those at the national level. Many San Antonio drivers involved in an accident as the result of another’s negligence and are looking for an experienced San Antonio motorcycle accident attorney, call the lawyers of Carabin Shaw. Our attorneys are committed to serving you with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has recently been involved in a motorcycle accident, call our Carabin Shaw. We’re based in San Antonio and are motorcycle accident lawyers available day or night to help you with your case. Call us today at 800-862-1260 or contact us online.