Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | May 29, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Although cars, trucks, and motorcycles share the same roadways and follow the same laws, motorcyclists face greater danger than other motorists. Anyone who rides a motorcycle in New York must accept the heightened risk of an injurious or fatal crash.
There are different ways to assess how dangerous motorcycle riding is in New York, including calculating the percentage of motorcyclists involved in wrecks each year. No method can accurately predict who will be hurt in a crash. However, statistics can suggest which riders might be more at risk on the road.
New York Motorcycle Accident Statistics
New York State recorded 4,525 fatal and bodily injury accidents involving motorcycles in 2023.
Some motorcyclists will ride for decades and never experience a wreck. Others might be involved in several crashes regardless of how careful they are. As a result, it’s impossible to know precisely what percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents each year.
That said, the following national statistics illustrate the increased likelihood of accidents motorcycle riders face:
- Motorcyclists represent only about 2%–3% of all registered motorists
- Motorcycle riders represent approximately 15% of all motorists killed
- A motorcyclist is more than 20 times as likely to be involved in a crash as other motorists
- In 2023, more than 31 motorcyclist fatalities occurred for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled
Overall, the fatality and injury rates for motorcyclists are significantly higher than those for car and truck drivers.
What Increases a New York Motorcyclist’s Risk of Injury or Death?
Not every New York motorcyclist faces the same chance of being hurt or killed in a wreck. Riders with one or more of the following characteristics should be extra cautious on the road, as they’re statistically more likely to be involved in a crash:
- Young motorcyclists: Riders between the ages of 21 and 29 were most likely to be involved in an injurious or fatal crash. As a motorcyclist continues to age, their risk of injury or death declines. Notwithstanding this general trend, riders under 21 years were the least likely to be involved in an injury or fatal accident.
- Weekend riders: Nearly half of all motorcycle collisions that resulted in an injury or fatality happened on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. This could be due to the increased traffic volume as commuters travel over the weekend. It could also be the result of motorists’ relaxed state of mind at the end of a week, leading to more careless actions on the road.
- Alcohol usage: Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, no matter the type of vehicle you’re operating. However, slightly more motorcyclists who consumed alcohol were involved in fatal or injury crashes than other intoxicated motorists. Roughly 3% of all riders in such accidents had consumed alcohol, compared to just 2% of drivers of other vehicles.
Staying cautious and aware of these risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of accidents.
How Dangerous Is Motorcycling in New York?
While it is impossible to predict exactly who will be involved in a motorcycle accident in New York, the statistics highlight the increased risks motorcyclists face compared to other drivers. The percentage of motorcyclists involved in accidents is higher due to factors like age, alcohol consumption, and weekend riding habits. Motorcyclists are over 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than other motorists, and their fatality and injury rates are significantly higher.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’re involved in an injury-causing wreck, it’s wise to contact an experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to recover. An experienced lawyer can investigate your case, gather evidence, and help you hold responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York City at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers For More Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
