# What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accident? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. National Motorcycle Accident Statistics 2. Texas Motorcycle Accident Data 3. Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes 4. The Role of Helmets in Crash Survival 5. Age and Experience Factors 6. Protect Yourself After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston 7. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today ![What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/What-Percentage-of-Motorcycle-Riders-Get-in-Accidents-300x200.jpg) Understanding the percentage of motorcycle riders who get in accidents helps riders make informed decisions about safety. According to the [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash per vehicle miles traveled.  This stark difference highlights why every rider should understand the risks involved. ## National Motorcycle Accident Statistics According to the NHTSA, motorcycles accounted for only 3% of all registered vehicles in 2023 but 15% of all traffic fatalities. That year, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, the highest number recorded since at least 1975.  These numbers from the NHTSA further reflect the vulnerability riders face on the road: - An estimated 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023 - The fatality rate stood at 31.39 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled - Motorcyclists were 5 times more likely to be injured than passenger car occupants per vehicle miles traveled - 34% of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid motorcycle license - 41% of riders who died in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol impaired - 35% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding These statistics demonstrate that rider behavior significantly affects accident outcomes. Proper licensing, sobriety, and speed control can reduce risk substantially. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Texas Motorcycle Accident Data Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest motorcycle fatalities. According to the [Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)](https://www.txdot.gov/about/newsroom/statewide/2024/motorcyclist-deaths-on-the-rise-in-texas.html), 599 motorcycle riders and passengers were killed in crashes in 2023. Another 2,400 riders suffered serious injuries that same year. According to TxDOT, the state has seen troubling trends in recent years. Motorcycle deaths in Texas increased 7% from 2022 to 2023. Fatal crashes at intersections rose by 21% during the same period. These increases occurred despite overall traffic fatality rates declining slightly. Houston and Harris County see significant motorcycle crash activity due to heavy traffic volume and complex highway systems. Texas cities, including Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, consistently report the highest numbers of [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/) in the state. ## Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes Understanding why crashes happen can help riders avoid dangerous situations. Research shows that most multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when other drivers fail to see the motorcyclist. The most frequent contributing factors in fatal motorcycle crashes include: - Other drivers failing to yield the right of way, especially at intersections and during left turns - Alcohol impairment, which contributed to [26% of motorcyclist deaths in 2023](https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813732)  - Speeding, which increases both crash likelihood and injury severity - Riding without proper training or licensing - Poor road conditions, including debris, potholes, and slippery surfaces Many crashes result from factors outside the rider’s control. However, defensive riding techniques and proper safety gear can reduce injury severity when accidents occur. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## The Role of Helmets in Crash Survival [Helmet use](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/are-motorcycle-helmets-required-by-law-in-texas/) dramatically affects survival rates in motorcycle crashes. NHTSA estimates that helmets are 37% effective at preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders. In states without universal [helmet laws](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-helmet-laws/), 51% of motorcyclists killed in 2023 were not wearing helmets. That figure drops to 10% in states that require helmets for all riders. Texas law requires riders under 21 to wear helmets. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet if they complete a safety course or carry qualifying health insurance. Despite this flexibility, wearing a DOT-compliant helmet remains the single most effective way to prevent fatal head injuries. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Age and Experience Factors Rider age and experience significantly influence accident rates. NHTSA data shows that among riders aged 15 to 20, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 44% from 2022 to 2023. Younger riders are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding. Among riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes, 54% were speeding. Older riders face different challenges. While they tend to ride more cautiously, slower reaction times and physical vulnerabilities can increase injury severity. The share of motorcyclist fatalities among riders 50 and older has grown substantially over the past several decades. ## Protect Yourself After a Motorcycle Accident in Houston Texas law allows motorcycle accident victims to pursue compensation when another driver’s [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/) caused the crash. Understanding your legal rights can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  If you’ve been involved in an accident in Houston, Texas, call [Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/) at [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000). We offer a [free consultation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/)with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.  ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today Filing a personal injury claim might not appear complex from the outside, but it requires high-stakes negotiation with insurance companies, which can be extremely challenging. These companies frequently search for ways to avoid paying out on claims.  Without skilled legal assistance, you could end up walking away with a much smaller settlement than you deserve. That’s where [Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/) can help. By hiring our experienced [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) personal injury law firm, you’ll have a better chance of recovering comprehensive damages for your losses. [Contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) us today at [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000). **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston, TX**[3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Houston/@29.7309684,-95.4262545,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bf255e7aaf73:0x52064b120afa59fe!8m2!3d29.7309684!4d-95.4262545!16s%2Fg%2F1tfrxw9q?entry=tts/) Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Motorcycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Common Places For Motorcycle Accidents in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Common-Places-For-Motorcycle-Accidents-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-places-for-motorcycle-accidents-in-houston/) [Common Places for Motorcycle Accidents in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-places-for-motorcycle-accidents-in-houston/) Every major city has them: certain intersections or high-traffic areas where accidents are common. Motorcyclists need [![Man and Woman Die After Being Thrown Off SH-99 Overpass in Motorcycle Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Husband-and-Wife-Funeral-Farewell-000003529702_Medium-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/man-and-woman-die-after-being-thrown-off-sh-99-overpass-in-motorcycle-crash/) [Man and Woman Die After Being Thrown Off SH 99 Overpass in Motorcycle Crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/man-and-woman-die-after-being-thrown-off-sh-99-overpass-in-motorcycle-crash/) According to Harris County sheriff’s deputies, a man and a woman died in a motorcycle crash in northwest Harris [![Texas Laws on the Road: What’s the Smallest Street Legal Motorcycle?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Texas-Laws-on-the-Road-Whats-the-Smallest-Street-Legal-Motorcycle-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-on-the-road-whats-the-smallest-street-legal-motorcycle/) [Laws on the Road: What's the Smallest Street-Legal Motorcycle?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/laws-on-the-road-whats-the-smallest-street-legal-motorcycle/) Motorcycles come in a fairly wide range of shapes and sizes. In some cases, a vehicle that you might regard as a [![Common Road Dangers for Motorcyclists in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-road-dangers-for-motorcyclists-in-houston-tx/) [Common Road Dangers for Motorcyclists in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-road-dangers-for-motorcyclists-in-houston-tx/) Motorcyclists face many road dangers. Because of the balance required to operate a motorcycle, surface --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-percentage-of-motorcycle-riders-get-in-accidents/