​Why Are Motorcycle Crashes More Dangerous than Car Wrecks?

 Posted on January 22, 2026 in Motorcycle Accidents

Many people know that motorcycles are more dangerous than cars. But people usually do not know just how much more dangerous it is, or that the number of fatal motorcycle accidents has increased in recent years. Approximately 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents lead to either injury or death. Even when you survive a motorcycle crash, the injuries tend to be much more severe and life-changing.

If you are in a motorcycle accident or are connected to someone in a fatal crash in 2026, a Denver motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your next steps.

What Are the Statistics for Motorcycle Crashes vs Car Crashes?

Motorcycle Fatalities vs. Car Fatalities 

In the United States, about 17 people a day die from motorcycle crashes. Compare that to being killed by a shark – something many people worry about – which only happens once every one or two years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than people in cars to die in a crash "per mile traveled" in 2023, even though motorcycles make up only three percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.

What About Injury Rates?

Motorcycle riders are five times more likely to be injured compared to people in cars. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and road rash. Many of these can result in permanent disability.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents So Much Worse?

Lack of Structural Protection in a Motorcycle

Motorcycle crashes are so much more dangerous because of one fact: motorcycles give almost no protection in a crash. In a car, there are many safety features. Cars have seatbelts that keep you from being thrown out of the car or hitting the interior. Cars have airbags to cushion impact and a metal frame that is built to absorb force. Modern cars also have "crumple zones," which are parts of the car that are designed to fold up in a crash. These absorb energy from the collision before it reaches you.

Motorcyclists have nothing between them and the road except their riding gear. If they crash, they absorb the full impact. This is why even crashes at fairly low speeds can cause serious injuries or death. Unfortunately, motorcyclists love to speed. According to data in previous years, 35 percent of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding. The faster you are going when a crash happens, the more force there is on impact.

Visibility Issues

Motorcycles' smaller size makes them harder to see, especially in low light, bad weather, or when other drivers are distracted. Many motorcycle accidents happen because a car driver just did not see the motorcycle. Motorcyclists also move in and out of drivers’ blind spots when they weave between cars.

Less Stability

Motorcycles' two wheels make them less stable and more sensitive to road conditions than cars. Gravel, potholes, or wet pavement can cause a motorcycle to lose traction and crash. These same hazards might not even register in a car, but can be deadly for a motorcyclist.

What Can Motorcyclists Do to Stay Safer?

Motorcycle riding will always be risky, but there are steps riders can take to reduce their chances of being seriously hurt or killed:

• Wear a helmet. Not only are helmets mandated in Maryland per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Maryland Transportation Code, Title 21, Subtitle 13), but helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and 69 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.

• Use protective gear. This includes a jacket made of leather or abrasion-resistant material, gloves, long, reinforced pants, and boots that cover your ankles. Bright colors and reflective materials can help make you more visible to other drivers.

• Take a safety course. Completing a motorcycle safety course can teach you riding skills and help you respond in dangerous situations. Many states waive the skills test for a motorcycle license if you complete an approved safety course.

• Ride "defensively." Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate what other drivers might do. Assume that car drivers do not see you. Avoid riding next to large trucks or buses, which have even bigger blind spots than cars.

• Avoid riding impaired. Never ride a motorcycle after drinking alcohol or using drugs. If you have been drinking, find another way home.

• Maintain your motorcycle. Before every ride, check your motorcycle to make sure it is in good working condition. Mechanical failures can cause serious crashes, so regular maintenance is important for your safety.

Call a Denver Personal Injury Attorney

If you crash on a motorcycle, you should also contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Motorcycle accident cases can be complicated. Insurance companies often try to blame the motorcyclist or minimize how bad the injuries are. A Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can protect you and help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your motorcycle.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, the team at The Gold Law Firm is here to help. Our four lawyers have helped our clients recover over 100 million dollars in verdicts and settlements. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 303-694-4653 for a free consultation.