What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents in New York? 

October 7, 2026 / Motorcycle Accidents

If you ride a motorcycle in New York, you might have wondered about your odds of eventually being involved in an accident. There is no reliable percentage that tells us how many individual riders will get into an accident. Crash statistics generally measure reported crashes, injuries, and fatalities – not the lifetime percentage of riders who will eventually crash. 

What the statistics do show is that motorcycle accidents remain a serious safety concern. The problem is not that every rider will eventually crash. The problem is that when a motorcycle accident happens, the rider has very little protection from the impact. 

Is There an Average Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Who Get Into Accidents? 

You may find statistics online attempting to calculate the percentage of motorcyclists who eventually crash. However, these numbers should be treated carefully. 

There are several reasons why there is no easy way to come up with a percentage of riders who get into accidents:

• First, simply dividing the annual motorcycle crashes by the number of riders does not tell you what percentage of riders get into accidents. One motorcycle might have multiple riders, or one person could own several motorcycles. 
• Second, riders have dramatically different levels of exposure. Someone who takes a motorcycle out six weekends each summer does not have the same exposure as someone who rides every day. 
• Third, annual crash rates are different from lifetime risks. 

What remains true is that motorcycle accidents happen regularly in New York. It is also true that riders face significant risks when these accidents occur. 

Why Is Riding a Motorcycle So Dangerous?

The basic problem is exposure. Cars contain safety systems specifically designed to protect occupants during a collision. A modern passenger vehicle may have: 

• Seat belts 
• Airbags 
• Crumple zones 
• A reinforced passenger compartment 
• Electronic stability systems 
• Other collision-avoidance technology 

Motorcyclists have little protection in a crash and can be struck directly, thrown from the motorcycle, or hit the pavement. Because motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, drivers may also overlook them or misjudge their speed. As a result, motorcycle crashes can cause life-changing injuries.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

There is no universal cause. Some motorcycle crashes result from rider mistakes. Others are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles. 

Common factors can include: 

• Speeding 
• Distracted driving 
• Unsafe left turns 
• Failure to yield 
• Following too closely 
• Unsafe lane changes 
• Impaired driving 
• Driver fatigue 
• Poor weather 
• Dangerous road conditions 
• Mechanical problems 

Left-turn accidents are particularly concerning. A driver may approach an intersection, see an oncoming motorcycle, and incorrectly believe there is enough time to turn. The motorcycle rider suddenly has a vehicle crossing through their path. Even when the rider brakes immediately, there may not be enough distance to avoid the collision. 

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries 

Motorcycle injuries can be severe because riders are directly exposed to the forces generated by a collision. Common injuries can include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries: Brain injuries can affect memory, concentration, mood, speech, movement, and someone’s ability to work or live independently. 
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis. 
• Broken bones: Motorcyclists can suffer fractures to arms, legs, ankles, ribs, pelvis, or spine. 
• Road rash: Sliding across pavement can remove layers of skin and underlying tissue. 
• Internal injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs. 
• Amputations: A rider’s arm or leg can become trapped beneath a motorcycle or crushed during a collision. 

In addition to physical injuries, the emotional consequences of permanent disfigurement can continue long after the physical wounds heal. 

Contact Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, To Schedule a Free Consultation With a New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There is no reliable percentage that tells a New York motorcycle rider the chances of being involved in an accident. Riders can reduce their risks by riding responsibly and staying alert. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Contact Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC for a free case review with a New York motorcycle accident lawyer today. We will investigate your accident, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation available under New York law. 

We proudly serve clients from our offices in Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island. Our attorneys represent injury victims across Queens County, Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York County, and nearby communities throughout the New York metropolitan area.

When you need trusted legal guidance after an accident, remember one number: 212-CARRION