The 6 Major Factors That Cause Motorcycle Accident Injuries

In 2023, over 6,000 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes across the United States, the highest number since federal records began in 1975. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), for every mile traveled, bikers are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than people in passenger cars and 5 times more likely to be injured.

Kansas City riders face extra risks. After Missouri repealed its universal helmet law in 2020, motorcycle deaths rose by 47%. A few years later, in 2023, there were 174 motorcycle deaths, the highest ever recorded in the state. Preliminary data for 2024 showed some improvement with 133 fatalities, but this is still higher than the pre-2020 average of about 120 deaths each year.

Understanding the causes of these crashes is the first step to staying safe on Kansas City roads.

Collisions with other vehicles

Other motorists remain the greatest danger to motorcyclists. According to NHTSA’s 2022 Traffic Safety Facts report, almost 60% of riders involved in fatal crashes died from collisions with another vehicle. In these crashes, 76% of motorcycles were struck in the front, highlighting how often drivers fail to see approaching riders.

The main issue is visibility. Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss, especially in heavy traffic. In Kansas City, busy roads like I-35, I-70, and the I-435/I-70 interchange can be extremely dangerous. Distracted driving from cellphone use makes things worse, since drivers looking at their phones may not see motorcycles in time.

Left-turn collisions

Left-turn accidents are one of the deadliest types of motorcycle crashes. Over 40% of fatal two-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles occurred when the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcyclist traveled straight.

These crashes often happen when drivers misjudge a motorcycle’s speed, don’t see it at all, or turn without checking for oncoming traffic. The single headlight on motorcycles can also make it hard for drivers to judge how far away the bike is and how fast it’s going.

In Kansas City, intersections on Broadway Boulevard, 31st Street, State Avenue, and Truman Road/Paseo Boulevard are exceptionally dangerous. Riders should slow down at intersections, watch for turning cars, and never assume drivers have seen them.

Fixed-object crashes

Approximately 25% of fatal motorcycle accidents result from colliding with fixed objects such as guardrails, telephone poles, trees, or bridge supports.

Single-vehicle crashes often happen when riders lose control because of road hazards like potholes, loose gravel, wet pavement, or debris. Going too fast on curves makes these crashes more likely. Unlike people in cars, who have frames and airbags for protection, bikers have almost no protection if they hit a fixed object at high speed.

Kansas roads have their own hazards, like damage from freeze-thaw cycles in winter and construction zones in warmer months. Riders should slow down and adjust their speed based on road conditions.

Speeding

Speeding contributes disproportionately to motorcycle fatalities. The NHTSA reports 35% of bikers in fatal crashes were speeding compared to 22% of car drivers, 15% of light-truck drivers, and 6% of large-truck drivers.

Excessive speeding gives you less time to react, makes it harder to stop, and makes injuries much worse. If you double your speed, the impact force is four times greater. A crash you might survive at 30mph can be deadly at 60mph. Driving too fast for conditions (e.g., wet roads, reduced visibility, or heavy traffic) all demand reduced speeds regardless of posted limits.

Rider age and experience

Contrary to popular belief, older riders face significant risks. In recent years, a substantial share of motorcyclists killed have been age 50 and older, reflecting an older rider demographic. Fatalities among bikers 50 and older have increased substantially over the past two decades.

Some reasons for this include coming back to riding after a long break, physical changes that slow reaction time, and buying bigger, more powerful bikes. No matter your age, taking a certified safety course can help keep you safer.

Riding without proper licensing

A little over 30% of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes lacked valid motorcycle licenses. These motorcyclists often lack the fundamental skills needed to handle emergencies and navigate hazards safely.

Since riding without a proper license is a major risk factor, both Kansas and Missouri require a Class M endorsement obtained by passing knowledge and skills tests. Taking a state-approved safety course can waive the skills test and provide training that significantly reduces crash risk.

Motorcycle laws you should know

Motorcycle laws vary by state. Understanding the rules can help riders stay compliant and reduce risk on the roads.

Helmet requirements

Missouri law requires DOT-compliant helmets for all riders under age 26 and for anyone with an instruction permit. Bikers 26 and older may ride without helmets if they carry proof of health insurance. Kansas law is slightly different, requiring all motorcyclists under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Riders older than 18 may ride without a helmet as long as they meet certain eye protection requirements.

Regardless of age, helmets are recommended. Research shows that helmets prevent 37% of rider deaths and 41% of passenger deaths. Even a high-quality helmet can’t prevent all injuries, but it can significantly reduce the risk of fatal head trauma in crashes.

Per the Governors Highway Safety Association, in states without universal helmet laws, 54% of motorcyclists killed in 2022 weren’t wearing helmets, compared to just 11% in states with universal helmet laws.

Lane splitting

Lane splitting is illegal in both Kansas and Missouri. Motorcyclists must operate within a single lane and follow the same lane-use rules as other vehicles.

Attempting to weave between lanes might not only violate the law but can also greatly increase the risk of collisions with cars that may change lanes unexpectedly. Even in slow-moving traffic, staying within your lane and maintaining a safe following distance is the safest approach.

What to do after a motorcycle accident

If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash:

1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention
2. Document the scene with photos and videos
3. Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties
4. Get witness names and contact information
5. File a police report as soon as possible
6. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Missouri’s statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injuries is five years from the crash date. Wrongful death claims, on the other hand, must be filed within three years. Five years might sound like plenty of time, but waiting can make it harder to collect evidence and find witnesses.

In Kansas, personal injury claims must generally be filed within two years of the accident, while wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the decedent’s death.

Understanding Missouri and Kansas’ compensation system

Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” system. This means you may still be able to receive compensation even if you’re partly at fault, but your payment is reduced by your share of the blame. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and have $100,000 in damages, you could get $80,000.

Kansas uses a modified comparative fault system, under which a claimant can’t recover damages if their percentage of fault is 50% or greater. In the event a claimant is less than 50% responsible, recovery is reduced by the claimant’s share of fault.

Compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and rehab costs.

Ride smart, stay safe

Kansas City’s mix of city streets, suburban roads, and highways brings unique challenges for bikers. Knowing what causes motorcycle accidents can help you spot dangers and ride more defensively. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, lawyer James Roswold is an avid rider himself, so he understands the challenges that Kansas City motorcyclists deal with.

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as you can. You can contact us online to schedule a free consultation.