What Percentage Of Motorcycle Accidents Are Fatal

What Percentage Of Motorcycle Accidents Are Fatal​?

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About 7% of people who are either injured or killed in reported motorcycle crashes die from their injuries. In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclist deaths and 82,564 injured, so roughly 92.9% survived those reported crashes. 

Motorcycle crashes can change lives in an instant. People want two basic facts: how likely is someone to die if they crash, and what makes the difference between surviving and not. Clear numbers help you understand risk and what to do next. 

Generally speaking, most people involved in reported motorcycle crashes survive, but many come away with serious injuries that need long recovery and costs. Riders, families, and friends should be aware of the factors that increase the risk of death, which safety measures are effective, and where to seek assistance if a crash occurs in Utah. 

We have written this post that gives short, real answers, state and national figures from trusted agencies, a simple safety checklist, and clear steps to protect yourself and your family. We include recent 2024 and 2025 figures where available and link each stat to the official source. 

Key points you should know

  • Most crash victims survive serious motorcycle crashes.
  • About 6,335 riders died in 2023.
  • In 2023, there were about 82,564 injured riders.
  • Survival among reported victims is roughly 92.9 percent.
  • Helmets cut head injuries and deaths significantly. 
  • Utah saw 53 motorcycle deaths in 2024. 
  • Colorado reported 165 motorcycle deaths in 2024.
  • National traffic deaths fell in 2024 overall.

How many motorcycle crashes end in death?

Motorcycle crashes are more dangerous than car crashes, but context matters. The official says that most safety agencies separate people who were killed from those who were injured. 

A total of 6,335 motorcyclists died and approximately 82,564 were injured in 2023, according to U.S. data. Those two figures together show a death share of about 7.1% and a survival rate of about 92.9% for people who were either injured or killed in reported crashes that year. 

There is no question about that math: 6,335 divided by 88,899 equals 7.13%. There is a key point to remember: most motorcycle crash victims do not die, but they often suffer serious, long-term, and costly injuries. These injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and prolonged hospitalizations. National crash databases collected by federal agencies are the best source of information about risk over time. 

If you ride, pay attention to the common risk factors that make a crash become a fatal one.

How are survival stats counted and why the numbers matter?

Official crash statistics come from police reports and hospital records. They do not count every scrape or minor fall you never reported. They count events where someone was seriously hurt or died and a report was filed. That means the survival percentage we showed earlier applies to reported injury-and-death cases, not to every fall or tip-over. 

Two other things to know: 

  • First, fatality numbers are final only after the federal files are closed, and those annual files may be updated later. 
  • Second, injury numbers often come from hospital systems and state reports, so they can lag or be revised. 

That is why agencies publish “early estimates” and then final tallies later. Because of reporting methods, the figures you see are best used for trends and comparisons, not precise counting of every single crash that ever happened. 

When we read a 7% fatality share, we should think, “That’s the share among serious reported cases,” and act on the risk factors that push a crash into the deadly group.

What makes a motorcycle crash more likely to be fatal?

Some factors make a crash far more dangerous. These are patterns repeated in national and state data.

  • Speed. High speed increases crash forces and the chance of death.
  • No helmet. Riders without helmets are far more likely to die or suffer brain injury. 
  • Alcohol and drugs. Impairment shows up in many fatal crashes.
  • Single-vehicle run-offs. Many deadly motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle and involve loss of control.
  • Intersections. Other drivers turning and missing a bike cause many severe collisions.
  • Road type and lighting. Rural roads and low-light conditions raise fatality risk.

Here are some reasons why this list matters: 

There are many risks you can manage. Keep your eyes bright by wearing a DOT helmet. Drive safely if you are impaired. Respect speed limits. Carry basic tools and a phone. State and federal reports consistently point to those same items as the main reasons crashes kill people. If you want the shortest path to fewer fatalities, the helmet fact is the clearest one.

2024 to 2025 snapshot: Motor accident numbers you should know

Although traffic data are constantly changing, here are some solid points from the past few years.

Stat Number Source
Motorcyclist deaths (2023, U.S.) 6,335 NHTSA
Motorcyclists injured (2023, U.S.) 82,564 NHTSA
Traffic deaths, U.S. (2024 estimate) 39,345 crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov
Motorcyclist deaths in Utah (2024) 53 Utah Dept. of Public Safety / local reporting.
Motorcyclist deaths in Colorado (2024) 165 Colorado Department of Transportation
First half 2025 traffic deaths (estimate) 17,140 NHTSA H1 2025 estimate.

Quick safety checklist 

  • Wear a DOT-approved helmet every ride.
  • Ride sober and rest before long trips.
  • Keep speed under control, especially on curves.
  • Use bright gear and reflective tape at night.
  • Take an official rider training course.
  • Check your bike’s tires, brakes, and lights regularly.
  • Don’t forget to carry your medication or medical card.
  • Check the weather before you go and know your route.

Short and practical steps like these reduce the most common risks. If you teach a new rider, start with helmet fit and a training class. If you ride solo, tell someone your route and ETA.

Find local help: Hire a Motorcycle accident lawyer Utah

If a crash injures you, getting help quickly is important. A local attorney will explain medical liens, insurance claims, and deadlines. In Utah most personal injury claims have a four-year filing window, though wrongful death and some other claims follow different rules. So, do not wait on a serious claim.

A focused motorcycle injury lawyer will:

  • Talk through your injuries and bills,
  • Gather police and medical reports,
  • Deal with insurance adjusters, and
  • Advise on whether a claim or lawsuit is right.

If you want a local option, Chris Cockayne and his team at Cockayne Law handle motorcycle and auto injury cases in Utah and offer free case reviews. They work with medical folks and crash experts so you can focus on healing and not paperwork. Hire the best motorcycle accident lawyer who understands medical records and the local courts. Good help is practical, clear, and available when you need it.

FAQs

How many motorcyclists died in 2023?

There were 6,335 motorcycle deaths in 2023. It’s about 15% of all traffic deaths. The NHTSA reports federal crash data on that number.

Do helmets really help?

Yes. Helmets lower the chance of death by about 37% for operators. They reduce head injury risk by about 69%, according to CDC and safety studies. Wear a DOT-approved helmet.

Did motorcycle deaths rise or fall in 2024?

Nationally, total traffic deaths dropped in 2024. But motorcycle deaths varied by state. Some states, including Utah and Colorado, reported higher motorcycle deaths in 2024. Check local data for specifics.

What are the top causes of fatal motorcycle crashes?

There are many causes of accidents. These include speeding, not wearing a helmet, drinking alcohol or using drugs, and losing control on curves or rural roads. It is also common for intersections to cause deadly collisions.

How long to file a personal injury claim in Utah?

Utah law allows you to file a lawsuit four years after a crash. But some claims, such as wrongful death, may have different deadlines. Consult a local attorney.