North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Why These Numbers Matter

While motorcycles are far less common on North Carolina roads than passenger cars, they are overrepresented in crashes statewide. For example, of the 1,686 traffic accident deaths recorded statewide in one recent year, 202 of those killed were motorcyclists. In other words, about 12 percent of all traffic fatalities were motorcyclists, even though passenger cars significantly outnumber motorcycles on the road. Motorcycles make up about 0.066 percent of all registered vehicles in North Carolina.

The personal injury attorneys at Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A., understand the heightened accident rate for motorcycles in North Carolina and are committed to helping you seek fair compensation. We can handle all the legal work in your motorcycle accident case while you focus on healing. With over 100 years of combined experience, you can trust our attorneys to examine your case from every angle and work tirelessly to hold accountable those who caused your injuries.

Call now or complete our contact form or call 919-980-9895 for a free consultation with our North Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys. Our office is conveniently located at 3400 Croasdaile Drive, Suite 300, Durham, NC 27705, and we are ready to help you understand your legal options.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?

Motorcycle accidents in North Carolina happen less often than car crashes, as you would expect based on their smaller numbers, but still occur with surprising frequency. Here are a few noteworthy figures from the state’s most recent Traffic Crash Facts compendium:

• There were 3,917 motorcycle crashes statewide in one recent year, compared with 248,344 crashes involving passenger cars.
• These motorcycle accidents include 205 fatal motorcycle crashes and 3,052 crashes with serious injuries.
  The most common age group among motorcyclists involved in crashes was 20-29 years old, with 59 riders killed and 913 injured. The next most common age group was 30-39 years old, with 40 riders killed and 669 injured.
• The number of non-fatal injuries among motorcycle accident victims has been trending upward in recent years.
• There were 3,437 non-fatal motorcycle injuries in 2023, compared with 3,287 injuries in 2022, 3,227 injuries in 2021, and 3,016 injuries in 2020.

Where and When Do North Carolina Motorcycle Crashes Happen Most?

Here’s what the state figures say about when and where motorcycle crashes happen most often in North Carolina:

• In terms of overall crashes, the four months with the highest numbers of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina are September (453 crashes), July (436 crashes), June (409 crashes), and October (399 crashes).
• The months with the highest numbers of motorcycle accident fatalities are September (31 deaths), July (30 deaths), August (23 deaths), and a tie between March and May (20 deaths each).
• The months with the highest numbers of motorcycle accident injuries are September (419 injuries), July (407 injuries), October (386 injuries), and June (385 injuries). These figures show that while months with more motorcycle crashes often correlate with more injuries and deaths, the correlation is not exact.
• The state does not track motorcycle accidents at the city level. The counties with the most reported motorcycle accidents are Wake County (287 crashes), Mecklenburg County (282 crashes), Cumberland County (158 crashes), Forsyth County (145 crashes), and Guilford County (141 crashes). These counties encompass many of North Carolina’s major population centers, including Raleigh, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro.

Common Causes and Outcomes of Motorcycle Wrecks in North Carolina

The state’s data on motorcycle accident causes is limited.

However, some of the most common causes of these crashes include:

• Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists
• Motorists turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles
• Drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots
• Distracted driving by other vehicle operators
• Speeding by other drivers
• Drivers following motorcycles too closely
• Impaired or intoxicated drivers
• Drivers opening car doors into a motorcyclist’s path
• Poorly maintained roads or hazardous road conditions
• Obstructed or missing traffic signs and signals
• Inadequate lighting or visibility due to road design
• Defective motorcycle or vehicle parts caused by a manufacturer’s error

One thing to note about the outcomes of North Carolina motorcycle wrecks is that not wearing a helmet makes a significant difference in a rider’s chances of suffering severe or fatal injuries. Research shows that helmets reduce motorcycle riders’ risk of death in a crash by 37 percent and their risk of head injuries by 69 percent.

North Carolina law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets at all times, but some riders ignore this rule and put their lives at risk. However, it is critical to note that failure to wear a helmet cannot be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim after a motorcycle crash.

How Does Motorcycle Safety Compare to Other Motor Vehicles?

Motorcycle riders are much more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision than people in cars because they have less protection from crashes. Consider the number of traffic injuries and deaths in North Carolina vs. motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities.

The state reports 115,009 people sustained injuries in all vehicle crashes during one recent year, of which 3,169 were motorcyclists. That means a little less than 3 percent of all people who sustained injuries in crashes were motorcyclists.

By contrast, 202 of the people killed in all crashes statewide were motorcyclists out of a total of 1,686. That works out to about 12 percent, or more than four times the rate of motorcyclists injured in crashes.

How Can Motorcyclists and Other Motorists Improve Safety for Riders?

Some ways that motorcyclists and other drivers can help prevent motorcycle crashes include:

For other drivers:

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Take time to notice motorcycles, especially when turning left across oncoming traffic.
• Give motorcycles extra space when following or passing.
• Use turn signals to alert riders of lane changes or turns.
• Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving.

For motorcyclists:

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Wear helmets and safety gear that makes you more visible.
• Expect the unexpected and ride defensively.
• Complete a motorcycle safety course.
• Obey speed limits and traffic laws.

How Kornbluth Ginsberg Can Help People Hurt in NC Motorcycle Crashes

At Kornbluth Ginsberg, we understand the devastating consequences of North Carolina motorcycle accidents. If you suffered injuries because another driver was careless, you need a legal team that will fight for your rights. Our attorneys are ready to investigate the crash, gather key evidence, and identify everyone who may be responsible for your injuries. We can also handle all communication with the insurance companies as we work to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses.

You do not have to face this process alone. Kornbluth Ginsberg is here to help. While you concentrate on healing, let us build a strong case on your behalf. Call now or complete our contact form or call 919-980-9895 for a free consultation.