What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get Into Accidents in New Mexico?

Motorcycles have become increasingly popular in the last few years for their affordability and fuel economy. Unfortunately, motorcyclists face higher risks of traffic accidents and fatalities than larger vehicles. If you or someone you know rides a motorcycle, you may be wondering what percentage of motorcycle riders get into accidents in New Mexico.

A specific percentage is hard to determine because there isn’t a clear count of motorcyclists. Even still, we can learn a lot from studying motorcycle accidents, the kinds of injuries that result, and the circumstances that contribute. If you’ve been injured in a crash, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Albuquerque can help you understand your rights and fight for fair compensation.

According to the most recent data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 66,525 motorcycles were registered in New Mexico in 2023, which is about 10% of the total number of registered vehicles in NM. Motorcycles can be cruisers such as Harley Davidsons, standard motorcycles, sports motorcycles, touring motorcycles made for longer trips, or scooters. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), e-bikes, and mopeds are generally not considered motorcycles.

That same year, there were 979 crashes involving motorcycles in New Mexico, which accounted for 2.3% of total traffic accidents but about 12% of total fatalities in traffic accidents. Additionally:

• 777 motorcycle accidents resulted in injuries.
• 1,058 motorcyclists were involved in traffic accidents.
• 500 motorcyclists had Class B minor injuries, such as bruises, abrasions, and minor cuts.
• 170 motorcyclists had Class A severe injuries, meaning those that result in permanent disability.
• 55 motorcyclists had fatal injuries.

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Like most traffic accidents, motorcycle crashes are often caused by distracted driving, such as using cell phones while driving. Speeding can make it harder to keep control of the motorcycle, and other drivers not seeing motorcycles or driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs can also contribute. New Mexico law doesn’t require motorcyclists over 18 to wear a helmet, even though wearing a motorcycle helmet decreases the chance of deadly injuries by 37%.

Urban roads like I-40, I-25, and Central Avenue in Albuquerque are dangerous for motorcycle drivers. Rural roads like US-285 and the oil patch in the southeastern part of the state tend to have high speeds and slow emergency response times, which can increase the chance of fatalities.

Motorcycle Awareness

In 2022, the New Mexico legislature passed House Memorial 45, which designates May as Motorcycle Awareness month across the state to educate motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers about keeping motorcyclists safe. Safety recommendations for motorcyclists include:

• Completing motorcyclist education courses and keeping motorcycle licenses up-to-date.
• Wearing an approved helmet, protective jackets, and other safety gear.
• Following all traffic laws, including proper signaling.
• Not texting and riding or riding while impaired.

For vehicular drivers, the state recommends the following:

• Following all traffic laws.
• Being careful to watch for motorcycles, especially when turning, at intersections, and switching lanes.
• Maintaining more following distance behind a motorcycle than other vehicles.
• Not driving under the influence of impairing substances.
• Not texting and driving.
• Being aware that motorcyclists may use hand signals when slowing or turning.

Motorcycles and Fault

To determine fault in a motorcycle accident, New Mexico uses the pure comparative negligence system. This means that there may be more than one party at fault in a traffic accident, and each driver can recover damages based on how much fault they are assigned. For example, if a driver is assigned 30% fault, they can file a claim for 70% damages. If you’ve been injured in a crash, an expert Albuquerque personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

While no law makes car or other vehicle drivers more likely to be assigned fault, more than 60% of accidents nationwide involving motorcycles and another vehicle are caused by the other vehicle driver not recognizing the dangerous situation or failing to take proper action to avoid the accident. However, motorcyclists who break laws, engage in reckless behavior like lane splitting, or drive while impaired are more likely to be assigned fault.

According to the most recent information by the non-profit TRIP, 33% of the major roads in New Mexico are in poor condition, 24% are in mediocre condition, and 5% of bridges are in poor condition. This kind of deterioration can also contribute to motorcycle accidents.

Potholes, cracks in pavement, and debris can have a disproportionately larger impact on motorcycles than on larger vehicles. In cases where poor road maintenance causes or contributes to an accident, the state or local government responsible may also share liability.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accident Law in New Mexico

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

You may not always need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident. If the accident is minor and there’s no question about fault, the insurance company may offer a fair settlement. However, in many cases, someone injured in a motorcycle accident may need to hire a lawyer to make sure they can cover their medical expenses, lost wages from work, and other costs associated with the injuries. At Youngers Law, we offer free consultations.

What State Has the Highest Motorcycle Accident Fatalities?

Florida has the highest motorcycle accidents with 668 fatalities, according to the most recent data by the National Safety Council, followed by California with 634, 564 in Texas, 232 in Arizona, 221 in Georgia, and 220 in North Carolina. Contributing factors include speeding, driving while impaired, not wearing a helmet, and distracted driving.

What Are the Odds of Getting Into a Motorcycle Accident?

The odds of getting into a motorcycle accident are 1 in 225,000 miles ridden, according to the most recent Traffic Safety Facts Report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Center for Statistics and Analysis. The report states that 88,905 people were injured or killed in motorcycle accidents in the United States, and motorcycles drive around 20 billion miles per year.

What Is the Safest State for Motorcycles?

According to the NHTSA, South Dakota is the safest state for motorcycles. Its low rate of motorcycle accidents and recent 45% decrease in fatal accidents can be attributed to safety and awareness campaigns, education on responsible riding, and maintenance of good road conditions. Wisconsin and Kansas are also high on the list of safe states for motorcycles.

Youngers Law Can Help

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you deserve compensation for the impact on your life. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Youngers Law can advocate for you and hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact our office today to discuss your legal options.