New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Out of 1,071 fatal vehicle crashes in New Jersey in 2007, 86 were motorcycle crashes. The 2007 fatal motorcycle crash figure was down from the previous year. In 2006, there were 104. The report, compiled by the New Jersey State Police, covers 2003 to 2007, and shows 57 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2003, 74 in 2004, and 63 in 2005.

Fatal Accidents - 2003 - 2007
	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Motorcycle Crashes	56	72	62	99	84
Fatalities	57	74	63	104	86

 

Motorcyclists Killed by Age - 2007
Age	Fatalities
16 & under	0
17 - 20	4
21 - 30	18
31 - 40	23
Over 40	34

Statistics for non-fatal personal injury motorcycle accidents and non-injury property damage accidents are not available for New Jersey, because motorcycles are not differentiated from other vehicles in those categories.

Studies Contradict Beliefs of Many

Previous studies of motorcycle accidents that are as applicable in New Jersey as in other populous states have identified some clear trends. In some cases they contradict, at least partially, the widely held belief that motorcycle drivers are to blame for most accidents that involve motorcycles.

In one federally-funded study, two-thirds of motorcycle-automobile accidents were caused by the automobile driver failing to yield the right-of-way to the motorcyclist. Intersections proved particularly dangerous, with automobile drivers often making left turns without yielding to oncoming motorcyclists moving straight through the intersection.

Lack of Awareness Can be Dangerous

Automobile drivers involved in collisions with motorcycles commonly report that they were not aware of the motorcycles until it was too late, if at all. Statistics show that larger motorcycles, presumably easier to see, are involved in fewer accidents than smaller models. Being equipped with such features as windshields and saddlebags also seems to lead to statistically fewer accidents.

Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you were involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle and need financial compensation to help recover medical costs and lost wages, you need an experienced motorcycle injury attorney. Just being a motorcyclist is a strike against you to some people; an attorney who has been there before can help turn that around.

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Proner & Proner have experience helping victims of New Jersey motorcycle accidents.