What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents in North Carolina? 2025

North Carolina boasts scenic highway stretches and some of the most picturesque motorcycle routes in the entire country. With diverse landscapes along the Blue Ridge Mountains, motorcyclists are often spotted throughout the state. However, all it takes is one distracted driver in a car to cause a collision that leaves a motorcyclist with catastrophic injuries. If you were hurt, you might be wondering, “What percentage of motorcycle riders get in accidents in North Carolina?”

Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, shares some information about motorcycle collisions in our state, including discussing how frequently they happen and what to do if you need help recovering from an accident. We understand the nuances of North Carolina traffic accident laws and how they can impact motorcycle riders. A North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and other losses after a wreck.

Motorcycle Accident Frequency in North Carolina

Motorcycle accidents remain a serious safety concern for North Carolina’s residents. To boost road safety and awareness, former Governor Roy Cooper declared that every May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Motorcyclists remain extremely vulnerable to motor vehicle drivers. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles reported that in 2021, there were about 3,712 accidents involving motorcyclists. Of those collisions, 210 (5 percent) were fatal. Also, 2,847 of these crashes involved injuries.

With more than 490,000 licensed motorcycle riders, North Carolina sees a significant number of collisions caused by vehicles. Still, motorcyclists face many kinds of dangers on the roadways daily.

North Carolina Accident Hotspots Affect Motorcyclists

Throughout our state, there are motorcycle accident hotspots where accidents happen with greater frequency. The following counties have high motorcyclist crash rates:

• Wake Count. In 2020, this area had the highest crash rate. Due to its large population, traffic congestion, and dense areas like Raleigh, accidents happen often here.
• Mecklenburg County. With Charlotte included in this area, it faces complex road systems and larger-than-average traffic congestion. Particularly, I-485 is a known area hotspot for collisions.
• Durham County. Crashes happen often near Miami Boulevard and NC 55, which are risky areas for bikers.
• Cumberland County. This area frequently sees crashes, especially near All American Freeway and Santa Fe Drive.
• Johnston County. This area shows up in the news for fatal crashes that often involve driving under the influence or high-speed chases. Incidents are known to happen on roads such as US 70 near Smithfield.

When traffic is congested, North Carolina accidents are more likely to happen. When they do, they are usually the fault of truck drivers and car drivers. Motorcyclists remain vulnerable in these accident hotspots throughout the Tar Heel State. Since bikers have considerably less protection than standard cars, a minor distraction on the roadway can leave a motorcyclist with catastrophic injuries.

Reasons to Consider Hiring a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A licensed attorney can provide comprehensive legal assistance throughout your car accident claim. They can help with devastating injuries and property damage. An attorney can help make sure you don’t take the blame for causing a motorcycle wreck, which is a tactic often used by insurance companies. An attorney can build a solid recovery case on your behalf. They can fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Contact an experienced car accident attorney right away.

FAQs

Are My Odds of Getting in a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Higher if I’m Over Age 65?

Unfortunately, your odds of getting in a motorcycle accident if you’re over age 65 seem to be higher than average in North Carolina. In 2021, there were 394 fatal motorcycle crashes involving motorcyclists over age 65. With over 490,000 licensed motorcyclists in NC, our state sees a high number of motorcycle-involved wrecks for this age group. If you need help after an accident involving a motorcycle, contact an experienced North Carolina attorney.

What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident?

After an accident, you should take some proactive steps. First, you should get off the roadway and move to safety. Contact emergency responders and leave your safety gear on, including your helmet. Exchange contact information at the scene. Take photos, including documenting what you think caused your accident. Get a copy of the police report. Then, contact an attorney to discuss your next steps.

Should I See a Doctor After a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, you should plan to see a doctor after a motorcycle accident. Even if you think you’re physically fine, it’s important to get medical attention after a collision. A healthcare provider can help address your injuries and discuss your comprehensive symptoms. They can often help you avoid injury complications and verify that your injuries are related to your accident. It’s recommended you get care right away, or you may be scrutinized for delaying care.

What Are Some Common Injuries Motorcyclists Experience Due to Accidents?

Motorcyclists experience some common injuries after being involved in accidents, including road rash, facial injuries, sprains, strains, broken bones, concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), internal organ injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, paralysis, and even death. Since motorcyclists are exposed to the elements more than drivers in standard vehicles, they often take more of the impact of a wreck.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle wreck, contact an attorney right away to discuss your injuries.

Contact Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC – Trusted North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

When North Carolina motorcyclists need help, they call Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC. For the last 25 years, our office has helped many accident victims hold drivers responsible for their negligence. We understand the unique challenges that North Carolina motorcyclists face. When insurance companies try to lowball our clients, we understand how to dig deep to maximize damages recovery for medical bills, wage loss, and more.

From our office in Hickory, North Carolina, we’ve helped clients throughout Caldwell, Burke, and Catawba Counties. Our law office is near the Thomasville Furniture Warehouse, just off the I-40.

Feel free to contact us to set up an initial consultation with an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney right away. We can evaluate your claim and help you maximize your recovery.