Motorcycling can be a dangerous way to travel. Motorcyclists are at an increased risk of suffering severe injuries or death in a crash, as evidenced by statistics that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiles. In 2020, according to NHTSA, 5,579 motorcyclists lost their lives in wrecks. The various states did not have an equal share of deaths, however. Some states saw very few motorcycle crashes and wrecks, while others saw many motorcyclist deaths. Also, some states had a higher percentage of unhelmeted motorcyclists perish in crashes than others. No matter where you live, a motorcycle injury lawyer is available to help you pursue a claim for compensation if you find yourself harmed in a motorcycle crash.
States with the Highest Number of Motorcyclist Deaths
According to NHTSA, the top five states with the highest number of motorcyclist deaths include some states with significant populations. The states represented a mixture of both heartland states and coastal areas. While it did not make the top five, New York barely escaped being included in the list.
The complete listing of states with the most motorcycle fatalities is as follows:
Florida
Florida had the highest number of motorcyclist deaths in 2020 at 600 fatalities. Motorcyclists who were known to not be wearing a helmet at the time of their crash numbered 300, while another 288 were wearing a helmet. Helmet use in 12 fatal crashes was undetermined.
California
Following Florida, California had the second-highest number of motorcyclist deaths in 2020. According to NHTSA, the state had 539 motorcyclist fatalities, with 91 percent of those who died, or 491 people, wearing helmets.
Texas
The Lone Star State comes in at number three on the list of states with the highest number of motorcycle fatalities. In total, 483 bikers lost their lives in motorcycle wrecks, with the percentage of helmeted and unhelmeted individuals killed equaling 48 percent each. Three percent of fatal accidents involved unknown helmet use.
Pennsylvania
In 2020, 219 motorcyclists, including 91 helmeted and 121 unhelmeted riders, died due to Pennsylvania motorcycle crashes. This number is nearly four percent of all motorcyclist deaths in the United States in 2020.
Ohio
Rounding out the top five deadliest states for motorcyclists is the Buckeye State. Ohio experienced 211 motorcyclist fatalities that year, including 156 unhelmeted riders and 52 bikers wearing helmets. In three cases, it was unknown whether the biker was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
How New York Fared in the Rankings
New York does not have much room to brag regarding the number of motorcyclist deaths it sees. In 2020, New York experienced 200 total motorcyclist deaths. A total of 167 were known to be helmeted individuals, and 27 were not.
Get Answers to Your Legal Questions from a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
Whether you were wearing a helmet or not at the time of your crash, you may have the right to recover monetary damages. The Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller, PLLC’s team of dedicated motorcycle injury lawyers can review the circumstances of your crash and evaluate your legal options.
Contact our offices right away and request your complimentary case review.
