Common causes of motorcycle accidents

In May 2025 the Department for Transport published for 2024 key statistics on road collisions in Great Britain, highlighting motorcyclists as one of the most vulnerable groups of road users. There were in 2024:

  • 1,633 fatalities
  • 29,537 killed or seriously injured
  • 128,375 casualties of all severities.  

Of these, motorcyclists accounted for 21% fatalities and 12% of casualties.

See the official data here – Reported road casualties in Great Britain, provisional estimates: 2024

According to official data and our own experience as specialist motorcycle accident solicitors, the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Failing to look properly
  • Failing to judge another motorist’s path or speed
  • Riding in a careless or reckless manner
  • Other vehicles executing poor turn or manoeuvre

These factors frequently lead to serious collisions and often involve multiple vehicles.

Additional hazards for motorcyclists

Beyond human error, motorcyclists face risks that other road users may not, including:

  • Defective road surfaces, such as potholes or uneven tarmac
  • Spillages, like oil or gravel, which reduce traction
  • Adverse weather conditions, affecting visibility and control
  • Car doors opening unexpectedly, which can be impossible to avoid if opened directly in a rider’s path 

When and where accidents happen

Motorcycling is often pursued as a hobby, with Super-Sport and Superbike models being involved in a high number of incidents. Notably, research suggests that fatal crashes are more likely to occur on weekends, possibly due to increased leisure riding at higher speeds.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking advice from a specialist solicitor as early as possible is crucial. In serious injury cases, early legal support can make a significant difference in:

  • Securing medical treatment and rehabilitation
  • Arranging financial assistance or interim payments
  • Ensuring the best possible long-term recovery and outcome

Our legal team often finds that injured riders do not realise how much support they are entitled to or how early legal involvement can relieve stress and improve results.

Find out more

To learn more about motorcycle accident claims or speak with one of our specialist solicitors call us on Freephone 0800 157 7611 or email claim@moorebarlow.com. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way.

Our Serious Injury lawyers are specialists in accessing rehabilitation, securing interim payments and recovering compensation for client’s after serious injury. Our Team are part of the RoadPeace – the national road safety charity legal panel, and are accredited as a Top Tier Team by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.