Top

Federal Study Finds Unlicensed Motorcyclists More Likely to Suffer Serious Injury

Motorcyclists who ride their bikes without the proper license or endorsement are more likely than unlicensed car or truck drivers to suffer crashes resulting in serious injury or even death, according to a recent study published by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

The study examined data on injury-causing motorcycle accidents from all fifty U.S. states between 2002 and 2006. It found that, on average, 25 percent of motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injury or death involved a motorcyclist who did not have the motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement his or her state requires. In contrast, only about 11 percent of serious car accidents involved an unlicensed or improperly-licensed driver. Motorcyclists or moped drivers who were not required to have any special license or endorsement were included in the group of properly-licensed drivers.

The study also broke down the nationwide numbers by state. The NHTSA report reveals that New Hampshire’s averages were about the same as the national average – with 25 percent of motorcyclists involved in serious accidents who lacked the proper license – in most years.

While the NHTSA report did not offer a guess as to why so many improperly-licensed motorcyclists suffer severe accidents, the reason may be that motorcyclists without a proper license or endorsement are less likely to have taken or passed a motorcycle safety class. These classes give riders crucial information on how to decrease their risk of serious accidents. New Hampshire motorcycle law requires motorcyclists to have a valid license, endorsement, or learner’s permit when operating a motorcycle on public roads.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you have certain legal rights. At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in New Hampshire also ride, so we know firsthand the kinds of risks that bikers face. To learn more about your rights and options after an accident, call us today at (888) 332-5855 for a free telephone consultation.

Categories: 
Related Posts
  • Are Lane-Splitting and Lane-Filtering Legal in New Hampshire? Read More
  • The Physics of Motorcycle Crashes Read More
  • The Importance of Documenting Your Injuries After an Accident Read More
/
Why Choose Tenn And Tenn Let Our Family Help Your Family
  • A Family Firm

    We are a family committed to providing excellent service to our clients.

  • Statewide Service
    We work hard to obtain the best results possible for clients throughout New Hampshire.
  • Trial-Tested Attorneys
    Our lawyers are experienced courtroom advocates who are ready to take your case to trial to obtain justice.
Free Injury Consultations Available Contact Us Today

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our award-winning legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (888) 332-5855.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.