How do motorcycle accidents happen?

BTA: Collisions with other vehicles, bird “attacks”, and skidding on the road – how do motorcycle accidents happen? 

With the arrival of spring, motorcycles are coming back on the roads in increasing numbers, presenting significant challenges at the start of the season even for experienced riders. Data on MTPL insurance claims from the past three years from BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (hereinafter – BTA) shows that 64% of accidents involving motorcycles occurred as a result of collisions with other vehicles. Other types of accidents include collisions with pedestrians and obstacles, skidding on the road, and even damage caused by birds. According to Ivo Danče, Director of the Claims Department at BTA Insurance, a common mistake at the start of the season is reckless riding, as riders may not yet be fully accustomed to their “iron horse” or the actual traffic and road conditions during their first rides. 

Largest claim – 11,000 euros for rear-ending a parked car 

Data on MTPL insurance claims reveals that the overwhelming majority – 64% – involve motorcycle collisions with other vehicles – at intersections, while changing lanes, making turns, or failing to adequately assess distance and manoeuvring safety. For example, in one of the claims filed with BTA, a motorcycle rider had a very unpleasant experience when he lost control of his Yamaha motorcycle and crashed into a parked Peugeot, with the MTPL claim for this accident reaching 11,000 euros. 

Meanwhile, among CASCO insurance claims, there was a case where a motorcyclist failed to notice another vehicle and pulled out in front of it at an intersection, causing an accident, after which the insurance covered motorcycle repairs worth more than 5,100 euros. 

“Such cases clearly demonstrate that for motorcycle riders, the risk on the road is closely linked not only to their own safety and that of other road users, but also to financial consequences. Therefore, MTPL insurance is essential to cover damages caused to third parties, while CASCO provides additional security for the motorcycle owner, protecting them from unexpected expenses if the vehicle requires repairs after an accident,” explains Ivo Danče, Director of the Claims Department at BTA Insurance. 

Motorcycle accidents also occur when hitting pedestrians or skidding on damaged road surfaces 

At the start of the season, the risk is increased not only by riders’ habits after the winter break, but also by changes in traffic intensity and road conditions. The first rides often take place with excessive confidence, failing to adequately assess road safety and disregarding other road users. 

For example, in Riga, a BMW motorcycle rider struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road at a crosswalk – in this situation, the MTPL insurance payout by BTA exceeded 9,000 euros. In another case, a Honda motorcycle skidded on a gravel road and fell, damaging the handlebars, footrests, turn signals, lights, headlight, and rear seat, for which a CASCO payout of 2,000 euros was made. 

“In motorcycle accidents, a few seconds can make all the difference – whether someone failed to maintain a safe distance, didn’t check carefully enough to ensure the safety of a manoeuvre, or misjudged the motorcycle’s approach speed. After the winter break, riding skills must be gradually re-established, paying attention to changes in road conditions as well. To ensure a safer start to the season, choose a lower speed, maintain a greater distance, and stay focused on the road. It is also helpful to regularly refresh your skills by attending safe riding courses on special tracks. And other road users, including car drivers, must also become more attentive,” notes Ivo Danče. 

He adds that the technical preparation of the motorcycle is just as important. Before the start of the season, it is recommended to check the condition and pressure of the tires, the brake system, the lights, and other key technical parameters – even if the motorcycle was left in the garage for the winter in excellent technical condition. 

Birds and unstable parking – what harms motorcycles in parking lots 

Typically, birds can pose a challenge in traffic, for example, by suddenly flying low from one side of the road to the other and unexpectedly obstructing a moving motorcycle. However, in BTA’s experience over the past three years, there was a case where a motorcycle owner was in for an unpleasant surprise when birds managed to scratch the seat of a vehicle left in a parking lot, causing nearly 300 euros in damage. In another case, when a motorcycle was parked in a farmyard, the kickstand sank into the ground, causing the bike to tip over and break the mirror and other parts. In this case, the CASCO insurance payout covered 355 euros in repairs. 

“Such examples serve as a reminder that motorcycle owners must think not only about safety on the road, but also about where and how the vehicle is parked. Even seemingly minor or unusual situations can result in damage that causes financial losses, and if there is no insurance, all repair costs fall on the owner’s shoulders,” concludes Ivo Danče.