Understanding which types of vehicles are involved in the most accidents can help you stay safer on the road. While no vehicle is completely immune from collisions, some are more commonly involved in serious crashes than others. At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we’ve seen firsthand how different vehicle types—especially SUVs, motorcycles, and commercial trucks—can play a role in the severity of an accident. In this post, we’ll look at recent accident trends by vehicle type, highlight risk factors like blind spots and driver behavior, and explain when it’s time to call an attorney if you’ve been injured.
Passenger Vehicles: The Leading Contributors to Accidents
Most collisions on California roads involve regular passenger vehicles—sedans, compact cars, and crossovers. For example, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, passenger cars made up 92% of vehicles on the road. In that year, there were 60,501 vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes, of which 76% (45,856) were passenger vehicles.
Common reasons for passenger vehicle collisions include:
- Distracted driving (such as texting behind the wheel)
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Inexperience or careless mistakes
Because these vehicles are everywhere, the odds of being hit—or hitting someone—in a standard car are high. Still, the size and weight of these vehicles usually mean less severe injuries than in larger vehicle collisions.
SUVs: Size and Blind Spots
SUVs are popular for their comfort and safety features, but their larger size can create new risks on the road. Compared to smaller vehicles, SUVs have bigger blind spots and a higher center of gravity, which increases the risk of rollover crashes.
Accidents involving SUVs often happen when:
- A driver fails to check blind spots while changing lanes
- A smaller vehicle is struck and absorbs more force
- The SUV rolls over during a sharp turn or sudden swerve
While these vehicles offer more protection for passengers inside, they can cause greater harm to those in smaller cars or to pedestrians and cyclists. The weight of an SUV also increases stopping distance, which can contribute to rear-end accidents.
Motorcycles: Vulnerability on the Road
Motorcycles account for a relatively small percentage of total vehicles, yet they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. In 2022, according to the NHTSA, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities. The lack of protective structure makes motorcyclists especially vulnerable in any collision.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Other drivers failing to see the motorcycle in traffic
- Lane splitting (which is legal in California but still risky)
- Road hazards like potholes or slick pavement
Because riders are exposed, even a minor crash can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or road rash. Motorcyclists often face bias during insurance claims, with assumptions that they were riding recklessly—even when that’s not the case. That’s one reason why legal support can be important after a motorcycle crash.
Commercial Vehicles: Weight and Driver Fatigue
Commercial vehicles—especially semi-trucks and delivery trucks—present serious hazards on highways and in neighborhoods. Their size and weight mean they take longer to stop, and they can cause catastrophic damage in a collision.
Some of the top risk factors for commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Driver fatigue due to long shifts or tight delivery schedules
- Poor maintenance or overloaded cargo
- Wide turns and large blind spots
A typical passenger car is no match for a fully loaded truck in a crash. These accidents often lead to significant injuries and major property damage. When commercial drivers or companies cut corners to meet deadlines, the risk to everyone else on the road increases.
When to Seek Legal Assistance After an Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a crash—especially one involving an SUV, motorcycle, or commercial truck—you may benefit from having an attorney on your side. You should consider reaching out if:
- You have serious injuries or medical bills
- The other driver’s insurance company is denying fault
- You’re being blamed for something you didn’t do
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. That can go by quickly when you’re focused on recovery. We’ll help you understand your rights and take action to protect your financial future.
Contact Our Experienced East Bay, Alameda County, Contra Costa County Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Every vehicle on the road comes with its own risks, but some—like SUVs, motorcycles, and commercial trucks—tend to cause more damage when accidents happen. If you’ve been injured and need help figuring out what to do next, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.