Accident costs: motorcycle accidents at the top
At the beginning of the motorcycle season, Suva evaluated the costs of motorcycle accidents: A motorcycle accident is significantly more expensive than an accident with other means of road transport. Multiple injuries and fractures ensure that a motorcycle accident is on average twice as expensive as an accident with a passenger car.
Pleasant spring weather, winding roads and the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland give motorcyclists a feeling of freedom. A look at the accident statistics shows that the motorcycle season is about to begin: Motorcycle accidents increase sharply from April and reach their peak in the summer months of June to August.
Motorcycle rider accidents more serious
The fascination of riding a motorcycle also has its downsides: Motorcycle accidents entail the highest costs. Motorcycle accidents cost significantly more per case than accidents involving cars, bicycles, mopeds or scooters. Over the last ten years, a motorcycle accident costs an average of 20,000 Swiss francs and a car accident 10,000 Swiss francs. "Motorcyclists have more serious accidents," explains Sandra Degen, a statistician at Suva. "Compared to accidents with other means of road transport, the proportion of serious motorcycle accidents is significantly higher. These are cases with more than 90 compensated days, death or pension cases." This means that in motorcycle accidents, the medical costs, daily allowances as well as pension benefits per case are higher than in other road accidents.
Fractures and multiple injuries are cost drivers
Accidents that result in fractures and multiple injuries are particularly costly. Motorcycle accidents cause this type of injury more frequently than accidents involving other means of road transport. A traffic accident without fractures costs around 8000 Swiss francs per case. For a traffic accident with fractures, insurers pay three times as much at around 24,500 francs. The difference is even more pronounced for multiple injuries: A traffic accident without multiple injuries costs around 5200 francs per case. A traffic accident with multiple injuries comes to almost 19,600 francs, almost four times as much in comparison.
Higher benefits for men
Suva's latest evaluations as part of its "Accidents in Figures" series also show that men generate significantly higher costs per case in traffic accidents than women. There are many reasons for this: on average, men suffer more serious traffic accidents than women. In addition, they are paid a higher daily allowance, which indicates that men who are involved in accidents earn more than women who are involved in accidents. In the case of full incapacity for work, the daily allowance according to the Accident Insurance Act (UVG) is 80 percent of the insured salary. If we compare traffic accidents with each other, the proportion of men in motorcycle accidents is the highest at 86.8 percent - another argument why motorcycle accidents are expensive.
Reductions for risk and gross negligence
Persons who have an accident on public roads with their motorcycle are generally insured in accordance with the UVG. In around 2 percent of cases, daily allowance benefits are reduced due to risk or gross negligence. The medical costs are covered in any case. At Venture include motocross races, motorcycle races, and free motorcycle riding on race tracks. Dangerous overtaking maneuvers, excessive speed and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are considered grossly negligent behavior or offenses that significantly increase the risk of accidents. Helping to prevent accidents from happening in the first place reduces costs and contributes to lower premiums. Above all, however, this prevents human suffering and ensures an enjoyable motorcycle season.
