Motorcycle accidents are a significant problem on California roads, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities every year. The state has the highest number of registered motorcycles in the United States, and this, combined with its high population density, leads to a higher incidence of motorcycle accidents.

According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 14,534 motorcycle accidents in California in 2019. These accidents resulted in 13,390 injuries and 494 fatalities. Of the fatalities, 81% were riders and 19% were passengers.
Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries or even death. Unfortunately, California has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were 474 motorcycle fatalities in California, representing 16% of all traffic fatalities in the state. In this article, we’ll explore the statistics, causes, injuries, and defenses related to motorcycle accidents in California.

In 2019, the California Highway Patrol reported 10,309 motorcycle accidents, resulting in 474 fatalities and 8,606 injuries. According to the NHTSA, California had the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in the country in 2019. Additionally, motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries or death than other types of accidents. In fact, the NHTSA reports that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles.

One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is other drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to motorcycles. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, making them more difficult to see, and many drivers are not accustomed to sharing the road with them. This can lead to accidents when drivers fail to check their blind spots or fail to yield at intersections.

Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include speeding, lane splitting, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Riders who are inexperienced or who fail to wear helmets or other protective gear are also at higher risk of injury or death in an accident.

There are many factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Some common causes include:

Speeding: Excessive speed is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents, as it reduces the rider’s ability to react to changing road conditions.

Lane splitting: Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is legal in California but can be dangerous if not done safely.

Alcohol and drugs: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous for all motorists, but it’s especially risky for motorcyclists due to the lack of protection.

Distracted driving: Distractions such as cell phones, music players, or GPS devices can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who need to be hyper-aware of their surroundings at all times.

Injuries from motorcycle accidents can be severe and life-altering. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and road rash. In many cases, these injuries require long-term medical treatment and may result in permanent disability or disfigurement.

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-threatening injuries. Some common injuries include:

Road rash: When a motorcyclist slides along the pavement after an accident, the friction can cause severe abrasions and lacerations known as road rash.

Broken bones: Motorcycle accidents can also result in broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and legs.
Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common and serious type of injury that can occur in motorcycle accidents. TBIs can have long-term or permanent effects on a person’s physical and cognitive abilities.

Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or total paralysis, and can require lifelong medical care and assistance.

When a motorcycle accident occurs, it is essential to determine who is at fault. In some cases, the motorcycle rider may be partially or wholly responsible for the accident, while in other cases, other drivers or entities may be liable. Defenses against motorcycle riders in accidents may include claims that the rider was speeding or lane splitting, that the rider was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or that the rider was not wearing appropriate safety gear.

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to be aware of the potential defenses that the other driver or their insurance company may use against you. Some common defenses in motorcycle accident cases include:

Comparative negligence: If the other driver can show that you were partially at fault for the accident, they may argue that you should receive less compensation or none at all.

Assumption of risk: The other driver may argue that you assumed the risk of injury by choosing to ride a motorcycle.
Contributory negligence: If you were violating any traffic laws at the time of the accident, the other driver may argue that your negligence contributed to the accident.

The types of collisions that occur in motorcycle accidents can also vary. The most common type of collision is a motor vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle, followed by a motorcycle colliding with the rear of another vehicle. Other types of collisions include a motorcycle colliding with a stationary object, such as a guardrail, and a motorcycle colliding with a pedestrian.

The rate of motorcycle accidents varies by county in California. According to SWITRS data, the counties with the highest rates of motorcycle accidents per capita in 2019 were Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego. The counties with the lowest rates of motorcycle accidents per capita were Alpine, Mariposa, and Sierra.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2020, the highest rates of motorcycle collisions per 100,000 population were in the following counties:

Lake County (261.9)
Del Norte County (210.7)
Humboldt County (172.7)
Shasta County (166.5)
Sonoma County (160.3)

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you determine who is at fault for the accident and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses