Motorcycles offer a feeling of autonomy and freedom. This is especially true in the sunny state of California.
California offers riders many beautiful roads and plenty of sunshine. Motorcycles provide a sense of fun and adventure that other passenger vehicles do not.
Unfortunately, that sense of fun and adventure comes with certain risks. Motorcycles do not provide the standard safety features of other motor vehicles.
In a car or truck, drivers are surrounded by a substantial steel frame. But on a motorcycle, there is nothing between the rider and the surrounding environment.
That is why many motorcycle accidents result in life-changing and catastrophic injuries.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle collision because of another person’s negligence, do not wait. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney in California to recover the money that is rightfully yours.
In this article, we will discuss some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents and injuries in California.
California Motorcycle Accident Rates and Statistics
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Sadly, these incidents are not as uncommon as they should be.
According to recent data, several thousand victims suffer fatal injuries in motorcycle collisions each year. In the United States, up to 50,000 people sustain injuries in motorcycle accidents annually.
The deadliest motorcycle collisions involve other passenger vehicles. Only 45% of fatal motorcycle injuries result from single-vehicle accidents.
It is vital to ride defensively when you are on a motorcycle. Colliding with another vehicle or losing control can result in severe negative consequences.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Every collision is the result of a unique set of circumstances. But some road and traffic conditions make motorcycle accidents more likely.
Many motorcycle mishaps are caused by negligent drivers of other types of passenger vehicles. Motorists have a duty of care to others on the road, including motorcycle riders.
When a driver’s negligence causes an accident, they can be held liable for the damages that they caused.
The leading causes of motorcycle accident and injuries include:
Speeding
Driving too fast is always dangerous. Motorists who drive faster than they should need an average distance of sixteen car lengths to stop completely.
The distance needed to stop or slow down is much further if the roads are wet or icy. When drivers go too fast, motorcycle riders can suffer injuries if something goes wrong.
Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in California.
Dangerous Maneuvers
When a driver fails to signal before making a turn or changing lanes, it can have deadly consequences.
Before changing lanes on a multilane highway, drivers should signal and check their blind spots for other vehicles. Failing to do so can cause them to collide with others.
Oftentimes, drivers are not accustomed to thoroughly checking their blind spots for motorcyclists. When you are riding a motorcycle, do your best to stay outside of other driver’s blind spots.
This type of dangerous maneuver can cause motorcyclists who are lane-splitting to collide with one another, as well. Lane-splitting is legally permitted in California.
Driving Under the Influence
Besides being illegal, driving while intoxicated is incredibly hazardous. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are much more likely to be involved in an accident.
The following driving functions are impaired by drugs and alcohol:
- Judgment
- Vision
- Attention
- Reaction time
When a motorist drives while impaired, they are a danger to others on the road. Many motorcycle accidents result from the dangerous behavior of intoxicated drivers.
Road and Traffic Hazards
Even without the involvement of other negligent drivers, motorcycle accidents can happen. When a California road or highway needs repair or is under construction, motorcycle riders face many hazards.
Common road hazards include:
- Potholes
- Cracked asphalt
- Debris
- Traffic cones
- Construction signage
- And more
In some cases, the person or agency that is responsible for these road hazards can be held liable for any accidents that they cause. If you have experienced an accident as the result of one of these road hazards, speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Motorcyclists should always drive defensively. An accident can result in severe and life-long consequences.
Contact the Law Brothers®
At Law Brothers, we handle every case from start to finish. You focus on recovering from your accident, and we’ll take care of the rest. We understand that this may be a difficult time for you, so we will meet you where you are at. We offer both virtual consultations and in-person consultations throughout all of California. And if we take on your case, you won’t pay unless you win. Call The Law Brothers® today.
Call us today at (800) 222-2222 for a free consultation or Contact US online to get started.
