Motorcycle riding is a popular form of transportation in California, but riders face significant risks when sharing the road with larger vehicles. Unlike people inside enclosed passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have much less physical protection in a collision. As a result, even a crash that does not appear severe at first can lead to serious injuries. Motorcycle Accident Statistics can help to understand the situation better.
One important question for California riders is how common motorcycle accidents really are. There is no single percentage that accurately represents how many motorcycle riders will be involved in a crash because accident data is generally reported by crashes, injuries, fatalities, or registered motorcycles rather than by the percentage of individual riders who have an accident.
However, California’s official traffic safety data shows that motorcycle crashes remain a significant safety concern.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 583 motorcyclists were killed in crashes on California roads in 2023. That was a 10.2% decrease from 649 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022, but the 2023 figure remained nearly 19% higher than the 491 motorcyclist fatalities recorded in 2019.
These numbers demonstrate why motorcycle safety continues to be an important issue for California riders and other motorists.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in California?
California has one of the largest populations of motorcycle riders in the country, and motorcycles are involved in thousands of crashes every year.
The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 11,414 motorcyclist injuries in 2023 through the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). The same report shows 12,080 motorcyclist injuries in 2022 and 12,935 in 2019.
Fatal crashes are only one part of the problem. Many motorcycle collisions result in injuries that require emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care.
Official California data also shows that the percentage of motorcyclists identified as at fault in motorcycle crashes varies depending on the severity of the crash. In 2023, motorcyclists were identified as at fault in 67% of fatal motorcycle crashes and 54% of injury motorcycle crashes in the SWITRS data.
These figures should not be interpreted as meaning that a motorcyclist is automatically responsible for an accident. Fault depends on the facts and evidence of each individual collision.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in California?
Motorcycle crashes can happen for many different reasons. Some involve rider behavior, while others are caused by another driver, a defective motorcycle component, or a dangerous roadway.
Speeding
Speed can increase the severity of a motorcycle crash and reduce the time available to react to changing traffic conditions.
California’s motorcycle safety programs identify speeding among the violations that can increase crash risk. Other major concerns include improper turns, running red lights, and failing to yield.
A driver speeding near a motorcycle can also create dangerous conditions. Therefore, determining who was responsible requires looking at the conduct of everyone involved rather than automatically blaming the rider.
Visibility and Failure to See a Motorcycle
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles and can be more difficult for drivers to notice.
A driver may fail to see a motorcycle before changing lanes, turning, entering an intersection, or moving into the rider’s path.
Visibility collisions can become particularly complicated when the driver claims the motorcycle appeared suddenly or was difficult to see.
Lionsgate Law Group APC handles motorcycle accident cases involving visibility collisions and lane splitting and uses accident reconstruction evidence when investigating how these crashes occurred.
Left-Turn and Intersection Crashes
Left-turn collisions are another important type of motorcycle accident.
A driver turning left across an intersection may fail to notice an approaching motorcycle or incorrectly judge the motorcycle’s distance and speed. The resulting impact can cause severe injuries to the rider.
Evidence such as traffic-camera footage, witness statements, vehicle damage, photographs, and accident reconstruction may help determine what happened.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting involves a motorcycle traveling between lanes of traffic. California permits lane splitting when done safely, but a crash involving lane splitting still requires an examination of the circumstances.
A collision cannot automatically be attributed to the motorcyclist simply because lane splitting was involved.
Evidence may be needed to determine vehicle speeds, lane positions, traffic conditions, and the actions of both the rider and other drivers.
Lionsgate Law Group APC specifically identifies lane-splitting and visibility collisions among the motorcycle accident cases its attorneys handle.
Alcohol and Drug Impairment
Alcohol and drug impairment can affect judgment, coordination, reaction time, and the ability to respond to traffic conditions.
California’s official motorcycle safety information continues to identify impaired riding as an important safety concern. In 2023, 33% of California motorcycle rider fatalities in the Office of Traffic Safety’s data involved riders with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.
Impairment can affect either a motorcycle rider or another driver. If an impaired driver causes a motorcycle crash, that evidence may be important when determining liability.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Road hazards can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, poor roadway conditions, and other hazards can cause a motorcycle to lose stability or force a rider to make a sudden maneuver.
When a dangerous roadway condition contributes to a crash, it may be necessary to investigate the party responsible for maintaining the road. Claims involving government entities can involve specific procedures and deadlines, so these cases require careful legal evaluation.
Lionsgate Law Group APC’s current motorcycle accident practice includes cases involving dangerous road conditions.
Defective Motorcycle Components
Not every motorcycle accident is caused by a driver or rider.
A defective motorcycle part or mechanical problem can potentially contribute to a crash. When that occurs, evidence may need to be examined to determine whether a manufacturer, repair facility, or another party may have legal responsibility.
Lionsgate Law Group APC also handles motorcycle accident claims involving defective motorcycle components.
What Are the Chances of Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
There is no reliable universal percentage showing that a particular percentage of motorcycle riders will be injured in an accident.
The old claim that the likelihood of a motorcyclist being injured in a crash is approximately 98% should not be presented as a current California statistic without a reliable source and clearly defined methodology.
What the available data does show is that motorcycle crashes frequently result in serious injuries. California recorded 11,414 motorcyclist injuries in 2023, compared with 583 motorcyclist fatalities.
Because motorcycles provide less physical protection than enclosed vehicles, riders can suffer significant injuries when they are thrown from the motorcycle or struck by another vehicle.
Potential injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Permanent disability
- Fatal injuries
Steps California Motorcyclists Can Take to Reduce Risk
Although no safety measure can eliminate the possibility of a crash, riders can take practical steps to reduce risks.
Wear Appropriate Protective Equipment
California requires motorcycle riders to wear a properly fitted and approved helmet. Additional protective equipment can also provide added protection in a crash.
Maintain the Motorcycle
Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify mechanical problems before they become dangerous.
Pay attention to tires, brakes, lights, controls, and other critical components.
Follow Traffic Laws
Obey speed limits, traffic signals, right-of-way rules, and other applicable traffic laws.
Riders should also make sure they understand California’s rules concerning lane splitting.
Practice Defensive Riding
Maintaining awareness of surrounding vehicles can help riders identify potential hazards early.
Extra caution may be appropriate around intersections, lane changes, congested traffic, and vehicles that appear not to have noticed the motorcycle.
Never Ride While Impaired
Alcohol and drugs can interfere with judgment and reaction time. Avoid riding while impaired and use a safe alternative when necessary.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Even careful riders can become involved in crashes caused by another person.
After an accident, seek medical attention for any injuries and report the collision as appropriate. If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, preserve photographs, witness information, vehicle damage, medical records, and other evidence.
Do not assume that an insurance company’s assessment of fault is automatically correct.
Motorcycle accident claims can involve disputes about visibility, lane splitting, left turns, safety equipment, roadway conditions, or defective motorcycle parts. Preserving evidence early can help an attorney investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Sherman Oaks
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, determining what caused the collision and who may be legally responsible can be complicated.
Lionsgate Law Group APC represents motorcycle accident victims in Sherman Oaks and throughout the San Fernando Valley. The firm’s current motorcycle accident practice includes visibility and lane-splitting collisions, left-turn and intersection crashes, defective motorcycle components, dangerous road conditions, and insurance disputes involving safety gear.
An attorney can review the available evidence, investigate potentially responsible parties, communicate with insurers, and explain your legal options.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Lionsgate Law Group APC for a free consultation.
Call 818-574-5494 to discuss your motorcycle accident case.
