It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact percentage of motorcycle riders who get in accidents in San Diego. However, one thing is for certain. Motorcycle riders are much more likely to be involved in an accident than the average motor vehicle driver.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 24 times more likely to be fatally injured in an accident than passenger car occupants. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to recover compensation for your injuries.
What Percentage of San Diego Riders Crash Each Year? A Local Snapshot
There isn’t an official “percentage of riders” for San Diego, but recent crash counts show the scale of the risk.
In a recent year, police-reported collisions involved 405 motorcyclists who were killed or injured in the City of San Diego and 1,648 across San Diego County. Without a verified count of local motorcycle registrations, that’s the most reliable year-over-year snapshot of how many riders are involved in serious crashes.
If you were hurt in a San Diego motorcycle collision, the numbers are only a starting point. Below, we explain why crashes happen here, common injuries, what to do after a wreck, and how our team builds your claim so you can pursue full compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
It is no secret that motorcycles have a much smaller profile than most passenger vehicles. This can make motorcycles tough to see on the road, especially in blind spots in traffic.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Drug and Alcohol Use
Statistics don’t lie, and the data shows that alcohol is likely to be a factor in many motorcycle crashes, especially those that involve serious injuries or fatalities. Data from the NHTSA shows that 43% of motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes were impaired by alcohol.
Alcohol slows your reaction time and impairs your decision-making. Drunk drivers in passenger vehicles are also a significant danger to motorcyclists.
Speeding
It may be fun to ride a motorcycle at high speeds, but the risk is not worth it. Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
Excessive speed:
- Increases your stopping distance
- Lowers your reaction time
- Makes it more likely that you will suffer catastrophic injuries
- Increases your odds of a single-vehicle crash
Again, drivers of passenger vehicles who are speeding also put motorcyclists at risk.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is a hazardous activity, and it is illegal in many states. Although lane splitting is legal in California, it should only be done by experienced riders who take proper precautions.
Before lane splitting, you should consider:
- The speed of all vehicles
- The weather conditions
- The size of the vehicles around you
- Lighting conditions
When lane splitting, the negligence of a motor vehicle driver can quickly lead to an accident with a motorcyclist.
Left Turning Cars
Cars that are turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. However, many drivers turning left either fail to see an approaching motorcycle or misjudge its speed. When a car turns left in front of a motorcycle, the rider often suffers catastrophic injuries as a result.
Pedestrian Accidents
Motorcycle accidents involving pedestrians are much more common in big cities. Distracted pedestrians often step off the curb without even looking for traffic.
Additionally, jaywalking or ignoring signals at crosswalks can create dangerous conditions for motorcyclists. A motorcyclist may have to stop suddenly or swerve to avoid hitting a pedestrian, which could result in a serious accident.
Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles do not provide the same level of protection from injuries as a passenger vehicle. The rider’s body is left mostly exposed during an accident.
Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents result in severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb
- Severe road rash
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
The impact of a motorcycle accident can leave a motorcycle rider suffering from pain and other issues for years. Many riders never fully recover from their injuries, and some are never able to ride a motorcycle again.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, knowing what actions to take can help protect yourself and your legal rights.
After a motorcycle accident, you should:
- Seek medical treatment: Get immediate medical treatment for any injuries you sustained in the accident, even if you believe you “feel fine.” Some injuries might not be apparent right away, especially since your adrenaline is high.
- Call the police: Let the police respond to the accident and perform an initial investigation. The police accident report can be crucial evidence later during the claims process.
- Gather evidence: If you are able, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take photos of all the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and your injuries.
- Talk to witnesses: Obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. You might need their testimony to help prove liability later.
- Notify your insurance company: Go ahead and let your insurance company know that you were involved in an accident. However, avoid giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you speak to an attorney.
- Get help from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help protect your legal rights and maximize your compensation.
Your physical and mental recovery are the most important. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help get financial compensation for you while you focus on healing.
Contact the San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
After a motorcycle accident, the team at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Schedule your free consultation with a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer today to let us get started helping you.
