Maison Law helps people that have been injured in motorcycle accidents across California. California’s scenic highways and coastal roads make it one of the top spots in the world for motorcycle rides. Riders flock to Highway 1 for ocean views or head to the mountains for winding, adventurous routes.
But heavy traffic in the state brings serious risks. Even the safest riders can be in danger due to careless or reckless drivers. No matter what ultimately causes these accidents, the statistics available shows just how damaging they can be. If you’ve been injured in one of these accidents, our team can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in California?
Given the population and conditions, it’s really not all that surprising that riding a motorcycle is so popular in California. But again, the tradeoff with that popularity is that it raises the probability that you’ll be involved in an accident. According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), California has averaged:
- 11,842.6 motorcycle accidents per year over the last five years.
So, between 2020 and 2024, this equals out to:
- 2020 – 10,986 accidents
- 2021 – 11,908 accidents
- 2022 – 12,566 accidents
- 2023 – 11,841 accidents
- 2024 – 11,912 accidents
These numbers are obviously stark, and they show that it’s not just the amount of riders in California, but how common an accident can be. So when you’re in one of these accidents, you need to start thinking about your legal options. Not every situation requires a lawyer, but the more hurt you are, the more our team can help you by:
- Explaining your options
- Gathering evidence and records
- Talking with insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement, either through an insurance claim or lawsuit
No matter where your accident happens, our team will be there to support you. However, as other statistics will show, certain parts of California see more motorcycle accidents than others.
Which California County Has the Most Motorcycle Accidents?
You’ll find near ideal conditions for riding a motorcycle throughout California. That said, given that there’s more people in certain parts of the state than others, it stands to reason that certain areas see more accidents than others. According to SWITRS data for 2024, the California counties that had the most motorcycle accidents were:
- Los Angeles County – 2,726 accidents
- San Diego County – 1,616 accidents
- Riverside County – 895 accidents
- Orange County – 868 accidents
- San Bernardino County – 755 accidents
Now, it’s clear that the more people there are in a given county, the more likely it is that there will be a higher number of motorcycle accidents. While this is largely true, it’s important to remember that a motorcycle accident can happen anywhere at any time. Most of the time, they happen because of the actions–or inactions–of other drivers that include:
- Texting and driving, or being otherwise distracted
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
All of these causes amount to negligence, which also happens to be the legal standard for establishing liability for the accident. This means that whoever is negligent has to pay for your damages if you file an injury claim. However, California also has a “comparative negligence rule.” That means if you’re partly at fault, your eventual settlement could be reduced by your percentage of responsibility in the accident. Still, you can file a claim even if you were partially to blame.
What Are the Most Common Kinds of Motorcycle Accidents in California?
California offers something for everyone–from beginners to experienced motorcycle riders. But no matter how enjoyable the ride, there’s always a risk of being involved in an accident. More to the point, there’s a lot of different kinds of accidents you might be involved in. According to data from Caltrans that tracked motorcycle accidents in the state from 2018 to 2022, the leading kinds of motorcycle accidents were:
- Broadside – 4,723
- Overturned – 3,673
- Hitting a stationary object – 3,053
- Rear-end collision – 2,717
- Sideswipe – 2,429
While motorcycle accidents can’t be completely avoided, riders can take several steps to lower their risk. Wearing proper safety gear, staying visible, following traffic laws, and staying alert all make a big difference. Regular maintenance, avoiding substances, and taking a safety course can also help riders stay safe on the road–though accidents and serious injuries can still happen.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents in California are Fatal?
What makes a motorcycle accident different from most others is rather unfortunate: they usually end up resulting in serious–even fatal–injuries for the person riding. It’s not difficult to see why–you have virtually zero protection from the impact and aftermath of a collision when you’re on a motorcycle. SWITRS data from the last several years seemingly backs this up, showing that between 2020 and 2024, there has been an average of:
- 561 fatal motorcycle accidents per year in California.
When you break this down by year, it equals out to:
- 2020 – 564 accidents
- 2021 – 616 accidents
- 2022 – 658 accidents
- 2023 – 592 accidents
- 2024 – 375 accidents
A fatal injury is by far the worst outcome of a motorcycle accident, but even that gives you and your surviving family members legal options. With a fatal accident, you or your family can file a “wrongful death” claim, which will allow you to recover things like:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Lost income and future financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional guidance
- Emotional distress experienced by the deceased
- Punitive damages in cases involving intentional negligence (like driving under the influence)
In California, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Failing to meet this deadline may result in losing the right to file a claim at all. But no matter what the outcome of your motorcycle accident is, you can rely on our team for support and guidance.
Contact Maison Law After a California Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle in California can be an amazing experience, but an accident can quickly change everything. At Maison Law, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process and work to get you the financial support you need to recover from your injuries. A motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your case and how we can help.
