Motorcyclists ride the streets and interstates around Stockton and they quickly learn to dodge the mistakes of drivers in much larger cars, SUVs, and Trucks. But not every careless driver can be avoided, and riders sometimes end up forced into major accidents.
Maison Law of Stockton wanted to find a way to make a lasting impression on local motorists and make them aware of the toll their recklessness can take on local motorcyclists. We examined the yearly motorcycle accident statistics for the city. This is a visual reminder for all drivers to take the extra time to spot riders and give them room to make it home safely.
How Many Motorcycle Accidents Are There in Stockton Each Year?
Motorcycle collisions continue to be a tragic part of travel in Stockton on busy routes like Pacific Avenue and I-5.
California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that Stockton ranked 12th among major California cities in motorcycle accidents involving serious injuries or death. Los Angeles ranked first and San Diego ranked second on that list.
Stockton averaged a little over 56 serious motorcycle accidents a year over the past half-decade. In 2023, there were 51 motorcycle accidents involving serious injuries in the city. That’s according to California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS). The accident rates have been very steady over the past few years, but that’s not good news. The statistics show that local drivers still aren’t doing enough to prevent collisions.
Sadly, 2020, the pandemic year when there was less traffic on the road, was actually the recent year with the highest death toll. TIMS found that two riders died on local roads in 2023, but that number could change as accident reports are finalized.
San Joaquin County Motorcycle Accidents
Insane traffic levels in places like Lodi, Manteca, and Tracy also contribute negatively to San Joaquin County’s accident statistics each year. There were 11 serious motorcycle accidents on the stretch of Interstate 5 passing through the county in 2023.
San Joaquin County ranked 11th among all California counties for motorcycle crashes involving serious injuries or death in 2023. That was just behind Santa Clara County at 10th. Los Angeles County and San Diego County took the very unwanted top spots.
TIMS documented at least 206 motorcycle accidents across the county involving serious injury in 2023. Those collisions claimed at least 9 lives.
California is the most populated state in the U.S., and overall, it ranks at the top or near the top of every traffic accident statistic annually. In 2021, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) figures placed California second out of all states for tragic motorcycle crash deaths with 586 for the year. That worked out to 18% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Our state was only behind Florida which recorded 670 tragic deaths that year.
San Joaquin County Motorcycle Hit-And-Run Accidents
If being placed at risk by distracted and unfocused drivers wasn’t enough, riders still have to contend with the frightening threat of hit-and-run drivers. Drivers who strike people on motorcycles are prone to speed away and leave victims in additional danger.
These thoughtless drivers leave behind victims who may be in the path of other unsuspecting drivers. Riders could be waiting longer for medical care until someone else notices the accident and calls 911. The act of a hit-and-run might also leave the rider and the rider’s family responsible for massive medical bills.
Stockton and San Joaquin County have a massive problem with hit-and-run drivers. It’s the same across California. TIMS documented at least 16 serious motorcycle accidents involving felony hit-and-run charges in the county in 2023. A felony hit-and-run charge is applied when a victim is either seriously injured or is tragically killed.
Sadly, the majority of hit-and-run drivers are never caught. Fortunately, motorcyclists can often draw support from the uninsured motorist coverage on their own motorcycle accident policies. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help victims seek full coverage from their own insurers or from a hit-and-run driver’s insurance provider after they’ve been arrested.
Getting All Stockton Motorcyclists Home Safely
There’s every hope that the Stockton community can partner on a dramatic reversal on annual motorcycle accident statistics. It will take drivers making the effort to pay more attention as they change lanes, make turns, and approach intersections. It’s a goal that will reduce all traffic collisions on local boulevards and freeways.
Unfortunately, there will always be careless drivers who end up striking motorcyclists. But if you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, there is help available. Maison Law is an advocate for protecting healthy and injured riders and you can count on our Stockton Motorcycle Accident Lawyers to help you determine your next steps.
We offer a free consultation to all injured motorcyclists. It’s a no-risk opportunity to find out how to secure help with your medical bills, your lost time at work, and other hardships. Schedule your confidential case review today. And If you require our help to earn more in support, you won’t have to bring any money with you. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the money car insurance companies owe you.
