Maison Law represents anyone hurt in a motorcycle accident in Lancaster. Motorcycling is very popular in the city and area, given the nearly ideal weather and conditions. But the reality is that a motorcycle accident is often very serious in terms of the damage. The statistics seemingly back this up, but you also have certain legal options in this situation. To learn more about your options, contact us today for a free consultation.
How Frequent Are Motorcycle Accidents in Lancaster?
When you think about Lancaster, you think of the Antelope Valley and long stretches of road. This is ideal for riding your motorcycle, but there’s a tradeoff with this popularity. With so many drivers and other motorcyclists in Lancaster, it invariably leads to accidents.
According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), total motorcycle accidents in Lancaster averaged:
- 8 total motorcycle accidents per year.
In terms of the frequency of these accidents, it’s helpful to look at the year-by-year breakdown between 2019 and 2023:
- 2019 – 41
- 2020 – 34
- 2021 – 63
- 2022 – 55
- 2023 – 42
The steadiness of these numbers shows just how frequent and common a motorcycle accident is in Lancaster, but there’s also the range of injuries and other damage that results from these accidents.
How Serious Are Motorcycle Accidents in Lancaster?
What sets a motorcycle accident apart from others is how serious they usually are in terms of injuries. Five years worth of SWITRS data showed that Lancaster has averaged:
- 47 motorcycle accidents per year that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
Looking at the year-by-year breakdown between 2019 and 2023, the numbers have been relatively stable in terms of the seriousness of accidents:
- 2019 – 40
- 2020 – 39
- 2021 – 61
- 2022 – 54
- 2023 – 41
While these numbers give us a general idea of the seriousness of most motorcycle accidents in Lancaster, it’s important to remember that every accident is different. That said, it’s pretty easy to see why motorcycle accidents result in serious injuries: high speeds and a lack of protection. This means you could be dealing with any of the following after a crash:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Road rash
- Blood loss
While you can’t completely prevent a motorcycle accident, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of a serious one. Wearing proper safety gear, such as a helmet and riding jacket, following traffic laws, practicing defensive driving, increasing visibility with bright clothing, and maintaining your motorcycle can all make a significant difference. Although these things can lower the risk, motorcycle accidents of all different kinds can still be serious.
What Kinds of Motorcycle Accidents Happen the Most in Lancaster?
One of the toughest things about a motorcycle accident is that it doesn’t really matter what type of accident it is–you’re likely to get hurt. But again, looking at the most frequent types of motorcycle accidents can help you prepare yourself. SWIRTS data from 2023 found that the most common type of motorcycle accident in Lancaster was:
- Broadside (18).
But there are certainly other types of motorcycle accidents that the data found:
- Sideswipe – 10
- Rear-end – 4
- Overturned – 4
- Head-on – 3
With so many different types of accidents, it’s important to understand the underlying causes. As you might expect with broadsides and sideswipes, the motorcycle’s slimmer profile plays a big part. But mostly, it’s the actions–or inactions–of other drivers that cause these accidents, like:
- Not paying attention when switching lanes
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Trying to make illegal turns
- Failing to yield at intersections
- Texting and driving, or otherwise being distracted
Every motorcycle accident can have unique factors, but virtually all of them will be caused by these actions in one form or another. Basically, everything is tied together. But there are other factors that come into play with these accidents.
Who is Involved in Lancaster Motorcycle Accidents?
Because motorcycles are so popular in Lancaster, it gives more opportunities for accidents. But looking deeper, it shows that the breakdown in accidents among the different genders is very telling. According to SWITRS, of the 239 total motorcycle accidents in Lancaster:
- 86% were male
- 13% were female
This isn’t all that surprising, as riding a motorcycle is still prevalent mostly among males. But every motorcycle rider is vulnerable, whether they’re driving the motorcycle or riding as a passenger. This raises an important point, namely what you can do if you’re in a motorcycle accident to protect a potential claim:
- Call 911 for an ambulance and police
- Get contact and insurance information from anyone else involved
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including any visible damage and injuries
- When talking about the accident, don’t admit fault
- Keep evidence and records for documentation purposes
Remember, every accident is different, but when you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident that comes about because of negligence, you have legal options.
Explore Your Legal Options After a Lancaster Motorcycle Accident
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in Lancaster, having the experienced team at Maison Law on your side can make all the difference in protecting your interests and securing the result you need to get better. We know how challenging it is to suffer from an accident caused by negligence, and we can help you build a strong claim to recover damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Repair costs for your motorcycle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if the injuries are fatal
These accidents happen throughout Lancaster, but you don’t have to face them alone. Contact our team today for a free consultation to explore your legal options.
