People in California love to ride motorcycles. According to Statista, in 2020, there were more than 750,000 motorcycle registrations in the state of California alone. This accounts for 12% of the total number of motorcycles in the United States. When there are this many motorcycles on the road, there are greater chances of getting hit on a motorcycle and more legal claims to challenge when it comes to motorcycle related accidents. By focusing on questions like “where do most motorcycle accidents occur” should give you a better understanding of what is at risk the next time you fire-up that engine.
City or Country: Where Do Motorcycle Road Crashes Happen?
Part of the allure of a motorcycle is that feeling of flying down the Pacific Coast Highway with the sea breeze in your hair and watching the rugged coastline between Carmel and San Simeon soar past you at 55 mph. This is a bucket list stretch of highway for many motorcycle enthusiasts, however, hairpin turns and distracted drivers makes it a dangerous stretch of road.
Then, there is cruising in the city along Mulholland Drive through the heart of Los Angeles in wall-to-wall traffic. But, which drive is more dangerous?
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents between rural and urban highways has recently shifted. Between 1977 and 2015, fatal accidents in rural highways have always outnumbered urban accidents. Since 2016, urban accidents now account for 55% of all motor vehicle fatalities. The fact that more people now reside in urban areas and that distracted driving accidents are increasing all play into the shift in statistics.
What’s important to remember is that a serious motorcycle accident can happen almost anywhere at any time. It’s important to understand the risks associated with cruising in different geographic areas like the Badlands of Hemet County. What if you get in a Hemet motorcycle crash?
How Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Before heading out for a ride on a hot and sunny California day, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to stay safe out on the open road. Although most motorcycle traffic laws don’t change much from state-to-state, California is different when it comes to certain laws like lane splitting.
To help reduce motorcycle and bicycle accidents and ease traffic congestion, motorcycles are allowed to ride the white line between the flow of traffic. Lane splitting is best used to avoid getting rear-ended if there’s a sudden stop in traffic and it makes other vehicles more aware of motorcyclists. However, it is still considered a dangerous maneuver.
The top 10 causes of motorcycle accidents in California include: Unsafe lane changes, speeding, driving under the influence, car door injuries, lane splitting, sudden stops, inexperienced drivers, a wrong way crash, dangerous road conditions, and motorcycle malfunctions. Read more on what causes motorcycle accidents in California.
Who Is the Best Motorcycle Attorney in California?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand your rights and what type of compensation you may be entitled to. If you’re looking for the best motorcycle lawyer in California, and throughout the U.S., contact Avrek Law. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our experienced attorneys will help you understand the legal options and ensure that you receive the full compensation that you are entitled to.
Get expert advice from a law firm with more than $1 billion recovered in over 45,000 cases. View one of our locations and contact any Avrek Law Firm for a free consultation.
