There’s no shortage of motorcycles in California. In fact, Statista reports there are nearly 800,000 registered private and commercial motorcycles in the state. This is partly due to the fact that California is known for its beautiful scenery and open roads for motorcyclists to travel.
At the same time, the large number of people on the road can make traveling by motorcycle in California dangerous. More than 331,360 call the city of Riverside home. This increased traffic congestion makes Riverside traffic accidents more likely. For this reason, it’s critical for riders to know where to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer Riverside has to offer.
How Often Do Riverside Motorcycles Crash?
While there are less motorcycles on the road compared to passenger vehicles, they are not necessarily less likely to be involved in an accident. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that despite only making up 3% of all registered vehicles, motorcyclists still accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2020.
As part of the greater Los Angeles area and the 12th most populous city in California, Riverside experiences its fair share of auto accidents, including those that involve motorcycles. In 2019, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported that 61 people were killed or injured in a motorcycle accident in Riverside. This was one of the highest instances in Riverside County.
What Is the Most Common Cause of a Motorcycle Collision?
Unfortunately, accidents cannot always be avoided. Even if a motorcyclist is skilled and alert while driving, they are still at risk while being on the open road.
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (this applies to the motorcyclist, as well as anyone else on the road in another vehicle)
- Lane-splitting
- Distracted or reckless driving
- Failure to obey traffic laws
- Motorcyclist inexperience
- Traffic and weather conditions
If another person or vehicle is involved, the negligent party should be held responsible for the motorcycle collision.
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Due to how motorcycles are constructed, people riding one are at increased risk for injury from an accident compared to someone in an automobile. In 2018, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled. This is due to the fact that motorcyclists have limited protection on the road from weather conditions and other drivers, which makes them more vulnerable. If a rider is not wearing a helmet, they are at an even bigger risk for severe injury or even death.
Motorcycle accidents can result in injuries that range in severity, but some can lead to lifelong physical, mental and economic struggles. Some common injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Leg and foot injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Road rash
- Blood loss
- Eye and facial injuries
Too often, these accidents are fatal. In 2019, California reported 474 fatalities from motorcycle accidents. The majority of these took place in urban areas. If you or a loved one experience an injury as a result of a motorcycle accident, you will want to speak with the best motorcycle accident lawyer Riverside offers to help you navigate the claims process and receive the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do If I’m in a Riverside Motorcycle Accident?
Following any type of accident, you should first assess yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. You should then immediately call 911 for needed medical assistance and for a responding police officer to file an accident report. If the accident was a result of someone else’s negligence or was someone else’s fault, having a compiled accident report will be useful in the claims process.
During this time, you will also want to exchange contact information with the other parties, including any witnesses. Finally, you will also need to contact your insurance company.
Taking these necessary steps can be challenging after an accident, especially if you are coping with physical injuries, medical costs, lost wages and other sources of emotional or economic stress. This is why finding an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can be critical.
If you need a Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer, it’s time to call the best motorcycle accident attorney Riverside has to offer – the team at Avrek is ready to help you navigate the claims process to receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Avrek Law has more than 50 years of combined experience resolving cases in favor of clients who were wrongfully injured, and has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for injury victims in over 45,000 cases. Contact us for your free consultation to learn more!
