How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents In California?

Motorcycle accident with a helmet on the ground
There were 4,678 motorcycle accidents in California in 2020, resulting in 4,106 injuries and 537 fatalities, according to the California Highway Patrol’s most recent release of data.

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including speeding, impairment, and driver error. To reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to always follow safety guidelines, such as wearing a helmet and protective gear, maintaining your motorcycle, and driving defensively.

But even with a stellar driving record, you’re still at risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident resulting in a personal injury or – worst case – wrongful death. It’s important to reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney if you or a family member has been in an accident to ensure a strong motorcycle accident claim.

Paul Hoybjerg is an experienced attorney with a personable approach to the circumstances surrounding his client’s auto accidents. He’ll help you receive a fair settlement – if you don’t win, you don’t pay.

How Dangerous Is It To Ride A Motorcycle?

Motorcyclists – motorcycle riders and their passengers – account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, despite representing only 3 percent of registered motor vehicles in the U.S., according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA data shows that motorcyclists are about 2900% more likely to die in an accident compared to people in passenger vehicles. Using the same data, the chances of suffering any type of injury go up by 400%, too.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Inattention: Motorcycle accidents can occur when drivers of other vehicles fail to see or pay attention to motorcycles on the road. This can happen when drivers are distracted, for example, using their phone, or when they are not looking for motorcycles when making turns or changing lanes.
  • Speeding: Motorcycles can be more challenging to control at high speeds, which can increase the risk of an accident.
  • Impairment: Alcohol and drugs can impair a motorist’s ability to safely operate a motorcycle.
  • Lane splitting: Lane splitting, which is when a motorcycle rider drives between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, can be dangerous and is illegal in some states.
  • Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, for example, rain, fog, or ice, can make it more difficult to see and control a motorcycle, increasing the risk of an accident.
  • Road hazards: Poor road conditions, including potholes, debris, or oil slicks, can cause a motorcycle to lose control and crash.
  • Mechanical failure: Motorcycles can also be involved in accidents due to mechanical failures, such as a flat tire or a malfunctioning brake system.
  • Rider error: Rider error like not maintaining a safe distance, following too closely, or not using proper hand signals can also contribute to motorcycle accidents.

It’s crucial for motorcycle riders to be aware of these potential causes of motorcycle accidents and to take steps to reduce the risk of an accident. Wearing protective gear, maintaining their motorcycle, driving defensively, and staying alert and aware of their surroundings can help prevent accidents.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries due to the lack of protection offered by a motorcycle compared to a car. Some common injuries that may result from a motorcycle accident include:

  1. Road rash: This is a type of abrasive injury that occurs when the skin rubs against the pavement or other rough surface. It can range from a mild abrasion to a severe injury that requires medical attention.
  2. Fractures: A motorcycle accident can result in broken bones, such as fractures to the arms, legs, or ribs.
  3. Head injuries: Head injuries are a common type of injury in motorcycle accidents and can range from a mild concussion to a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in a motorcycle accident.
  4. Spinal cord injuries: Motorcycle accidents can also result in serious spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis or other permanent damage.
  5. Internal injuries: A motorcycle accident can also cause internal injuries, such as damage to the organs, which may not be immediately apparent.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that medical bills for motorcycle accident victims average about $4,569, compared to $2,349 for car accident victims.

How Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Represent My Case?

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, like Paul Hoybjerg, can represent your case by taking a number of steps to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to for any injuries or damages you have sustained. Some of the ways a motorcycle accident lawyer can represent your case include the following:

  • Investigating the accident: Paul Hoybjerg and his team will investigate the motorcycle crash to determine who is at fault and gather evidence to support your claim. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and consulting with experts like accident reconstructionists.
  • Negotiating with the insurance company: Paul Hoybjerg and his team will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
  • Filing a lawsuit: If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a lawsuit on your behalf. This will involve drafting a complaint, which outlines the facts of the case and the damages you are seeking and then serving the complaint on the defendant.
  • Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court. This will involve preparing and presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making arguments to the judge or jury.
  • Advising you on your legal rights and options: Throughout the process, your lawyer will advise you on your legal rights and options and help you make informed decisions about your case.

It is important to note that every case is different, and the specific steps a lawyer will take will depend on the individual case. Hiring an attorney with experience handling motorcycle accident cases will be crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

A Personable Personal Injury Lawyer

At Hoybjerg Law, your free case evaluation, legal counsel, and legal fees – your entire legal recourse – are paid for by your settlement. Our firm has the incentive to help you recover compensation because you don’t pay if we don’t win. That’s our entire business model, including motorcycle crashes and other types of personal injury cases.

Most personal injury attorneys work for big law firms based in Los Angeles or the Bay Area. Paul Hoybjerg and his team live in the area they represent, ensuring Hoybjerg Law clients have a local advocate to reach a fair settlement.

Paul takes the time to listen to clients to determine the best strength of their personal injury claim and has successfully won cases for his clients against major corporations and goliath insurance conglomerates that try to bully injured parties. Paul does not back down and advocates for his clients, making sure their voices are heard, and their rights protected.

If you’re a motorcycle accident victim searching for the best motorcycle accident lawyer, contact Paul Hoybjerg and his team at Hoybjerg Law today.