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Considering the high traffic density on California roads, it is unsurprising that motorcycle accidents are frequent and many times serious. Most California accidents occur in urban areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, where busy intersections, road hazards, and unprotected left turns abound. 

Navigating certain intersections requires a lot of focus and attention for motorcyclists. Unfortunately, despite efforts to improve visibility and safety, motorcycle crashes still happen. 

If you or a loved one was involved in a California motorcycle accident, DK Law can help you recover financial compensation from the negligent party. Call us at (866) 488-9381 for a free consultation. 

California Motorcycle Accident Fatalities 

Nationwide, motorcyclists represented 15% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. That is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975. Since motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable on the road, they represent a disproportionate amount of traffic fatalities. 

These are some recent California motorcycle accident statistics:

• 미국 질병통제예방센터, 캘리포니아 교통안전국, motorcycle fatalities increased by 3% from 549 in 2020 to 565 in 2021. 
• Their data also revealed that motorcyclist deaths from not wearing a helmet increased by 9% from 34 in 2020 to 37 in 2021. 
• In research from UC Berkeley, motorcycle fatalities accounted for 13% of all fatal crashes in California in 2021. 
• Los Angeles County had the greatest number of traffic deaths involving motorcyclists, with 120 fatalities and 821 serious injuries.

Causes of Motorcycle Intersection Accidents 

미국 질병통제예방센터, Federal Highway Administration, intersections are attributed to a quarter of all fatal accidents and half of all traffic injuries in the United States. Intersections can be dangerous for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. 

These are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents at intersections: 

과속 

미국 질병통제예방센터, NHTSA, over a third of fatal motorcycle accidents (33%) involve speeding. Driving at an unsafe speed reduces a driver’s ability to maneuver around curves or objects, lessens reaction time, and increases vehicle stopping distance. Speeding in poor weather conditions or at night also increases the risk of a collision. 

Improper Turns 

Drivers who make abrupt turns without signaling or fail to check before turning can cause serious motorcycle accidents. Left turns are among the most common causes of vehicle collisions in Los Angeles, as many streets and intersections have unprotected left turns. Drivers must yield to the oncoming vehicle or motorcycle and should not underestimate their speed. 

부주의 운전 

Texting while driving is one of the biggest causes of motor vehicle collisions nationwide. If a motorcyclist is near the distracted driver, they may be hit and suffer severe injuries. Texting is not only a dangerous distraction – Eating, drinking, and using navigation systems are also considered distractions. 

음주 운전 

Alcohol and/or drug use, either by the driver or the motorcycle rider, can lead to a fatal accident. More than a quarter of motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol. This includes single-vehicle accidents, which account for nearly half of all alcohol-impaired motorcycle crashes. In California, there was an 18.8% increase in alcohol-impaired motorcycle accidents from 2020 to 2021. 

Unsafe Lane Changes 

Under California Vehicle Code section 22107, making improper and unsafe lane changes is illegal. The law requires all drivers, including motorcyclists, to signal their intention to turn or change lanes on a highway. Drivers who turn or change lanes when it is unsafe to do so put themselves and others at risk. Motorcyclists are especially in danger because of their lower profile. 

차선 사이 주행

When done safely, lane splitting alleviates traffic congestion, allows motorcyclists to move easily through slower-moving traffic, and helps them avoid dangerous situations. However, it should only be performed by experienced riders. Inexperienced riders may ride too fast for the conditions and not have enough time to stop, leading to a T-bone or sideswipe collision. 

Dangerous Intersections in California

Many of California’s deadly roads and intersections can be found in Los Angeles County. According to a study from Moneygeek, these are the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles: 

• S. Vermont Ave. and W. Florence Ave.
• W. Manchester Ave. and S. Normandie Ave. 
• Victory Blvd. and Lindley Ave.
• W. Manchester Ave. and S. Vermont Ave.
• E. Manchester Ave. and Avalon Blvd. 
• Figueroa St. and West 5th St. 
• Van Nuys Blvd. and Oxnard St. 

While many of these dangerous intersections are concentrated in South Central Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles and Van Nuys had the most overall intersection crashes in L.A. 

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders

While not every accident is avoidable, there are important safety precautions all motorcycle riders and drivers can take to prevent collisions, especially at intersections. 

• Check your motorcycle before you ride: Make sure to check your bike’s brakes, tires, and lights. Keep up with regular maintenance and inspections. 
• Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as long pants, boots, and gloves. 
• Don’t drink and ride: Alcohol, drugs, and certain prescription medications can severely impact your ability to operate a motorcycle safely. 
• Increase your visibility: Motorcycles have a much lower profile than passenger cars or trucks. Use your headlights, avoid riding in blind spots, and wear reflective clothing to remain seen. 
• Follow all traffic laws: Obey the speed limit, use your turn signals, and remain alert while riding. 
• Lane split with caution: Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic. While legal in California, lane splitting should only be done by experienced riders, according to rules set forth by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). 

Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today 

You should not wait to speak to a California motorcycle accident attorney if you were injured in a motorcycle collision. An attorney can act quickly to gather and preserve important evidence to support your injury claim.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to maximum damages. Our wrongful death lawyer can guide you through the legal process and bring justice to the deceased. 

DK Law is California’s #1 rated personal injury law firm. Call us today to schedule your free consultation at (866) 488-9381.