Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur in California?

Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than other vehicles due to their operators’ risks when accidents happen. An enclosed passenger vehicle offers the driver and passengers several important safety features, from seatbelts and airbags to vehicle frames designed to absorb crash impact forces and even automatic braking features. Unfortunately, motorcycles offer virtually no physical protection in an accident, and motorcyclists are more vulnerable to experiencing accidents than most other drivers in various situations.

If you ride a motorcycle in Southern California, it is vital to acknowledge the risks you face every time you operate your bike, and you should also know the places where motorcycle accidents are most likely to occur. Keeping these things in mind may not enable you to always anticipate the actions of other drivers around you, but it can limit your risk of causing a motorcycle accident and incurring liability for the resulting damages.

Most Common Places for Motorcycle Accidents to Happen

When most people think of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists, they may imagine the many highways and freeways in Southern California. While it’s true that many serious motorcycle accidents occur on California highways, the vast majority of reported motorcycle crashes in the state occur inside intersections. Southern California is notorious for heavy traffic congestion, and motorcyclists are vulnerable when falling into other drivers’ blind spots.

According to the latest accident data from across the country, the single most dangerous situation for any motorcyclist is when another driver performs a left-hand turn in front of them. This often occurs when opposing lanes of traffic have “left turn yield on green” and an oncoming driver making a left does not notice a motorcyclist coming toward them in the opposing lane. As a result, the motorcyclist could either slam into the side of the other vehicle as they turn or swerve to avoid them and crash elsewhere instead. In either situation, the motorcyclist is likely to suffer extreme injuries.

Intersection accidents are most likely to occur when drivers aren’t fully paying attention to their actions. Distracted driving is the leading cause of all vehicle accidents in the country. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to inattentive drivers because they are easy to miss compared to most other vehicles. Motorcycle accidents within intersections also present the added risk factor of multiple collisions, resulting in an even more challenging time determining liability.

Determining Fault for a Motorcycle Accident in California

California uses a fault-based system for resolving car accidents, requiring all drivers to maintain acceptable auto insurance coverage. When an accident occurs, the driver who caused the accident is liable for the damages, and the other driver may file a claim against their insurance policy. However, the recovery process for the injured driver is unlikely to be this simple or straightforward. The other driver could contest liability, or their insurance company may attempt to coerce the victim into accepting a lowball settlement offer.

Before you can even file your insurance claim after a motorcycle accident, you must identify the driver who caused it and gather sufficient evidence to prove their negligence or misconduct directly caused your damages. Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are just a few of the most commonly reported reasons that motorcycle accidents happen annually. If you are unsure who is responsible for your recent motorcycle accident or if you were so severely injured you do not recall anything about the incident, you need to consult an attorney you can trust as soon as possible.

Recovering From a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can happen on highways, freeways, residential areas, rural roads, and the busiest intersections of the metropolitan areas of Southern California. Regardless of where your accident happened, if another driver caused it, you have every right to hold them accountable for your damages. California’s auto insurance requirement enables you to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, if they do not have insurance or your damages exceed their coverage, you must file a personal injury claim to recover your losses.

An experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing compensation from an insurance claim. Once an insurer recognizes that a claimant has legal representation, they will be more inclined to handle the claim in good faith as efficiently as possible. If any problems arise with your insurance claim, such as an unreasonable delay or unfair denial, your attorney can help you address these issues until you secure a fair insurance settlement. When you must pursue further legal recourse for damages insurance can’t cover, your legal team will be invaluable for establishing fault and holding the defendant accountable for their negligence or misconduct.

When a motorcycle case proceeds to a personal injury claim, the plaintiff has the right to claim compensation for any economic losses the defendant’s auto insurance can’t cover, including immediate and future medical expenses, lost income, and repairing or replacing costs of their vehicle. State law also enables them to seek compensation for their pain and suffering, and a good attorney will help their client determine a fair amount based on the scope and severity of their injuries. California does not place any restrictions on pain and suffering compensation in motorcycle accident cases

Secure Legal Counsel Today

Time is a vital consideration after any motor vehicle accident, especially one as damaging as a motorcycle accident is likely to be. The sooner you connect with an attorney you can trust, the sooner they can begin building your case and helping you cultivate a winning legal strategy. Perry Personal Injury Lawyers can provide the comprehensive legal representation you need to navigate a complex motorcycle accident case as efficiently as possible.

Perry Personal Injury Lawyers has helped many past clients recover their motorcycle accident damages, and we can leverage this experience to your benefit. If you’re ready to explore your legal options after another driver has injured you in a motorcycle accident, contact our team to schedule a consultation and learn more about our legal services in Southern California.