California’s warm weather, scenic vistas, and varying terrains provide the perfect environment for motorcyclists. Today, California has one of the highest amounts of registered motorcyclists than any other state in the country. Regrettably, because of an abundance of riders, there is also an abundance of motorcycle accidents.
Unlike most automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries and oftentimes fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, while motorcycle accident deaths decreased by 5%, there were still a staggering 4,985 motorcyclists who lost their lives in 2018.
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
The State of California has imposed laws that have made it safer for motorcyclists to ride, such as the controversial lane-splitting as well as allowing riders to use carpool lanes. Nonetheless, no matter how safely a motorcyclist rides, an accident can occur at any given moment. When it comes to roadway accidents, most accidents are caused by another driver’s negligence or reckless driving. Other common causes of accidents for motorcyclists in California include:
- Roadway hazards
- Low visibility when lane splitting
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Automobiles making left-hand turns
- Head-on collisions
Lane Splitting in California
Lane splitting is a driving practice in which riders drive between the rows of moving or stopped vehicles in the same traffic lane. While lane splitting is legal in the State of California, a new definition of the practice was set into law in 2017:
Lane splitting is allowed for those who are in a motorcycle, a vehicle with two wheels on the ground, between the rows of moving or stopped motor vehicles in the same lane. This is allowed in both divided as well as undivided roads, streets, or highways.
Although the law is controversial, with many wondering if it is safe, research indicates that lane splitting, when practiced at safe speeds, is safer than riders driving behind vehicles. Additionally, lane splitting also minimizes the risk of a rear-end collision. Nonetheless, the practice can lead to accidents caused by factors like:
- The close proximity between the motorcycle and other cars, including large commercial vehicles;
- The reduced area in which the rider can maneuver his or her motorcycle; and
- Motorists who fail to anticipate riders to pass them when the traffic has stopped or slowed down.
Since the State of California has made it legal for riders to practice lane splitting, riders who have suffered an injury caused while lane splitting have a better opportunity of recovering compensation.
Experienced Attorneys Representing Injured Motorcyclists Throughout Southern California
Understanding the common causes of a motorcycle accident in California offers riders an opportunity to be better prepared and understand what it takes to protect themselves. Clearly, even when a motorcyclist practices safe riding, there are outside factors that can contribute or cause an accident.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury while involved in a motorcycle accident, there may be an opportunity to recover damages. Speak to a well-versed personal injury attorney who has the experience of handling motorcycle accidents and help you understand your legal options.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation understand that riders who have suffered injuries as a result of an accident are likely to face financial distress. Consequently, the firm works vigorously to defend the rights of injured riders and help them fight for their right to the maximum amount of compensation available. Contact SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation today for a free initial consultation.
