Little Known Facts about Motorcycle Accidents

If you have driven on a California road, then you have likely been seen a number of motorcycles whizzing by. Motorcycles are great for getting through heavy traffic and are easy to park; however, we cannot forget about the obvious downside – they are dangerous! Riders tend to be very careful because they know of the inherent dangers that come with riding a motorcycle. But with the heavy traffic, we have nowadays in Fremont, the Bay Area and throughout California, it may be difficult to notice motorcycles on the road.

Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles tend to be devasting and catastrophic for the riders. To make matters worse, there is an unfavorable bias against motorcycle riders by the general public and especially by insurance adjusters. Accidents involving motorcycles will almost always involve some dispute over who is at fault, which can limit the rider’s recovery if they are injured. Accordingly, it is always very beneficial to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney soon after any collision, so you don’t hinder your rights.

Studies and surveys reveal some interesting facts and statistics about motorcycle accidents, let’s get some insight into them and see how a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fremont can help you with your case.

Motorcycle Accident Important Facts

Fact #1: Half of the motorcycle-vehicle collisions happen at intersections

Intersections can be dangerous for the vehicle that is traveling straight and for the vehicle that is turning into the intersection. Drivers that are going straight are not always looking for vehicles coming out of side streets or may be distracted. And vehicles turning may not be able to see the vehicle coming straight due to parked vehicles, blind turns, overhanging tree branches and hedging.

Motorcycles have an added danger of being hard to see due to them being small and fast. Accordingly, it is prudent to always make a complete stop before turning right or left and double check for cross traffic. In heavy traffic conditions, where cars moving slow, it is important to take extra precaution for Motorcycles that may be splitting lanes and traveling faster than the other cars.

Generally, the fault is on the driver that wrongfully turned into the intersection and cut off the driver going straight. However, it is not always clear, and fault can be apportioned depending on the speed of the vehicles, controlled intersections, and violations of the vehicle code. Thus, if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Fremont or anywhere in California, you should consult a motorcycle accident attorney to ensure your rights are upheld. A motorcycle lawyer can have an accident recon performed and get in touch with witnesses to ensure that fault is apportioned correctly.

Fact #2: Motorcycles accidents are 27 times fatal than car accidents

Driving any vehicle on California roads can be dangerous. Car accidents occur nearly every minute of every day in California. Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles tend to be more devastating. According to Federal statistics-based “deaths based on per mile traveled,” the death rate of those riding motorcycles is more than 27 times that of people riding in cars or other vehicles.

Obviously, motorcycles do not have the same safety features as a car, so this is no surprise. Accordingly, it is imperative to wear proper safety equipment, including a helmet and proper shoes, and to cover exposed areas.

Fact #3: Lane Splitting is legal in California

If you’ve ever been sitting in traffic and have seen a motorcycle zip by, in between lanes, then you just saw a motorcycle “splitting,” and it is legal in California. California Vehicle Code 21658.1 defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on both divided and undivided streets, roads and highways.”

Although some drivers on the road are likely envious of these riders who don’t have to wait in traffic, many drivers feel that lane splitting is dangerous and creates the risk of accidents. However, motorcyclists believe allowing lane splitting increases their safety by reducing the risk of being struck from behind while slowed or stopped in traffic.

Although the vehicle code does allow for lane splitting, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued a set of general guidelines through their California Motorcycle Safety Program to educate drivers and riders on lane splitting safety. Motorcyclists who choose to lane split should follow these guidelines:

• Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 mph faster than traffic.
• Avoid splitting lanes if traffic is moving 30 mph or faster..
• It is typically safer to split the #1 and #2 (furthest left) lanes.
• Be aware of the total environment.
• Avoid splitting on unfamiliar roads.
• Help other drivers to see you.
• Expect possible sudden movements by other road users.

These recommendations are not guaranteed to keep riders safe and if you are in a California lane splitting motorcycle accident, you should talk to a Fremont motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. The attorney can navigate your case to see if you were following the guidelines and make sure you are compensated for your property damage and injuries.

Fact #4: Wearing a helmet reduces chances of dying by 37 percent

California law mandates that all motorcyclists wear a helmet. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reveals that wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle reduces the chance of motorcycle deaths by 37 percent, and it can prevent fatal brain injuries by 67 percent.

Although some may state that wearing a helment may limit their vision, the NHTSA states that helmets only reduce peripheral vision by less than 3 percent and does not hinder hearing ability. Moreover, there was some speculation that helmets can increase cervical spine injuries but studies have shown the opposite to be true and helmets actually reduce spine injury.

Accordingly, it makes absolutely no sense to not wear a helmet when riding. Brain injuries can be devasting, and most people never fully heal from severe brain injuries.

So the next time you head out for a motorcycle ride, don’t forget to grab your helmet!

Fact #5: California has the third most motorcycle fatalities in the U.S.

Whether you are in Fremont or anywhere in California, it is important to know those motorcycle accidents, and all auto collisions have been on the rise since 1997. In fact, California is always on the top list of motorcycle fatalities in the U.S.

Though the roads in California are not the deadliest ones in the U.S., they tend to be very busy and drivers tend to be distracted.

In 2016, a total of 566 deaths were recorded in motorcycle crashes alone in California. This is among the highest death rates in the country. The roads can certainly be one of the major reasons of such frequent collisions as California is ranked 38th in the list of deadliest state roads.

Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles tend to be devasting and catastrophic for the riders. Hence, it is imperative for riders to have a high underinsured motorist policy to ensure you are compensated in the case where the other driver either has no insurance or low insurance.

After seeing these stats and facts, it is important for anyone that was involved in a motorcycle accident to consult and speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fremont. Remember, motorcycle riders do not get treated fairly, so hiring a motorcycle attorney can help avoid you eating a loss for unfair determinations of fault by insurance adjusters.