The Most Common Injuries Suffered in California Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists can attest to the feelings of freedom and weightlessness that come with hopping on your bike and going for a ride, but this euphoria can come crashing down in an instant with an accident. Keep reading to learn more about why motorcycle accidents occur, common injuries from these accidents, and why California motorcycle accident injury attorneys should be on your radar while you fight for compensation!
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Motorcyclists are much more exposed than any driver would be on the road. There are no seatbelts, hard metal shells, or airbags on a bike. Not only that, but bikers are also driving a smaller vehicle that can suffer bigger consequences when impacted. This is why other drivers have a duty of care for them, ensuring they yield and drive carefully to make room for motorcyclists in everyday traffic.
Unfortunately, this level of precaution is not always the case. Motorcycle accidents can often happen due to:
Driver Error
A driver that fails to yield, doesn’t check their blind spots while merging lanes, and fails to spot a motorcyclist turning left at an intersection can lead to devastating motorcycle accidents. Drivers committing the error of driving distracted, such as while texting, eating, or looking elsewhere but the road, can also be responsible for a motorcycle accident.
Impaired Drivers
A driver who operates under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts themselves, their passengers, and other motorists in danger of an accident. California has one of the biggest DUI problems in the country, with an average of 340 DUI arrests happening daily.
Defective Parts
Defective parts in a motorcycle, such as faulty brakes or defective handlebars, can result in terrible motorcycle accidents. A defective helmet, which is the most significant protective gear a motorcyclist wears, can also lead to serious injuries in an accident.
Improper Road Conditions
A road that lacks the proper signage, has improperly designed curves, or has unaddressed potholes can be the main factor in a motorcycle accident. Improper road conditions can ultimately be the city’s responsibility for a motorcycle accident.
Which are the Most Common Injuries from California Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents, like t-bone accidents, frontal collisions, sideswipes, and rear-end accidents, can result in major injuries for motorcyclists. Some of these injuries may even be life-threatening.
Some of the typical injuries that result from motorcycle accidents are:
Head Injuries (Specifically Traumatic Brain Injuries)
Motorcyclists have a significant risk of head injuries, with the risk for non-helmeted drivers growing exponentially to more than 54%, according to a 2024 study. Traumatic brain injuries can often result in cognitive impairment, headaches, confusion, decreased movement, coma, and in some cases, death.
Broken Bones
The trauma of an impact during a motorcycle accident can lead to broken bones for many motorcyclists. If left untreated, these broken bones can lead to deformities, the development of arthritis, and nerve damage.
Spine Injuries
High-impact trauma in motorcycle accidents can lead to cervical spine injuries for motorcyclists, that present symptoms of neck pain, weakness, numbness, and paralysis in the arms, legs, and hands.
Burns and Road Rash
Road rash occurs when exposed skin makes contact with the harsh surfaces of the road, leading to broken skin, deep abrasions, and in severe cases, exposed nerve and muscle. Burns in a motorcycle accident can happen due to exposure to hot exhaust pipes, an explosion of a fuel tank, or exposure to hot cement and gravel.
Motorcycle Accident Fast Stats
- In 2023, motorcyclists made up 15% of traffic fatalities in the nation, with 6,335 motorcyclists killed (NHTSA)
- 60% of crashes with motorcycles involved collisions with other motor vehicles (NHTSA)
- 65% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas (NHTSA)
- Only 18 of the 50 states require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, regardless of age (IIHS)
- California was among the top 3 states with the most motorcycle deaths, with 583 fatalities (NSC)
Can California Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Help My Case?
Absolutely! While injured motorcyclists are dealing with burns, broken bones, and other trauma related to their accident, the last thing they need is to be dealing with the legal hurdles that come with a personal injury claim.
However, this shouldn’t mean that injured motorcyclists ignore their right to hold liable parties responsible for their accident and injuries. A California motorcycle injury attorney can help your accident claim by:
- Presenting the initial lawsuit
- Helping to collect evidence that supports your case
- Interviewing expert witnesses who can help in accident reconstruction and emphasizing the severity of your injuries
- Negotiating for a fair settlement that covers all accident-related expenses
- Appealing denied insurance claims for compensation
- Communicating with insurance companies and the legal representation of the other party on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
Every motorcycle accident claim is different. Some claims can be worth $20,000 to $150,000, while other motorcycle accident claims are worth $500,000 and more.
What Compensation Can I Receive in a Claim?
The compensation you receive in a claim can cover current and future medical expenses, loss of income if unable to work, motorcycle repairs (including the cost of a motorcycle deemed to be a total loss), and your pain and suffering.
Can I Still File a Lawsuit if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet During My Motorcycle Accident in California?
Yes, even if you weren’t wearing a helmet during your motorcycle accident, you are still eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation. This is due to the fact that California is a comparative negligence state, which means that injured parties who had some degree of fault for their accident can still seek compensation. The final compensation amount is simply reduced by the percentage of fault the injured party is found to have.
The Other Driver in My Accidents Says We Don’t Have to Call the Police. Is This True?
Do not take another driver’s word for your motorcycle accident, as the accident has to be very minor for you to not call the police. If there are no injuries in an accident, and any property damages don’t exceed $1,000, then no, you do not have to call the police. However, it is important to remember that some injuries don’t show symptoms until much later, so if you suspect any injury or your property damages exceed more than $1,000 from your estimate, it’s better to be safe and call the police. We recommend always reporting an accident to begin documentation.
Can I File a Claim without a Police Report for My Accident?
Yes, you absolutely can file a claim without a police report for your accident. This can be done with the use of other evidence, such as witness testimony, photos and videos of the accident, dashcam footage, and of course, the help of a California motorcycle injury attorney.
Why Should I Call the California Motorcycle Injury Attorneys from BD&J to Help with My Accident?
BD&J is a dedicated law firm helping California motorcycle injury victims hold other drivers and parties accountable for their injuries. With more than 20 years of experience and more than $2 billion* recovered in compensation, California motorcycle riders trust BD&J with their stories and their legal battles.
Do I Have to Pay any Upfront Fees to Work with BD&J?
No way. At BD&J, we work under a contingency fee basis, which means that all case costs are advanced to clients, and the final attorney fees are taken from the compensation amount after a case is fully settled. This means less financial worry for clients, and no fees until we win*.
How to Keep Your Motorcycle Safe on the Road
Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but this doesn’t mean motorcycle rides are completely impossible. Keep your motorcycle safe to use on the road by:
- Ensuring all motorcycle maintenance is done. – Just like with any vehicle, motorcycles require maintenance for smooth operation. This looks like keeping up with oil changes, checking tire pressure, and making sure the chain is clean and adjusted.
- Checking your headlights. – Headlights are pivotal for motorcyclists to see and be seen on the road, so always be sure to check and change your headlight bulbs as needed.
- Making sure your helmet is always ready with your motorcycle. – California law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, regardless of age. If you’re forgetful, leaving your helmet on top of the motorcycle seat is always a good reminder.
- Speaking with a California motorcycle injury lawyer after an accident. – Accidents due to another driver’s careless or negligent acts can feel inevitable until driving education catches up to account for motorcycles, so speak with a California motorcycle injury lawyer after your accident to learn more about filing a claim. Injured motorcyclists have two years from the date of their accident to file an accident claim, so don’t let time pass you by!
California Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Who Fight for Victims’ Rights to Compensation
While motorcycles offer freedom and joy on the open road, a motorcycle accident can bring devastating consequences for motorcyclists and their passengers. This includes a long list of motorcycle accident injuries, made worse by the exposure motorcyclists have.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, then call the California motorcycle injury attorneys from BD&J. Book your initial consultation free of charge with us, 24/7!
Don’t pay for injuries caused by another reckless party out of your own pocket. Call the California motorcycle injury attorneys from BD&J at 855-906-3699.