Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, particularly in busy streets and major highways, like on Highway 99 and Highway 58. An increased level of traffic volume can also raise the likelihood of collisions between motorcyclists and other vehicles. Riders in Bakersfield are vulnerable because they appear much smaller on the road compared to a standard car, making them prone to get hurt if they are undetected by other drivers. These can all result in serious injuries, or even death.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to submit a personal injury claim against the liable party to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyers will guide you through the claims process by investigating the situation, collecting evidence, and defending your rights. We will stand by your side from start to finish, ensuring your case is taken care of while you concentrate on healing.
To set up a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.
Why Clients Trust West Coast Trial Lawyers
Clients trust our law firm because we have extensive experience handling personal injury claims arising from motorcycle crashes, along with other practice areas, like car accidents, wrongful death cases, and premises liability. Our team advocates aggressively to make sure insurance adjusters do not undervalue claims or try to lessen payouts. With more than 20 years of legal experience and over $1.7 billion recovered for our clients, we combine our proven results with a compassionate approach to guide clients towards the justice they deserve.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Although motorcycles contribute to about 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, cyclists account for 15.5% of all traffic fatalities and 3.4% of all crash-related injuries based on data presented by the National Safety Council (NSC). In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclist deaths nationwide, resulting in a 1% increase when compared to 2022. The fatality rate also increased by 19%, consisting of 31.39 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Within the past decade, motorcycle deaths rose by 38%, with fatality rates growing by 36%. Most of these deadly crashes took place on urban roads (64%), and during good weather (94%), and daylight hours (49%). These often involved other vehicles (56%). Roughly 62% of motorcycle riders killed were wearing helmets. While alcohol is a known factor in crashes, 74% of motorcyclists involved in these fatal cases were not under the influence at the time of impact.
Are There More Car Accidents Than Motorcycles?
There are much more car accidents than motorcycle crashes. But, motorcycle collisions tend to result in deadlier outcomes. In 2023, 6,335 riders were killed, accounting for 15% of all traffic deaths while 23,959 passenger vehicle occupants died, resulting in a 6% decrease compared to 2022.
Passenger vehicles essentially dominated the roads, contributing to 92% of registered vehicles and nearly 89% of total vehicle miles traveled (VMT). More than 1.9 million passenger vehicle occupants sustained injuries in collisions that year, as well. Of the 58,319 vehicles involved in deadly crashes in 2023, 76% of them were passenger vehicles (NHTSA).
Since passenger vehicles heavily occupy the roads, they will account for more accident injuries and deaths overall. But, when it comes to the severity of outcomes, motorcyclists will be met with far more danger because of their lack of protection. The federal government also estimated, on a per-mile basis, that motorcycle fatalities were nearly 22 times the number in cars back in 2022.
What Percent of Motorcycle Accidents Result in Injury or Death?
According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), motorcycle accidents are a safety concern despite improvements to maintain safe road conditions. In 2023, the U.S. saw a 10.2% drop in motorcycle deaths, falling from 649 in 2022 to 583. Fatalities involving riders not wearing helmets also lessened by 23.3%, from 43 to 33. While these numbers show some progress, the reality is that motorcycle accidents can still lead to serious or fatal injuries because of inadequate protection riders face compared to occupants in larger vehicles.
Nationwide, the risks are similarly worrisome. According to data provided by the NHTSA, 6,335 motorcyclists died in traffic-related crashes in 2023, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities. This is a 1.3% increase compared to the previous year. Fatalities involving riders aged 15 to 20 rose by 44%.
What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and road hazards are leading causes of motorcycle accidents. In 2021, 33% of riders killed in crashes were speeding, with most of them being 21-24 years old. About 28% had alcohol in their system, which was higher compared to drivers of cars and trucks.
In addition, unsafe lane splitting can also increase the probability of collisions. Even though such practice is allowed in California (CVC § 21658.1), motorcyclists who surpass the speed of other vehicles by more than 15 mph are putting themselves at risk. For instance, the University of California, Berkley, discovered that traveling at high speeds that go over 50 mph relative to surrounding traffic was linked to a greater risk of injury. Based on the most recent information presented for lane splitting, most motorcycle lane-splitters (69%) went over the speed of traffic by about 15 mph or less. However, roughly 14% of them traveled at least 25 mph faster than other vehicles.
What Is the Most Common Injury in a Motorcycle Crash?
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious bodily harm due to inadequate protection available for riders. Among the most common injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Direct damage done to the spine or brain could contribute to partial or complete paralysis depending on the extent of harm incurred by the affected body part. Even in cases where a low-speed accident occurs, it can still cause motorcycle riders to suffer severe injuries. This is particularly why it is heavily encouraged to wear protective gear and promote safe riding practices to minimize the risk of an injury while on the road.
What to Do After You Crash Your Motorcycle?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, taking the following steps can protect your safety and your legal rights:
- Contact 911: If any injuries or vehicle damage is presented, contact local authorities as soon as possible. Try to find a safe location nearby to put yourself far from harm’s way. Emergency personnel, like the Bakersfield Police and/or Kern County Fire personnel, will shortly arrive at the accident scene. Once information has been collected on the situation, a police report will be established. You can request a copy to use in your personal injury claim if you are planning on suing the at fault party.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you think you are okay, you should still get medical attention shortly after the incident. After you have been evaluated, you may be given a diagnosis of your condition along with a treatment plan to help with your recovery. Medical records will be documented and saved on file, in which you can use as evidence for your claim. Victims who sustained serious harm will be transported to a healthcare facility, like Kern Medical Center, where they will receive further care.
- Gather evidence: You should take photos of your injury, property damage, and the surrounding conditions of the accident. Surveillance footage can also be used to show how the motorcycle accident occurred and what particular factor caused it. Witness statements should also be acquired if anyone saw what happened. You can also note down the experience you had before, during, and after the incident. Do not forget to include the data, time, and location of when and where it happened.
- Exchange information: Be sure to acquire the other party’s contact, vehicle, and insurance information.
- Consult with a Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer: Insurance adjusters will try to give you a lowball offer or even try to shift blame onto you. To prevent yourself from accepting a settlement that does not reflect the true value of your claim, you should reach out to an experienced Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer. They will ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
How Long Does Someone Have to Sue After an Accident?
You will need to file a claim within two years from the initial date of when the motorcycle accident occurred. For property damage, you will be given three years. If your collision was caused by a government entity, you will need to submit an administrative claim within six months before you can sue for damages. Failing to meet either of these deadlines will bar you from pursuing financial recovery for any losses you incurred from the incident. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer after the event can help ensure your lawsuit is filed on time, enhancing your opportunity of securing fair compensation.
Who Is Usually At Fault in a Vehicle/Motorcycle Collision?
Determining liability in a vehicle/motorcycle collision can be complicated as fault will depend on certain actions each party committed that ultimately led up to the accident. In some cases, a driver of a larger vehicle could be at fault for not noticing a motorcyclist when making lane changes lanes, doing a left turn, or misjudging oncoming speed or distance. But, motorcyclists can also share accountability if they did not comply with speeding laws or were lane splitting unsafely.
Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, each side can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the incident. This means that even if the motorcyclist is partly responsible for the accident, they can still seek compensation, though the amount they are given may be reduced based on their degree of fault.
Affected individuals will need to gather evidence that can demonstrate the elements of negligence:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant failed to maintain their legal responsibilities.
- The defendant’s breach ultimately contributed to your injuries.
- You sustained actual losses as a result.
Since liability can hinge on witness statements and police reports, a skilled Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer can help establish fault and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
How Much Is a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
The value of a motorcycle accident settlement will differ for each case and will depend on:
- The severity of the crash
- Percentage of fault
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
To learn what you could be entitled to, you can access our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the losses you suffered from the motorcycle accident.
Usually, a motorcycle accident claim may involve economic damages, which refer to tangible, measurable losses incurred from the impact (medical bills, lost wages, and property damage). It can also cover non-economic losses, like emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies may try to offer less than a full recovery, so working alongside an experienced Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney can help improve your chances of securing a fair settlement. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you will only pay for the legal services you are given if they win your case. Settlements will ultimately provide the financial support needed to help you move forward from the incident.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Bakersfield? Schedule a FREE Consultation Today
Motorcycle accident victims are entitled to pursue legal action if they sustained losses due to someone else’s negligence. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorneys will look into your crash, acquire critical information, and establish liability to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable. We will help make the overall legal process smooth, giving you time to focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
To book a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling 213-927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.
