Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles (2024)

Los Angeles is a great place to own a motorcycle, particularly in the summer months. Whether out for a weekend cruise or just getting around the city, the sunshine and the sights give every motorcyclist a reason to celebrate. However, sharing the road with pedestrians and motor vehicles can quickly turn a day on your bike into a life-threatening situation. Knowing the common types of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles can help you avoid such a scenario.

By knowing what to look out for, you can continue to keep yourself and others on the road safe from unnecessary injuries.

Common Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, these accidents can also cause significant injuries because motorcycles do not provide protection to the cyclist. Understanding the common types of motorcycle accidents can help you continue to ride safely, be aware of your surroundings, and remain cognizant of other drivers. The most common motorcycle accidents are the result of the following:

• Speeding. Losing control of a motorcycle is easily done, particularly at high rates of speed. When operating a motorcycle beyond the posted speed limit, the risk and severity of an accident increase. At higher rates of speed, it can be more difficult to anticipate or react to changes in traffic patterns or road conditions.
• Failure to adhere to the right-of-way. The right-of-way in motor vehicle operations, including motorcycles, is when the operator fails to yield or improperly merges. This is very common at traffic lights, stop signs, and even when entering highways. These types of accidents can cause many types of collisions, including head-on which could be fatal.
• Improper turning. Improper turns are a significant source of motorcycle accidents. These accidents often occur at traffic lights where a motor vehicle is turning left. Because motorcycles are small, a driver may not see it coming towards the intersection and then proceed. Because a motorcycle is not anticipating this, the rider may not have time to slow down and could be traveling at a high rate of speed.
• Driving under the influence. Motorcyclists already face many roadway challenges and may therefore be less likely to ride while under the influence, however, that does not mean that motorcyclists should not be aware of others on the road that may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Inhibited reaction times make it difficult to respond to any sudden changes on the roadway.
• Improper lane changes. Motorcycles are difficult to see and can often hide in the blind spots of other motorists. Some motorists may fail to check that spot before changing lanes. Unfortunately for motorcyclists, this failure to look could be disastrous. Avoiding the blind spots of other drivers can help protect motorcyclists.

These are just a few of the types of accidents that can occur when riding a motorcycle, however, there are many other ways that accidents could happen. Other types of accidents occur when drivers are distracted, there are hazards in the roadway, or other poor driving conditions that make it difficult to safely share the road with others.

Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists who are involved in accidents face a significant number of injuries. These can range from minor to fatal. With little protection offered outside of the safety equipment a rider chooses to wear, the body becomes susceptible to significant damage. Common types of injuries you could suffer include:

• Road rash. This skin injury occurs when the body scrapes along the roadway. This can result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, and more.
• Damaged bones. Whether suffering a fractured or broken bone, this injury can occur in any number of situations in a motorcycle accident. Broken bones could have long-term impacts on mobility.
• Injuries to the foot and leg. These injuries are common in motorcycle accidents because of where they are located in relation to the bike. If the bike falls to the side, it will pin the foot and leg between the bike and the road or other object.
• Head and neck injuries. These can be some of the most significant injuries. From concussions and neck sprains to traumatic brain injuries resulting in a lifetime of medical care, these injuries could have the greatest long-term impact.

There are many other types of injuries that you could suffer in the event of a motorcycle accident, but this list does reflect the more common and severe. After an accident, it is important to seek the attention of a medical professional who can evaluate you for immediate injuries or injuries that could set in later.

FAQs

Q: How Many Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Are There Each Year?

A: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, operated by the US Department of Transportation, tracks motorcycle safety, including the number of accidents. Each year, the number of motorcycle accidents can vary, and the NHTSA reports that these figures are often overrepresented. However, in 2022, there were a total of 6,218 motorcyclists killed, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities.

Q: Which State Has the Highest Motorcycle Fatality Rate?

A: According to the National Safety Council, Florida leads the nation in the number of motorcycle fatalities at 668 in 2022. However, it is important to know that California ranks second at 634. These states provide ideal motorcycle riding with nearly year-round riding and open roads to enjoy. For motorcyclists, safety is important to avoid becoming a statistic.

Q: What Is the Four-Second Rule for Motorcycles?

A: The four-second rule is an advisory rule that suggests motorists travel behind motorcycles by a distance of approximately 4 seconds. This rule can be applied to other motor vehicles on the road as well, but when applied, this gives sufficient time for a motorist to react to changes in driving conditions, roadways, and more. This distance provides sufficient reaction times.

Q: What Is Most Essential for Motorcycle Safety?

A: While one of the joys of riding a motorcycle is to allow the wind to blow through your hair or to feel the sun on your face, essential motorcycle safety should be to always ride with a helmet. Because traumatic brain injuries can be so prevalent in motorcycle accidents, this piece of safety equipment can not only prevent catastrophic damage to one of the body’s most vital organs; it could even prevent untimely death.

Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating experiences that can leave you and your family searching for answers. Knowing how to avoid them can help keep you safe on the road. No matter what questions you may have about riding a motorcycle or what to do if you are in an accident, get the answers you deserve from Amendt Law. Contact our offices today. Se habla español.