Lawyers for Motorcycle Accident at Intersections & Stoplights

Intersection motorcycle accidents are amongst some of the most dangerous types of crashes that can impact drivers on the road. California streets are supposed to be safe, but the unfortunate reality is that many intersection motorcycle accidents occur quite a lot in the state every year. The failure to acknowledge traffic signals of even intoxicated driving can account for the high number of intersection motorcycle accidents that happen in California every year.

If you have been injured in one of these serious accidents, then it is in your best interest to speak with a lawyer right away. An California motorcycle accident lawyer understands your legal rights and will help you in this situation. You can get the legal advice that you need to make an informed decision regarding your motorcycle accident case. Call an California motorcycle accident lawyer today for additional information about your claim.

Statistics for California Intersection Motorcycle Accidents

With more than 800,000 registered motorcycles, California has the largest volume of motorcycles in the nation. A large percentage of California motorcycles are in Southern California. The attraction to motorcycling in California is unsurprising. The State of California has the most roads listed in the “Top 100 Motorcycle Roads” on MotorcycleRoads.com. An inviting climate, beautiful views, and challenging rides account for the number of motorcycles on SoCal highways.

The most recent statistics available from California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) tell a sad story about motorcycle accidents in California. More than 11,780 California motorcycle riders were injured in collisions in 2013. More than 480 were killed.

Many of the collisions that injured motorcyclists occurred in Southern California counties, including:

  • Orange County   989
  • Riverside County    627
  • Los Angeles County 3,509
  • San Bernardino County   525
  • San Diego County 1,285

Both nationally and in California, there were fewer deaths caused by motorcycle crashes in 2013 than in 2012. The 4,668 motorcyclist deaths across the United States represented a 6% drop from 2012. The decline was closer to 13% in California, although statisticians attribute that decline at least in part to unfavorable weather that kept bikers off the road.

Across the nation, the overall rate of fatal motorcycle accidents increased each year from 2004 (4,028) to 2008 (5,312). Deaths dropped sharply in 2009 (4,469) before beginning another annual increase that lasted until 2012 (4,986).

Motorcycle injuries followed a different pattern. The number of injured motorcycle riders increased annually from 2004 (76,000) through 2007 (103,000). The injury rate fell in 2008 (96,000) and continued to decline each year until 2011 (81,000). More riders were injured in 2012 (93,000) while the number of injuries fell in 2013 (88,000).

A comparison of motorcycle accidents to car accidents shows that motorcycle riders, lacking the protection of a “cage,” are at greater risk of injury or death when they take to the road than are car drivers or passengers. Per mile traveled in 2013, motorcyclists were killed in crashes 26 times more often than the occupants of passenger cars.

In California, riders and passengers between the ages of 25-34 were most often killed or injured in motorcycle crashes. Riders and passengers between 15-24 represented the second age group most likely to be killed or injured, followed (in order) by the age groups 45-54, 35-44, and 55-64. Fourteen victims were age 85 or older.

Most 2013 crashes that injured a California motorcycle rider occurred from May through September, with more than 1,000 injuries occurring in each month. August was the deadliest month. Other months with more than 50 fatal motorcycle accidents in California were July and October.

About 24% of motorcycle riders killed in California in 2013 had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher (the “legal limit” in California). That compares to a nationwide average of 28%.

California’s helmet law probably explains why 90% of motorcycle riders who were killed in crashes in 2013 were wearing a helmet. Nationally, only 57% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents were wearing a helmet.

Most riders who were killed in California motorcycle crashes in 2013 had a valid license. About 22% did not.

“Supersport” bikes are associated with the highest fatality rates. In 2013, fatalities by engine size broke down as follow watch for intoxicated driving in other vehicles, should always wear a helmet and should also be alert to any pedestrians crossing at intersections.

Causes of Intersection Motorcycle Accidents

Many factors can cause a motorcycle accident at an intersection. It is to the advantage of every motorcycle rider to be aware of these common causes and to limit his or her exposure to these risks. Here are some of the common causes of intersection motorcycle accidents:

  • Distracted driving on the road
  • Distracted pedestrians suddenly crossing the street
  • A failure to acknowledge stop signs or yellow traffic lights
  • Sudden or sharp turns
  • Failure to utilize defense driving tactics
  • Intoxicated driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Texting while driving or riding on the road
  • Listening to loud music and failing to pay attention to traffic signals

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Southern California, then you should speak with a motorcycle accident attorney at Jimmie Kang Law Firm as soon as possible. The sooner you get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer, the sooner that he or she can begin to analyze the factors at work in your case. There may be multiple factors that have caused an intersection accident in your case, such as a failure to acknowledge traffic signals and driving while intoxicated.

The Importance of Defensive Riding to Avoid Intersection Motorcycle Accidents

Defensive driving is particularly important in the lives of motorcycle drivers on the road. Every motorcycle driver should be acquainted with defensive driving tactics, such as veering to the side of the road when there is an oncoming car. It is also vital for motorcycle drivers to pay attention to signs that another driver may be intoxicated because this could also result in an intersection collision.

Know Your Legal Rights with Help From Trusted California Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Jimmie Kang Law Firm

It is to the advantage of motorcycle drivers to get in touch with accident lawyers after being involved in an intersection collision. You can contact our California motorcycle lawyers for immediate assistance with your case. If you want to know what damages may be available after you have been injured in a motorcycle accident at an intersection, our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you. We can provide you with a free initial case evaluation and determine whether you have a valid legal claim. Feel free to contact our attorneys today.

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