California is known for its numerous motorcycle enthusiasts and booming motorcycle industry. With more than 800,000 registered bikes, it’s no surprise that the state has more motorcycles than any other. Unfortunately, this high prevalence also means that California is a leading state in motorcycle collision-related deaths. Visit this page if you have suffered a recent motorcycle accident and looking to consult an attorney.
Here are some most common reasons for California motorcycle accidents:
Excessive Speeding:
Speeding is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents in California. Vehicles and bikers may speed due to traffic congestion, running behind schedule, or for the thrill. However, the higher speed comes with a higher risk of losing control and a limited ability to brake in time when traffic flow slows or stops.
Yielding the Right Way:
Yielding the right of way refers to permitting another vehicle, motorcycle, pedestrian, or bicyclist to enter the intersection before you. Failure to follow this law of slowing down and yielding leads to collisions and injuries. Turning vehicles at specific intersections must yield the right of way. A pedestrian at a crosswalk or another vehicle that reaches the uncontrolled intersection first has the right of way.
Improper Turns at Intersections:
Many of these types of crashes happen when a motorcyclist rides through an intersection while the driver of a motor vehicle comes from the opposite direction, turning directly into the motorcyclist’s path. These may occur because the larger truck or car fails to see the smaller motorcycle or misjudges the bike’s speed.
Riding Under the Influence:
Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable than any other driver on California roads and highways, and driving under the influence only compounds that risk. Operating a moving vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above .08% is illegal. Being on drugs, such as cannabis, prescription medications, and illicit drugs that impair motor function and cognitive abilities is unlawful and may cause serious harm or death in an accident.
Lane Splitting:
Lane splitting is legal in California, meaning a motorcycle with two wheels touching the ground may weave between rows of stopped or slow-moving vehicles in the same lane. While these actions are legal, it doesn’t stop other vehicles from causing harm, such as a driver or passenger opening a car door in standstill traffic and clipping a motorcycle spicecinemas driver as they pass by, causing severe injury.
Final Thoughts:
If you are a victim of a recent motorcycle accident, hiring a Bakersfield motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages sustained in the accident and navigate the complex legal process involved in filing a claim or lawsuit.