Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers | July 1, 2026 | Personal Injury
There is no reliable national statistic showing what percentage of motorcycle riders are involved in crashes each year. However, available data consistently show that motorcyclists face a much higher risk of serious injury or death than occupants of passenger vehicles.
Before you buy a motorcycle or hop on your bike for a ride, make sure you understand your odds of getting into an accident. Keep reading below to learn more about motorcycle accidents in California and what to do if you find yourself involved in one.
Overview of Motorcycle Accident Data
Motorcycle crashes are more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities than crashes involving passenger vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, motorcyclists accounted for approximately 16% of all U.S. traffic fatalities in 2024, despite representing a much smaller share of road users.
That is not the only shocking stat you should be aware of when it comes to motorcycle accidents. Per mile traveled, motorcycle riders are 5 times more likely to be injured in a crash than vehicle passengers. Additionally, motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than standard vehicle passengers.
Why Are Motorcycle Riders at Such a High Risk of Injury?
Motorcycle riders face a high risk of injury on the road for several reasons, including:
- Limited protective equipment: While California requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, motorcycles lack basic safety equipment such as airbags, seatbelts, and steel frames.
- Small profile: Motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles on the road, and that small profile can make it difficult for other drivers to see motorcyclists.
- Road hazards: Motorcycles are more susceptible to road debris and hazards. Things like potholes, debris, and even grass clippings can pose a risk to motorcycle riders.
- Instability: Motorcycles only have two wheels, and this instability makes motorcycles more dangerous and more difficult to maneuver away from accidents.
These things make motorcycles more dangerous on their own. When combined with the negligence of other drivers, this makes motorcycles extremely dangerous.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Many of the same causes lead to motorcycle accidents over and over again. Some of the most common causes of these crashes are:
- Vehicles turning left in front of motorcycles
- Drug and alcohol use
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Poor weather conditions
- Wet or slippery roads
Knowing these common causes can help riders be proactive and take proper safety precautions to avoid accidents. Vehicle drivers must also be more aware of motorcycles and take the proper steps to help keep them safe.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Being Involved in a Motorcycle Crash?
There are some things that riders can do to decrease their chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Some steps you can take to reduce your chances of being an accident victim are:
- Complete an approved motorcycle safety course
- Drive defensively and avoid riding beside other vehicles
- Be aware of road hazards
- Avoid speeding and keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles
- Never use drugs or alcohol when riding your motorcycle
Risk can never be totally eliminated, and you could still find yourself getting into an accident. For this reason, riders should always wear a helmet to reduce their risk of a brain injury or death while riding.
Contact Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Bell Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcycle accident claims can involve serious injuries, complex insurance issues, and disputes over who was at fault. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in California, having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can be crucial to getting the compensation you are owed.
Contact the team at Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Bell motorcycle accident lawyer. We are here to protect your rights and help you maximize your compensation for your injuries.
We proudly serve Tulare County and its surrounding areas.
Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bell Office
4316 Gage Ave, Bell, CA 90201
(323) 402-1000
Open 24/7
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.9782814,-118.1910158
Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers – Porterville Office
320 W Putnam Ave, Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 500-1000
Open 24/7
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 36.0696906,-119.0242167
