Why do almost half of all motorcycle accidents happen at intersections? – Car accident lawyer Daniel Kim

Given the high volume of traffic on California’s roads, it’s not surprising that motorcycle accidents are common and often serious. Most accidents in California occur in urban areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, where there are many busy intersections, road hazards, and unprotected left turns.

Navigating certain intersections requires a lot of concentration and attention from motorcyclists. Unfortunately, despite efforts to improve visibility and safety, motorcycle accidents still occur.

If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident in California, the Law Offices of Daniel Kim can help you obtain financial compensation from the negligent party. Call us at (800) 719-9779 for a free consultation.

Deaths from motorcycle accidents in California

Nationwide, motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975. Because motorcyclists are much more vulnerable on the road, they represent a disproportionately high share of traffic fatalities.

Here are some current statistics on motorcycle accidents in California:

• According to the California Department of Transportation SafetyThe number of fatal motorcycle accidents increased by 3% from 549 in 2020 to 565 in 2021.
• Their data also showed that the number of deaths among motorcyclists who were not wearing helmets increased by 9%, from 34 in 2020 to 37 in 2021.
• In studies by UC BerkeleyIn 2021, motorcycle accidents accounted for 13% of all fatal crashes in California.
• Los Angeles County had the highest number of traffic fatalities involving motorcyclists, with 120 deaths and 821 seriously injured.

Causes of motorcycle accidents at intersections

According to the Federal Motorway AdministrationA quarter of all fatal accidents and half of all traffic injuries in the United States occur at intersections. Intersections can be dangerous for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

These are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents at intersections:

Unsafe speed

According to the NHTSA, over one-third of all fatal motorcycle crashes (33%) are caused by speeding. Unsafe speeds reduce the driver’s ability to negotiate curves or obstacles, reduce reaction time, and increase the vehicle’s stopping distance. Speeding in bad weather or at night also increases the risk of a collision.

Inappropriate turns

Drivers who turn abruptly without signaling or failing to check before turning can cause serious motorcycle accidents. Left turns are one of the most common causes of vehicle collisions in Los Angeles because many streets and intersections have unprotected left turns. Drivers must yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles or motorcycles and should not underestimate their speed.

Distraction while driving

Texting while driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents nationwide. If a motorcyclist is near the inattentive driver, he or she can be hit and suffer serious injuries. Texting is not only a dangerous distraction – eating, drinking and using navigation systems are also considered distractions.

Driving under the influence of alcohol

Alcohol and/or drug use, either by the driver or the motorcyclist, can lead to a fatal crash. More than a quarter of fatal motorcycle crashes are alcohol-related. This includes single-vehicle crashes, which account for nearly half of all alcohol-related motorcycle crashes. In California, there was an 18.8% increase in alcohol-related motorcycle crashes from 2020 to 2021.

Unsafe lane changes

Section 22107 of the California Highway Code makes it illegal to change lanes improperly and unsafely. The law requires all drivers, including motorcyclists, to signal their intent to turn or change lanes on a highway. Drivers who turn or change lanes when it is unsafe to do so endanger themselves and others. Motorcyclists are especially at risk due to their lower visibility.

Lane change

When used safely, riding between lanes reduces traffic congestion, allows motorcyclists to move easily through slower traffic, and helps them avoid dangerous situations. However, it should only be done by experienced riders. Inexperienced riders may drive too fast for the conditions and not have enough time to stop, which could result in a T-bone collision or side impact.

Dangerous intersections in California

Many of California’s deadly roads and intersections are located in Los Angeles County. According to a study by MoneygeekThese are the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles:

• S. Vermont Ave. and W. Florence Ave.
• W. Manchester Ave. and S. Normandie Ave.
• Victory Blvd. and Lindley Ave.
• W. Manchester Ave. and S. Vermont Ave.
• E. Manchester Ave. and Avalon Blvd.
• Figueroa St. and West 5th St.
• 11th Street Northeast and Oxnard St.

While many of these dangerous intersections are concentrated in South Central Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles and Van Nuys have seen the most intersection accidents in LA.

Safety tips for motorcyclists

While not every accident can be avoided, there are important safety precautions that all motorcyclists can take to prevent collisions, especially at intersections.

• Check your motorcycle before riding: Be sure to check your bike’s brakes, tires and lights. Perform regular maintenance and inspections.
• Wear protective equipment: Always wear a helmet and other protective equipment such as long pants, boots and gloves.
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol: Alcohol, drugs and certain prescription medications can significantly impair your ability to operate a motorcycle safely.
• Increase your visibility: Motorcycles are much less conspicuous than cars or trucks. Turn on your headlights, avoid driving in blind spots and wear reflective clothing to be seen.
• Follow all traffic rules: Obey the speed limit, use your turn signals and stay alert while driving.
• Change lanes with caution: Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic. While riding between lanes is legal in California, according to California Highway Patrol (CHP) rules, riding between lanes should only be done by experienced drivers.

Speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer today

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to speak with a California motorcycle accident lawyer. A lawyer can act quickly to gather and secure important evidence to support your claim for compensation.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to the maximum compensation possible. Our wrongful death attorney can guide you through the legal process and get justice for the deceased.

The Law Office of Daniel Kim is the premier personal injury law firm in California. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at (800) 719-9779.