In the hills and canyons of Santa Clarita, riding motorcycles is a popular pastime. Unfortunately, it’s also a dangerous one. In California alone, fatalities range from 400 to 550 per year. Most people understand that driving a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car, but not everyone understands the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
In 2017, 38% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved only one vehicle. These types of crashes are usually caused by driver inexperience. Other factors that may be involved include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Sport and supersport bikes
- Dangerous road conditions
- Motorcycle defects
In California, riders can take motorcycle safety classes to reduce their likelihood of getting into an accident.
Multiple-Vehicle Collisions
Multiple-vehicle crashes make up 68% of fatal motorcycle accidents. These collisions frequently involve cars and trucks and arise from the following mistakes:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Sudden stops
- Improper left-hand turns
- Car doors
Car-motorcycle crashes frequently occur in intersections. Because they are difficult to see, a driver may not notice a motorcycle while watching traffic and trying to turn left. Additionally, motorcyclists often pass cars within the same lane, which is an unexpected maneuver to most drivers.
Opening a car door can also be a dangerous action when motorcyclists are on the road. Without realizing it, a driver may instantly block a motorcyclist’s path, or even hit the motorcyclist themselves.
Another issue that causes motorcycle accidents is lane splitting. This happens when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic. Although it is legal in California, the practice is so dangerous that it’s banned practically everywhere else.
What to do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been in a single-vehicle collision, there is not much you can do besides get well, unless, of course your crash was caused by a product defect or an unreasonably unsafe road condition. If you have any doubts about your accident, it may be a good idea to consult a lawyer.
In the event that your accident was caused by another driver, you should absolutely get in touch with an attorneyas soon as possible.
The Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser has more than 20 years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims in Santa Clarita. In cases where the motorcyclist was severely injured or killed, the other driver is almost always at fault.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, call us at (661) 441-3446 to claim the damages you’re entitled to. Our first step in helping you is to offer you a free consultation– don’t hesitate to get in touch today!