California is well-known and adored for many wonderful things, including its stunning natural features, the imposing redwoods, first-rate beaches, lush valleys, and high mountains. Even the state’s mentality and culture are praised for being diverse and motivated yet laid-back and upbeat.
It should come as no surprise that motorcycling is common in the Golden State given the combination of the natural beauty and the free-spiritedness there. But even lifetime residents of California might be surprised by how many motorbikes and bikers there are on the road and how frequently they are involved in motorcycle crashes. Read on to learn more and then contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 to request a free legal consultation
There are nearly a million motorcycles registered in California
One of the states with the most motorcycles registered is California, where there are an estimated 785,000 motorcycles. This distinction belongs to California for a number of reasons. California has the biggest overall population in the country, and its well-known motorcycle-friendly routes and frequently good weather are quite attractive to bikers from all over the country.
Yearly motorcycle wreck data for California
Given that only certain motorcycle accidents are reported to law enforcement, it is impossible to determine how many motorcycle accidents take place in California each year. Yet, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) estimated that there were 14,000 motorcycle incidents with injuries in just 2021 alone.
According to other CHP figures, injuries occur in 88 percent of motorcycle accidents. If this figure is correct, there are roughly 16,000 motorbike accidents in California per year.
Proportion of accidents with fatalities
Every year, there are roughly 500 motorcycle fatalities in California. The injuries experienced by motorcyclists in the other 94 percent of crashes are so severe that any safety equipment worn by the biker is simply unable to prevent their fatal injuries. Of these, only roughly six percent are attributable to the motorcyclist not wearing a helmet.
California’s motorcycle safety is increasing
The good news about California’s motorcycle safety statistics is that they are becoming better every year. In reality, fewer motorcycle fatalities in 2019 than in 2018—28 as opposed to 34—were attributed to riders not wearing helmets. Statewide, the number of motorcycle deaths is falling by 9.4% annually.
How a motorcycle accident attorney in California may help
Despite these hopeful trends, motorcycle accidents still occur, and if you are one of them, you are more likely to suffer injuries—some of which may be severe—than the average person. As a result, you ought to see a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney in California as soon as you can after your collision.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys will put up a strong fight on your behalf to get you the money you need to cover your injuries. Your medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, and damages for mental and emotional trauma should all be covered by the negligent driver who injured you and their insurance company.
Please get in touch with Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn for assistance if you or a loved one has been wounded in a motorbike accident in California. Get a free case evaluation so we can discuss your situation and how we can support you by calling us at (310) 209-1600.
