There are many great reasons for you to drive a motorcycle. They’re easy to drive and park. They don’t cost much to fix. You can customize them pretty easily. They’re fast and efficient. The resale value is pretty good. Motorbike riding is even good exercise (can’t say that about driving a car), and it’s good for your mental health too.

The downside? Motorbike driving is dangerous. There aren’t airbags to cushion a crash. You don’t have doors and a roof to protect you if someone T-bones, rear ends, or crashes headlong into you.

The downside? Motorbike driving is dangerous. And it’s especially dangerous if you live in LA.

How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Los Angeles?

LA has more motorbike accidents than almost any other city in California (San Fran and San Jose get high marks in this department too).

Most of these crashes involve another vehicle, but motorcycles get the short end of the stick in terms of damage and injuries. You’re way more likely to die or be seriously hurt in a motorcycle crash if you’re driving the bike.

Skin abrasions are common. So are broken bones. Many motorbike drivers suffer serious head injuries even if they’re wearing a helmet. Spinal injuries are also commonplace.

An Overview of Motorcycle Accidents Across Los Angeles

LA has more motorcycle accidents than the California average. Experts blame the city’s busy streets and heavy traffic. But there are other reasons too.

• LA has more motorcycle drivers than other large American cities
• LA’s bright sunshine, as pleasant as it is, impairs vision. This is especially true in the morning and late afternoon.
• Many motorcycle drivers don’t follow helmet laws. Heck, many don’t even have a proper license

Motorcycle Accidents Statistics

Monthly/Yearly Statistics

• About 6,000 motorcycle drivers die in accidents each year.
• More accidents happen during months with warm weather
• The motorcycle accident death rate is higher on weekends than weekdays

Demographics of Victims

• You’re more likely to be in a motorcycle accident if you’re between 18 and 34 years old
• You’re more likely to die in a motorcycle accident if you’re over 50 years old
• Men are much more likely to be in a motorcycle accident than women

Common Locations for Accidents in LA

LA traffic sucks. Its poor road conditions suck even more. In fact, the city gets a “D” from the American Society of Civil Engineers for its lousy roads, bridges and lights.

Be extra careful when driving in/on:
• The I-405
• Downtown LA
• Mulholland Drive

Ten Reasons Why Are There So Many Motorcycle Accidents In Los Angeles

LA has more motorbikes than other towns, so it’s not too surprising that it also has more motorbike accidents. But there are also other reasons for LA’s high motorbike accident rate.

Traffic Congestion

Traffic jams take the prize for causing the most dangerous motorbike-related accidents. They’re often responsible for:

• Merging accidents
• Lane-splitting-related accidents
• Rear-end crashes
• Pile-ups

Lane-Splitting

Lane-splitting might speed up your travel time, but it’s just as likely to cause a serious accident such as:

• You T-boning a car that moved into your lane
• A merging car T-boning you
• Getting rear-ended
• You are sending another vehicle

Distracted Driving

Unsafe Lane Changes

You might just have a split second or two if another driver doesn’t see you and changes lanes without signaling.

A car won’t be able to stop in time if you veer into its lane with little or no warning.

Rear-End Collisions

Getting hit from behind by a car isn’t too big a deal if you’re in a car or truck. But it’s a huge deal if you’re on a motorbike. Follow the “four second rule” to prevent these types of accidents.

Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents are rarely the motorcycle driver’s fault. Unfortunately, you’re the one who’ll get hurt when another driver opens a car or truck door without paying attention to the road.

Merging Accidents

It’s way too easy to forget to signal a turn or check the other lane closely before moving into it.

You can avoid these types of accidents by:

• Signaling in advance of a merge
• Watching other drivers carefully
• Giving plenty of space between your bike and other vehicles

Failure to Yield

Most crashes involving two or more vehicles happen when one driver won’t let the other driver go first.

Sometimes the guilty driver is just in a rush. Other times the driver isn’t paying enough attention to the road.

Left-Hand Turn Accidents

More than four out of ten motorcycle driver deaths happen when a vehicle turns left and hits a motorcycle driver.

Speeding

Speeding is responsible for about 25% of motorbike related accidents in LA.

Never speed into another lane. You’re in a small vehicle and other drivers have a hard enough time seeing you as it is.

Driving While Under the Influence (DUI)

• • Drinking or taking drugs leads to distracted driving.
• • Alcohol and drugs slow your reflexes.

Poor Road Conditions

Half of all the roads in California are in poor condition. Problems include:

• Potholes
• Uneven surfaces
• Missing signs
• Not enough light

Weather Conditions

Los Angeles usually has great weather. But that weather isn’t always great for driving. Heavy rain and winter storms pose obvious threats. But sunshine can be just as deadly. It may keep you nice and warm but it makes it hard to see the road and other vehicles as you drive.

Rider Training and Experience

New, untrained drivers tend to make common yet deadly mistakes such as:

• Not judging an oncoming vehicle’s path/speed properly
• Not signaling turns and lane changes in time
• Driving aggressively
• Not watching for distracted drivers and parked vehicles

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents happen. Even if you’re a good, safe driver. Know what to do ahead of time to avoid legal problems later on.

• Move off the road, if you can
• Take photo and video evidence
• Ask the police for a copy of the police report
• See a doctor to identify and document your injuries
• Follow your doctor’s advice. It helps you and shows the insurance agency your claim is genuine
• File a claim with your insurance company
• Call a lawyer from a reputable firm such as Ledger Law Firm to get expert counsel on your specific situation

Seek Legal Help Today

Ledger Law Los Angeles has expert lawyers on hand to handle any type of motorcycle accident claim.

We have a winning track record. Our lawyers are thorough and experienced. We can help you settle if you choose, or take your case to court to win a judgment.

Call us today if:

• You were hurt in a crash
• You’re accused of hurting someone in a crash
• You lost a close relative in a motorbike crash

Conclusion

Riding a motorbike can be fun. It can also be deadly. A small mistake or split-second decision (or lack of one) could put you in the hospital or the grave.

Be as careful as you can when driving. But remember, even cautious drivers can have bad luck.

Do you know a motorbike accident lawyer? If not, find someone. Keep the number handy. A good lawyer can help you:

• Collect and preserve evidence
• Find witnesses
• File your case
• Represent you in court and/or settlement negotiations