Motor vehicle accidents, including car and motorcycle accidents, occur daily in the United States. Most motorcycle accidents occur because of a collision with a car, which means that many car and motorcycle accidents are, in fact, the same accident. However, the aftermath can look very different.
Both car and motorcycle accidents can cause significant bodily harm and injury that may call for an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer. However, the size and protective structure difference can mean dramatically different outcomes for motorcycle riders compared to car accident occupants. The state of California has various laws in place to protect anyone involved in a crash, but more is needed to correct the disparity in injuries between them.
Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
Multiple agencies track car accident injuries and fatalities. Among the most common are the National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA). The NHTSA is administered through the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the NCS will frequently pull data from the NHTSA.
In the most recent reporting year, the NSC reported around 86,000 motorcycle accident deaths and injuries. Motorcycle riders account for about 13% of the 46,980 deaths nationally and less than 1% of the over five million accidents with injuries that lead to a doctor’s consultation. Motorcycles only account for about 3% of total registered vehicles.
Looking at the numbers, it is clear that motorcycles are a minority on the road and shoulder far more than their equitable share of deaths. This fact becomes more evident when compared to the fatality percentage compared to the overall rate of injuries and accidents. The most significant difference between car and motorcycle accidents is the likelihood and severity of injury.
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Injuries in Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, frequently include cars. Therefore, the injuries we see tend to overlap. Some of the common injuries we may see in both types of accidents are:
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Spine Injury
- Wrongful death
Though many of the injuries are similar, motorcycle injuries tend to be more severe. While a fender bender may yield no injuries to car passengers, it could be life-threatening for the motorcycle involved, whether it hits the car or the car hits it. While a minor accident may inconvenience the passengers in the vehicle, it can still devastate a motorcycle.
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Causes of Car and Motorcycle Accidents
Many common causes of motorcycle and car accidents are due to driver negligence. The following behaviors can lead to careless mistakes or the inability to react quickly enough, causing an accident:
- Failing to check blind spots
- Speeding
- Violating traffic rules
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving
Lane splitting is a driving behavior that can cause unpredictable behavior with the motorcyclist, making it hard for cars to anticipate where the motorcycle will be. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) shows that lane splitting is when a motorcycle travels between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane. While the CHP confirms that lane splitting is legal, it can lead to motorcycles ending up in places people don’t expect, causing more accidents.
Accident Injury Prevention Initiatives
Accidents frequently mean injuries, but California has laws to minimize the risks.
For car accidents, they have a click-it or ticket campaign. Per the California Motorcycle Handbook, California law requires motorcycle riders to wear protective gear while riding.
Click-It-or-Ticket
California implemented Click-it-or-ticket in 2005, and seatbelt usage as of the most recent reporting year has hit 97% and has not been below 90% in almost ten years. The click-it-or-ticket website shows a 5% increase in seatbelt fidelity since the implementation. It further estimates that this initiative has saved about 15,000 lives in its most recent reporting year.
Helmet Laws
Helmet laws for motorcycles vary from state to state. Some states don’t require any protective gear, and others require a helmet and face protection. California requires a helmet with DOT certification, which meets specific safety standards. While they do not require protective wear on the face or body, the California motorcycle guidebook heavily suggests that riders utilize these precautions.
Motorcycle Injury Prevention
The California motorcycle handbook recommends wearing protective gear and provides more details on what that means. It suggests a few of the following:
- A jacket that covers your arms and fits snuggly
- Bright colors and reflective properties to increase visibility
- Denim jeans or leather chaps
- Shoes that have thick soles and provide ankle support
- DOT-approved helmet with appropriate fit
- A motorcycle that is the appropriate size for you
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Motorcycle Accidents and Car Accidents Are Different
Plenty of people are killed in car accidents, but the risk is more significant for motorcycles. As a motorcycle, it is easy to fall into the blind spots of vehicles or simply be missed because the driver isn’t paying adequate attention. While the legal burden may be on the car driver, the burden of being injured frequently falls on the motorcycle, meaning they must take additional precautions to decrease the chances of an accident.
If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, it may be beneficial to speak with an experienced car or motorcycle accident attorney. Even if you have concerns about your role in the accident, California has laws that may still make you eligible for compensation. Don’t leave your situation to chance; reach out for a free consultation if you have questions.
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