Motorcycle vs. Car Accident Statistics in California

For those of us living in Southern California, having a car, motorcycle, or any other means of transportation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With the enormous number of people commuting daily through cities like Los Angeles, Santa Ana, or San Bernardino, it’s (unfortunately) natural for accidents to occur almost daily. In this article, we explore motorcycle vs. car accident statistics to highlight key trends and provide insight into these incidents’ likelihood.

If you’ve been involved in an accident or suffered a personal injury and are looking for an “accident lawyer near me,” My Lawyer Mark has offices in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Kern, Sacramento, Ventura, and Imperial counties. Call us at (866) 721-5808 for a free consultation.

Motorcycle vs. Car Accident Statistics in California 2017–2023

Motorcycle Accidents

• In 2022, there were 10,597 motorcycle accidents in California.
• These accidents resulted in 8,632 injuries and 532 fatalities.
• Male motorcyclists accounted for the majority of accident victims.
• The 25–34 age group experienced the highest number of motorcycle fatalities.
• Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco reported the highest numbers of motorcycle accidents in the state.
• Between 2018 and 2019, injuries from motorcycle accidents in the U.S. increased from an estimated 82,000 victims to 84,000 victims.
• Nationwide motorcycle fatalities have exceeded 5,000 annually since 2015.
• California reported the second-highest number of motorcycle accident deaths in 2020 in the U.S.
• In 2019, motorcyclists were approximately 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and 4 times more likely to be injured in the U.S.
• TIMS recorded over 3,000 motorcycle-related injuries in Los Angeles County in 2021.
• Motorcycle crashes in Santa Clara County left 277 people injured in 2021.
• Fresno County reported around 235 motorcycle-related injuries in 2021.
• Approximately 6% of all motorcyclist fatalities in California in 2019 involved riders not wearing helmets.

Major Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Head-On Collisions

The majority of motorcycle fatalities result from head-on collisions, often involving cars or trucks hitting motorcycles at intersections. These crashes often occur when drivers run red lights.

Depending on vehicle speed and collision angle, outcomes may range from whiplash to severe injuries or fatalities for the motorcyclist and/or passenger.

Substance Use

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. These substances impair judgment, vision, and reaction time, creating significant risks for other drivers—particularly motorcyclists, who are less visible due to their smaller size.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, or riding between rows of stopped or moving vehicles, became legal in California in 2017. Opinions on its safety are divided:

1. Proximity to larger vehicles.
2. Limited maneuvering space for motorcyclists.
3. Unanticipated lane changes by cars or trucks.

Poor Road Conditions

Uneven surfaces, potholes, wet pavement, cracks, or even wet leaves pose greater risks for motorcycles, which offer less stability than cars. If poor road maintenance caused the accident, the rider might hold the city, municipality, or state accountable in a personal injury case.

If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer can be crucial in securing the maximum settlement. Navigating these claims without legal assistance risks receiving less compensation than you deserve.

Car Accidents

• In 2017, 3,904 people died in 3,582 crashes, with an 8% chance of more than one fatality per crash.
• That same year, 277,160 people were injured in 193,564 accidents, averaging 1.43 injuries per crash.
• California recorded 3,259 auto accident fatalities in 2018, about 10% of the U.S. total.
• Despite these numbers, 15 states have higher traffic fatality rates than California, primarily due to lower populations.
• The national average fatality rate for all crashes is below 1%, while California’s rate is between 1% and 2%.
• Traffic fatalities decreased by over 5% from 2018 to 2019 (from 3,798 to 3,606).
• Fatalities in alcohol-related crashes decreased by 4.5%.
• Half of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019 tested positive for drugs, an 8% increase from 2018.
• Deaths involving improperly restrained victims declined by over 2% between 2018 and 2019, accounting for about 625 deaths annually.

Major Causes of Car Accidents

Poor Weather Conditions

While most crashes result from driver error, adverse weather contributes to thousands of collisions annually. Rain, snow, fog, or slick roads impair vehicle control and visibility.

Negligent Driving

Ignoring traffic laws, such as failing to signal, running red lights, or making illegal turns, poses risks to all road users.

Speeding

Exceeding speed limits increases collision likelihood and reduces reaction time. Simply adhering to speed limits can help prevent injuries and fatalities.

Driving Under the Influence

In 2013, 10,076 people died in alcohol-related crashes—one death every 52 minutes.

Distracted Driving

Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio are common distractions. In 2012, 421,000 people were injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers.

Which Is More Dangerous in California: Driving a Car or Riding a Motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle is significantly more dangerous than driving a car in California. Motorcyclists face a higher risk of severe or fatal accidents due to less protection, reduced visibility, and greater susceptibility to road hazards.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled. While car accidents are more common, motorcycle accidents are far more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities.

If you’ve been injured in a car or motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation. It’s unfair to bear the financial and physical burden caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact My Lawyer Mark for a free consultation at (866) 845-1350.