Dangerous Motorcycle Accidents in Southern California

Borrego Springs and San Diego Motorcycle Crashes

Last Friday, a Ranchita man was involved in a dangerous one-vehicle motorcycle accident when he lost control of his bike near Palm Canyon Drive, according to an article in U-T San Diego. The driver is 62 years old. How did the accident happen? Reports indicate that he had been driving his Harley Davidson motorcycle on Montezuma Valley Road when he hit a curve, which caused him to lose control of his bike. According to the newspaper, he was taken to a hospital in Palm Desert by a medical transport helicopter.

A California Highway Patrol Officer at the scene explained that the victim’s motorcycle “veered across both lanes and overturned.” The motorcyclist is listed as having sustained “major injuries.”

This recent motorcycle accident isn’t the only one to make news in Southern California. Indeed, just last month, a 21-year-old motorcyclist died in a crash on the I-805, according to a report from NBC San Diego. According to the article, the accident occurred during the evening commute, just before 4 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers indicated that the driver had been moving “at a high speed” when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a tow truck.

Officials at the scene told NBC San Diego that the young motorcyclist was “ejected from his bike and into the path of the oncoming tow truck,” which couldn’t avoid striking him. Reports indicated that the motorcyclist died at the scene of the crash. The county medical examiner later confirmed that the victim had been an active-duty sailor who was stationed aboard a ship docked in the San Diego area.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a serious motorcycle accident? You may be eligible to seek financial compensation for your injuries. These crashes are often fatal, and it’s important to have an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle fatalities unfortunately occur with some frequency in California. In fact, according to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, the number of fatal crashes increased by 175 percent between 1998 and 2008. These numbers are particularly concerning since California actually reduced its number of motorcycle fatalities and severe injuries during the previous decade. What’s going on?

Statistics suggest that age might be a predictor of serious motorcycle accidents. According to the California Highway Patrol, “several groups of riders are over represented, compared to their presence within the motorcycle riding population.” For instance, riders aged 15-24 only represent 10 percent of all motorcycle riders, yet riders in this age group account for 22-26 percent of all motorcycle fatalities. Another predictor is gender: male riders account for 90 percent of all fatalities in California.

Motorcycle safety is very important in our state. There’s already a California Motorcyclist Safety Program in place that seeks to properly train motorcycle riders. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide important safety tips to stay safe while you’re on your bike:

• Wear a DOT-approved helmet;
• Never drive your motorcycle while you’re under the influence;
• Don’t let your friends ride if they’ve been drinking;
• Always wear protective clothing;
• Don’t tailgate;
• Ride at a safe speed;
• Be especially cautious on rough or slippery surfaces.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to speak to an experienced injury lawyer. Contact a San Diego motorcycle accident attorney at the Walton Law Firm today to discuss your case.

Photo Credit: Paco CT via Compfight cc

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