California Motorcycle Accident Statistics [2025 Updated]

Motorcycles are popular in California, but there is little room to deny the fact that they are inherently more dangerous than passenger vehicles when it comes to the risk of injury or death from an accident. California motorcycle accident statistics from various sources show that motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. It’s important to review these statistics to understand the risks you face while riding.

Important California Motorcycle Accident Statistics You Should Know

At Duque & Price, our firm regularly helps injured accident victims recover, assisting them with filing auto insurance claims and proving liability for personal injuries. We believe all riders of all experience levels not only need to know what to do after an accident but also acknowledge the risks they face when an accident happens.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported that motorcycle accident fatalities increased about 3% from 2020 to 2021. In 2020, there were 549 motorcycle accident fatalities recorded, and this increased to 565 in 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, fatalities from not wearing a helmet increased 9%, from 34 to 37.

The National Safety Council reported that in 2022, California had the second-highest statewide motorcycle accident fatality count in the country, with 634 deaths. Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most commonly cited fatal injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes throughout California each year.

The University of California Berkeley recently published findings concerning motorcycle accidents throughout California in 2023:

• During 2023, motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all vehicle accident deaths nationwide and 13% of all vehicle accident deaths in California.
• There was a nearly 19% increase in alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes between 2020 and 2021.
• Los Angeles County reported the highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities in 2021, with 120 deaths, followed by San Bernardino County with 47 deaths and San Diego County with 41 deaths.
• Los Angeles County also reported the highest motorcycle accident injuries in 2021, with 821 injuries, followed by San Diego County with 319 injuries, and San Bernardino County with 230 injuries.

These statistics help to inform California riders of the risks they potentially face on the road. Accidents happen in many ways, often unexpectedly, and it is vital for all riders to acknowledge these risks and know what to do if they are hurt in an accident.

Resolving a Motorcycle Accident Case in California

California uses a fault-based system to resolve all vehicle accident cases, meaning the driver at fault is liable for the resulting damages. If you believe another motorist caused your recent motorcycle accident, an experienced attorney can help you prove liability and hold the at-fault driver accountable for the damages they caused.

Recovering from any vehicle accident in California usually begins with a vehicle insurance claim against the at-fault driver. Every driver in California is required to have auto insurance that includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. It’s a good idea to have an attorney help you file your claim, as most insurance companies will do everything they can to try and settle a claim for as little as possible.

You may need to file a personal injury case to recover your losses, and you will need an experienced attorney’s help to succeed with this case. If you succeed, you could potentially recover compensation for medical expenses, property losses, lost income, and your pain and suffering. California motorcycle accident statistics can help you understand the risks you face on the road, and the right attorney can help you recover after an accident.

FAQs

Q: How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in California?

A: When it comes to how common motorcycle accidents are in California, there are fewer motorcycle accidents than car accidents reported each year, simply due to the fact that there are far fewer motorcycles on the road than passenger cars. The risk of an accident is statistically higher on a motorcycle for several reasons, and the risk of an accident resulting in a serious injury is also statistically higher.

Q: How Likely Are You to Die in a Motorcycle Accident?

A: Unfortunately, a rider is more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than they would be to die in a passenger car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motorcycle accident is 22 times more likely to result in a fatal injury than a car accident. Motorcycles provide no physical protection to a rider in a collision, and even the highest quality safety gear can only mitigate injuries, not prevent them entirely.

Q: What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in California?

A: The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident in California, if you are able to do so, is call 911 to report the accident. You should seek medical care immediately and then reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at your first opportunity. An experienced lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to prove liability for the accident, and they can assist you with claiming compensation for your damages.

Q: What Are the Most Commonly Reported Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

A: Some of the most commonly reported motorcycle accident injuries include broken bones, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and friction burns from sliding on the road surface, commonly referred to as road rash. Many motorcycle accident victims suffer multiple serious injuries and will require extensive medical care and ongoing rehabilitative treatment to reach maximum medical recovery.

Q: How Much Compensation Can You Claim for a Motorcycle Accident in California?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a motorcycle accident in California will depend on the severe nature of your damages. If you can prove another party is directly responsible for causing the accident, you can potentially recover compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you suffered. An experienced attorney can help you maximize your compensation.

The attorneys at Duque & Price can help you navigate the complex legal issues you are likely to face in the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident. Our goal for every client is maximum recovery, so if you believe another party is responsible for causing your recent motorcycle accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

From humble beginnings and son of hard-working immigrant parents, Brent Duque was raised in La Puente, California. After graduating from West Covina High School and Mt. San Antonio College, Mr. Duque went on to graduate from Cal State University Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Mr. Duque did his graduate studies in Education and Public Administration at California Polytechnic University Pomona. After working for other firms, Mr. Duque knew that if he opened his own firm, he could provide more aggressive representation, better communication with clients, and secure larger settlements and verdicts for his clients. In 2006, he started his firm and has had a remarkable and successful career that he attributes to his firm’s aggressive and relentless pursuit of justice for his clients. As owner and managing attorney of the firm, Mr. Duque has fought for and secured millions of dollars for his clients.

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