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How to Avoid the Three Most Common California Motorcycle Accidents

With California motorcycle fatalities remaining high well into August 2020, our Stockton personal injury attorneys are dedicated to providing the resources our community needs to stay safe on our California roadways.

While everyone knows riding a motorcycle can be an extremely dangerous mode of transportation, it is also an efficient one for our California residents. Even while riders use their focus to avoid potential auto accidents, California remains at the top of the list of states with the most motorcycle collisions each year in the U.S.

To follow are some of the most common types of motorcycle crashes in San Joaquin County and what passenger vehicle drivers can do to avoid them.

Stockton, California Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Left Turning Cars

The most common motorcycle accidents, accounting for over 40% of all vehicle and motorcycle collisions, occurs when a passenger vehicle driver makes a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist.

This dangerous situation happens most when the car strikes the rider when he or she is going straight through an intersection or when passing the car.

To avoid these dangerous collisions, drivers should never turn in front of a motorcyclist. It only takes a few seconds to allow the rider to proceed through the intersection, like you would another car, to avoid a potentially deadly accident.

Stockton Accidents that Occur When Drivers Overtake the Motorcyclist’s Lane

Motorcyclists are easily obstructed in the blind spots of passenger vehicle drivers. When this danger is combined with drivers who are distracted, speeding or failing to obey traffic signs and signals, they can place the motorcyclist in grave danger.

When you begin to merge into another lane, it is important to check your blind spots and never try to overpower the motorcyclist, simply because you are in a larger, more protected vehicle.

It is also important to never text and drive or participate in other distracting activities while behind the wheel. Paying attention to the task of driving can save your life that of a motorcyclist.

Head-On Motorcycle Collisions Are All-Too Common in Stockton, California

Crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle account for 56% of deaths from motorcycle accidents.

Nearly 80% of the time, these collisions occur when the vehicle strikes the motorcycle head-on.

Head-on collisions between a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle are often fatal for the motorcyclist, as the force and speed of the vehicles colliding can send the rider away from the bike, crashing onto the road.

While protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and other riding gear can help protect the rider during collisions, these abrupt stops increase the rider’s chance of suffering serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury or can even be fatal.

Head-on motorcycle collisions are often the result of a driver veering into an oncoming lane or driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Avoiding head-on collisions with motorcyclists requires drivers to pay attention every moment they are behind the wheel.

Have You Been Injured in a Stockton, California Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident with a negligent driver, contact our Stockton, California personal injury lawyers at Redkey Gordon Law Corp today by calling (209) 267-1685 to schedule a free consultation. We will review the details of your motorcycle accident and fully outline your legal options, so together we can pursue the negligent party who caused your injuries for the financial recovery you deserve.