Thursday, April 4, 2024, around 5:30 am, a motorcyclist crashed on San Diego’s westbound state Route 94, near Kelton Road in the Oak Park neighborhood. The rider was struck by several vehicles after crashing and died on scene shortly after. The identity of the motorcyclist remains undisclosed.
Motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injuries and fatalities are unfortunately common in California, with an annual average of more than 12,000 instances, according to data collected by the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Among the state’s 58 counties, San Deigo County stands out, ranking second only to Los Angeles County for the highest number of motorcycle accidents leading to severe injury and/or death. When looking at motorcycle accidents resulting in death, San Diego ranks third, behind Los Angeles and San Bernadino Counties.
What Factors Contribute To Causing Motorcycle Accidents?
Riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than traveling in a vehicle, mainly due to the lack of protective barriers around the rider. This leaves motorcycle riders more vulnerable to the impacts and injuries that may occur in the event of a crash. Many factors can contribute to the cause of a motorcycle accident, including:
- Poor road conditions: things like potholes, gravel, oil spills, or uneven surfaces can cause motorcyclists to lose control and crash
- Weather conditions: inclement weather conditions like rain or high winds can reduce visibility, inhibit traction, and increase the risk of accidents
- Mechanical failures: mechanical issues or failures, like bake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems can cause accidents
- Visibility obstructions: large vehicles and poor weather conditions can obstruct the motorcyclists’ view making it difficult to anticipate, spot, and react to hazards on the road
- Loss of control: abrupt maneuvers, excessive speed, or sudden braking can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike and crash
- Distracted driving: on behalf of the rider or other drivers, can cause them to be unaware of their surroundings, make poor decisions, and not see what is going on around them
- Other vehicles: often, other drivers do not see motorcycles, don’t check for them, or misjudge their distance and will change lanes or turn in front of motorcyclists and cause an accident
Because riding a motorcycle is much more dangerous than traveling in a car or other vehicle, it is important that both riders and drivers maneuver the road with care and respect to avoid causing an accident that could have been prevented. “I’ve seen how devastating motorcycle accidents can be and how difficult the aftermath can be for families who lose their loved one,” says Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber, “It is the responsibility of both drivers and riders to travel carefully and work together to prevent accidents. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, an attorney may be able to help you.”
Legal Recourse After A Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident or tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, it is important to hire a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Navigating the aftermath of a crash can be difficult, emotionally, financially, and physically, without the added stress of navigating the legal system. When you work with an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorney, they will be able to help you gather the evidence you need, properly file, and build a strong claim.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, call (619) 771-3473 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com to learn more about your options.
