Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont represents motorcycle accident victims throughout the area. While there are certain risks that come with riding your motorcycle in Fremont, the available data can provide a much clearer picture of how impactful an accident can be. Even with these risks, you also have legal options when you’re hurt. Our Fremont motorcycle accidents can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Fremont?
There’s a lot that goes into any motorcycle accident. But in order to better understand the issue, you have to look at the statistics behind motorcycle accidents. The California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) and Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) compile and publish this data, taken from reports of accidents. In terms of Fremont itself, it’s much like other areas of California in that its an almost ideal environment for motorcycle riding. Unfortunately, though, this leads to a number of accidents annually.
According to the 2023 SWIRTS data, Fremont had:
- 54 motorcycle accidents that resulted in either a fatality or serious injury.
Over the last five years, in fact, the city has averaged nearly 59 motorcycle accidents a year. Broken down, this equals out to the following number of accidents per year:
- 2019 – 91
- 2020 – 59
- 2021 – 48
- 2022 – 42
- 2023 – 54
Given these numbers, it’s not all that surprising that motorcycle accidents are so damaging. This is especially true when you consider that they offer much less protection than a normal vehicle. Then, when you factor in that many of the causes of accidents are beyond your control as a motorcycle rider, it’s even more telling.
What Are the Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Fremont?
One of the most frustrating things about a motorcycle accident is that you can do everything you’re supposed to and still end up getting seriously hurt because a driver (or someone else) didn’t do what they were supposed to do.
According to TIMS, the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in Fremont over the previous year were:
- Speeding – 17
- Improper turning – 11
- Not giving right of way – 9
- Unsafe lane changes – 5
Again, it’s incredibly frustrating to be in a motorcycle accident when you didn’t actually contribute. But this is an unfortunate part of sharing the road while riding a motorcycle. The reality is, it’s much smaller and more difficult for drivers to account for. At the same time, these actions also account for “negligence”, which is the determining factor in whether or not someone is legally responsible for covering your injuries and other damages from the accident.
Are There More Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Fremont?
Not only are there numerous causes of motorcycle accidents in Fremont, but several different types of accidents you could be involved in. And no matter what type it is, you’re probably going to come out on the worst end of things as a motorcycle rider.
TIMS data found that the most common type of motorcycle accident that was reported in Fremont over the past five years was:
- Sideswipes, at over 28% (83) of the 296 total motorcycle accidents.
It’s not difficult to see why there are so many sideswipes. A motorcycle has a much lower profile than a normal vehicle, and often rides right in a driver’s blind spot. Still, it’s not the only type of motorcycle accident that can happen to you. The data found that the following were the most common types of motorcycle accidents in Fremont during the time period:
- Sideswipe – 83
- Rear End – 65
- Broadside – 58
- Overturned – 43
- Hit an object – 26
- Head-On – 9
With so many different types of motorcycle accidents, the question then becomes: can you do anything to avoid them? Again, there’s not a lot you can do to account for the actions of other drivers, but as a rider, there’s a few things you can do to at least reduce the chances of an accident:
- Always wear a helmet and protective gear like leather jackets, pants, gloves, and boots.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and use headlights and turn signals to make sure other drivers can see you.
- Follow traffic rules, including speed limits and using turn signals.
- Stay focused and watch out for possible dangers. Be ready to act if needed, like avoiding cars turning in front of you.
- Keep your motorcycle well-maintained by checking tires, brakes, lights, and fluids regularly.
- Take a motorcycle safety course to improve your skills and learn how to ride defensively.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Who is Most At Risk For a Motorcycle Accident in Fremont?
You might be surprised to learn that motorcycle riding is fairly popular across age groups and genders in Fremont. Although it’s more popular among men, there’s plenty of women who have also been involved in accidents.
A more telling statistic, though, is looking at the age groups. TIMS data found that the age breakdown for motorcycle accidents over the last five years in Fremont showed the following:
- Ages 20 – 24 – 32
- Ages 25 – 29 – 68
- Ages 30 – 34 – 48
- Ages 35 – 39 – 48
- Ages 40 – 44 – 31
- Ages 45 – 49 – 27
- Ages 50 – 54 – 18
- Ages 55 – 59 – 17
- Ages 60 – 64 – 14
- Ages 65 – 69 – 4
Not surprisingly, the ages of motorcycle accident victims skew younger. And while that doesn’t necessarily preclude them from being in an accident, it’s important to respond in the right way–regardless of your age or experience level. So, if you’re in motorcycle accident make sure to:
- Get medical attention right away by calling an ambulance
- Also call the Fremont Police Department or Alameda County Sheriff to report the accident
- Gather evidence and exchange insurance information with anyone else involved
- Don’t repair your motorcycle or damaged property right away
Even with these steps, filing an injury claim can be challenging. However, by working with our experienced Fremont motorcycle accident lawyers, it can make things a bit easier.
Help From Experienced Fremont Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont, we understand how difficult it is to go through a motorcycle accident. Whether you’re facing severe injuries, lost income at work, or changes to your overall quality of life, we’ll be there to help. Our experienced Fremont motorcycle accident lawyers will investigate what happened, explain your rights, then guide you through the legal process to make a recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.