Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in California (2025)

California’s scenic coastline presents ample opportunities for motorcyclists to take in the sun and fresh air. However, the traffic-heavy area can present many challenges for motorcyclists, and accidents aren’t uncommon. Explore the most common motorcycle accident injuries in California and learn about what you can do to protect your health and rights after a crash.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have a protective metal frame, seatbelts, or airbags for passengers. When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle or object, the rider’s body is often exposed to direct impact. Even low-speed accidents can result in serious injuries or long-term disabilities.

California’s year-round riding weather, mixed with the heavy traffic, can make for congested riding for motorcycles. These vehicles are smaller and more easily missed by drivers. Many crashes also involve excessive speed, either by the motorcyclist or another driver. Speed was a factor in 35% of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2022.

In addition, lane splitting is legal in California. If this tactic is not executed properly, it can result in catastrophic accidents.

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries in California include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Despite California’s helmet laws, head injuries remain among the most serious injuries from motorcycle accidents. Some types of brain injuries can include concussions, skull fractures, or hematomas. Victims may experience memory loss, loss of consciousness, or confusion. Headaches, nausea, and blurred vision are also reported.

Even with a helmet, the brain can sustain trauma from the violent motion of the crash. Traumatic brain injuries require long-term care and can lead to permanent cognitive or physical disability.

A Department of Transportation study revealed that helmets are 67% effective at protecting against brain injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Motorcycle crashes often involve violent impacts that can cause a twisting of the spine. Injuries may manifest as herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are often permanent, requiring lifelong care for the victim.

Physical therapy, assistive devices, and counseling are common, but recovery is often limited.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones are common and can occur in almost any part of the body. Arms and wrists can fracture from trying to break your fall, and side-impact crashes often result in broken legs and ankles. Facial fractures are also possible when a full-face helmet is not used.

Many fractures require surgery, metal plates, or screws. Recovery can take a long time and come with limited mobility or chronic pain.

Road Rash

Road rash is very common in motorcycle accidents. This occurs when skin is scraped along the pavement or another rough surface. The severity can vary from minor scrapes to the exposure of muscle or bone. The severity is broken down by degree:

• First-degree. Superficial redness and discomfort are the main results of these injuries.
• Second-degree. Broken skin with bleeding or weeping can occur.
• Third-degree. Deep wounds, nerve damage, and risk of infection are possible.

Severe road rash may require skin grafts, plastic surgery, or extensive wound care. High-quality riding gear, such as armored jackets and gloves, can minimize road rash in an accident.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are dangerous because you may not notice them right away, or they may not be visible to the naked eye. Blunt-force trauma from hitting the ground or another vehicle can damage any of your internal organs, causing bleeding or ruptures. Without prompt medical care, internal injuries can be fatal. Always seek emergency treatment after a crash, even if you feel fine.

Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma

Riders who wear open-face helmets or no helmet at all are vulnerable to severe facial trauma, such as:

• Broken nose or jaw
• Eye injuries or loss of vision
• Dental trauma
• Facial disfigurement and scarring

These injuries often need reconstructive surgery and can cause long-term psychological effects.

FAQs

What Is the Most Common Injury in a Motorcycle Crash?

The most common injury in motorcycle crashes is road rash, which occurs when the skin scrapes against pavement during a fall. More severe injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage, are also quite common. Protective gear can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk. Because motorcycles provide no external protection, accidents can cause severe trauma, even at low speeds.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in California?

Motorcycle accidents are relatively common in California because of the large number of riders. The state offers beautiful coastal rides that attract cyclists. In 2022, California ranked second in the U.S. for the most motorcycle accident deaths. Accidents occur for many reasons, including lane splitting, speeding, and driver inattention. Riders should use proper safety gear and practice defensive driving strategies to reduce the risk of an accident.

What Part of the Body Is Most Affected in Motorcycle Accidents?

In motorcycle accidents, the lower extremities, especially the legs and feet, are often the most injured body parts. These areas are exposed and vulnerable during crashes and susceptible to breakage, soft tissue injuries, and road rash. The head is another prevalent area for injury, especially if a helmet isn’t worn. On a motorcycle, a head injury without a helmet could be fatal. Protective gear, such as armored boots, gloves, and jackets, in addition to helmets, can reduce the risk of injury.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

Hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle accident is important. Motorcycle accidents often come with devastating injuries and complex insurance claims. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to get you a strong settlement that meets your financial needs. Without legal guidance, you may accept a settlement far below what you need to recover.

Contact a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The skilled California motorcycle accident lawyers of Corrales Law Group can advocate for your rights and recover the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident. Our team knows how to investigate accidents, deal with insurance companies, and build strong cases on behalf of injured riders.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your legal options. We can then begin building your case to recover compensation for all you’ve lost.