California is home to more motorcycles than any other state in the country. With year-round riding weather and thousands of miles of highways, motorcycling is a way of life for many residents. Unfortunately, it also comes with one of the highest risks of injury and death on the road.
Here are 20 key motorcycle accident statistics in California for 2025 that every rider and driver should know.
General Motorcycle Data
- California has more than 800,000 registered motorcycles, the highest in the U.S. (Source: https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/collision-data/)
- On average, 500–550 motorcyclists die each year in California traffic crashes.
- Motorcycle deaths account for about 14% of all traffic fatalities in the state.
- Nationally, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash compared to passenger car occupants.
Location & Risk Factors
- Los Angeles County has the highest number of motorcycle accidents in California.
- Urban freeways like the I-5, I-405, and US-101 are the most dangerous for riders.
- About 60% of fatal motorcycle crashes occur on non-interstate roads.
- Nighttime riding increases the risk of a fatal crash by nearly 30%.
Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
- Speeding contributes to nearly one-third of fatal motorcycle crashes.
- Alcohol impairment is involved in about 25% of rider deaths. (Data reference: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles)
- Distracted drivers are responsible for a large share of multi-vehicle collisions with motorcycles.
- Lane-splitting, while legal in California, is linked to a significant percentage of rider collisions, usually when cars fail to check blind spots.
Injuries & Health Consequences
- More than 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death.
- Head injuries remain the leading cause of fatal outcomes. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head trauma by 69% and the risk of death by 37%. (Health data: https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/motorcycle/index.html)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis are among the most devastating non-fatal outcomes.
- Lower-extremity injuries (legs, knees, and feet) are the most common serious injuries in survivable crashes.
Trends & Legal Context
Final Thoughts
Motorcycling in California comes with unmatched freedom but also steep risks. The statistics prove that riders remain one of the most vulnerable groups on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, Hillstone Law is here to fight for your rights and help secure the compensation you need to recover.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
