Summer Motorcycle Accidents in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties: Protecting Yourself on the Road and What to Do If Involved in a Crash
With the summer months bringing warm weather and clear skies, it’s no wonder that motorcycle riders in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are eager to hit the road and explore California’s stunning highways. Whether it’s a weekend ride along the Pacific Coast Highway or a casual trip through the Inland Empire, motorcycles give a feeling of freedom and a spark of adventure like really no other mode of transport can. But as much as riding in the summer can be great, it also brings with it some serious dangers for those on the road––especially motorcycle riders.
Summertime months typically see an increase in traffic, tourists, and season-specific road hazards. These three elements combine, leading to perilous motorcycle accidents. It’s imperative to know the dangers, how to stay safe, and what to do after a crash.
The Real Risks of Summer Riding in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties
While California’s warm summer days make it an ideal region for motorcycles, it also brings a surge in traffic and road hazards, increasing the challenges riders face. The season’s allure might draw you in as a rider, but know it also amplifies the risks riders face, with particular dangers becoming more prominent as temps climb.
Increase Traffic and Tourist Congestion
The sunny season means an influx of tourists to California and drivers unfamiliar with the terrain. While you’re enjoying the open road, there’s also an increase in traffic, especially on popular routes like Highway 1 and I-10. With more cars on the road, the chances for accidents grow, as drivers may not be aware of motorcyclists or fail to yield to the right of way. In busy areas like Riverside or San Bernardino, the heavy traffic can make maneuvering for bikes harder, leading to dangerous situations.
Road Construction and Poor Conditions
What is synonymous with summertime? It’s prime roadwork season. And what comes along with roadwork? Construction zones, potholes, gravel, workers, and debris can all be serious and unexpected hazards for motorcyclists. Even in areas like Big Bear, where roads are known for their scenic and winding paths, construction or road damage can result in loss of control and even loss of life for riders.
Higher Risk of Intoxicated Drivers
Summer fun means summer outdoor activities, parties, and holidays from Memorial Day, The Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend—the rest of the season, you can count on handfuls of BBQs and other gatherings. The result is an increase in impaired driving during these months. Drunk driving is a leading cause of motorcycle crashes, and as the social scene takes off this summer, so do the odds of encountering intoxicated drivers on the road.
Weather Conditions and Visibility
While California is blessed with sunny days, sudden weather changes can catch riders off guard, especially by the coast and on windy, narrow inland roads out of the valleys and into the mountains. Fog, rain, and wind can lessen visibility and make it more difficult to control your bike. Extreme heat, which is especially common in inland areas, can also lead to fatigue and dehydration, impairing reaction times and judgment.
How You Can Stay Safe During Summer Rides
Motorcycling can be treacherous under certain conditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce the chances of a calamity. Staying safe on the road is all about being prepared and staying vigilant. Some tips to keep in mind when riding in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties this summer include but are not limited to:
Always wear a California Division of Transportation-approved helmet and protective gear, including gloves, a jacket, reinforced pants, and boots. Proper gear will help you reduce the likelihood of injury if you’re involved in a collision. Another key safety step never to skip is staying visible to other drivers. You can easily accomplish this by wearing brighter clothing and using your bike’s headlights even during daylight. Always avoid riding in the driver’s blind spots and do not hang around or narrowly pass large transport trucks (which are not uncommon in the Inland Empire).
Furthermore, drive defensively by anticipating other drivers’ actions and maintaining a safe distance from other cars and trucks. If you’re riding in high traffic, like around Riverside or San Bernardino, be prepared for drivers to make sudden lane changes or follow you too closely. Be sure to also check your bike for maintenance before each and every ride. Make sure the tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels are in good condition to avoid any mechanical malfunctions or failure while you are on the road, vulnerable, and open to the elements. Of course, never drive while impaired by alcohol or under the influence of other substances. It is just as dangerous on a motorcycle as it is when driving a regular vehicle––if not more so, as you have less protection than when in a car. Impaired judgment can lead to poor decision-making, slower reaction times, and a greater potential for accidents. Be careful whenever lane splitting, as allowed and described under California Code VEH § 21658.1. While lane sharing is a permitted practice in California, you should always do so with extreme responsibility and caution. Try to stick to the far left lanes and avoid larger vehicles on the road or freeway.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
No matter how cautious you are, how prepared, how aware and thoughtful you are, an accident can still very well happen. If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, it is vital to take immediate action.
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Even if you feel fine, it’s critical to go and see a doctor. Only a physician can rule out any injuries. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, will not be apparent right away, and others, like whiplash, can take days to start surfacing. Prompt medical attention helps prevent further complications and starts your documentation of damages from the accident.
- Call for Law Enforcement: Always report the collision to the police. An official report helps document the accident and provides a pivotal record for the insurance companies, your claim, and any possible legal action down the road. Be sure to give an accurate account of what happened, do not admit to any fault or apologize for anything, and stick to the facts you are sure of.
- Gathering Evidence: If you can, take photographs of the scene, damage to your bike, and physically apparent injuries, including scratches, bruising, etc. Also, start collecting the contact info of any potential witnesses. These will be really useful when you are filing your insurance claim or working with your attorney.
- Contact Your Insurer: After you’ve gotten started with medical treatment and reported the crash, notify your insurance company about the accident. Be careful here, too, in terms of admitting any fault. The adjuster will always be looking to downplay the accident to help protect their bottom line, which is their money, and limit your payout.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal damage, and more. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle wreck, a skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate every angle and circumstance of the accident. They will dissect the crash report and medical records and evaluate all possible witness testimony to build you the strongest case possible for sufficient compensation. Insurance companies are again working to minimize the payout on any compensation. Your experienced San Bernardino attorney will know how to handle the negotiations and fight tirelessly to get you a fair and justified settlement offer. If a fair offer isn’t getting reached, they will pursue other legal action. Your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf, represent you in court, and safeguard your legal rights and compensation while allowing you to focus on your recovery.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact the skilled legal group at Moga Law Firm, located at 1010 N Euclid Ave, Upland, CA 91786, and serving San Bernardino and Riverside Counties for 25 years. Call 909-931-2444 to book your free and confidential consultation with an experienced and trusted California motorcycle accident attorney. We’ll help you understand your legal options and work to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, whether through a settlement or lawsuit.
Scot Thomas Moga, a dedicated attorney in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties who represents clients in the many types of personal injury, workers’ compensation and estate planning cases.
