What Is a Major Cause of Death in Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego?

Motorcycle accidents in San Diego can instantly turn lives upside down—causing devastating injuries or fatality, especially when safety measures are ignored. These aren’t just statistics—they represent real people and families whose lives have been forever changed. A crash often leads to medical bills, emotional stress, and ongoing financial challenges.

At The Barnes Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these crashes can be—and we know families are often left asking, What went wrong? Who’s responsible? Could it have been prevented? In many cases, the answer starts with understanding what is a major cause of death in motorcycle accidents, and what safety steps and legal rights may be involved in preventing similar outcomes.

Major Causes of Death in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents in San Diego can happen for many reasons, but several key factors stand out as major contributors to fatalities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), serious head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Below, we explore the most common causes behind these fatal crashes.

Speeding and reckless driving

Speeding is a leading factor in fatal motorcycle crashes. In fact, data from the National Motorcycle Safety Resource Guide reveals that 35% of riders involved in deadly accidents in 2022 were speeding.

Excessive speed makes it harder to:

• React to road hazards
• Stop in time to avoid collisions
• Maintain control of the motorcycle

Reckless behaviors like weaving through traffic or running red lights further raise the risk. High-speed crashes often throw riders from their bikes, leading to fatal injuries.

Alcohol and drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and reduces coordination. Unfortunately, many fatal motorcycle crashes in San Diego involve intoxicated riders or other drivers.

Alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities often occur at night or on weekends. The combination of impaired judgment and poor visibility makes these rides even more dangerous.

Distracted driving

Distractions from phones, GPS, or other devices can be deadly. Drivers in passenger vehicles often fail to notice motorcyclists in blind spots or when turning.

Motorcyclists are also at risk if they become distracted. Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to a serious or fatal crash.

Collisions with other vehicles

Many motorcycle fatalities occur when a vehicle turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, especially at intersections where drivers fail to yield or misjudge a rider’s speed.

Common scenarios include:

• Left-turn accidents
• Lane changes without signaling
• Rear-end collisions at stoplights

Because of their smaller size, motorcycles are often overlooked by other vehicles, increasing the risk of deadly crashes.

Road hazards and poor conditions

Debris, potholes, uneven pavement, and poor lighting contribute to fatal motorcycle crashes. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack the stability to handle these hazards at high speeds.

Weather also plays a role—wet or slippery roads reduce traction and make it harder to brake or corner safely.

Common Fatal Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are more exposed than other drivers, which is why even low-speed collisions can be deadly. The most common fatal injuries include:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These injuries occur when a rider is thrown from the motorcycle and strikes the ground or another object. Helmets reduce the risk but do not eliminate it.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to permanent paralysis or death, especially in high-force impacts or rollovers.
• Internal injuries and severe bleeding: Organ damage and internal bleeding can be fatal if not treated immediately. In many cases, victims die before help arrives due to the severity of internal trauma.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in San Diego

Motorcycle accidents in San Diego reflect broader national and state trends. According to the 2024 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts on Motorcycle Safety, California reported 4,428 total motor vehicle fatalities in 2022. Of those, 14%—or 634 fatalities—were motorcyclists, which highlights the disproportionate impact on riders compared to other road users. Nationwide, 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities involved motorcyclists, reinforcing how vulnerable riders are in crashes involving other vehicles.

In San Diego:

• In 2022, there were 50 motorcyclist fatalities, placing the county among the top five in California for fatal motorcycle crashes.
• That same year, San Diego ranked #2 in California for serious motorcycle-related injuries, with 348 reported cases—second only to Los Angeles.
• These incidents commonly occurred on high-speed corridors such as I-5, I-805, and SR-94, where traffic congestion and limited visibility add to the danger.

California continues to be one of the states with the highest number of motorcycle-related fatalities.

How to Help Prevent a Motorcycle Accident

While not all accidents can be avoided, many fatalities can be prevented with safety steps. Whether you’re a rider or a driver, here are ways to lower risk:

For motorcycle riders:

• Wear a DOT-approved helmet
• Use reflective gear and always keep your lights on
• Take a certified motorcycle safety course
• Never ride under the influence or while tired
• Stay out of blind spots and use hand signals

For drivers sharing the road:

• Always look twice for motorcycles at intersections
• Leave extra space when following motorcycles
• Put distractions away while driving
• Yield when turning

Infrastructure and road safety improvements can also help:

• Fix road hazards quickly
• Improve signage at intersections
• Lower speed limits in high-risk zones

Get help from a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

A serious motorcycle crash can instantly disrupt your life. Afterward, understanding your rights becomes essential. Valuable evidence can disappear quickly, and dealing with insurance companies can be complicated.

The experienced attorneys at The Barnes Firm are here to help riders and families explore their options for pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Call (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation. We’re here to help.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes