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

San Diego’s pleasant year-round weather and scenic coastal routes make it a hotspot for motorcyclists. However, its popularity with bikers increases the risk of serious or fatal crashes, especially on high-speed roadways like the I-5 and I-805.

Learn the top causes of motorcycle fatalities, common injuries, and how victims and families can seek legal help. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a crash, speak with a motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm today.

Key Takeaways:

• Speeding, reckless driving, and head trauma are leading causes of motorcycle accident deaths in San Diego.
• Alcohol, distracted driving, and road hazards also play significant roles in motorcycle collisions, especially on high-risk corridors like I-5 and I-805.
• San Diego ranked among the top five counties in California for motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries in 2022.
• Collisions with vehicles—often caused by left turns, lane changes, or failure to yield—are common fatal accident scenarios, worsened by motorcycles’ smaller size and lower visibility on the road.

Major Causes of Death in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents and motorcycle accident deaths in San Diego happen for many reasons, but several factors stand out as major contributors to fatalities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 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. Data from the National Motorcycle Safety Resource Guide reveals that 35% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding in 2022, significantly higher than the rates for passenger car drivers and truck drivers. Riders aged 21 to 24 had the highest speeding involvement at 51%.

Excessive speed makes it more difficult to:

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

Reckless behavior, like weaving through traffic or running red lights, further increases the risk. High-speed crashes often throw riders off their bikes, leading to fatal injuries. In 2024, there were 459 motorcycle fatalities statewide, 45 occurring in San Diego. Meanwhile, busy roads and congested traffic increase the risk of an accident. For instance, the I-5 in San Diego County was named one of the deadliest roads in the state.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs were involved in 36 out of the 128 fatal motorcycle crashes in the county between 2021 and 2023.

Distracted Driving

In 2021, 140 people died in distracted driving crashes in California. Drivers of passenger cars frequently fail to notice motorcyclists in blind spots or during turns. In addition, motorcyclists are at risk if they become distracted. A brief moment of inattention can lead to a serious or fatal crash.

Collisions With Other Vehicles

Many motorcycle fatalities happen 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 the following:

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

Due to their smaller size, motorcycles are often not seen by drivers, which raises the risk of deadly crashes.

Road Hazards and Poor Conditions

As of 2024, one in three roads in San Diego is in poor condition. As a result, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of colliding with uneven surfaces or objects that can cause a serious accident.

Common Fatal Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are more exposed to impacts than others on the road, so even low-speed collisions can be deadly. The most common fatal injuries include:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs: 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.

In 2023, 56 motorcyclists died in crashes in San Diego County, according to the University of California, Berkeley.

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 are avoidable, safety precautions can prevent many fatalities. 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
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