California Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Trends 2025–2026

California has a rich history as a hub for motorcycling — it boasts the highest number of motorcyclists of any state, with over 936,000 registered bikes. However, this popularity comes with a stark reality: California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of motorcycle-related deaths, with over 10% of all U.S. motorcyclist fatalities.

Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Cohen & Marzban delve into the latest California motorcycle accident statistics, shedding light on the realities riders confront.

California Motorcycle Accidents Overview

Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles, California, are a serious concern for the city. The sobering statistics reveal a significant number of fatal accidents involving motorcycles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,335 motorcyclists were killed nationwide in 2023, including 583 in California. If you're wondering how many motorcycle deaths per year in California occur, this figure reflects a slight decrease from 598 in 2022, though national fatalities have increased 13.5% since 2020.

Motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all U.S. traffic fatalities in 2023, despite making up only a small share of registered vehicles. In California, the motorcycle fatality rate was 66.57 per 100,000 registered motorcycles in 2023, down slightly from 68.05 the year before.

Here are some statistics about fatal crashes involving motorcycles:

• 36% of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes were speeding, up from 33% in 2022.
• 26% of motorcyclists killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, with another 7% testing between 0.01 and 0.07 BAC.
• 46% of motorcycle fatalities occurred on weekends, slightly up from 45% in 2022.
• The average age of riders killed in 2023 was 41 years old.
• Riders aged 21–24 had the highest rate of speeding involvement in fatal crashes (54%).
• 65% of fatally injured riders in the U.S. were wearing helmets, with California showing a much higher rate of 94% helmeted use among rider fatalities.
• Based on preliminary 2025 data, California experienced a 2.4% reduction in overall traffic fatalities compared to 2024. While this slight decline may hint at improved road safety, the number of motorcycle-related deaths continues to remain alarmingly high.

California Motorcycle Fatality Rates 2012–2023

California Motorcycle Injury Rates 2012–2023

California vs. U.S. Motorcycle Fatality Rates

Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous traffic incidents, often resulting in fatal injuries due to the rider’s limited protection. California consistently reports some of the most motorcycle accidents in the nation, making it a critical state to examine when analyzing national traffic safety trends. By comparing fatal motorcycle crash data from California with nationwide statistics between 2020 and 2023, we can better understand where the risks are highest and how they’ve evolved over time.

Passenger Car vs. Motorcycle Accident Rates

Motorcyclists continue to face significantly higher risks on the road compared to passenger vehicle occupants. Although motorcycles represent a small fraction of registered vehicles, they accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, according to the NHTSA. The fatality rate for motorcyclists per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (31.39) was nearly 28 times higher than the rate for passenger car occupants (1.13).

Additionally, an estimated 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in 2023, while 1,947,298 passenger vehicle occupants sustained injuries. Yet motorcyclists still had a higher injury rate, even after adjusting for exposure. These statistics highlight the disproportionate danger motorcyclists face and reinforce the need for increased safety measures and awareness.

Age Group and Day-of-the-Week Analysis

From 2022 to 2023, the NHTSA reports a noticeable increase in motorcyclist fatalities across various age brackets. The agency also analyzed the timing of fatal crashes.

Here are some points to remember:

• Fatalities among individuals aged 15 to 20 surged by 44%, rising from 350 to 505.
• The 21-to-24 age group experienced a 7% increase in fatalities, rising from 572 to 611.
• The average age of motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes was 41 in 2023.
• 46% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred on weekends in 2022, compared to 47% in 2023, reflecting a slight increase in weekday fatalities year-over-year.
• While weekend fatalities remained more common, there was a modest increase in weekday motorcyclist fatalities, rising from 3,364 to 3,371.

Primary Collision Factors for Motorcycle Accidents

A clear understanding of the leading causes that contribute to motorcycle deaths in California can empower officials to implement targeted safety measures. Statistics provide valuable insights into the root causes of motorcycle collisions, informing strategies that allow the state to mitigate risks and enhance road safety for riders.

The California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) report provides insights into which types of traffic violations lead to motorcycle accidents, separating the data by region. Speeding was the most common violation in every region, including Los Angeles.

Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Alcohol plays a role in many fatal motorcycle crashes in California. The NHTSA provides statistics about the prevalence and impact of alcohol impaired riding among motorcycle riders.

This information can offer insights and enable officials to find ways to prevent intoxicated drivers from harming themselves or other road users:

• In 2023, 26% of the 6,025 motorcyclists killed in crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dL or higher, compared to 28% in 2022.
• An additional 7% of riders killed in 2023 had lower BACs between 0.01 and 0.07 g/dL.
• Motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had higher rates of alcohol impairment (26%) than other types of drivers: 24% for passenger car occupants, 20% for light-truck drivers, and 4% for large-truck drivers.
• In 2023, the age groups 35–39 (34%) and 45–49 (31%) had the highest percentages of alcohol-impaired motorcycle rider fatalities, followed by the 50–54 age group.
• 41% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired, compared to 18% in multi-vehicle crashes.
• 44% of riders killed in single-vehicle weekend crashes were under the influence of alcohol.

Speeding and Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

The NHTSA also gathers data about motorcycle crashes involving speeding, including when riders were exceeding the speed limit, racing, or driving too fast for current conditions.

These are some highlights from the data:

• In 2023, 36% of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes were speeding, a 3% increase from 2022 (33%).
• Riders aged 21 to 24 had the highest speeding involvement in fatal crashes — 54% in 2023 and 51% in 2022.
• Speeding was a factor in 47% of fatal crashes for riders aged 25 to 29 in 2023, making them the second-highest group.
• Riders under 15 had 0% speeding involvement in 2023, while riders 65+ had only 18%, the lowest of all age groups.

Helmet Use and Effectiveness in Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Helmets are effective at reducing fatalities in motorcycle accidents. That's why many states, including California, have set safety standards regarding helmet use.

Here are some facts from the NHTSA:

• Helmets are 37% effective in preventing rider fatalities and 41% effective in preventing fatalities in passengers.
• Despite high helmet use, 583 motorcyclist fatalities occurred in California, showing that helmets alone aren’t enough to prevent all fatal crashes.
• All U.S. motorcycle helmets must meet FMVSS 218 standards.
• 18 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico required helmets for all riders in 2023, while 29 states had partial laws, and 3 states (Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire) had no helmet laws.
• DOT-compliant helmet use in the U.S. was 73.8% in 2023, an increase from 65.9% in states without universal helmet laws to 82.7% in states with universal helmet laws.
• Overall helmet use rates among fatally injured riders in 2023 were 65% for riders and 51% for passengers, up from 63% and 44% respectively, in 2022.

Recoverable Damages After a Motorcycle Accident

Victims of motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers can seek compensation for their losses, both monetary and nonmonetary.

Awards for such damages might include the following categories:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation treatments.
• Lost income: Compensation for wages lost due to the inability to work during recovery, including future earning capacity if the injury is permanent.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish endured as a result of the accident and injuries sustained.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of the motorcycle, riding gear, and other personal belongings damaged in the accident.
• Wrongful death: Compensation for surviving family members in the event of a fatal motorcycle accident, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

No amount of money can make up for a life-changing injury. However, a successful personal injury claim can empower you to protect your loved ones' futures and rebuild your life.

Motorcycle Safety and Prevention Measures

California continues to report one of the highest motorcycle accident rates and serious injuries nationwide. To address this, California’s Vision Zero Plan and the Traffic Safety Core Performance Measures aim to reduce fatalities to 559 by December 31, 2026.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes several key areas to prevent crashes and wrongful deaths, including:

• Helmet use: Proven to reduce fatal injuries and required under California law.
• Rider education and valid motorcycle licensing: Critical, especially for older riders and those new to motorcycling.
• Visibility and gear: Reflective clothing and DOT-compliant helmets help riders stay visible to other drivers.
• Sober riding: Alcohol remains a major factor in fatal crashes.
• Vehicle readiness: Regular inspections of registered motorcycles can prevent mechanical failures.

In support of these efforts, the California Vehicle Code 23123.5, also known as the No-Touch Cell Phone Law, took effect in June 2025. This law prohibits drivers from physically handling their phones while driving to curb distracted driving — a major cause of motorcycle and vehicle crashes.

How a Legal Professional Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident

Getting into a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when serious injuries or even the wrongful death of a loved one are involved. An experienced legal professional can be a critical ally in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how a motorcycle accident attorney can help:

• Navigating the legal process: At Cohen & Marzban, we guide you through each legal step, from filing claims to negotiating settlements, so you can focus on healing.
• Building a strong case: We collect medical records, reports, and witness statements to prove fault and show how the crash affected you.
• Dealing with insurance: Our attorneys handle insurers directly and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
• Calculating damages: We identify all losses — medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering — to maximize your claim.
• Helping families: In fatal crashes, we file wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs and support for surviving family members.

Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, or pushback from insurers, a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer can be the support you need to move forward.