San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

A Southern California Law Firm Dedicated to Providing Aggressive Legal Support to Motorcycle Accident Victims in Pursuit of Fair Compensation

While motorcycles of all types provide their riders with unique thrills and sometimes easy ways of getting around town, it must be said that motorcyclists typically suffer far more severe injuries than drivers in passenger cars. The reason is simple: a motorcyclist is relatively exposed to their environment and the elements, whereas those inside a passenger vehicle have extra safety measures to keep them from being thrown during a violent collision. When a motorcycle rider crashes with a much larger motor vehicle, the rider can be flung from their bike, potentially putting them in new danger of oncoming traffic, not to mention other potential hazards.

Additionally, motorcycle riders typically face more difficulty filing insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits after a crash. Insurance companies and some members of the public have an unfair bias toward motorcyclists, who are treated like thrill seekers and daredevils, even when other responsible parties could have caused their motorcycle accidents.

Motorcyclists have legal rights just like any other motorist in California. Those seeking to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit or insurance claim need legal support in their corner that is willing and able to assist them throughout the complexities and challenges of their personal injury case.

A motorcycle accident can be life-altering and devastating. Whether you’re a motorcycle rider or have a family member who has been involved in a motorcycle crash, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in San Diego are here to provide the support and legal knowledge you need.

Every motorcycle accident case is unique. We offer personalized Road Accident Legal Assistance, evaluating the specifics of your situation and tailoring our approach to meet your individual needs and goals.

To learn more about how our law firm can help you gather convincing evidence and seek compensation from negligent drivers and their insurance company providers, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation with our legal team today.

Are Motorcycle Accidents Common in Southern California?

Motorcycles are popular in Southern California for their convenience and the thrill they offer. However, they also come with inherent risks. We’re well-versed in California motorcycle laws and the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists on the road. Our commitment is to ensure full and fair motorcycle injury compensation for all our clients.

San Diego ranks high in motorcycle accident fatalities in California. But the statistics only tell part of the story. Whether it’s left-hand turn collisions or other scenarios, our firm focuses on the details of each case to determine the best approach to motorcycle accident settlement.

Some key motorcycle accident statistics include the following:

Although motorcycles make up just about 3.5% of all registered vehicles nationwide, they account for approximately 14% of all traffic fatalities, which is nearly five times the rate of fatal injuries for passenger car occupants
Broadside accidents were the most common type of motorcycle crashes in California. Following broadside incidents were overturns, striking stationary objects, rear-end collisions, and sideswipe accidents
Data suggests that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in drunk driving accidents than other motorists
Helmets and other safety equipment save thousands of lives every year and can prevent serious head injuries
In 2023, 583 motorcycle riders were killed in accidents across California, which represents a 10% decrease from the year before
Men make up the vast majority of injured motorcycle riders in California
The most common cause of motorcycle accidents in California is driving at excessive speeds
Motorcycle crashes are far more common in urban areas (74%) compared to motorcycle fatalities in rural areas (26%), according to 2021 data
On average, over 30% of motorcyclists involved in traffic-related accident fatalities did not have valid motorcycle licenses
The top five counties for motorcycle fatalities in 2021 were Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Sacramento, and Riverside. However, if we’re looking at the top five counties in California for motorcycle fatalities per capita, Calaveras, Trinity, and Yuba round out the top three in 2021

What Are California’s Motorcycle Laws?

Our personal injury attorneys are knowledgeable about the state’s regulations and how they can impact a motorbike crash claim. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of the law to secure the best possible outcome.

California’s traffic laws that pertain to motorcyclists include the following:

All San Diego motorcycle riders must wear a motorcycle helmet that meets the safety standards of the Department of Transportation. Your helmet must be securely fastened while riding. Failure to comply with helmet laws can result in hefty fines and devalue your personal injury case
California is rare in its stance on lane splitting, which is the act of motorcyclists riding between lanes during periods of slow-moving traffic. Lane splitting is legal in California, though it presents unique dangers to motorcyclists, especially at higher speeds
If you wish to carry passengers on your motorcycle, you must ensure the bike is designed for passengers and has the proper footrest. The passenger must be wearing a helmet. Additionally, motorcycle riders under the age of 18 are not permitted to carry passengers on their bikes
The law requires motorcyclists carrying liability insurance that covers at least $15,000 for bodily injury or death to an individual, $30,000 for more than one person, and $5000 for property damage
Your motorcycle must have functioning brakes, lights, horns, and roadworthy tires. Modifications to increase motorcycle noise beyond the legal limits are against the law
To lawfully ride a motorcycle in California, you must have a class M1 or M2 license. The M1 driver’s license permits you to ride all types of motorcycles, while the M2 license is for motorized bicycles and scooters. To obtain a valid motorcycle license, you must pass a written test, a vision test, and a writing skills test with an accredited motorcycle safety program
California motorcycle riders must wear eye protection when operating their motorcycles unless their bike has a windshield that provides adequate protection
Just like drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists must abide by state laws pertaining to alcohol and drug use. The legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.08% and any motorcyclist who goes over the limit could face costly penalties, potential jail time, and a license suspension

What Should You Do After an Auto Accident?

Just like a car accident, there are specific steps that you should take immediately following a motorcycle crash to protect yourself and strengthen your legal case.

Firstly, do what you can to prevent further injuries from befalling yourself or your passenger by moving to the side of the road if you can. If your injuries are especially severe, do not attempt to move and instead await the ambulance for professional medical treatment.

Even if you believe your injuries to be relatively minor, it’s still crucial that you get professional medical care. Failure to get medical attention after a motorcycle accident could potentially devalue your maximum compensation.

Exchange vital information with the other drivers involved in the accident. You want their insurance policy information, name, and contact information. Do not admit any level of fault or apologize for your role in the motorcycle collision, as anything you say could be used to dismiss or devalue your legal claim.

When law enforcement arrives at the accident scene, provide them with a detailed account of what transpired from your point of view. Official police reports will be valuable evidence for your personal injury attorney.

While at the accident scene, attempt to document as much evidence as possible, including taking photographs of visible injuries, property damage, vehicle damage, road conditions, debris, and more. Also, if there were any witnesses to the motorcycle wreck, ask for their contact information so that they can be summoned for testimony later.

If you have not done so already, now is the time to contact our San Diego office to speak with our personal injury lawyers. We have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases across the San Diego area and would be proud to represent your interests in negotiations with insurance companies in pursuit of a fair settlement.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego County, CA?

Just like accidents, there are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents in California, each with different levels of injury severity or chance of fatality.

Among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are the following:

Adverse weather conditions
Distracted driving, including instances of texting while driving
Driver or motorcycle rider inexperience
Drowsy driving or driver fatigue
Drug or alcohol use
Failure to yield the right of way
Faulty motorcycle brakes or other defective equipment
Hazardous road conditions
Illegal turns
Lane splitting and other dangerous motorcycle maneuvers
Poor highway design
Road rage
Speeding
Tailgating or following too closely behind a motorcycle
The failure to check blind spots for motorcyclists
Traffic law violations
And more

Frequently, motorcycle accidents result in severe injuries for motorcyclists, while the occupants of passenger vehicles may be relatively unscathed. If you have had to pay out-of-pocket expenses due to your motorcycle wreck, please contact our law office to schedule an initial consultation with our legal staff.

What Serious Injuries Are Commonly Seen in Motorcycle Crashes?

Motorcycle accidents can result in injuries that range from the relatively minor to the catastrophic. The severity of motorcycle injuries is mainly dependent on the speed of the vehicles, the difference in size and weight of the vehicles, and the number of vehicles involved in the crash. Other factors, such as motorcyclists wearing proper safety equipment, can also play a significant role in the severity of motorcycle Accident injuries.

Some of the common motorcycle accident injuries include the following:

Broken bones and fractures, particularly to the arms or legs
Burns
Dental injuries
Dislocated joints
Excessive scarring
Facial disfigurement
Hearing loss, loss of sight, and loss of speech
Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
Lacerations and cuts caused by road debris and vehicles
Loss of limbs
Nerve damage
Road rash
Soft tissue injuries like strains, sprains, and muscle or ligament tears
Spinal cord injuries, which can sometimes result in complete or partial paralysis
Traumatic brain injuries, which can be common even in cases where the rider is wearing a helmet
Whiplash and other back and neck injuries
Wrongful death

Whether you are the injured motorcyclist seeking compensation with a personal injury lawsuit or you have lost a loved one and are seeking to file a wrongful death claim, our legal team will fight for the maximum compensation you could be awarded in your case.

What Are Some Tips to Improve Safety for San Diego Motorcycle Riders?

Safety is paramount, but accidents can happen even to the most cautious riders. Our motorcycle injury law firm in San Diego is dedicated to not only seeking compensation but also promoting better awareness and safety on the roads.

Valuable tips for motorcycle safety include the following:

Always follow the rules of the road and never ride your bike while impaired
Be aware of changing weather conditions
Dress in bright clothing so that you are easily visible. But also consider dressing for the potential of a crash by wearing protective clothing such as leather, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots
Get in the habit of doing a pre-ride check to make sure that your bike is in working order
Give yourself the time and space to search for escape paths if another vehicle moves into your lane
If possible, try to flash your brake when you are slowing down or before stopping
Keep your headlight on day and night for maximum visibility
Practice defensive riding and ride your bike as though you are invisible to all other motorists
Try to avoid riding in blind spots
Wear a quality helmet and adequate eye protection. Full-face helmets provide the most protection

What Sort of Financial Compensation is Possible with a Successful Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The experienced attorneys of our San Diego County law office can assist you throughout the personal injury claims process as you seek compensation for your damages in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.

Potential economic and non-economic damages that could be awarded in a successful motorcycle accident claim include the following:

Past medical bills and future medical expenses
Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
Lost wages and lost income-earning capacity
Disability, disfigurement, and dismemberment compensation
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Chronic pain and suffering
Lost companionship or consortium
Property damage
Wrongful death damages

In cases of extreme recklessness or malicious acts, punitive damages may also be possible to recover. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for their conduct and deter others from repeating similar acts.

California is a pure comparative negligence state. Under state laws, those found partially responsible for traffic accidents may see their total compensation affected. For example, if you were deemed 30% responsible for causing the accident, you would then see your maximum compensation reduced by 30%. A personal injury lawyer from our firm will help you fight for the financial settlement you deserve.

Contact Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers to Discuss Your Personal Injury Case in More Detail Today

Understanding the legal process is crucial when pursuing a personal injury claim. Our team will guide you through every step, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance adjusters to presenting a strong case in court if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t wait. Contact our experienced accident lawyers in San Diego today to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

You can reach us at (619) 768-2865