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Motorcycle Accidents and California Personal Injury Laws

Find A California Personal Injury Attorney For Motorcycle Accidents


Motorcycle accidents are one of the most dangerous types of vehicular accidents in California. If you have been involved in an accident because of someone else's negligence, you should contact a Personal Injury Attorney in California to help you.


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Fast Facts on Motorcycle Accidents in California

Motorcycle-related traffic accidents have been on the rise for the past decade, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to current data, there are 73.48 deaths per 100,000 motorcycles registered. Thus, motorcyclists are another high-risk group on the road.


According to the IIHS, the following variables contribute to the high risk of motorcycle accidents:

  1. Motorcycles are less noticeable on highways due to their modest size.

  2. The occupants are exposed to the lack of a protective shield found in four-wheeled vehicles.

  3. A motorcyclist's balance is reduced when balancing on two wheels rather than four, rendering them more prone to mishaps.

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The California legislature voted to establish legislation to offer some safety and rights to motorcycle riders while on the road in response to an increase in deadly motorcycle accidents. The following are some of the laws that should be reviewed:

  • Lane splitting:

    • Even though it is a high-risk activity, it is permitted to snake past slow-moving traffic. However, you are only allowed to go at a speed that is no more than 10 mph faster than the traffic around you.

  • Lemon Laws:

    • Cutting through the legal speak of lemon laws: If you spend so much more time in the garage than on the road with a newly purchased bike, you are entitled to reimbursement.

  • Helmet Laws:

    • All riders must wear Department of Transportation-approved helmets.

To keep up with the increasing demands and use of the roadways, traffic safety regulations are constantly changing. Contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles to be informed about the new requirements.


California's legislative regulations limit the grace period for motorcycle accidents to two years from the date of the accident. There are several exceptions to this rule, such as when suing a government entity or facility. An expert California Motorcycle Accident Attorney can handle the intricacies.


What Do I Do After A Motorcycle Accident?

  • Examine yourself and other victims for injuries. Given that this is one of the worst and most dangerous situations, the chances of surviving injuries are slim to none. If you or one of the other victims is hurt, call 911 for help as soon as possible. Whether or whether you have been injured, you must get medical attention to ensure your health. This is important, since some persons have inside injuries that aren't visible from the outside.

    • Getting medical help as quickly as possible following a motorbike accident has several advantages, including allowing the doctor to fully assess your condition and identify the degree of your injuries.

  • Move to a safer location. You and everyone else involved in the collision must go to a safe location as soon as possible. This will help you and the other victims limit any additional hazards you may be exposed to. Also, make sure you're not relocating a survivor who might not be able to because of their injuries, as you can wind up interfering with them and aggravating their injuries.

    • Some of the causes that could result in more casualties include weakened buildings that could collapse, structures or cars on fire, and a vehicle with leaking fuel. Again, the goal is to ensure that there are no further injuries on the scene.

  • Maintain a calm demeanor. It is critical to keep your cool while riding a motorcycle. Do not involve the other parties in a disagreement, assign blame for the accident, physically engage the other party, or inflict collateral damage on purpose.

    • This can help you avoid making statements in court that could be used against you. Composure will allow you to gather facts and compose yourself so that you can seek justice for the losses you have suffered. The information you collect should be accurate and thorough, including all circumstances of your accident.

    • You can also collect personal information from any witnesses who were on the site of the motorbike accident. Collect correct information only from willing witnesses; do not gather any information without their permission.

  • Keep an eye on what's going on. This is to ensure that the possible facts are not tampered with by the other parties. When law enforcement officers arrive, stay calm and follow their instructions.

    • Your case will suffer if you leave the scene because police officers can only speak with the other party, which means they will not hear your side of the story. However, if you are in pain, do not insist on staying at the site because you may have life-threatening injuries.

  • Please come forward and report to the cops. Make sure you report the motorcycle accident to the cops as soon as possible. Their presence on the site helps with traffic management, evaluating whether immediate legal action is required, and even documenting the details of the motorbike collision.

    • It's crucial to never confess or admit guilt to others. Leave the rest to the investigating team. Provide only the most basic details about how the accident happened. It would help if you kept in mind that the police report is vital because it will speed up your lawsuit.

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  • Notify your insurance company. To avoid having your reimbursement claim denied, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. When you contact your insurance company, all you're doing is alerting them that you've been in an accident.

    • Please provide them with basic information regarding the accident, such as the date and location. It's recommended not to notify the insurance company about your injuries or the damage to your motorcycle without first consulting a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney.

    • It is not your job to communicate directly with the insurance company; instead, employ a California Personal Injury Lawyer to do so on your behalf. Motorcyclists are commonly labeled as irresponsible, which means your insurance company will try to hold you liable even if you are the one who caused the accident.

    • Insurance companies will try to underpay you or refuse to pay you at all for your losses. As a result, it's critical to get legal advice from attorneys who have a lot of experience with motorcycle accidents.

    • In most situations, insurance companies refuse to cover motorcyclists because of trivial issues such as not wearing full protective gear at the time of the accident. However, because insurance adjusters are good at tripping you up, you should be cautious about what you tell them.

  • You should call a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney. A California Personal Injury Lawyer is ideally suited to handle motorcycle accident lawsuits. You should seek legal assistance from a well-trained and knowledgeable specialist to assist you with this issue.

    • The primary function of a California Motorcycle Crash Attorney is to advise you on the best legal line of action to take. Here are a few circumstances in which you could require their assistance:

      • When the other parties in the motorbike accident level false accusations against you

      • It's critical to know what to do if your insurance company denies your application.

      • When the cost of your medical treatment or the cost of fixing your motorcycle is worth more than your insurance coverage

      • When you suffer serious physical injuries and the expenses that come with them as a result of your accident

Find A Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California


No win, no fees! Gency.org can help you find a Contingency Lawyer for your Personal Injury Case in California. You can complete our submission form for a free case review.

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