San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me

Were you or a loved one hurt in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, CA? Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help. You could be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Our experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys will fight to get the compensation you deserve. Call us at (619) 777-5555 for a free consultation.

For nearly three decades, our family-owned law firm has been proud to deliver results for injured clients in personal injury cases including El Paso car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, El Paso brain injuries, wrongful death claims, and more. We’ve helped countless families get the money they need to move forward–and we’re prepared to fight for every dollar you deserve.

When you’re ready to learn more, contact our law office to see how we’ll use our skills to your advantage. Remember, your first consultation is always free, so there’s no risk in calling to get the legal advice you need.

How Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego

How Our SD Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident

Our experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers can help you get what’s fair. You deserve time to heal from your injuries. Let an accident attorney protect your financial interests.

When you hire our team, you can expect an attorney who will go the distance for you, including:

  • Launching an independent investigation to find out who and what caused the accident
  • Stand up for you when the insurance companies try to blame you
  • Answer all questions and give you all the information you need during the legal process
  • Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company

We also know that insurance companies will go to great lengths to offer less than you deserve. It might be tempting to take the initial settlement and walk away. Unfortunately, that can put you in a difficult financial position down the line.

If you’re ready to learn more, getting help is as simple as making a phone call. Contact us to schedule a free case review today with an attorney who’s been fighting for injured motorcyclists’ rights for decades.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego?

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in SD?

Unfortunately, data collected by California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows that approximately 13,907 people were hurt in motorcycle crashes statewide in just a single year. Over 560 motorcyclists were killed.

Of these, 1,576 injuries and 65 fatalities happened in San Diego County. Nearly 800,000 motorcycles are registered with the state of California, making it the most popular state in the nation for motorcyclists. It’s no surprise that motorcyclists would take pleasure in the scenic views and temperate weather our state has to offer.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in San Diego County

In 2020, there were a total of 1,109 motorcycle accidents across the County. 42% of those collisions took place within San Diego’s city limits.

Of those 468 accidents,

  • 13 were fatal
  • 74 resulted in severe injuries, and
  • 236 resulted in visible (but not catastrophic) injuries.

Motorcyclist speeding and improper turning were the two biggest causes of these avoidable accidents. Speeding was a factor in nearly 30% of the crashes, while improper turning contributed to more than 21% of all collisions.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections For Motorcyclists in San Diego?

Accidents can happen anywhere. However, there are certain stretches of road and crossroads where these types of wrecks tend to occur. These are among the most dangerous roads and intersections in San Diego:

  • I-5
  • I-805
  • SR-76
  • SR-78
  • SR-163, and
  • Cabrillo Parkway.

Crash data reveals that these roads, in particular, are home to many of the fatal accidents.

What Should I Do After a San Diego Motorcycle Accident?

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle collisions can be traumatic and result in debilitating physical injuries; from a neck or back injury to a traumatic brain injury. Knowing what to do after an accident can help you protect your legal rights and recover the compensation you deserve. 

While all accidents are different, here are a few steps you should take in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash: 

  1. Call 911

It’s important to call the police to report the accident. An officer will be dispatched to the scene and will talk to the parties involved and any eyewitnesses. They’ll prepare an accident report, which will be vital evidence if you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It may even contain preliminary determinations of fault. 

  1. Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical care, even if you don’t experience any pain or think your injuries are minor. Many injuries may not present symptoms right away or may be undetectable without diagnostic tests. 

Additionally, your medical records will help establish a causal link between the accident and your injuries, which will be crucial evidence in your fight for financial recovery. 

  1. Conduct an Investigation

You should document evidence from the accident scene, including photographs and videos of the damaged vehicles, property damage, skid marks, etc. The police officer on the scene will also gather evidence, but it’s helpful to have as much information as possible to bolster your case and hold the at-fault driver accountable. 

Our experienced motorcycle and car accident lawyers can help you investigate the cause of the accident, including coordinating with law enforcement and other investigative agencies to build your case. 

  1. Establishing Fault for a Motorcycle Accident

Some accidents may be easier than others to determine who was at fault. For example, if the at-fault driver was distracted or under the influence of alcohol, they’re likely at fault. If it’s less obvious, the investigation may shed more light on what happened and who caused the collision. 

If necessary, we’ll work with accident reconstructionists and other leading experts to establish fault and get you the settlement or verdict you need to cover your medical bills and other expenses incurred.

California Motorcycle Law Overview

motorcycle driver riding with alcohol abuse

In California, motorcycles fall into the same category as larger passenger vehicles. So, the same laws and rules that apply to cars apply to motorcycles – and the people operating them. Anyone operating a motorcycle must obey California state law and any local laws or ordinances passed by the city

At the same time, motorcyclists also have the same rights as drivers of passenger vehicles. Other drivers owe motorcyclists a duty of care and must operate their vehicles in a way that does not put the rider in harm’s way. These accidents can happen when motorists ignore riders, and those riders are much more likely to suffer severe, if not fatal, injuries in those collisions.

What About Lane Splitting? Is it Legal in San Diego?

Yes. In California, lane splitting is legal. This means that motorcyclists can ride between two lanes of traffic – and pass by other vehicles in the process.

Some believe that lane splitting helps to keep motorcyclists safe because it can reduce congestion and allow motorcyclists to avoid other vehicles. Others find that lane splitting is a dangerous practice

Riders who choose to split lanes should go slowly, pay attention to traffic patterns, and always assume that other motorists can’t see them.

What is My San Diego Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

The short answer is: every case is different. The value of your case is determined by balancing a number of different factors. 

Some important factors include:

  • The nature and severity of your injuries
  • Your recovery timeline
  • The value of your lost wages and income
  • Your future earning potential compared to your earning potential prior to the crash
  • The emotional and psychological trauma of the experience
  • The disruption the accident caused to your career or education

The insurance company will focus on things that can reduce your compensation, including:

The insurance company will do whatever they can to drive down the value of your case. Our team of San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers is here to protect your interests. So give us a call today to learn more about your legal rights.

What Types of Damages Can I Get Compensation From My San Diego Motorcycle Accident? – Seek Maximum Compensation for Your Losses

What Types of Damages Are Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Personal injury laws in the State give victims the right to recover compensation to make them “whole” after an accident. 

Of course, money can’t bring back your health. The law is designed to offer compensation for your economic expenses and non-economic costs. 

Examples of economic damages that are usually available to these accident victims include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Future medical expenses
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Medications, medical devices, and home modifications
  • Permanent disability
  • Property damage

Non-economic damages cover things like:

It can be hard to put a price tag on some forms of damages. At Mission Personal Injury Lawyers, our motorcycle accident attorney in San Diego will bring in experts who can help us understand the emotional toll of your accident more fully. With their help, we’ll build an injury claim that accounts for the full range of your past and future costs.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in California?

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in California?

Yes. the state follows a pure comparative negligence law. That means every party involved is liable for their percentage of fault. If two other parties were equally responsible for your crash, each can be held liable for 50% of your damages.

Here’s another example. Assume you win a $100,000 damages award. However, you weren’t wearing the best helmet in compliance with California helmet laws. The judge decides that your injuries were made 30% worse because you didn’t wear a helmet. That means your compensation can be reduced by 30%, to $70,000.

Insurance companies try to use this law to their advantage all the time. They know they can save a lot of money by blaming the victim. You don’t have to let them get away with it. Remember, accidents don’t happen in a vacuum–and the insurance company’s claims might not even be legitimate. 

What Types Of Injuries Can I Get From A Motorcycle Accident?

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The fatality rate for motorcycles is more than 28 times higher than traditional passenger vehicles, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. If you’re fortunate enough to survive your injuries, you could be left with life-changing injuries.

Regardless of the type of injuries you suffered, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. An injury attorney will fight for what’s right. 

We represent motorcycle riders who have suffered:

Sometimes, accident victims don’t survive their injuries. If you lost a loved one, we can fight for compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego, CA?

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligence. Motorcycles are harder to see than cars. Drivers who aren’t paying attention or obeying traffic laws sometimes don’t spot the motorcycle until it’s too late.

It’s important to identify every factor that played a role in the crash. After all, multiple parties might share the blame. Whenever there is alcohol abuse involved, there are more chances for a driver to get into an accident, you should always keep that in mind before riding a motorcycle.

At Mission Personal Injury Lawyers, we invest our time and resources in your case. We’ll do everything we can to find out what caused your accident–and we’ll demand fair compensation from every responsible party.

Our team handles all types of cases, including:

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of crashes. Most times, they result from distracted driving or following too closely. For a motorcycle rider, a rear-end accident could result in devastating injuries. If another driver rear-ended your motorcycle, contact us today to discuss the compensation you could seek. 

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents often happen when a driver or rider misjudges an oncoming vehicle’s speed or fails to yield the right of way. However, the left-turn driver isn’t always at fault. Contact us to discuss your legal options if you’ve been injured in a left-turn accident – whether you were making the left-hand turn or another party was.   

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions involving motorcycles can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. If you were injured in a head-on crash or lost a family member in one of these devastating accidents, you need exceptional legal representation on your side. We’ve helped countless clients after a head-on collision, and we’ll be ready to fight for you. 

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents are caused when one vehicle strikes the side of another. If you were struck by a car while on a motorcycle ride or you struck another vehicle with your motorcycle, you might be facing injuries that impact you for life. We can help you get back on your feet and get the money you deserve while you focus on your health. 

Fatal Accidents

Unfortunately, fatal accidents are too common and are often avoidable. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, let our San Diego wrongful death lawyers help you fight for compensation while you grieve. A fatal accident can be cause even for a defects in the motorcycle and we know that money can’t bring your family member back, but it can provide financial support and a sense of justice for your unimaginable loss. 

How Do I Prove Negligence After My Motorcycle Accident? 

Most motorcycle claims are based on negligence. However, disputes often arise over who was at-fault for the crash. 

We’ll work to find proof that someone else’s negligence caused your accident by:

  • Examining police and accident reports
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Obtaining video surveillance, photos, cell phone records, and other data
  • Hiring accident reconstruction specialists if necessary

Our goal is to show that someone else’s mistake, or breach of the duty of care, caused your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in California?

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in California?

Our state law gives motorcycle accidents two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations is a hard and fast rule–so there aren’t many exceptions.

If you don’t file a claim within two years, you may lose your right to recover compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do if an Uninsured Driver Caused the Accident?

What Should I Do if an Uninsured Driver Caused the Accident?

If an uninsured driver caused your accident, you might have a few different options. If you have purchased optional uninsured motorist coverage (UMC), it will cover you in a crash with an uninsured driver. 

If you don’t have this coverage, you may be entitled to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, there’s no guarantee that they’ll have the funds to pay your claim. We’ll examine your accident from all angles to determine if any other third parties could be held liable for your damages. Contact us today, and we’ll answer your questions and provide you with the legal representation you deserve. 

Where Can I Find a Copy Of My Accident Report?

Where Can I Find a Copy Of My Accident Report?

If law enforcement was dispatched to the accident scene, they’ll complete a Traffic Collision Report and file it with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). You can request a copy of the report from CHP by completing an Application for Release of Information (CHP 190) and submitting it in person or by mail with the applicable fee. 

As a motorcyclist, you must file a Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1) with the CA DMV within ten days of the accident if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $750. You, your insurance representative, or your attorney can file this report online, in person, or via mail. Be sure to keep a copy of the report for your records. 

What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

What if I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet?

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to suffering traumatic injuries and permanent disability after a collision. A helmet can prevent you from suffering brain injuries in a crash, but it doesn’t protect the rest of your body. 

An opposing party might claim that you are partially responsible for your injuries if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, this will depend on the facts and circumstances. For example, if you suffered a broken ankle, a helmet wouldn’t have prevented you from suffering that injury. 

However, suppose you suffered a concussion and weren’t wearing a helmet. In that case, a defendant may have a valid comparative negligence claim, which can reduce the amount of damages you recover in a claim or lawsuit. 

What if I Don’t Have Motorcycle Insurance?

What if I Don't Have Motorcycle Insurance?

California Proposition 213 limits the types of damages injured people can recover from an auto accident if the injured person is uninsured. If you don’t have motorcycle insurance and are injured in an accident, you’ll be unable to recover any non-economic damages, including pain and suffering – even if the accident wasn’t your fault. 

This could significantly limit the amount of compensation you recover, meaning you’ll have to bear those personal costs alone. This is why we strongly recommend that all motorcycle riders and other drivers in the state maintain the required auto insurance. 

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Carrier?

Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Carrier?

The insurance company may try to offer you a quick settlement to tempt you to accept an amount that doesn’t fairly compensate for all of your damages. You should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer before accepting any offer. 

Insurance companies often take advantage of people who don’t understand how to value their claims properly. You need to reach a certain level of medical improvement before agreeing to a settlement to determine the value of your future expenses, such as ongoing therapy. You may also require surgery or other treatment in the future to treat your injuries. 

Contact a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Diego for a Free Consultation

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers has been working on behalf of accident victims for more than 25 years. If you were hurt, contact a San Diego motorcycle accident attorney who you can trust today. As always, your first evaluation is 100% free of charge.

We have won national awards for our impressive experience in all personal injury cases; from defective products to dog bites, we are one of the best injury law firms in San Diego County. Our law office offers free case evaluations and handles cases on a contingency fee basis.


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Chiropractors Near Our Law Office

  • The Joint Chiropractic – 3555 Rosecrans ST Ste 110A San Diego, CA 92110
  • Healcove Clinic – 5005 Texas St Ste 101 San Diego, CA 92108
  • California Chiropractic Care – 5005 Texas St Ste 301 San Diego, CA 92101
  • Family First Chiropractic & Wellness Center – 9445 Farnham St Ste 104 San Diego, CA 92123
  • Head Neck & Spine Center of San Diego – 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr Ste B212 La Jolla, CA 92037

Highly Rated Auto Repair Shops Near Us

  • Convoy Auto Repair – 3909 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
  • San Diego Auto Repair & Collision – 3877 42nd St, San Diego, CA 92105
  • Aiwa Auto Repair Inc – 3150 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
  • Griffin’s Auto Repair – 1542 State St, San Diego, CA 92101

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.


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