Before operating a motorcycle in California, you need to get a motorcycle driver’s license. Obtaining a motorcycle license helps ensure you know your duties when riding a motorcycle. Having a motorcycle license in California also means that you have completed minimum safety and education requirements, which could reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident.
The motorcycle accident lawyers of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers understand the devastation motorcycle crashes cause as well as the motorcycle licensing requirements in San Diego, CA. Motorcycle crashes can result in catastrophic injuries and life-threatening conditions for the motorcyclist.
Contact our law office at (619)777-5555 for a free consultation if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. Our accident lawyers have over 43 years of experience handling accident claims. Since founding the firm in 2010, we have had an extremely high record of success in cases we handle.
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How Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You After a Motorcycle Accident
Proving fault for a motorcycle crash can be complicated. Insurance companies often blame the motorcycle rider for the cause of the crash, even though the motorcyclist was not at fault. Our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers are familiar with these unfair insurance tactics and aggressively fight back.
When you hire Mission Personal Injury Lawyers to handle your accident case, you can expect us to:
- Conduct an exhaustive accident investigation to determine fault and gather evidence
- Verify insurance coverage and file insurance claims
- Work with you and your physicians to document the severity of your injuries
- Document your damages to maximize how much your claim is worth
- Work with accident reconstructionists and other expert witnesses as necessary
- Negotiate fair settlements for insurance claims
- Prepare to advocate for you in court if the other parties refuse to accept a reasonable settlement offer
You are not alone. Our legal team provides support, guidance, and sound legal advice after a motorcycle accident in San Diego, California.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers in San Diego.
What Are the Motorcycle Licensing Requirements in San Diego?
California issues two classes of motorcycle licenses. Most riders apply for a Class M1 motorcycle license. The California Department of Motor Vehicles issues the following motorcycle licenses:
- Class M1 License – You can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle and any Class M2 motor vehicle
- Class M2 License – You can operate a motorized scooter, moped, or motorized bicycle, but you are not permitted to operate a motorcycle
The first step in obtaining a motorcycle license is to apply for a motorcycle permit. With certain exceptions, the permit allows you to drive the motorcycle to become familiar with the vehicle. You should also obtain the required motorcycle insurance to protect yourself while learning to ride a motorcycle.
Study the motorcycle handbook to learn the rules of the road and your responsibilities as a motorcyclist. You are required to pass a vision exam in addition to traffic law and knowledge tests before getting your motorcycle permit.
Before applying for your motorcycle license, you must complete a DMV driving test or take the California Motorcyclist Safety Program given by the California Highway Patrol. Upon completion of the motorcycle training course, you receive a certificate of completion that waives the DMV driving test.
The DMV test for motorcycle drivers does not last as long as the motorcycle safety course. However, the safety course teaches California drivers many tools that can help them avoid a motorcycle crash. The DMV course only tests what you need to know to operate a motorcycle.
Riders under 21 years of age must take the motorcycle rider training course. Riders over 21 years of age can choose between the training course and the DMV driving test.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego, CA
The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is negligence. Other drivers or motorcyclists make a mistake or judgment error that results in a crash. Common factors that lead to motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving (DUI)
- Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID)
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Inexperienced drivers and motorcyclists
Wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries and death in a motorcycle crash. However, motorcycle riders still have a high risk of serious injuries, even when wearing protective motorcycle gear.
Recovering Damages for a San Diego Motorcycle Accident
If another driver caused your motorcycle crash, that driver could be liable for your injuries. Damages in a motorcycle accident claim include economic damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage
- Loss of income
- Nursing or personal care
You may also receive compensation for pain and suffering damages (non-economic damages), permanent disabilities, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. How much you receive for your personal injury accident claim depends on the facts of your case.
However, before you can recover money after a motorcycle accident, you must prove the other driver caused the crash. The insurance company may try to blame you for causing the collision to avoid liability. This insurance tactic undervalues your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in San Diego
We stand up for the rights of motorcyclists after an accident and we understand the motorcycle licensing requirements in San Diego, CA. Call us today to talk with a member of our legal team. Your initial consultation with a San Diego car accident lawyer is free.