If you ride a motorcycle in San Diego, California, knowing the state’s laws isn’t just about avoiding a ticket. It can also affect your ability to recover compensation if you’re ever involved in a crash. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you determine where you stand and what you should do next.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in San Diego have over 43 years of combined experience and have won more than $150 million for our clients to date. We’re confident that we can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf if another driver’s negligence put you in harm’s way.
Contact our law offices today at (619) 777-5555 for a free consultation. We’re ready to get to work on your behalf as soon as you are.
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How Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego, CA
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and complicated insurance claims. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers proudly represents injured riders throughout San Diego, CA, helping them protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. We can guide you through the legal process while fighting for the financial recovery you need after a serious crash.
Our experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers can help by:
- Investigating your crash and preserving critical evidence
- Identifying every party that may share liability
- Working with accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Calculating the full scope of your economic and non-economic damages
- Handling all insurance communications on your behalf
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if a reasonable offer isn’t made
Reach out today to schedule your free case review with a San Diego motorcycle accident attorney. Our trial lawyers work on contingency, so you won’t owe any attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for you.
California’s Helmet Law
California has a universal helmet law. Under this law, every motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet at all times while the bike is in motion. There are no exceptions based on age or experience level.
This law matters beyond just avoiding a citation. If you’re involved in a crash and weren’t wearing a compliant helmet, the insurance company will almost certainly try to use that against you.
Lane Splitting in California
California was the first state in the country to formally legalize lane splitting. Under California law, motorcyclists are allowed to ride between rows of stopped or slow-moving vehicles on any divided or undivided road. California law also authorizes the California Highway Patrol to develop safety guidelines for the practice.
While the CHP’s guidelines don’t carry the force of law, they function as a practical benchmark. The CHP recommends that riders avoid exceeding the speed of surrounding traffic by more than 10 mph and refrain from lane splitting when traffic is moving faster than 30 mph.
Being legally allowed to lane split doesn’t mean you’re automatically in the clear if a crash occurs. If a rider was lane splitting recklessly at the time of the collision, it could affect the outcome of their claim.
Licensing and Insurance Requirements
To legally ride a motorcycle in California, you need either a Class M1 license for standard motorcycles or a Class M2 license for mopeds and motorized scooters. Riders under 21 are required to complete a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course before they can obtain their license. Riders 21 and older are encouraged to complete the course but are not required to do so.
California also requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance. Currently, the state’s minimum coverage requirements are $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. Riding without insurance is a traffic violation that can also complicate your ability to recover damages after a crash.
How Shared Fault Works in California Motorcycle Accident Cases
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you’re found to be 25% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $75,000.
Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in California
You generally have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit per California’s statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case.
There are limited exceptions, but they apply only in narrow circumstances. The best course of action is to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident so that you don’t risk running out of time.
Contact Our Award-Winning San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
California’s motorcycle laws are more detailed than most riders realize and can have a direct impact on the outcome of your accident claim. Our San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys have over 43 years of combined experience handling these cases and are confident we can help you make the most of your ability to take legal action.
Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free case review. We’re passionate about representing injured riders in our local community.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in San Diego, CA
Address: 3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 777-5555
Hours: Open 24/7
