Being injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver may mean that you are eligible to recover compensation in a personal injury claim. Understanding California’s motorcycle accident laws and your legal rights is essential to protecting your recovery. To learn more, continue reading.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in California?
Motorcycle accidents in California often result from a combination of driver negligence and external factors such as poor visibility or hazardous road conditions. Understanding these causes can help riders stay vigilant and strengthen injury claims when negligence is involved. The following are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in California:
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Drivers who are inattentive or fail to check blind spots
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Poor visibility
- Hazardous road conditions
- Lane splitting incidents
- Left-turn collisions
What are California’s helmet laws?
California’s helmet law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet at all times while riding. This strict helmet law is put into place to protect motorcyclists from serious head injuries. Helmets must meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. Failure to wear a compliant helmet can result in fines and may impact your personal injury claim.
What should I do after being involved in a motorcycle accident?
After being injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to have a plan. Taking the right steps at the scene can protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and strengthen your ability to recover compensation. Take the following steps while you are still at the scene of the accident to protect yourself and to increase your chances of filing a successful claim:
- Alert the authorities. The police will bring medical assistance to the scene to treat any injuries. They will also conduct a police report to document the accident. The police will redirect traffic to create a safe environment.
- Seek medical attention immediately for your injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
- Be sure to collect all medical documents that should include the date, time, and severity of your injuries.
- Collect the other driver’s insurance information as well as their name, address, and contact information.
- If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information.
- Take photos and/or videos of the scene including any damage to the property and vehicles.
- Photograph any injuries.
- Contact a California personal injury lawyer who will work to satisfy the burden of proof to recover compensation for any of the following: medical expenses, lost earning potential, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in California?
If another party’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages. A Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the evidence supporting your case.
What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents in California?
The statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is generally two years in California. This means that you will have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the negligent driver. If you fail to file your claim within this time period, you may be barred from suing. To get started today, contact our California personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Contact our experienced California firm
Whether you’ve been injured in an accident due to negligence or you’ve been charged with a crime, you cannot afford to proceed without strong legal representation at your side. Here at The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we are dedicated to helping all those in need of an attorney who can efficiently fight for their rights. Contact our firm today so we can discuss your case.