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San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle collision in Southern California or elsewhere in the state, The Advocates personal injury attorneys can help.

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case 

Motorcycle accident victims often face severe injuries or fatalities due to their lack of protection. Because of this, they may have more medical expenses than victims of other types of auto accidents. After an accident, many victims experience stress, confusion, or overwhelm due to the difficulties they are facing. 

An Advocate can help. Our experienced California motorcycle accident attorneys can help you access medical care in your area, find repair shops for your motorcycle, and understand your options. We don’t just offer excellent legal representation—we put you and your family members first every step of the way. 

Contact The Advocates’ San Diego law office today for a free consultation. Our legal team is standing by, ready to fight to get you a fair settlement for your damages.

The Next Steps In Your California Motorcycle Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact a personal injury lawyer with The Advocates to start your recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention for your injuries

Property Damage

Get the damage on your motorcycle repaired

Finish Treatment

When you’ve completed treatment, your Advocate will compile your medical records

Demand

Your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.   

For more information on how settlements and payments work, please see our contingency fee information page.   

If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.  

Your attorney will gather evidence, monitor your medical treatment progress, ensure to keep an accurate record of all relevant documents and facts to support your claim, negotiate and correspond with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.  

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will zealously pursue your claim through resolution.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process depends on many factors, including but not limited to on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and much more.  

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to several years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which, if you do not resolve or file a lawsuit within the prescribed time, you will lose your right of action.  

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you focus on healing. Generally, once all evidence has been gathered and your medical treatment has been completed or you are back to feeling yourself again, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a settlement on your behalf.  

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a lawsuit In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Motorcycle Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case   

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive fair compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you.   

  We can help you:  

  • Understand the claims process  
  • Investigate your accident  
  • Work together with you towards a full resolution of your injuries  
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters  
  • Obtain a settlement or judgment against the at-fault party  

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

California Motorcycle Laws and Statistics

California motorcycle accident statistics   

  • San Diego County has more than 85,000 registered motorcycles, the second-highest number of registrations in the state. 
  • 565 motorcyclists died on California roads in 2020. 43 of these fatal motorcycle accidents occurred in San Diego County. 
  • Around 30% of motorcycle accident victims in the state are between the ages of 25-34. 
  • More than 90% of motorcycle accident victims are male. 

*All statistics come from the California Highway Patrol’s 2020 Annual Report. 

Common causes of motorcycle accidents 

  • Failure to see the motorcyclist: Many motorcycle crashes occur when motorists are making lane changes or left turns and fail to see the biker. Motorcycle riders should be sure to stay out of blind spots, and drivers should always look twice for bikers. 
  • Distracted driving: Drivers of motor vehicles become much more dangerous and unpredictable when distracted. 
  • Impaired driving: If a driver or motorcyclist is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the risk of a crash increases significantly. 
  • Speeding: Accidents that occur at high speeds are far more likely to lead to serious injuries or death. 
  • Reckless driving: All drivers should follow the rules of the road at all times. Swerving, tailgating, and cutting other vehicles off are all risky behaviors that can cause accidents. 
  • Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and other hazards on the roadway can cause motorcyclists to lose control and crash. 
Close-up Of Woman Typing Text Message On Mobile Phone

Common motorcycle accident injuries  

Depending on the nature of your accident and the protective gear you were wearing at the time, motorcycle crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Some common injuries after motorcycle accidents include: 

  • Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries 
  • Spinal cord injuries 
  • Broken bones 
  • Broken or missing teeth 
  • Ligament tears or strains 
  • Road rash, scarring, and disfigurement 

California motorcycle helmet law 

Under California law, all operators and passengers of motorcycles must wear a DOT-compliant helmet when riding. Acceptable helmets will have a DOT certification symbol on the outside back of the helmet. 

 Helmets should fit snugly and have thick padding and lining. Eye protection is not required, but is a good idea. Riding without eyewear puts you at risk of getting bugs, rocks, or other debris in your eyes. It is also highly recommended to wear protective clothing and gloves, such as those made of leather. 

Helmet on a black and blue gradient

California lane splitting laws 

The term “lane splitting” refers to the practice of motorcyclists splitting lanes and riding in between cars while on multi-lane roads. 

 As of 2024, California is the only state in the country where lane splitting is fully legal. A handful of other states have legalized lane filtering or do not have laws specifically outlawing the practice. 

 Lane splitting should only be attempted by experienced riders. Motorists should be aware that bikers may be riding between lanes and should take care when changing lanes or turning. 

California Personal Injury FAQs

biker riding motorbike and holding smart phone

What should I do after a motorcycle accident? 

After any accident, it’s important to stay calm and remain at the scene. Avoid becoming overly upset or emotional. Do not apologize or accept blame for the crash. 

 Take the following actions as soon as you can after the accident occurs: 

  • Move your motorcycle out of traffic if possible. 
  • Call 911 or ask someone to do it for you. 
  • File a police report. 
  • Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. 
  • Take photos and videos of the accident scene. 
  • Seek medical care, even if you do not believe you are injured. 
  • Consider contacting an Advocate injury attorney to start a personal injury case. 

What damages can I seek in a California motorcycle accident case? 

Every personal injury case is different and must be judged on its own merits. There is no way to know the exact value of your case without knowing the specific facts about your accident and injuries. 

 Some common damages sought in motorcycle accident claims include: 

  • Medical bills 
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity 
  • Property damage 
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement 
  • Non-economic damages, such as emotional distress 
  • Funeral and burial expenses in the case of wrongful death 

 The best way to know the value of your case is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. When you hire an Advocate, we will walk you through the claims process, help you understand your options, and offer sound legal advice. 

Attorney writes notes from client

How long do I have to file my motorcycle accident claim in California? 

Every personal injury claim is subject to a time limit known as the statute of limitations. When this time limit is up, you lose your right to file. 

 The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California is generally two years, subject to special circumstances. This may seem like a long time, but it will go by quickly. Some cases take months or years to settle. It is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as you believe you may have a case.  

Why Should I Hire a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

If you or a loved one is facing physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial damages after a motorcycle accident, it’s time to contact The Advocates personal injury law firm.  

 The personal injury process can quickly become complex. We will gather evidence, negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and fight to get you maximum compensation for your damages.

The Advocates will take on the stressful parts of the legal process so that you and your loved ones can focus on feeling better. 

 Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve a legal team that puts your best interests first. You deserve an Advocate. 

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