San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Call Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today!

At Thompson Law, we’re committed to getting you the compensation you need and deserve. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will work efficiently to ensure you receive the medical care, rehabilitation, and financial recovery needed to move forward.

We know how devastating a motorcycle accident can be, which is why we’ll do everything in our power to help you recover for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Remember that there is a limited time to file a claim AKA the statute of limitations, so don’t delay. Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego?

Motorcycle accidents can leave you with severe injuries and financial struggles. Knowing the right steps to take after a crash can help protect your health and strengthen your case for compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Call 911:  This is the first step. Emergency medical assistance is essential, and the police will need to document the scene.
2. Get medical help:  Whether you’re treated at the scene or taken to a hospital, get checked out as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel injured immediately.
3. Document the scene:  If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
4. Get the details:  Write down the license plate and contact information of anyone involved in the crash, including the other driver and any witnesses.
5. Don’t talk to insurers:  Insurance adjusters might reach out. Politely decline to give a statement and refer them to your attorney.
6. Contact a Lawyer:  If your injuries are serious, focus on getting medical care and leave the legal work to us. We will handle gathering evidence, working with insurers, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s about time to get the best legal advice. Contact our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION and start the process of recovering what’s rightfully yours.

Why Choose Thompson Law as Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated Motorcycle Accident Lawyers who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law’s San Deigo Motorcycle Accident Lawyers and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Understanding San Diego Motorcycle Helmet Laws

California enforces some of the strictest helmet laws in the country to keep motorcyclists safe. The goal is simple: to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents.

According to the California Vehicle Code Section 27803, everyone riding a motorcycle, whether as a driver or passenger, must wear a helmet. This law applies to all types of motorcycles and motorized bicycles on San Diego’s public roads, regardless of how experienced the rider is.

Helmet Requirements

The law is clear about the standards helmets must meet. Any helmet you wear while riding must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, which ensure the helmet provides proper protection in case of a crash. These helmets must have:

• A thick inner liner (at least 1 inch of foam padding)
• A secure chin strap that’s properly riveted
• A DOT sticker verifying that the helmet meets federal safety standards

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to wear a helmet when riding can lead to several penalties:

• A traffic ticket, with fines ranging from $10 to $250 or more depending on the situation
• Points added to your driving record, which could lead to higher insurance rates
• In case of an accident, not wearing a helmet could impact your ability to recover damages for head injuries

How Helmet Use Affects Accident Claims

In any motorcycle accident case, wearing a helmet can help strengthen your claim. However, if you weren’t wearing one and suffered a head injury, the opposing party or insurance companies may argue that your injury was made worse because of this. This could reduce the amount of compensation you’re entitled to under California’s comparative negligence rules, which San Diego follows.

It’s also important to note that if your injuries are unrelated to the head (like broken bones or spinal injuries) your lack of helmet might not be a significant factor. An experienced San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate these details to make sure you’re fairly compensated.

San Diego Motorcycle Accident Statistics

San Diego tracks motorcycle crashes carefully, and the statistics reveal some concerning trends. In 2021 alone, the county saw 565 motorcycle fatalities, making up 13% of all motor vehicle-related deaths in California. Here are a few key details about the accidents:

Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

• Unsafe speed was the leading cause of fatal crashes, accounting for nearly 30% of the incidents.
• Improper turns and right-of-way violations were also significant factors, contributing to around 22% and 16% of fatal accidents, respectively.
• Most fatal crashes occurred in urban areas, particularly on major roads and highways.

Serious Injury Crashes

• In serious injury crashes, unsafe speed again topped the list of contributing factors.
• Improper turning and unsafe lane changes were also common causes of crashes that led to severe injuries.

When and Where Do These Crashes Happen?

• Fatal accidents tend to happen on weekends, especially between noon and 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
• Serious injuries are most likely to occur on Sunday afternoons, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Areas like principal arterials, interstates, and major collectors are high-risk spots for motorcycle crashes.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego

Motorcycle accidents in San Diego are usually caused by a mix of factors. The most common causes include:

• Unsafe speed:  Speeding is a major contributor to crashes, often leading to fatal or serious injuries.
• Improper turning:  A lot of accidents happen when riders or drivers fail to make turns safely.
• Alcohol or drug impairment:  Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many accidents.

Other causes include crashes with fixed objects, mechanical failures, distracted driving, and unsafe lane changes.

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable compared to other drivers. Statistically, they are 37 times more likely to die in a crash than people in cars. Although helmet laws have saved lives, fewer people are using DOT-compliant helmets than before. The national helmet use dropped from 69% in 2020 to 64.9% in 2021, which highlights the need for more education and stricter safety measures.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION and let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in San Diego

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents. This is mainly because motorcycles don’t have the same protective barriers, such as steel frames or airbags, that cars do. Riders are exposed to the full impact of a collision, which can lead to life-threatening injuries.

In San Diego, where motorcycle accidents are common, our lawyers regularly deal with the aftermath of these crashes. Some of the most serious injuries we encounter include:

• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injury
• Brain injury
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Fractured bones
• Facial injuries
• Chronic pain
• Road burn
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Severe lacerations
• Scarring
• Joint injuries
• Disfigurement
• Loss of limbs
• Concussions
• Sometimes even death

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence in a motorcycle crash, San Diego law allows you to seek compensation for your losses. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We work hard to recover damages for your pain, medical expenses, lost wages, long-term recovery needs, and vehicle repairs.

Thompson Law has a deep understanding of San Diego’s motorcycle laws and can use this knowledge to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW and let us help you on your journey to fair compensation.

FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego

If the insurance company denies your claim, don’t panic. Denials are a common tactic used to avoid paying out. Carefully read the denial letter to understand the reason behind it, and gather supporting evidence like medical records, police reports, and photos from the accident. Our skilled San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers will guide you through the appeal process and work on your behalf to negotiate or file a lawsuit to secure the compensation you deserve.

How can I prove liability in a motorcycle accident case?

Proving liability means showing that another party’s negligence caused the crash. This usually requires evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Photos or videos of the crash site and injuries
• Traffic camera or dashcam footage (if available)

Our attorneys might also work with accident reconstruction experts who can recreate the scene and help determine who was at fault.

Can motorcycle modifications affect my accident claim?

Yes, certain motorcycle modifications can impact your case. For example, if modifications alter performance (e.g. tampering with the brakes or exhaust system), the insurance company might argue that these changes contributed to the crash or worsened your injuries. Be sure to keep documentation of any modifications made to your motorcycle and check that they comply with state laws.

Why are expert witnesses important in motorcycle accident cases?

Experts can provide essential insight that strengthens your case. For instance:

• Accident reconstruction specialists can show exactly how the crash happened and who was responsible.
• Medical experts can explain the full impact of your injuries.
• Engineers or mechanics can assess whether a motorcycle defect played a role in the accident.

What are the legal rights of passengers injured in motorcycle accidents?

Passengers in motorcycle accidents have the same legal rights as riders. You can file a claim against the responsible party, whether that’s the rider of the motorcycle or another driver. Even if the motorcycle operator was partly at fault, San Diego’s comparative negligence laws allow you to recover damages. Our attorneys will help ensure your rights are protected and help you get the compensation you deserve.