San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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Motorcycle Accident Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego near you.

Experiencing a motorcycle accident can be a life-altering event, filled with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and financial strain. Our team of experienced San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers is committed to helping you secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Call Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers today at (858) 551-2090.

If you’re navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle or car accident in San Diego, CA, having the support of a dedicated legal team like can be invaluable. Contact our law office for a free initial consultation.

How Pines Salomon Can Help After an Accident in San Diego

With years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims, our San Diego personal injury attorneys can assist you after an accident with:

Thorough investigation
Expert negotiation and help with insurance claims
Comprehensive legal representation
Medical and financial advice
No upfront costs

Don’t hesitate to contact our San Diego, CA, team for a free consultation. Let us help you find clarity and peace of mind after an accident.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents In San Diego

According to the University of California Berkeley Safe Transportation and Education Center, 75% of motorcycle crashes occur in urban areas such as San Diego. Knowing the common causes of these accidents may help you determine if you have a personal injury claim.

Rear-End Accidents

Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable in rear-end collisions due to their lack of seatbelts and airbags. These accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities, typically occurring at stoplights, stop signs, when a vehicle is tailgating or distracted, on blind curves, or in traffic buildup.

Left-Handed Turns

Drivers turning left often overlook motorcycles because they are focused on oncoming traffic.

In a recent year, the NHTSA found that in 43 percent of fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the other vehicles were turning left while the motorcycles were going straight, passing, or overtaking other vehicles.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions often result in catastrophic injuries for all involved. According to the NHTSA, in more than half of motorcycle accidents including a head-on collision the motorcycle was the striking vehicle.

The smaller size of motorcycles can make them less visible to drivers of both personal and commercial vehicles, which increases the likelihood of head-on collisions.

Improper Lane Changing

A lane change accident can happen when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist in their blind spot and then collides with the motorcyclist.

Most multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents occur when a driver does not see the motorcyclist.

What is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

Several important factors come into play when trying to figure out how much your motorcycle accident case is worth. Each case is different, so it’s important to look at all the specific details of your situation. Here are some of the key things that can influence the value of your claim:

Severity of injuries: The more serious your injuries are, the higher the potential compensation. Severe injuries might require long-term medical care and could impact your ability to work or participate in everyday activities.
Medical expenses: This includes all the money you have spent or will spend on medical treatment, like hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, medication, and physical therapy. These costs can add up quickly after an accident.
Lost wages: If your injuries have kept you from working, you might be eligible to recover the income you have lost during the time you were unable to work. This also includes any future earnings you might miss if you can’t return to your previous job or work full-time.
Property damage: This refers to the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property in the accident. It’s important to document the extent of the damage to seek proper compensation.
Impact on quality of life: Sometimes, injuries from an accident can affect your enjoyment of life. If you can no longer do things you loved before the accident, such as hobbies or spending time with family, this could increase the value of your claim.

Because each accident is unique, our experienced attorneys at Pines Salomon work closely with you to evaluate all these factors in detail. We aim to make sure that every aspect of the accident’s impact on your life is considered so you can get the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to support you in getting back to your normal life as much as possible and provide financial peace of mind during your recovery.

What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?

After a motorcycle accident, victims can often receive different types of compensation, known as damages. These damages are meant to help cover the losses and hardships that come after an accident. Here’s what you might be entitled to:

Economic Damages

Economic damages will cover things you can count and measure financially. They include:

Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Lost income
Property damage

A San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer can help you quantify these damages through medical bills, documentation, and even expert witnesses, if necessary.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are less about exact dollar amounts and more about addressing the personal impact of the accident. They include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

Both types of damages are important. Economic damages help you handle financial burdens, while non-economic damages are crucial for valuing how the accident has affected your quality of life overall. By including both when seeking compensation, you can address the full impact that the accident has had on your life.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

At Pines Salomon, financial barriers should not prevent you from obtaining justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. Simply put, you owe us something if we win your case. This approach allows you to focus on recovery without the stress of legal fees.

Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in California?

California operates under a comparative fault system regarding personal injury claims. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation.

However, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our experienced attorneys are adept at navigating cases involving shared fault, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Motorcycle Injuries

We'll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be particularly dangerous because riders don’t have the same protection as people in cars. This means that when accidents happen, the injuries can be very serious. Here are some common injuries that riders might face:

Road rash: This is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when a rider slides across the pavement. While it might sound minor, road rash can be painful and lead to infections if not properly treated.
Fractures: Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents because the impact can throw riders off their bikes. Arms, legs, and other bones can easily break in a crash.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, riders can suffer head injuries. A TBI can affect the brain’s ability to function properly, leading to problems with memory, coordination, and emotional balance.
Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can be life-changing, potentially resulting in partial or full paralysis. The spinal cord is crucial for sending messages between the brain and the rest of the body, so damage here can have serious implications.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscle and ligament injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears, can be caused by sudden impacts or movements.
Internal Injuries: The force of a crash can cause severe internal injuries, which are often life-threatening and may require surgery.
Whiplash: Whiplash and similar neck injuries can cause severe and long-lasting physical and emotional issues.
Lacerations: Lacerations and cuts caused by impact with road debris, other vehicles, or the motorcycle itself.

Dealing with these injuries often means needing a lot of medical care, like surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. All of this can be very expensive and might require you to change how you live your day-to-day life. That’s why it’s important to seek compensation that can cover these costs and help you adjust to any new challenges you might face.

At Pines Salomon, our goal is to fight for you to get the money you need. We understand how life-altering these injuries can be and are committed to making sure you are fully compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.

What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego?

Knowing what typically leads to motorcycle accidents can help prevent them and strengthen your legal case if an accident occurs. Here are some of the most common causes:

Distracted driving: Many accidents happen because drivers are not paying attention. This can be due to texting, talking on the phone, eating, or anything else that takes their eyes off the road.
Speeding: When drivers go too fast, they have less time to react to other vehicles or obstacles. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around corners or avoid obstructions in the road.
Poor road conditions: Bad roads can be dangerous for motorcyclists. Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris like gravel or oil can cause tires to slip, leading to accidents.
Vehicle blind spots: Motorcycles are smaller than cars, making them less visible. Drivers who don’t check their blind spots may not see a motorcycle, leading to potentially serious collisions during lane changes or turns.
Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and react to their surroundings, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. This is a danger for both bikers and other drivers on the road.

By understanding these common causes, you can take steps to enhance your safety while riding. Also, if you ever find yourself in an accident, being aware of these causes can help you and your attorney build a stronger case, proving what went wrong and who was at fault.

Critical Statistics and Safety Insights

Motorcycle accidents can often lead to catastrophic injuries for victims.

The University of California Berkeley Safe Transportation and Education Center published an article in 2024 detailing motorcycle safety statistics based on data from 2022.

The following data was published in the article:

15% of all fatalities in crashes nationwide were motorcyclists
14% of all fatalities in crashes in California were motorcyclists
The top five causes of motorcycle accidents were:
- Unsafe speed
- Improper turning
- Automobile right of way
- Bicycling or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Unsafe lane change

While riding a motorcycle is dangerous, there are efforts that motorcyclists can make to lessen the danger.

First, motorcyclists can ensure to wear a helmet for trips. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets was 73.8 percent in 2023, the highest of any wear examined.

Next, motorcyclists should ensure that they are properly licensed. Of the motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in 2022, 35% were riding without valid motorcycle licenses. Having a license ensures that you have taken training to properly operate a motorcycle.

If you have been in an accident involving a motorcycle, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim.

California Motorcycle Equipment Laws And Regulations

California has enacted laws to protect motorcyclists and make the roads safer. Motorcyclists should be aware of all relevant laws and regulations regarding operating a motorcycle before hitting the road.

Safety Equipment: California requires all motorcyclists to wear a DOT-compliant motorcycle safety helmet while operating a motorcycle or motorized scooter. While not legally required, the Department of Transportation highly recommends that motorcyclists use eye protection and wear protective apparel.

Motorcycle Operation: In addition to equipment laws, California enacted laws for operating a motorcycle. These laws include:
- Carpool lane: Motorcyclists can use the carpool lane unless otherwise stated.
- Tailgating: Motorcyclists may not tailgate vehicles ahead of them.
- Passing: Passing drivers must follow the posted speed limit.
- DUI Regulations: Driving under the influence of any substance is illegal and prohibited in the state of California. A blood alcohol content 0.08% or higher will land you heavy fines and a day in court, ultimately.
- Lane splitting: Motorcyclists are permitted to split lanes if done safely.
Insurance: In California, motorcycle riders must have insurance to legally operate their vehicles. The minimum coverages are $15,000 for individual bodily injury, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. It’s recommended for motorcyclists to choose insurance coverage exceeding the minimum to better protect against costs from incidents involving underinsured or uninsured motorists.

How Long Do I File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in California?

In California, the statute of limitations restricts the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, this period is two years from the date of the accident. Taking prompt legal action is crucial to preserve your right to sue and secure compensation. This deadline could ensure you recover damages.

Contact Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. The experienced team at Pines Salomon is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need. Our San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.