As the operator of a passenger car, being aware not only of other cars but also of more vulnerable road users is vital. This includes bikers. Learning how to be a safe driver for motorcyclists can protect them while also keeping you from dealing with the financial and legal repercussions of a car accident. Despite your best efforts, however, collisions can still occur.
If you have been in a crash in San Diego, CA, because someone else was negligent, you may be entitled to file a claim. At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, our San Diego car accident lawyers can help you understand your rights.
Call our law office at (858) 551-2090 to schedule a free consultation.
How Pines Salomon Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident In San Diego, CA
At Pines Salomon our San Diego car accident attorneys can provide the assistance you need as you begin one of these legal actions.
We can help you by:
- Evaluating your case during a free consultation
- Investigating the car accident
- Gathering evidence to demonstrate who was liable
- Speaking with expert witnesses for their testimonies
- Calculating damages
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies
- Litigating, if needed
While motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road, they still have a duty to ride safely. Unsafe lane changes, speeding, or splitting lanes recklessly can cause dangerous situations for other drivers. If a motorcyclist’s negligence caused your accident and injuries, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.
We have been providing legal services in San Diego, California for more than 30 years. Our team of attorneys provides the one-on-one attention our clients need as they navigate personal injury claims, so you’ll never feel like just one more case. We have recovered more than $100 million in compensation and have been recognized by reputable legal organizations such as Martindale-Hubbell and Super Lawyers.
If you’ve been hurt because of another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, contact our San Diego personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Being A Safe Driver For Motorcyclists
In 2023, motorcyclists accounted for 15.5% of all traffic fatalities and 3.4% of all traffic injuries throughout the country, despite motorcycles only making up 3% of all registered vehicles.
Motorcycle accidents are this common because of a number of behaviors that drivers may engage in. To do your part and help protect bikers and yourself from accidents, there are some things that you can do to be a safer driver.
Check Blind Spots
Cars and trucks have blind spots that motorcycles can easily slip into. In cars, these spots are behind the driver’s shoulder, behind the rear windshield, and the areas to the side of the car that are obscured by the rear pillars.
Drivers need to double-check that motorcycles aren’t in these spots before making any maneuvers. Glancing over their shoulder before changing lanes, for example, can help.
Pay Attention To Road Conditions And Weather
Cracked asphalt or areas of the road that have large potholes can be dangerous for bikers. The same thing is true if it’s raining. Motorcycles can more easily lose traction, and that could mean the bike might topple or skid. If these conditions exist, give a motorcyclist more space and be aware that they could be struggling.
Maintain A Safe Following Distance
This applies to all vehicles in all situations, but especially when a bike is involved. Nudging the vehicle with your car could cause it to fall over, so you should allow a sizeable amount of distance. If there are any sudden stops, this space will serve as a buffer.
Don’t Share Lanes
In California, lane splitting is legal for bikers. This does not mean, however, that you, as the driver of a passenger car, can enter a lane in which there is a motorcycle. They have a right to occupy the entirety of it, even if they’re pressed against the shoulder.
Contact Our San Diego Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Sometimes, motorcyclists are the ones who behave negligently and cause accidents. You may be entitled to file a claim if you’ve done everything possible to obey traffic laws and drive safely for vulnerable road users but still sustained injuries in a crash. It’s not a simple process, and you shouldn’t attempt it on your own.
At Pines Salomon, our San Diego car accident lawyers can fight for fair compensation. We will thoroughly investigate the crash and demonstrate that you suffered losses that need to be addressed.
Contact our team to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
