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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer San Diego
HELPING MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN CALIFORNIA
As a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in San Diego, we know how important it is for you to maintain your focus on the road at all times and be wary of your surroundings. Motorcyclists often have to be aware of things and use skills that drivers of passenger cars rarely do.
Unfortunately, even seasoned motorcyclists who practice road safety can’t control the negligent actions of others. Countless motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who are distracted or simply not paying attention to those around them.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need the help of a motorcycle accident attorney in San Diego who can strengthen your claim and go after the results you need to make a full recovery.
The Law Office of Michelle Gershen is run by an attorney who used to work for insurance companies and can stand up to those who wish to deny you your rights. You can trust our San Diego motorcycle accident attorney to put your needs first and be with you every step of the way.
Contact our experienced motorcycle accident attorney in San Diego online or by phone today at (619) 492-5526 to assert your rights against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. Our attorney used to represent insurance companies and understands both sides of your case.
MOTORCYCLE LAWS IN CALIFORNIA
While motorcyclists are expected to follow the same laws that apply to car drivers, California also has several specific laws that are designed to protect motorcyclists from other vehicle drivers. One major law is that motorcyclists have to wear helmets at all times – accidents often throw motorcyclists from their bikes and can result in fatalities or head or brain injuries if the rider isn’t wearing or loses their helmet.
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Lane splitting laws: Lane splitting occurs when motorcyclists maneuver between two lanes of traffic in an effort to get around vehicles and is often dangerous and banned in some states. However, lane splitting is legal in California. There are some state laws that can make this practice safer, such as one that forbids drivers from driving so slowly that they impede traffic.
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Opening vehicle doors: Many motorcyclists can be injured when a parked car on the side of the road has its door open in the path of the oncoming rider. California makes it illegal for motorists to open or leave their vehicle doors open unless it’s reasonably safe to do so and will not interfere with the movement of traffic.
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Insurance requirements: Motorcyclists are required to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance, including $5,000 for property damage, $15,000 for bodily injury to an individual, and $30,000 for bodily injuries to multiple victims.
COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN SAN DIEGO
Regardless of how safe you are on the road, there are a variety of negligent factors that can cause a motorcycle accident. Though many accidents are caused by driver errors, other motorcyclists and entities can play a role in causing accidents, too. That is why it is important to have a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer in San Diego by your side.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries include:
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Inattentive drivers: Thousands of motorcycle accidents are caused in California every year by drivers who are distracted or not paying attention. Drivers often turn in front of motorcycles, change lanes when motorcyclists are in their blind spots, or perform other dangerous maneuvers that could be prevented if they take the time to observe their surroundings.
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Impaired driving: Drunk driving causes countless accidents, and motorcyclists aren’t safe, either. Impaired driving results in slower reaction times to road hazards and slowed traffic. Drunk drivers can also be distracted and reckless, causing them to not see motorcycles coming up alongside them or make a sudden turn into the path of a motorcyclist.
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Poor communication: Sometimes motorcyclists ride in groups and take up lanes together, requiring them to communicate clearly to prevent them from colliding into one another or into other nearby vehicles. Poor communication can result in riders moving into one another’s lanes of travel, causing accidents.
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Road hazards: State and local governments may be held liable for damages if their damaged roadways caused the motorcycle accident. Governments are responsible for keeping their roads in good condition and free of hazards like loose gravel or asphalt, or potholes.
Injuries can vary depending on the nature and cause of the accident, though it’s known that motorcyclists often suffer from catastrophic, or serious and permanent, injuries, especially if the accident involves other passenger cars. Common catastrophic injuries can include burns, spinal cord and neck injuries, and head and brain injuries.
Car accidents are most often caused by:
Pursue your entitled financial compensation today by calling our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer at (619) 492-5526. Your consultation is free and can be scheduled same day for convenience.