California grants the same rights to motorcyclists as other drivers. Unfortunately, motorists sometimes break traffic laws meant to keep others safe. The result for motorcyclists can be devastating, causing serious injuries, financial losses, and the need for a lengthy recovery.
If you suffered injuries while riding a motorcycle in Sacramento, knowing the motorcycle accident laws in California can help you understand your legal rights. The personal injury attorneys at Demas Law Group can advise you on your options for pursuing compensation in a free consultation.
For over 30 years, our skilled legal team has successfully recovered maximum compensation for injured motorcyclists. Our track record includes securing millions of dollars for accident victims and their families, including a $3 million settlement for the parents of a 30-year-old man killed on his bike at an intersection in Oakland. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcycle Accident Laws in California
Motorcyclists must follow the same rules of the road as any other driver. However, some laws are specific to riders, including:
- Helmet law – California’s motorcycle helmet law is straightforward. All riders and passengers, regardless of their age and experience level, must always wear a helmet. The only exception is for riders and passengers in three-wheeled, fully enclosed motorcycles less than seven feet long, four feet wide, and weighing less than 900 pounds. State law specifies that motorcycle helmets must meet federal safety standards.
- Lane splitting – California is one of the few states that explicitly allows motorcycle riders to ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, a practice called lane splitting.
- Required safety equipment – According to the California Motorcycle Handbook, any street-legal motorcycle must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, front and rear brakes, mirrors, and a horn. State law also says a motorcycle’s seat must let the rider reach the ground with their feet. Finally, a motorcycle’s handlebars cannot be positioned with grips over six inches above shoulder height.
The deadline for filing a motorcycle accident claim in California is the same as for most other personal injury claims. Injured motorcycle riders typically must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the crash or they lose their right to seek compensation.
Reasons to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
Hiring an attorney can make a significant difference in your motorcycle accident claim. Motorcycle accident lawyers know the ins and outs of California’s traffic laws and how to manage complex legal cases. A seasoned attorney can also anticipate potential disputes from the insurance company as adjusters try to undervalue your claim. Your motorcycle accident attorney will also take charge of gathering the evidence needed to build the strongest possible case.
Most importantly, your motorcycle accident lawyer will calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, to maximize your claim’s value. Your biggest obstacle to fair compensation is getting insurance companies to pay, so hiring a proven attorney to negotiate a settlement gives you a solid chance of receiving an optimal outcome. Though most personal injury cases conclude with settlements, your attorney may advise filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit and taking the case to trial to pursue a full and fair result.
Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle crash in Sacramento may involve multiple liable parties, including:
- Other drivers – Drivers who fail to check blind spots, run red lights, speed, or engage in distracted driving can easily collide with motorcyclists.
- Motorcycle manufacturer – Companies may be liable for motorcycle defects that lead to a crash, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems.
- Government entities – State or local governments may be responsible for motorcycle accidents if poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or hazardous construction zones contribute to the collision.
- Bars or restaurants – Establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who then cause DUI accidents may be liable under California’s dram shop laws.
- Motorcycle maintenance providers – Repair shops may bear responsibility if negligent maintenance, such as failing to fix worn brakes or tires, leads to a crash.
An attorney with a long history of handling motorcycle accident cases will conduct a thorough investigation to identify everyone who played a role in causing the wreck.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in California
Injured motorcycle riders in California can seek compensation for their financial and personal losses when someone else causes a crash. However, motorcyclists must act quickly. Evidence can disappear or deteriorate within days or weeks of a collision, but you don’t need to feel pressured to collect it all yourself. Once you hire an attorney, they can do it all for you.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento can help you seek fair compensation for losses like:
- Medical bills
- Long-term medical care
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
At Demas Law Group, we leave no stone unturned in pursuing money from all available sources.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Sacramento include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes
- Dangerous left turns
- Failure to check blind spots
- Dooring (opening a car door without checking for oncoming traffic)
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Limited visibility
- Poor road conditions
- Bad weather
Many times, a combination of factors leads to a motorcycle crash. California law allows accident victims to seek compensation from every liable party.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe because riders have less protection than occupants of passenger cars. That’s why you should always seek medical treatment after a motorcycle crash in Sacramento.
If your injuries allow you to remain at the accident scene, follow these steps:
- Call 911 to report the motorcycle accident.
- Gather insurance information and the names of everyone involved in the collision.
- Take photos of the damage to your bike, the other car, and any visible injuries.
- Get the names of any witnesses.
- Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up medical appointments
- Save any physical evidence from the scene, such as your clothing and motorcycle helmet.
- Keep all accident-related receipts for proof of your injuries and financial losses.
- Don’t discuss your case with anyone but an attorney, including on social media.
- Contact a motorcycle accident law firm in Sacramento to learn your legal options.
Contact Our Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Demas Law Group is a respected personal injury law firm serving clients in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. Call or contact us today to arrange a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
