Siskiyou County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Siskiyou County Motorcycle Accident Attorney

In recent years, the number of motorcycle drivers has increased, and so has the number of motorcycle accidents that occur in Siskiyou County. Since motorcycles offer less protection than larger vehicles, it is common for motorcycle accidents to result in serious injury or even death. If you or a family member have been injured in a motorcycle accident, a Siskiyou County motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to recover damages, even if you were partially at fault.

Barr and Mudford has been recognized as a top personal injury law firm in Northern California. Since 1967, our skilled attorneys have focused on personal injury claims, helping injured victims and protecting their rights and interests. We treat every client with the care their case deserves and aim to help them get the compensation they need to move forward.

Understanding California Motorcycle Laws

California laws governing motorcycle use are similar to laws for cars. For example, all motor vehicles must meet certain equipment safety standards, like functioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals.

In addition, all drivers in California, including motorcycle drivers, must maintain minimum insurance coverage on their vehicles and proof of financial responsibility. Failure to do so may result in serious penalties. This minimum coverage includes:

• $15,000 for bodily injury for each person
• $30,000 for bodily injury for each accident
• $5,000 for property damage for each accident

However, motorcycles have unique needs, so there are laws and requirements that address these needs. California requires motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets that meet safety standards set by the Department of Transportation. Motorcycle drivers must also have a specific license that allows them to drive a motorcycle, known as an M1 or M2.

Lane-Splitting in California

Lane-splitting, which means driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or slow traffic, is legal in California. However, lane-splitting can be dangerous and result in a higher risk of a crash or loss of control of the vehicle. California Highway Patrol offers the following factors that make lane-splitting more dangerous:

• Higher speeds
• Speed increases
• Splitting next to large vehicles
• Wearing gear that is not reflective or brightly colored

Driving on the shoulder, however, is not considered lane-splitting and is illegal. It is also illegal for another driver to block or impede a motorcycle driver who is lane-splitting, as this can lead to serious injury.

Liability in California Motorcycle Accidents

California uses a rule of “pure comparative negligence” to establish compensation for motor vehicle accidents. This includes motorcycle accidents. This rule assigns a percentage of blame (or fault) for an accident to each driver. Each driver is then responsible for their percentage of the damages. In a motorcycle accident, this means that motorcycle riders who are found to be partially at fault for a crash can seek compensation for damages and injury. However, the amount will be reduced based on your culpability.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Like other accidents, there’s a lot that can go wrong when driving a motorcycle. When you’re driving a car, there’s a lot of protection and safety features in your vehicle. However, motorcycle accidents are much more likely to result in serious injuries for the driver. Common injuries include:

• Road rash
• Burns
• Broken bones
• Foot and leg injuries
• Head and neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injury

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know that while motorcycle drivers are often assigned fault for crashes, if other drivers were involved, they may also be at fault. Consulting with a skilled attorney can help you determine if you are eligible to seek compensation.

A Lawyer Can Help

A motorcycle accident can be frightening, and dealing with the resulting insurance claims, medical treatments, and vehicle repairs can be overwhelming, especially if you are also recovering from serious injuries. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence about your case, determine how much compensation you are entitled to, and represent you in court negotiations with insurance companies in and out of court.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements in California?

A: Settlements for motorcycle accidents in California can be anywhere from hundreds of dollars to millions. The settlement amount is dependent on several factors, including liability, property damage, how much work was missed, if any, and the severity of any injuries. To maximize your settlement, consider hiring a personal injury attorney.

Q: Will a Motorcycle Accident Go on Your Driving Record in California?

A: By law, all vehicle accidents should be reported to the California DMV, and those accidents will show on your driving record. There are a few exceptions, such as when the total damage is less than $1000 or if the reporting officer assigns all fault to another driver or drivers, meaning you do not have any fault in the accident.

Q: What Should You Do if There Is a Motorcycle Accident?

A: First, don’t leave the scene of the accident, or you can be charged with a “hit and run,” which may result in a stiff penalty. Move your motorcycle out of traffic and check involved parties for injuries. Call the police to report the crash. Don’t admit fault or apologize to other drivers or officers. Seek medical attention and keep all your records, medical bills, and other paperwork related to the accident together in one place.

Q: How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

A: Most personal injury attorneys in California work on contingency, which means injured victims don’t pay anything unless they win their case. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of the settlement. The percentage may depend on the complexity of the case, if the case has to go to trial, or if it can be settled out of court. Be sure to ask about the fee structure in your initial consultation.

Your Siskiyou County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At Barr and Mudford, we know motorcycle accidents are often stressful and more severe than crashes involving only passenger vehicles. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can negotiate with all parties involved, navigate complex state and federal regulations, and if necessary, represent you in court to make sure your rights are being protected and you receive adequate compensation. Contact our office today to discuss your legal options.