King County Motorcycle Accident Results In Fatality

Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run crash in Kings County, CHP says

Friday, September 30, 2022 7:30PM

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. -- A semi-truck driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident with a motorcyclist (car vs motorcycle vs downed biker motorcycle crash) in Kings County, CA, is being sought by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). 

CHP officers tell us the motorcycle rider was heading south on Avenal Cutoff Road at Lincoln Ave just before 6 a.m. when an on-coming motorist turned in front of the biker, causing the motorcycle to crash into the side of the car and the biker to fall to the ground. He was then struck by the semi-truck.

The semi-truck driver did not stop. The driver of the car that caused the first collision remained on scene and is cooperating with investigating authorities. Investigators are hoping to gleen more information from a camera the motorcyclist was wearing.

The motorcyclist died at the scene.

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Jason Waechter. Known nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” he has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-245-3752 for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

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Anywhere in California

Santa Monica Police Announce Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation for September 16, 2022

The Santa Monica Police Department will beef up patrols with extra officers on Friday, September 16th from 6am to 6pm. Patrol officers will be looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

Here are a few safety tips for Motorcyclists:

1. Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

2. Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

3. Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

4. Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

5. Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Media Contact

Myesha Morrison

Crime Prevention Coordinator

Myesha.Morrison@santamonica.gov

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Jason Waechter. Known nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” he has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-245-3752 for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

Start Free Case Strategy Session

Anywhere in California

California motorcyclist killed in crash with van in Merced

Monday, August 22, 2022

The motorcycle-van crash occurred at the intersection of M and 25th at approximately 4:30 pm.

MERCED, California -- A 59-year-old man was killed at the intersection of M and 25th at approximately 4:30 pm in Merced, CA when a van crashed into the motorcycle he was riding on Monday.

Merced police say the 59-year-old rider was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Police investigators are still trying to determine what led up to the crash. Authorities say traffic had been stopped while waiting for a train to pass and the the accident occurred as traffic resumed.

According to investigators, alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.

The motorcyclist has not been identified.

Merced police officers are asking drivers to watch for motorcyclists on the road, and to drive carefully around them.

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Jason Waechter, nown nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” he has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-245-3752 for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

Start Free Case Strategy Session

Anywhere in California

Harley-Davidson hit with federal class action lawsuits over 'right to repair' restrictions.

Harley-Davidson Motor Co Group LLC is faced with two federal lawsuits, one in California and another in Wisconsin, purporting the U.S. motorcycle manufacturer limited where bikers could obtain service and how they could get their motorcycles repairs. The suits allege the company's actions inflate service and repair costs for owners.

The two class action suits come after Harley-Davidson settled a "right-to-repair" complaint with U.S. Federal Trade Commission in a late June. In that complaint, Harley-Davidson agreed to end some restrictions that required motorcycle owners to buy HD's own parts for use in repairs.

The lawsuit filed against Harley-Davidson on Friday in California, accuses the company of violating state competition law and other statues. The Wisconsin lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, and alleges the practices are violations of federal antitrust provisions. 

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Jason Waechter, known nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-245-3752 for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

Start Free Case Strategy Session

Anywhere in California

I want to get a motorcycle. Can you tell me the rules and laws for legally riding a motorcycle on the road in California?

If you've never had a motorcycle and want to start riding, you want to ride safely and legally. Knowing the rules and laws for riding your motorcycle in California is a great place to get started toward your goal.

I won't talk excessively about the benefits of riding or why so many people enjoy riding motorcycles, because I'm not writing a magazine article. The point of this writing is to get you the information a new rider needs to know before jumping on their motorcycle for the first time and rolling down a public road or highway.

First, you do need a valid driver's license or endorsement to operate/drive a motorcycle. You can view that California law by looking up Section 12500(b) of the California Vehicle Code. Look to Section 12804.9(b) (4), which states that a motorcycle dirver's license, known as Class M1, may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C driver's license upon completion of an appropriate examination. The "appropriate examination" includes set of tests - a driver knowledge test, a motorcycle knowledge test, and a motorcycle skills test. If you have a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training, you may be allowed to skip the motorcycle skills test.

As a new rider in California, or somebody who has never riden a motorcycle and wants to, you want to learn how to ride safely and also be a legal rider. What better way than signing up with the California Highway Patrol's California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). 

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is statutorily responsible for California's official motorcyclist safety and training program. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Sections 2930-2935, the CHP administers the CMSP through a primary contractor, currently Total Control Training Inc.  As of 2019, over 1,200,000 motorcycle riders have received training at one of the CMSP's many training sites since the program began in July 1987.

This is really an awesome way to obtain your skills in a safe manner, while learning the necessary information to pass your other tests.

Two Ways To Be Safe & Learn The Latest Skills

The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is a 15 hour course which includes 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of actual riding. The MTC is mandatory for those under the age of 21, but is also recommended to those 21 and older who are seeking to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their California driver license.  

The CMSP also offers the Premier Program which is an extended Motorcycle Training Course (MTC) consisting of 7.5-hours of classroom and 13.5-hours of riding. The CHP and its partners encourage all riders to be life-long learners and seek additional training beyond the MTC and Premier programs.

Benefits of Taking The Course:

Upon completion you’ll get a skills waiver that allows you to skip the riding skills test at the DMV

Passing the class could result in insurance breaks

It will give you and your family peace of mind

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) strongly encourages all motorcycle riders to sign up for a California Motorcyclist Safety Course, which is administered by the CHP as California's official motorcycle safety and training program.

Visit the official CHP Motorcycle Training site here https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety/california-motorcyclist-training

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Jason Waechter. Known nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” he has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-245-3752 for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

Start Free Case Strategy Session

Anywhere in California

California Highway Patrol Lane Splitting Guidelines

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) wrote guidelines for engaging in safe lane splitting. Those guidelines are listed below:

Motorcyclists should avoid riding at speeds of 10 miles per hour greater than surrounding traffic. According to the CHP, lane splitting dangers increase at higher speed differentials.

Motorcyclists should avoid lane splitting when surrounding traffic is moving at 30 miles per hour or faster. 

The CHP suggests that motorcyclists should consider the surrounding environment before lane splitting. Motorcyclists should consider lane width, the size of surrounding vehicles, weather and lighting conditions. 

The CHP recommends lane splitting between the far-left lanes because it is safer than lane splitting between other lanes of traffic. 

Motorcyclists should avoid lane splitting around large vehicles, such as commercial trucks or buses.

Motorcyclists should avoid riding in the blind spots of other vehicles or lingering between vehicles. 

Under California law, it is illegal to ride in the shoulder lane. Riding in the shoulder lane is not lane splitting. 

The CHP further recommends that vehicle drivers should never try to impede a motorcyclist who is trying to pass you in a way that jeopardizes his or her safety. It is against the law.

The Motorcycle Lawyer℠, Jason Waechter, is a nationally known motorcycle litigator. He has over 25 years expertise handling cases. He has consistently fought for motorcyclist’s rights since the beginning of his career. No matter where your crash occurred, we have you covered. For a free strategy session call THE Motorcycle Lawyer℠ of attorneys at 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

This is why it is important to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney like nationally recognized Jason Waechter. Known nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” he has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-245-3752 for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

Start Free Case Strategy Session

Anywhere in California

Why did California legalize lane splitting?

In 2016, California become the first state to officially legalize lane splitting. Before, it was not considered illegal but there were no regulations. Therefore, passing the California Lane Splitting Law enabled California Highway Patrol to define legal versus illegal lane splitting. However, the law does not guarantee that motor vehicle drivers will exercise a proper duty of care to protect motorcyclists.

If you get into a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, you probably do not bear any degree of fault for your collision. To properly determine your degree of responsibility and protect your rights and start a case, Activate THE Motorcycle Lawyer Network at 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

Motorcycle injury & motorcycle wrongful death cases are our specialty. It’s what we do and do better than anyone else. For over 25 years, Jason Waechter has earned the national reputation as THE Motorcycle Lawyer℠. We’ve seen it all.

We have earned a reputation as winning trial lawyers. When they know you can try the case to a big win, they settle faster and for more. Our recent trial victories include: $2,000,000 road construction negligence, $677,000 verdict, motorcycle crash, $550,000 auto verdict after $5,000 offer, $350,000 verdict vehicle negligence, $90,000 verdict last offer $30,000, and more.

Plus, you are covered by our NO WIN, NO FEE PROMISE.

This is why it is important to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney like nationally recognized Jason Waechter. Known nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” he has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-BIKER-LAW for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

Start Free Case Strategy Session

Anywhere in the U.S.

Lane Splitting Law California

Lane splitting as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 is driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.

The Lane Splitting Law in California further explains the following actions should be taken by fellow drivers to protect the safety of motorcyclists:

Recognize lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California.

Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. 

Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal.

Drivers in the far-left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass.

Simply because California lane splitting law requires fellow vehicle drivers to exercise a “duty of care” with respect to motorcyclists, does not always mean they will. When involved in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting it is important to seek counsel from a motorcycle law specialist. 

The Motorcycle Lawyer℠, Jason Waechter, is just such a man. His dedication to the motorcycle community has resulted in the following awards:

Named to The Top 100 Trial Lawyers

Named to Super Lawyer 2011 to present

Million Dollar Award Winner

Best Lawyers in America consecutive years

Million Dollar Advocated

AV Rated (highest peer rating) with Martindale Hubbell

His winning approach has resulted in some of the huge wins in motorcycle crash litigation:

$2,000,000 - Verdict in road construction case involving improper signage and negligence.

$2,000,000 - Motorcyclist hits road construction defect.

$1,500,000 - Motorcyclist suffers broken leg from auto negligence.

$1,400,000 - Motorcycle hit by elderly driver. Severe leg injury with multiple surgeries.

$1,250,000 - Motorcycle crash resulting in death, no helmet, disputed liability.

$1,000,000 - Semi-truck made improper right turn across motorcyclist’s path causing broken bones and significant work loss.

$1,000,000 - Motorcycle hit by semi-truck, multiple broken bones and wage loss. 

And many more………..

He is also a Best-Selling Author having written the book on motorcycle litigation, “Litigating Motorcycle Injury & Wrongful Death Cases,” and member of The American Association for Justice (AAJ), American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE), Motorcycle Litigation Group-founding Member, and so on. 

Jason Waechter at THE Motorcycle Lawyer and his Network have multiple lawyers in every state that we have vetted for extensive trial experience and specialization in motorcycle accident wrongful death cases. No matter where your accident occurred, our specializing lawyers can help. CALL 1-877-BIKER-LAW today. WE CAN HELP.

This is why it is important to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney like nationally recognized Jason Waechter. Known nationally as, “The Motorcycle Lawyer℠,” he has affiliate offices throughout the State of California. Call 1-877-BIKER-LAW for a free case strategy session.

CALL NOW: 1-877-BIKER-LAW

Start Free Case Strategy Session

Anywhere in the U.S.

Is lane splitting legal in California?

Lane Splitting is legal in California as defined by the California Vehicle Code Rule 21658.1. For legal purposes, the law defines lane splitting as driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.

The California Office of Traffic Safety recently surveyed drivers and motorcycle riders about their opinions on lane-splitting. This is the first time such a survey has been conducted in California.

The survey revealed that approximately 87 percent of motorcycle riders in California engage in lane-splitting. However, only 53 percent of drivers know that lane-splitting is legal. Even more troubling is the fact that 7 percent of respondents admitted that they have actively taken steps to try to prevent a lane-splitting motorcyclist from passing. This kind of behavior is likely to lead to a serious collision.

The specializing motorcycle legal team at THE Motorcycle Lawyer Network can answer any questions you have regarding a potential motorcycle accident case in California. WE RIDE, WE GET IT. Activate our team today at 1-877-BIKER-LAW. We work on a contingency basis. We have a NO WIN,NO FEE promise.