California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Is it legal to ride a motorbike without a helmet in California?

California’s mandatory helmet law, as written in Vehicle Code Section 27803, explicitly states that it is “unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet.” It not only requires the person operating the motorcycle to wear a helmet, but also any passengers who are on the vehicle.

The law also extends beyond motorcycles, explicitly including all motorized bicycles and motor-driving cycles in its definition. 

If caught riding without a helmet, you are subject to getting a ticket and paying a fine. If you get into a motorcycle accident while not wearing your helmet in California, it may negatively impact your case. The at-fault party in a motorcycle accident case may use a comparative negligence defense under California law. 

So, what does this mean for you?

California law allows the defendant (at-fault party) to argue that the victim contributed to their own injuries. If the court accepts this defense, the victim may receive less compensation for their injuries.

For example, under California’s comparative negligence law, if not wearing a helmet made you 30 percent liable for your injury, then you would receive $70,000 instead of a $100,000 award for your motorcycle accident claim.

For more information, contact Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer℠ and activate THE Motorcycle Network of Lawyers on your behalf.  From San Diego to Sacramento and beyond, we can help after a motorcycle accident.  We can be reached 24/7 anywhere in California at 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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Can you ride a motorcycle in California without a helmet?

All riders and passengers are required per CVC §27803 to wear a U.S. DOT compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle. The motorcycle safety helmet must be certified by the manufacturer stating the helmet complies with U.S. DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. 

California helmet law is quite broad requiring all riders and passengers of any motorized bike to wear a helmet. If caught riding without a helmet you may be fined up to $250 and each passenger can be fined the same amount.

Contact the Motorcycle Lawyer Network for representation for any motorcycle accident. We have locations throughout California and stand ready to serve the needs to of the motorcycle community. 1-877-BIKER-LAW. We are especially prepared to combat the misguided argument that failing to wear a helmet was a cause.

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California Motorcycle Helmet Laws

California Requires All Riders to Wear a Helmet. California’s mandatory helmet law, as written in Vehicle Code Section 27803, states that it is “unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet.”

California’s motorcycle helmet law is rather broad. It not only requires the person operating the motorcycle to wear a helmet, but also any passengers who are on the vehicle.

What Happens If You Don’t Wear a Helmet in California? First, you can face potential criminal consequences. Since it is illegal in the state of California to ride on a motorcycle without an acceptable safety helmet, it is regarding by California law to be an immediate safety hazard punishable by a fine of up to $250.

Second, you can face civil consequences should you be involved in a motorcycle accident.

If you are injured in an accident and were not wearing a helmet at the time, your ability to recover monetary damages could be compromised.

Accident victims who are found to contribute to their own accident or injury are not barred from recovering damages, as long as another person is also to blame. However, the damage amount you can recover is reduced by your degree of fault. This concept is known as comparative fault.

An example may make it easier to understand, let’s say you are injured in a Los Angeles motorcycle accident and you are struck by a distracted driver. You are not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and suffer severe injuries as a result of the crash.

The defense or insurance company will surely try to argue that if you had been wearing a helmet, your injuries would have been less severe. Let’s also say as a result of not wearing a helmet the court finds you 25% responsible for your injuries. Any settlement you are entitled to will be reduced by 25%. We have developed strategies and legal methods to combat these frivolous defenses. 

For more information, contact a California motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more.  From San Diego to Sacramento and beyond, we can help after a motorcycle accident.  Nationally recognized as The Motorcycle Lawyer℠, Jason Waechter, is available 24/7 to take your call. Call 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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In California, what happens when a car hits a motorcycle?

When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident with a car in California, one of the most important things to do is to hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Only a lawyer who understands the specialized laws with respect to motorcycles and identifying all the insurance and possible defendants will you be able to fully protect your legal rights to pain and suffering compensation and economic damages.

An experienced motorcycle crash attorney can help you with the following after a motorcycle accident with a car in California: 1. Obtain better settlements faster; 2. Prevent destruction of crucial evidence; 3. Identify violations of federal and state safety regulations; 4. Identify all the responsible parties; 5. Find experts; and 6. Uncover “hidden” sources of recovery, including additional layers of insurance coverage that some personal injury lawyers could miss if they do not have experience with these highly cases.

In order to ensure that you obtain the best possible settlement, a skilled motorcycle accident attorney will know how to investigate and uncover all of the multiple layers of insurance coverage that are available to the insurance companies and other responsible parties to pay you the most compensation and damages you are entitled to under the law.

Activate THE Motorcycle Lawyer Network today to obtain the representation you deserve.  From San Diego to Sacramento and beyond, we can help after a motorcycle accident.  We’ll provide you a FREE strategy session and you are covered by our NO WIN, NO FEE PROMISE. Simply call 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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What should I do if I get in a motorcycle wreck in California?

If you’re in a motorcycle accident in California, California law requires you to report it to the police if:

Anyone was injured

The dollar amount of damage is $1,000 or more

There are aggravating circumstances on the part of any involved driver

If there are no injuries or aggravating circumstances, you can call the police non-emergency number.

If involved in a motorcycle accident, navigating the difficulties of dealing with the police and insurance companies can be difficult. It is not a task you want to take on without legal representation protecting you.

That’s why you need a personal injury motorcycle lawyer whose job is to advocate for you and your rights. Jason Waechter, with over a quarter century of experience as The Motorcycle Lawyer℠, and his team at THE Motorcycle Network of Lawyers are ready to help. They will work hard to make sure you are treated fairly while getting you the compensation you deserve for your California Motorcycle Accident. Call 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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In California, who is liable in a motorcycle accident?

California is a comparative negligence state. Therefore, the courts will reduce the plaintiff’s award by his or her percentage of fault. In other words, if a plaintiff is found to be 20% at fault in a motorcycle accident his or her award will be reduced by 20%. Therefore, a $100,000 trial verdict would be reduced to $80,000.

The insurance companies always try to say it is the biker’s fault to some degree, we’ve seen it all over the years. We know how to combat these allegations to maximize your recovery.  THE Motorcycle Network of Attorneys has represented thousands of motorcycle accident victims while receiving significant compensation for our clients. See for yourself at https://www.themotorcyclelawyer.com/Lawsuit-Settlements-Awards.

Allow us to put our motorcycle accident team of experts to work for you. Call 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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Motorcycle Accident Law California

Here is a brief summary of Motorcycle Accident Law in California

In California, “lane splitting” is legal. This means that motorcyclists are allowed to move between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.

California law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, regardless of age.

Daytime headlights are required for all motorcycles manufactured after 1978.

Motorcyclists are required to carry insurance of at least $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage.

If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, he or she only has two years in which to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations.

THE Motorcycle Network of Lawyers possesses specialized knowledge regarding the intricate aspects of California Motorcycle Accident Law. Our extensive reach allows us to assist motorcyclists in every corner of the state. Whether you reside in a large city or small one such as, Anaheim, Stockton, Santa Ana, or Fremont we are here for you. Call today at 1-877-BIKER-LAW.

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Motorcycle Accident Statistics California

As of 2017, California has the most registered motorcyclists of any state in the nation with over 800,000. California also ranks number 15 out of the 50 states for the most motorcycle fatalities in 2018.

In 1994, deaths from motorcycle crashes only made up 5.7% of the total motor vehicle deaths in the United States. However, in 2016, it was reported that this figure had jumped closer to 15%. While motorcycles make up only 3% of registered vehicle in the United States. According to Motorcycle Accident Statistics California published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration California accounted for 15% of motorcycle fatalities nationally. The same report indicates the majority of those accidents are caused by auto vehicle driver negligence. It is important to note and obvious to most, a motorcyclist can be severely injured in a crash because he or she does not have the protections afforded a car or truck driver.

Now that you know the facts about California motorcycle crashes, it is critical you obtain competent, experienced motorcycle lawyers to represent you in the event of a crash. Nationally recognized as THE Motorcycle Network of Attorneys have locations throughout the state of California and is ready to help. Whether it be in Oakland or Santa Rosa to the north or Bakersfield, Irvine, or Chula Vista to the south we have you covered. Simply call 1-877-BIKER-LAW. 

Your case will be protected by our NO WIN-NO FEE PROMISE. Motorcycle injury and motorcycle wrongful death cases are our specialty. It’s what we do and venture better than anyone else.  After handling 1,000 cases, we have seen it all and know every nuance of motorcycle law and litigation.  From San Diego to Sacramento and beyond, we can help after a motorcycle accident.

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Motorcycle Accident California 2021

A motorcycle accident in California during 2021 happens almost daily. This is not a surprising statistic given that California has more roads listed in “The Top 100 Motorcycle Roads to Ride” by motorcycleroads.com. The large majority of these accident take place in Southern California in the crowded metropolises of Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ontario.

The causes of a motorcycle crash are numerous. Among the most common are: Vehicles turning left in front of a motorcycle, hazardous road conditions, inclement weather, and lane splitting (which is legal in California). Evidence, as published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, suggests the majority of these types of accidents in California are caused by negligent driving of passenger vehicle operators. A driver may open a door into your lane, fail to yield, be distracted, or simply not be paying attention.

Do you have a case in these circumstances or other negligent actions? Almost certainly you do and Jason Waechter, with over 25 years of experience as The Motorcycle Lawyer℠, stands ready to help. He and his Motorcycle Network of Attorneys specialize in motorcycle injury & motorcycle wrongful death cases; are our specialty. It’s what we do and do better than anyone else.  After handling 1,000 cases, we have seen it all and know every nuance of motorcycle law and litigation. Plus, our clients love us. Rating us 4.8 out of 5.0 stars on Google Reviews.

With affiliate locations throughout the state of California, call us at 1-877-BIKER-LAW for your free strategy session.

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