San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Injury Attorneys in San Diego, California

San Diego is a beautiful city with some of the best climates for motorcycle riders. However, because of its beautiful landscape and warm weather, it is also home to many residents and a popular vacation destination, which leads to congested roads. These conditions present a significant risk to motorcycle riders who are at a disadvantage on the road because drivers tend to forget to keep their eyes out for riders. Additionally, motorcycle riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, which means the chances of an accident resulting in severe and fatal injuries are substantially higher than those inside enclosed vehicles, even in a seemingly minor accident. 

Setareh Law understands motorcycle riders are vulnerable not just on the road, but during a personal injury claim as well. Even in cases where it’s evident that the rider had no fault in the accident, negative biases and stereotypes cause insurance companies to dismiss or lowball riders filing personal injury claims. At Setareh Law, we know how to push back against insurance companies and their tactics to ensure our clients recover the compensation they deserve.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents 

No motorcycle accident is like another. However, riders can keep an eye out for common types of motorcycle accidents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs and help prevent an accident. 

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions can be fatal for riders who lack the protection of a seat belt or airbag. Their injuries are often severe enough to cause temporary and permanent disability. These accidents tend to occur when:

• A driver is distracted
• The vehicle is tailgating 
• There are blind curves in the road
• There is traffic buildup

Generally, rear-end accidents occur most at stop signs and stop lights. 

Left-Turn Accidents

When a car makes a sudden left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the rider has no choice but to swerve and possibly lose control of their bike or be hit by the car. Some of the most common causes of left-turn accidents include:

• Obstructed view while turning
• Misjudgment of the rider’s speed
• Driving into blind spots
• Miscalculating the distance at the intersection
• Failure to signal
• Failure to yield the right-of-way 

Scotoma, a phenomenon that causes drivers to unintentionally ignore motorcycles because the brain has trouble recognizing something it’s not actively looking for, contributes to many motorcycle accidents. Drivers tend to forget they need to check for motorcycles, and since they’re not looking out for them, it can lead to an accident. 

Head-On Collisions 

Head-on crashes can be among the most catastrophic types of collisions for riders. They usually occur as a result of a driver veering into an oncoming lane or driving the wrong way on a one-way street. Common causes for these deadly wrecks include: 

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding 
• Trying to beat a red light
• Passing on a two-lane road
• Losing control while driving on a curve
• Swerving to avoid debris 

A motorist’s negligent actions often cause these accidents.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents or side-impact collisions happen when the front end of a car hits the side of a motorcycle or vice versa, creating a “T” shape. These accidents are often caused because of:

• Drivers failing to yield
• Blind spots
• Unsafe lane changes
• Low visibility 
• Running a red light 
• Distracted or impaired drivers 

These kinds of accidents can cause the rider to be thrown off their bike, leading to severe road rash and other injuries. 

Lane Splitting Accidents

While lane splitting is legal in the state of California because it’s meant to improve the safety of riders during high traffic times, there are still risks associated with the behavior if not done properly or if there are negligent drivers nearby. Lane splitting accidents can occur as a result of:

• Distracted driving
• Texting while driving
• Abrupt lane changes
• Speeding motorcyclist 
• Swerving in and out of lanes
• Weaving through traffic 
• Dangerous weather conditions
• Low visibility
• Driving under the influence

While motorists are responsible for ensuring they’re paying attention to riders, riders must also adhere to California law, and lane split safely.

Proving Fault in a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Claim

Recovering compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses requires establishing fault and liability. Establishing fault requires extensive investigation into the accident and other related factors. Investigating the accident involves:

• Looking at the crash report and police report
• Speaking with witnesses
• Consulting with expert witnesses
• Obtaining testimonies from accident scene investigators 
• Medical evidence of your injuries 
• Photos of the accident and your injuries
• Video of the accident and relevant conditions 
• Reports and photos of the damage to every vehicle and motorcycle involve
• The other motorist’s information

It’s important to remember that California operates under the pure comparative negligence accident fault system, which allows individuals to pursue financial compensation even if they share the majority fault in the accident. While this benefits a rider if they are somewhat to blame for the accident because they can still pursue compensation, it can also negatively impact them because insurance companies may try to place all the blame on the ride to limit their payout or completely dismiss their claim. 

Benefits of Retaining a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Protect your right to fair and just compensation by working with an experienced and determined San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer that can help you recover the following compensation:

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity 

California has a strict two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident for individuals to file a personal injury claim. Make sure you protect your right to compensation by filing your claim and contacting an attorney as soon as possible. 

Work With an Experienced San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riders are at a disadvantage on the road and during the claim process, which is why Setareh Law is determined to provide exceptional legal services that ensure our clients feel confident in their legal representation. Our firm understands the ins and outs of California’s personal injury law and how to set up your claim for success. 

Contact our office at (310) 659-1826 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. We also speak Spanish.