Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Lakeport and Woodland Hills, California 

The variety of roads across California offers a memorable and exciting riding experience for motorcyclists and bike enthusiasts. However, the negligent actions of other motorists and road users can expose motorcyclists to traffic accidents and injuries. According to statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were about 10,122 motorcyclist injuries statewide in 2020. 

If you or someone close to you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by another person's negligence or carelessness, you may be entitled to pursue damages. At G. Aldrich Law, we have the diligence, knowledge, and resources to assist, guide, and represent motorcycle accident victims in their injury claims. 

As your legal team, we can evaluate every surrounding detail of your situation and explore your legal options to seek damages. In addition, our experienced California personal injury attorneys will battle for your rights and help you seek fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, pain and suffering, or losses. 

G. Aldrich Law proudly represents clients across Lakeport and Woodland Hills, California, and the surrounding areas of Lake County, Colusa County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County. 

Steps to Take If You Were in a Motorcycle Accident  

Being involved in a motorcycle accident is scary and unsettling. Regardless, the steps you take after the incident can have a substantial effect on the outcome of your accident claims. If you were in a motorcycle accident, you should take the following steps where possible: 

• Remain calm and get to safety. 

• Call 911 to seek emergency medical attention for your injuries. 

• Report the accident to the nearest local police department. 

• Exchange relevant information with the other parties, such as the driver's name, license number, address, phone number, and insurance information. 

• Obtain and document the police report, accident scene pictures, witness testimonies, hospital records, medical treatments, and doctor's appointments. 

• Document your personal account of the incident and how it has affected your daily life and work. 

• Inform your insurance carrier about the incident. 

• Hire a reliable attorney to help file your injury claims and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer. 

However, it is imperative that you act fast to avoid losing vital documents or forgetting crucial details. A practiced personal injury lawyer can fully explain the state laws addressing liability in your case and determine how to proceed with your injury claims. 

California Motorcycle Laws 

Here are some laws and rules that all motorcyclists in California must obey: 

Lane Splitting 

Lane splitting is a traffic maneuver that involves riding between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Under California laws, lane splitting is legal. However, motorcycle riders should follow these rules when lane splitting or lane sharing: 

• Motorcyclists must not ride more than 10 miles per hour faster than the flow of surrounding traffic. 

• Motorcyclists must not split lanes while traveling faster than 30 miles per hour. 

• Motorcyclists must not split lanes at merge points or around big vehicles and trucks. 

• Motorcyclists must beware of incoming vehicles. 

• Motorcyclists must not ride in the shoulder lane. 

Helmet 

Under California law, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear safety helmets at all times when riding. Also, the helmet must be U.S. DOT compliant and have a visible DOT sticker. 

Equipment 

All motorcycles operated in California must have the following functioning: 

• Mirrors 

• Horn 

• Turn signals on both the front and rear 

• Tail light 

• Handlebar and seat at a comfortable height. 

• Muffler. 

Passengers 

According to California laws, motorcyclists who plan to ride with a passenger must have an additional seat. Also, motorcycle passengers must have their own footrests. There are no age restrictions for motorcycle passengers. 

Determining Fault in California 

California is an at-fault auto insurance state. This means that the person responsible for the motorcycle accident (the at-fault party) will be held liable for injuries, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the victims. 

Proving Negligence  

Furthermore, in order to recover damages, the motorcycle accident victim must prove negligence or establish liability by showing the following elements: 

• The at-fault party owed the victim a duty of care. 

• The at-fault party breached their duty of care by acting negligently. 

• The breach or negligent act causes the victim's injury. 

• The victim suffered bodily injuries, actual harm, or other damages. 

An experienced California motorcycle accident attorney can help file your injury claims, seek to prove negligence, and help recover the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. 

Pure Comparative Negligence in California 

Additionally, California has a "pure comparative negligence" rule. According to the principle, a motorcycle accident victim will be allowed to pursue compensation even if they were up to 99% at fault for the incident or injury. However, the amount of compensation that may be recovered will be reduced by the claimant's percentage of fault. 

Filing a Claim for a Deceased Loved One  

However, if the motorcycle accident resulted in the victim's death, the surviving loved ones may be entitled to seek damages through a wrongful death claim. Under California law, the surviving family members of the deceased person, including the spouse, domestic partner, children, or grandchildren, may be eligible to commence a wrongful death action in California civil court. 

Compassionate & Reliable Legal Help 

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be devastating, and can leave you with minor or severe injuries, become hospitalized, incapacitated, or unable to work. However, you don't have to go through financial liability and challenges all alone. Therefore, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you should act quickly and contact a practiced personal injury attorney immediately for your best interests and help you seek fair compensation. 

At G. Aldrich Law, we're poised and ready to advocate for your legal rights and help you hold those responsible for your injuries liable. As your legal counsel, we can review all of the facts of your unique circumstance, help prove fault, determine the extent of your injuries, and estimate case value. Our skilled attorneys will fight zealously on your behalf and help you pursue the financial justice you deserve for your injuries, damages, or losses.