If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in California, you can sustain serious injuries, psychological trauma, and financial hardship. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, however, you may be eligible for financial compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. In these situations, you may wonder how much your settlement will be. Since compensation in motorcycle injury claims varies based on your individual losses, however, calculating the average settlement can be a challenge.
Damages Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims
California is a fault accident state, meaning that drivers who are responsible for any collisions must pay for their…
Motorcyclists in California must comply with several laws, including regulations on licensing and insurance, protective gear, and the right of way. Parking laws are particularly important, but many motorcycle owners are unsure where and how they can legally park their bikes. In most cases, motorcycles can park anywhere that a car can—with some exceptions. It is very important to follow these parking laws; failure to do so can lead to fines, impoundment, and liability issues in the event of an accident.
Where Can a Motorcycle Be Parked?
According to the California Vehicle Code, motorcyclists can park their bikes legally in…
If you ride a motorcycle in California, you need insurance. A motorcycle insurance policy helps uphold your financial responsibility in the event of an accident, and optional policies like collision coverage can help pay for your own damages. Because auto insurance does not cover motorcycles, you will need to purchase an additional policy to comply with state laws and protect your interests.
California Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Like most states, California follows a fault-based system when it comes to accidents. This means that drivers are financially liable for their victims’ damages in accidents they are responsible for. All drivers need to…
Motorcyclists lack the same protections as a driver inside of a passenger vehicle. Since cars are so much larger and heavier than motorcycles, collisions between the two vehicles can be catastrophic—leading to severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and brain injury.
Even with proper headgear, motorcyclists are at an especially high risk of brain injuries. If you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a motorcycle accident, you could experience long-term physical symptoms, require intensive medical care, and be unable to return to work.
Consequences of a Motorcycle Accident TBI
A TBI refers to any damage that…
Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common in San Francisco, leading to serious long-term injuries and fatalities. According to the local government database TransBASE, four people died and 212 people suffered injuries in San Francisco motorcycle accidents in 2020.
Many factors can contribute to these collisions, from dangerous road conditions to inclement weather. However, negligent driving behaviors remain among the most common causes.
#1: Speeding
According to TransBASE, 51 out of the 216 motorcycle accidents that occurred in San Francisco during 2020 involved speeding. Drivers and motorcyclists alike have a responsibility to adhere to all traffic laws—including the speed limit. Driving…