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…
Under California’s fault accident laws, drivers who cause accidents must pay for the damages of their victims—including motorcyclists. If you are in an accident with a negligent driver, you could file a lawsuit or insurance claim against him or her.
During its investigation, the insurance company may scrutinize multiple factors about the accident to determine fault—including whether or not you were wearing a helmet. Since California requires motorcyclists to wear helmets, this factor could impact your case.
California Motorcycle Accident Helmet Laws
Section 27803 of the California Vehicle Code requires that every person who rides a motorcycle wear a helmet.…
A motorcycle accident can happen for a number of reasons. In many cases, these collisions take place between a motorcycle and a car, another motorcycle, or a semi-truck. However, not all accidents involve direct vehicle impact.
Many motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle or no-contact, meaning that the crash occurred without another vehicle colliding with the motorcyclists. Even in a no-contact accident, another driver could be liable for a motorcyclist’s damages.
Causes of No-Contact Motorcycle Accidents
A no-contact accident occurs when one vehicle causes another vehicle to crash, but the two did not touch each other during the event. For example, say…
