San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Driving a motorcycle through San Diego is an exciting way to get around and see all the beautiful beaches and sights San Diego has to offer. With the warm climate and scenic views, it makes sense that California has more registered motorcycles than any other state, more than 775,000 as of 2023. While motorcyclists take extra precautions on roadways, other drivers sharing the same roads often do not, which can lead to motorcycle accidents. Nationally, motorcyclists account for roughly 15% of all traffic fatalities despite representing only about 3% of registered vehicles.

As one of San Diego’s largest personal injury law firms, the trusted team of attorneys at The Barnes Firm has experience dealing with complex motorcycle accident cases in San Diego and across the state of California. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will give you the personalized attention you deserve to help you get the best result possible for your case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

How A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at The Barnes Firm Can Help You

Insurance companies often lowball motorcycle claims, sometimes due to bias against riders regardless of fault. The attorneys at The Barnes Firm handle the insurance process for you, from filing the claim through negotiating a fair settlement, so you can focus on recovering.

Why San Diego Riders Trust The Barnes Firm

• Our San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers are backed by a nationwide legal team of 40+ attorneys with over 500 years of combined experience handling serious injury cases.
• Our mission is to help injured riders achieve the best possible result, providing zealous advocacy and dedicated service to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
• We’ve handled more than 150,000 accident and injury cases, recovering over $2.5 billion for clients — including riders injured on San Diego’s roads and highways.
• Our attorneys have been recognized for excellence by Best Lawyers in America, LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, Super Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Trial Lawyers, and many other respected organizations. 
• No Fee Unless We Win: Speak with an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorney at no cost and with no obligation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
• Our clients have provided reviews for us due to our outstanding and committed service and representation.
• With an office right here in San Diego, and additional locations across California, we are ready to support you wherever you need us.

Proving Fault in a San Diego Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident attorney can establish liability by proving another party acted negligently. Potentially liable parties include the other driver, the motorcycle manufacturer, a government agency responsible for road conditions, or the seller of defective motorcycle parts. A comprehensive legal strategy also accounts for California’s comparative fault law, which determines how fault is allocated when multiple parties are involved.

Evidence commonly used to determine fault includes:

• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Video surveillance
• Photos and videos of the accident scenes
• Police reports and accident reconstruction

San Diego Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycles offer far less protection than an enclosed vehicle, which is why crashes involving them are disproportionately likely to result in serious injury or death.

Nationally, 6,335 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2023, the highest figure on record. In California, 583 motorcyclists were killed that same year, about 14% of all traffic deaths statewide, down 10.2% from 649 deaths in 2022. Motorcyclists remain roughly 28 times more likely to die per mile traveled than passenger car occupants, according to NHTSA. San Diego County has consistently ranked among the California counties with the highest motorcyclist fatality counts, behind only Los Angeles County.

Christian Oliver – Personal Injury Lawyer in San Diego, CA

“I have experienced first hand how devastating a serious injury can be for individuals and their families. When I was a teenager, I was a passenger in a catastrophic automobile accident that forever changed my life. Despite the years of rehabilitation and the permanent scarring, my most painful memory wasn’t physical; it was of the strain that the financial uncertainty placed on my family. I’ll never forget the concerned look on my parents’ faces as they sifted through the mountain of unpaid medical bills.”

California Motorcycle Laws

Lane Splitting Law

Lane splitting, riding between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, is legal in San Diego and throughout California. It presents real danger to motorcyclists because other drivers often don’t see them or leave enough space to travel safely between lanes. Drivers should stay alert for motorcyclists lane splitting, especially when changing lanes or accelerating from a stop.

Motorcycle Helmet Law

California requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by roughly 69% and the risk of death by roughly 37%, and California has one of the lowest rates of unhelmeted motorcyclist fatalities in the country. In states without universal helmet laws, a majority of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets, compared to a small fraction in states with helmet laws in place.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (800) 800-0000.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can happen suddenly, and the injuries can be unexpected. Motorcycle injuries can range from minor to life-altering, and legal representation is important for those suffering from a motorcycle injury. Injuries can still occur even when wearing protective gear, including a helmet. When a motorcyclist is in an accident involving a car, truck, or other larger vehicle, the injuries can be life-changing. The psychological impact of a motorcycle accident can include PTSD and other mental health issues. Our experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys have handled motorcycle accident cases involving the following injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury or brain damage. All motorcyclists and passengers are required to wear a helmet in California. However, even with a helmet, head injuries still occur because of motorcycle accidents. Head injuries can cause concussions, brain swelling, or brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries. Due to the lack of protection on a biker’s back, when a motorcycle accident occurs, injuries to the spine are very common. Spinal cord injuries affect the nervous system and can often lead to nerve damage or paralysis.
• Internal organ injuries. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be the result of a motorcycle accident.
• Lower extremity injuries. Lower extremity injuries refer to any injury below the waist. These are the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident. These injuries often lead to extended and costly medical treatment and permanent disability, as they can prevent a victim from being able to walk.
• Broken bones and fractures. Broken or fractured bones can happen when a motorcyclist or passenger is hit by another vehicle or when a motorcyclist is ejected in a crash.
• Road rash. Road rash can be extremely painful and happens when skin slides across the road. The most common places you can get road rash are knees, legs, elbows, forearms, and hands. Road rash can lead to scarring and/or infection if not properly treated.

The costs of medical treatment from motorcycle accidents can quickly add up, including emergency transportation, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.

What Are the Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego?

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by external factors that may not be under the motorcyclist’s control. In fact, most motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicles failing to see motorcycles or yield the right of way. Here are a few detailed causes that can lead to such accidents:

• Distracted Driving: When drivers are distracted, they might not notice large cars or SUVs – needless to say smaller motorcycles. Distractions are a leading factor in motorcycle crashes.
• Reckless Driving: A speeding driver is highly likely to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a motorcycle crash. The reckless driver is liable for losses suffered by the crash victims.
• Negligent Lane Changes: Most drivers glance at the mirror before making a sudden lane switch. Unfortunately, they often cause accidents when unaware of oncoming traffic because of a blind spot, especially when other vehicles fail to notice motorcycles.
• Speeding: Driver related factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and reckless lane changes significantly increase the risk of motorcycle accidents. When a driver is exceeding the speed limit, they can have a more difficult time stopping or avoiding a collision with a motorcycle.
• Weather Conditions: Wet roads or foggy weather can make driving conditions hazardous for motorcycles, which are more vulnerable to losing traction or control.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and other obstacles on the road can cause a motorcyclist to lose control, especially in high-speed zones.

Despite all precautions, accidents happen. Even the most careful riders can be involved in a crash due to the unpredictable actions of other vehicles on the road.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

• Head-on Collisions: Although it is less common than other types of motorcycle accidents, head-on collisions are a dangerous kind of crash. When two vehicles collide head-on, the resulting force is substantial.
• Rear-end Collisions: Rear-end collisions are common at intersections when the front driver makes a sudden stop. It can also occur if the rear driver can’t see a red light and accelerates into a stationary vehicle, causing injuries.
• Roadway Debris: A single motorcycle accident might happen when a driver strikes a hazard in their path, including potholes, manholes, an animal, or debris.

What To Do After a San Diego Motorcycle Accident

After a San Diego motorcycle accident, riders often have questions and are not sure where to turn. The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm understand firsthand how quickly a motorcycle accident can happen and how unexpected the injuries can be. If you’ve been injured, or have witnessed a San Diego motorcycle accident, we recommend that you do the following:

1. Get out of harm’s way. The most important thing to do after a motorcycle accident is make sure you are safe. Move away from traffic and other road hazards to avoid another collision.
2. Move your motorcycle. If possible, move your motorcycle off the road to avoid further damage to it.
3. Call 911. After you are safe and your motorcycle is off the road, call 911 to report the accident to police. Request an ambulance if you are injured.
4. Take Photos. Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your motorcycle.
5. Exchange Information. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver at the scene.
6. Get the police report. Request you get a copy of the police report before leaving the accident scene.
7. Contact a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer at The Barnes Firm. After a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident attorneys are available to help answer any questions you may have regarding your accident or injuries.

In California, you have two years after your accident or injury discovery to file a personal injury claim.

What Damages Can I Recover in a San Diego Motorcycle Crash?

The attorneys at The Barnes Firm will help you pursue compensation for more than just medical expenses. We’ve recovered the following for motorcycle accident victims in San Diego and across California:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages or future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages (motorcycle repairs or replacements)
• Permanent disfigurement

We also handle wrongful death claims for families who’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident. Most claims proceed through an insurance negotiation first, with litigation as a next step if a fair settlement can’t be reached.

Before talking to insurance, call an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our team is available 24/7.

Do We Handle Motorcycle Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers?

If the driver responsible for the motorcycle accident is uninsured or underinsured, don’t worry. The Barnes Firm has experience dealing with these cases by:

• Filing claims with your own insurance: If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Pursuing additional compensation: If applicable, from third parties, such as manufacturers or property owners.
• Exploring all legal avenues: To ensure you are compensated for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.

San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You

Whether the accident is big or small, contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is crucial to your case. If you or a family member have been injured in a San Diego motorcycle accident, contact a trusted attorney at The Barnes Firm today. Call (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

Our Office in San Diego

Our office is located at 655 W Broadway, Ste. 940, near the heart of Downtown San Diego, just minutes from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy.

A short drive away, you’ll find the scenic Embarcadero, home to the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, and beautiful waterfront views.

With easy access to major highways and public transportation, our location provides convenience for clients across San Diego’s top neighborhoods.

Free Case Evaluation (800) 800-0000