The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pointed out that a motorcycle rider has a higher mortality risk than a car driver. After all, motorcyclists have fewer layers of protection than car drivers during a crash.
Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have airbags or seat belts that reduce crash impact. A motorcyclist mostly depends on their exterior gear to survive a collision. The mortality rate in motorcycle accident cases is 31.64 per 100 million vehicle miles. Every motorcycle rider and family should be cautious about the risks, including in San Diego.
A 2021 report logged 639 motorcycle accidents in San Diego, California, around two motorcycle crashes daily.
A motorcycle crash or car accident goes beyond getting compensation from
Understanding legal actions and processes can be challenging, especially when you do not have an extensive legal background. The Personal Injury Center can offer legitimate and updated legal resources crafted for the easy understanding of everyday persons.
Define Motor Vehicle Accident
A motorcycle accident per se does not have a legal definition. However, it often qualifies as a motor vehicle accident.
Section 30166 of the US Code provides the legal definition of a motor vehicle accident. It is when the maintenance or operation of a motor vehicle or its equipment causes personal injury, death, or property damage.
A motorcycle counts as a motor vehicle under specific applications of the law. Thus, a motor vehicle accident causing personal injury, death, or property damage to others, constitutes a motor accident.
The applicable motorcycle accident laws may vary per state. Motorists should consult personal injury attorneys after a motorcycle crash, especially when serious injuries are involved.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Sixty-year-old motorcyclist Christopher Huey Watkins perished at Ocean Beach on February 19, 2023. Watkins crashed into a palm tree and a light post, incurring multiple blunt-force injuries.
While tragic, Watkin’s story is nothing new to daily headlines. It is rare for parties involved in motorcycle accidents to emerge unscathed.
Not wearing a helmet is one of the contributory causes of motorcycle accident deaths. The
A helmet is one of the many accessories a motorcyclist can equip to avoid severe injuries and exorbitant medical bills. Wearing a thick jacket can also be helpful.
Most motorcycle accident injuries are preventable. Practice safe driving and wear appropriate gear to prevent the following in a crash:
- Skin lacerations
- Broken bones
- Broken or amputated limbs
- Facial disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
Whenever you have a motorcycle accident claim, seek the advice of San Diego motorcycle accident lawyers. They can help explore your legal options.
Tips After a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego
The mental and psychological impact of a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming. It is understandable why others cannot react in the best way possible.
However, the survivors of a motorcycle crash should have concrete plans to improve their situation. Follow these tips whenever you get in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, California.
Check for personal injuries
Following an accident, the first thing to do is to check for motorcycle accident injuries. Take a moment to examine yourself and identify if anything hurts.
Sometimes pain does not register immediately after a shocking event. In that instance, look for visual signs of injuries, like an open wound or bruise.
Avoid imminent danger
If you are mobile, try to move away from the crash site. The motorcycle or the object it crashed into may be a fire hazard. Other vehicles may also not see the crash site on time to avoid it, causing more property damage and injuries.
Aside from these risks, debris from the accident may cause other injuries. Avoid other potential medical expenses by finding a safe place while waiting for help.
Call for emergency services
Once the dust settles, call 911. Achieving some measure of calm is critical when calling for help, enabling you to provide a more comprehensive report.
If someone incurs severe injuries or dies, inform the 911 operator so that they will dispatch the police. They will create an incident report on this event and assist parties wanting to press charges.
Acquire medical care, if needed
If any motorcyclist or passenger sustained injuries, ask for medical attention immediately. Immediate support might save a person from death and other permanent injuries.
Besides treating physical injuries, some passengers might need more specific medical support. For example, someone might need oxygen after experiencing difficulty breathing due to shock.
Call your insurance company
Besides medical support, it is also wise for motorcycle accident victims to call their
Insurance companies follow strict guidelines when processing claims. Inform them immediately after the accident happens to avoid delays.
Contact a reputable motorcycle accident lawyer
Some motorcycle accident cases can fall under personal injury law. Like medical and emergency services, do not delay calling in legal assistance.
Personal injury lawyers can work with emergency responders and
Did you know?
A loved one can claim damages for wrongful death in motorcycle accident cases. In the State of California, the surviving spouse, domestic spouse, or children of the dead motorcyclist may petition for compensation.
Seek Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego for Your Motorcycle Accident Concerns
Motorcycle accidents happen almost twice a day in San Diego, California. Since the mortality rate is relatively high, everyone should be wary of this issue. Surviving a motorcycle crash is a blessing. But other than securing yourself and your loved ones’ safety, seek counsel for potential personal injury cases.
Motorcycle accident cases can be devastating, and victims deserve justice for their injuries and losses. The Personal Injury Center is an accessible online avenue for learning crucial information on personal injury claims.
Take advantage of the free case evaluation we offer so we can match you with the appropriate attorneys for your case.
Your injuries deserve justice and due compensation. The Personal Injury Center can refer you to top-notch motorcycle accident lawyers in San Diego.
FAQs on Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego
I was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Can I still claim damages?
California's law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets while on the road. Talk to a personal injury lawyer to discuss the circumstances surrounding your case.
Is there a time limit for initiating a claim for personal injury following a motorcycle accident?
California imposes a statute of limitations for personal injuries. Interested parties may file within two years from the date of injury.
Can I claim damages even if my motorcycle insurance expires?
The at-fault party is still liable to compensate the injured party despite the latter's lack of insurance. A personal injury lawyer may explain this matter and other potential claims in greater detail.
