ARENDSEN BRADDOCK LAW | EXPERIENCE MATTERS

At Arendsen Braddock Law, we know that even if you’re driving your motorcycle safely, accidents can still happen due to debris in the road, other drivers, or mechanical failure. California has more registered motorcycle drivers than any other state in the U.S. with popular driving spots being in condensed cities spanning from San Francisco to San Diego down the Pacific Coast. We’ve helped many motorcyclists win their motorcycle accident case and have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that nearly every client has asked. If you’re curious about compensation, number of accidents per year, or where to start, you can start here.

FAQs:

What are the Motorcycle Laws in California?
In California, motorcyclists must have their license to drive freely both during the day and at night. You can enroll in a course that typically takes two days to complete. Once you have your license, you (and passengers) also must wear a DOT approved helmet. After that, standard driving laws apply, including driving under the influence.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents happen at a rate of 1 in every 100 motorcyclists. In the state of California, 88% of those motorcycle accidents result in a reported injury or death.

How Many Motorcycle Accident Fatalities Happen Every Year?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2019, 5,014 people died from their motorcycle accident injuries and another 84,000 walked away from their injuries. This results in nearly 90,000 accidents each year. In the state of California, motorcycle accidents reach ~500 fatalities every year.

Does my Insurance Cover Motorcycle Injuries?
Your health insurance policy should cover your medical bills, however, some health insurance policies exclude coverage for motorcycle accidents. Be sure to review your policy before riding on the road.

Who is At-Fault for a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, the police are quick to assume the fault of the motorcyclist, however, at-fault means you must prove negligent operation. This means that each party’s actions must be investigated before determining the at-fault party. Most accidents happen in a scenario that provides witnesses, which helps moves the investigation along.

When Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a motorcycle accident attorney if you need help proving your damages, especially in the case of a death or serious injury that causes long-term pain and suffering.

How Do I Prove Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
Proving damages requires legal counsel in many cases because insurance may not cover your injuries. We always recommend keeping a medical record, receipts and consulting your doctor WITH your attorney to determine long-term treatments and estimated costs.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents?
Two years in the state of California if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, whether you were a passenger, driver, pedestrian or another vehicle.

What is the Typical Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Case?
If you win your motorcycle accident trial, the average payout is approximately $80,000, however, larger settlements occur for more serious injury, death or long-term suffering. We have recently won a motorcycle accident for wrongful death for 2+ million dollars for one of our clients.