ARENDSEN BRADDOCK LAW | EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Arendsen Braddock LLP is proud to offer some of the best motorcycle accident lawyers in San Diego. Not only have we won millions of dollars for motorcycle accident cases, but most of us ride motorcycles ourselves and know how important it is to feel protected. We understand that motorcyclists endure a unique set of challenges when it comes to winning a personal injury case, so we’re here to help walk you through it.

Oftentimes, the police try to initially blame a motorcyclist for accidents, regardless of who is at fault, simply because riders get a bad reputation for driving when it comes to motorcyclist stereotypes, lane-splitting or lane-sharing. Our team of experts not only make sure you can win your case, but we help our clients find the best medical attention and fight to recover extra accident bills that accrue such as pain and suffering costs, lost wages and lasting impairments.

There are a few notable laws to follow if you’re a motorcycle rider in California. To start, not only do you need a valid license through the DMV, but the license requires you to take a motorcycle course before riding freely. Once you have a valid motorcycle license, you’re allowed to use your bike both during the day and at night.

You must provide evidence of your case whenever you go to litigation. In the occurrence of a car accident, it’s useful to keep photos, medical bills, your written statement, the negligent driver’s statement, and any other receipts related to your accident. These bills and statements are crucial to deciding who is at-fault for the accident in the instance that your case moves to court. Now that you have your license, there are a few rules to follow.

In California, the current law requires motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets. An appropriate helmet means it meets the DOT guidelines. If you’re unsure that it meets the DOT guidelines, please refer to the manufacturer for verification.

Additionally, just like driving any other vehicle, motorcyclists cannot operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol of any kind. For other questions, look to our FAQs!

LANE SPLITTING AND LANE SHARING

Lane sharing, meaning two motorcyclists can share the same lane, is allowed in San Diego. Some see this as a dangerous act as this puts two motorcyclists towards both the center and the shoulder of the lane, but it is legally allowed. 

Lane splitting, though not explicitly prohibited in California law, is discouraged as this puts your motorcycle at risk of hitting or being hit by another driver. Lane-splitting is the act of driving your bike between lanes (both going in the same direction and notably when traffic is slow), to avoid being stuck behind cars. While lane splitting nor lane sharing are illegal, this can put San Diego motorcyclists at serious risk of injury and the motorcyclist would likely attract some sort of at-fault damage if there were an accident.