Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Diego
Have you suffered severe injuries in a San Diego motorcycle accident due to another person's reckless, negligent, or intentional actions? Are you struggling with medical bills and other expenses from the accident or dealing with financial hardships because you can no longer work due to trauma?
If you are going through this horrifying situation, now is the time to fight back and go after the justice and financial damages you deserve. Better yet, you do not have to handle this legal process alone. Instead, with Rawlins Law, APC on your side, you can have experienced legal help fighting hard for the financial recovery you and your loved ones deserve.
San Diego Motorcycle Accident Guide
- Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego
- Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision
- Local Issues Contributing to a San Diego Motorcycle Accident
- Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim Before Time Runs Out
- The Financial Recovery You Can Pursue After a San Diego Motorcycle Accident
- Taking on the Insurance Company After a San Diego Motorcycle Collision
- Taking Action After a San Diego Motorcycle Collision
- Contact Rawlins Law, APC, To Review Your Case for Free
About Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Rawlins Law, APC, has built a solid reputation for fighting for those injured in an accident, vigorously representing clients and their rights, and providing the ethical, honest, and compassionate representation these individuals deserve.
More importantly, because of our hard work, dedication, and drive, our firm has helped numerous clients and secured millions of dollars on their behalf while still providing them exceptional services and the ultimate blend of compassion and understanding.
That is why, if you or a family member suffered harm in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, reach out today to Rawlins Law, APC, and let us go over your case for free. We can either discuss the incident over the phone or meet with you at one of our many convenient locations, including our San Diego office, located off Camino Del Rio North.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego
Unfortunately, when it comes to motorcycle collisions, no single cause is the main culprit for these debilitating crashes. However, in San Diego, some causes may lead to these accidents more frequently than others.
They include:
- Motor vehicles traveling at excessive speeds
- Automobiles not seeing motorcycles as they are making lane changes
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Defective roads
- Mechanical failure or faulty parts
- Motor vehicles making a left turn and not yielding to the motorcyclist
- Car doors opening in front of a motorcyclist
- Motor vehicles tailgating too closely to a motorcyclist
However, because these accidents often happen so quickly, it may be hard to figure out what caused the crash and who was responsible for it. Thankfully, when you work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, such as from Rawlins Law, APC, you will not have to figure out this complicated ordeal on your own.
Instead, our legal team can conduct an in-depth investigation, determine the contributing causes of the accident, and help you hold the wrongful party accountable for the harm and losses you suffered.
What Are Some Typical Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Collision?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than other passengers in a motor vehicle to pass away in a car crash and four times more likely to be harmed in an accident.
However, while these injuries will often depend on the facts of the accident, some of the more common injuries following this tragic accident include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Road rash
- Back and neck injuries
- Limb loss
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Death
Some consequences, such as spinal cord injuries or amputation, can result in a life with a permanent disability. In other cases, fatal motorcycle accidents can mean that surviving family members are left to pick up the pieces following their loved one's passing, along with the medical expenses and end-of-life costs left behind. Sadly, even riders who survive one of these debilitating accidents will likely still have a long road of healing and medical treatments ahead of them, which also means they will probably have to deal with extensive medical bills.
For these reasons, if you sustained harm in a motorcycle collision, consider reaching out to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can determine the extent of your trauma and work on securing all the compensation you need to ensure you get all the necessary medical treatments.
California Motorcycle Laws: Understanding Your Rights and Obligations
As a motorcycle rider in California, being familiar with the specific laws governing motorcycle operations in the state is paramount, not just for your safety but also for the strength of any potential personal injury claim. Here’s a look at a few critical California laws that directly apply to motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Equipment
California Vehicle Code §27803 mandates the use of helmets for all motorcycle riders and passengers. Helmets must comply with safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Lane Splitting
Though not explicitly defined in California law, lane splitting (the practice of riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) is not illegal in the state, provided it is performed safely.
Two-Ride Rule
Permitted under Vehicle Code §21658.1, motorcyclists can ride side by side in a single lane. However, more than two motorcycles cannot share a lane in this formation.
Motorcycle License
All motorcycle riders must have a Class M1 or M2 license, as stipulated by California DMV. Riders under 21 years of age must complete a motorcycle training course approved by the California Highway Patrol and obtain an instruction permit for at least six months before receiving a motorcycle license.
Having a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands these laws can be key in a personal injury claim following a motorcycle accident. At our law firm, we place great emphasis on guiding motorcyclists on California's motorcycle laws. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Rawlins Law can assertively represent your rights in the event of an accident, maneuvering the complexities of these laws to your advantage and working meticulously to secure your deserved compensation. With our adept legal assistance, you can navigate the aftermath of motorcycle accidents in California more confidently and see the path to justice clearly.
Local Issues Contributing to a San Diego Motorcycle Accident
Outside of the causes indicated above, San Diego also has some local issues that tend to contribute to these devastating motorcycle accident cases.
For instance, dangerous road conditions, such as potholes or debris, are often known to play a part in these tragic accidents, as well as some of the more hazardous roadways and intersections in San Diego, including:
- The five-mile stretch of I-15 that runs between Scripps Poway Parkway and Miramar Way
- University Avenue and 52nd Street
- Interstate 5
- Freeway 67
- University Avenue and Marlborough Avenue
- El Cajon Boulevard
However, regardless of how your accident happened, if you believe you have a valid legal claim, consider reaching out to an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident law firm.
At Rawlins Law, APC, our attorneys can go over the accident with you in detail, figure out the cause behind the crash, and determine if you have a viable legal case you can pursue. If you do, we can stand by your side through this whole process and fight fiercely for the outcome you deserve.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim Before Time Runs Out
According to the statute of limitations, a law that indicates how much time an individual has to file a legal case after an accident, victims of motorcycle accidents will only have two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit in San Diego. If they fail to file within this time, the court can stop them from pursuing further legal action to obtain the financial recovery they need.
This filing deadline can also change if an exception applies to this rule. That is why you should consider reaching out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible following your San Diego motorcycle accident. These lawyers can help you figure out how much time you have to file your case and file and submit motions, documents, and other files before time runs out.
The Financial Recovery You Can Pursue After a San Diego Motorcycle Accident
There are usually two types of monetary damages that go into determining fair compensation for your motorcycle collision. The typical motorcycle accident settlement includes economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These damages tend to have an actual dollar amount associated with the losses that resulted from the accident.
They include:
- Past and future medical bills due to doctor visits, hospitalization, medications, surgeries, and other medical treatments
- Medical transportation costs
- Property damage costs, including repair or replacement of the motorcycle or its parts
- Personal property damage expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Domestic replacement service costs
Non- Economic Damages
These damages involve losses that do not have an actual dollar amount associated with them, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
In addition, determining the extent of the compensation you can obtain following this accident will also depend on several other factors, including the severity of the trauma, the circumstances of the accident, and the total costs and medical bills you endured because of this accident.
Thankfully, when you work with an experienced motorcycle accident law firm like Rawlins Law, APC, our skilled legal team can help you determine which damages may apply to your case, prepare the strongest legal claim on your behalf, and go after the maximum compensation you deserve.
Taking on the Insurance Company After a San Diego Motorcycle Collision
Most individuals often assume that following an accident, the insurance company will be there to step in and provide them with the money they need to cover their losses and medical bills. However, in most situations, the insurance company will want to do anything but get you the money you require.
The less these insurance companies pay you, the more profit they make. As a result, insurance representatives will try everything to get you to admit fault for the motorcycle collision or find evidence that can hurt your case to justify paying you less or denying your claim.
Consequently, before you talk to these representatives or adjusters, you should first speak to a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer about the incident. These lawyers can help you understand the dishonest practices the insurance company may try to stop you from getting the money you need. The lawyers can take on these discussions for you, ensuring you do not make any statements that can hurt your case and your ability to secure the money you deserve.
Taking Action After a San Diego Motorcycle Collision
You cannot do much if you sustained severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. However, if you can take action, these steps can help your legal claim and protect your safety:
Talk to the Authorities
Call 911 immediately after the motorcycle crash. If you cannot do this yourself, have someone call for you. Contacting the authorities can ensure emergency medical personnel are alerted of the accident, and police officers can come and investigate what happened. This will also allow these officers to prepare a police report detailing their findings and provide your attorney with important information that can help your legal claim.
Secure a Medical Report
Even if your injuries appear minor following a motorcycle accident, you should still have a doctor check you. Many serious injuries do not manifest directly after an accident, including head trauma, so many people may not be aware of their injuries until it is too late. That is why getting examined after a motorcycle crash is so critical.
Plus, obtaining a medical report from your doctor can help your case if the insurance company tries to argue that your injuries are not that severe or a result of a separate event by showing a connection between the motorcycle accident and the trauma you sustained.
Try to Gather Pictures and Videos From the Scene
If you can, gather pictures and videos from the accident, including:
- Photos of the injuries you suffered
- The other vehicles involved in the collision
- The damage to your bike and the other cars
- The placement of these vehicles on the road
- Dangerous debris on the street
- Weather and traffic conditions
- Anything else that can help your case
Talk to the Other Driver and Witnesses
If people saw the accident, try to get their personal information, including their name and contact details. These individuals can provide further details regarding what happened and offer testimony to help corroborate your claim. Additionally, try to get information from the other driver involved in the accident, including their name, insurance information, contact details, and driver's license number.
However, as you talk to these people, watch what you say. Remember, the other side will use your statements against you to hurt your case and, ultimately, the amount of money you can receive.
How Rawlins Law Provides Comprehensive Assistance to Motorcycle Accident Victims
Experiencing a motorcycle accident can be a deeply traumatic event, both physically and emotionally. During these challenging times, having a dependable legal ally can make a substantial difference. At Rawlins Law, we dedicate ourselves entirely to our clients' welfare, going above and beyond to make sure you receive the help you need.
Detailed Investigation
From the onset, our team embarks on an exhaustive investigation. We work diligently to gather all relevant evidence, meticulously document your medical treatments, and establish the full impact of the accident on your life.
Legal Guidance
Comprehending legal definitions, processes, and rights might appear overwhelming in a post-incident scenario. We're here to guide you step-by-step, clarifying legal concepts and effectively communicating the implications of your actions.
Insurance Negotiations
Navigating insurance claims after a motorcycle accident can be an uphill task, mainly because insurance companies often try to minimize settlement amounts. Our attorneys use their extensive negotiation skills to fight for a fair settlement, ensuring that you receive the compensation you rightly deserve.
Court Experience
If your case proceeds to court, we have an equipment team of trial-ready lawyers prepared to argue on your behalf. Our motorcycle accident lawyers leave no stone unturned in advancing your cause and pushing toward a favorable resolution.
Emotional Support
We know that recovering from a motorcycle accident goes beyond financial compensation — it’s about making sure you're taken care of in every way possible. As your legal allies, we stand by you and strive to lighten your burdens, both logistical and emotional.
At Rawlins Law, we're your partners in this journey towards recovery and justice. Let us lend you the professional support you need to regain control and move forward after a motorcycle accident injury.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire the San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Rawlins Law?
We follow a contingency fee model for our legal services — we don’t get paid unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
In simple terms, you don't pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. Our payment comes as a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement or award we secure for you. If we don't win, you don't pay us anything.
Therefore, when you ask, "Can I afford a lawyer?" with Rawlins Law by your side, the answer is always a resounding "Yes." We commit to providing you with skilled legal representation that doesn't strain your finances, allowing you to focus on recovery and rebuilding while we fight for your rightful compensation.
Contact Rawlins Law, APC, To Review Your Case for Free
If you or a loved one suffered harm in a San Diego motorcycle accident because of someone else's wrongful actions, do not deal with this situation alone. Instead, consider contacting an experienced personal injury attorney, like those from Rawlins Law, APC, and let them show you how they can fight for the damages and justice you deserve.
For instance, once hired, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can review the facts of your motorcycle crash, determine what happened, and gather the evidence necessary to prove fault and damages. They can also take on the insurance company and go after a fair settlement amount or proceed to trial and fight hard for every last dollar you deserve.
For these reasons, do not wait. Contact Rawlins Law, APC, today at (858) 529-5872 for your free consultation and case assessment and learn how our legal team can help you go after the money you need.
