San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Every year, nearly 90,000 motorcycle accidents result in property damage, severe injuries, and tragic loss of life. In a transportation injury mapping system created by University of California-Berkeley using data from California Highway Patrol, San Diego placed third after San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties with the highest number of fatal motorcycle crashes from 2021 to 2023. Compared to drivers of cars or trucks, motorcycle riders are more exposed due to the small size and unprotected nature of a motorcycle. For this reason, the aftermath of motorcycle accidents is typically more severe.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a motorcycle accident, you’re not alone. At Conger Law, we can help you navigate the legal and bureaucratic complexities of your motorcycle accident, while guiding you through the correct steps to take after an accident. Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic and confusing, but we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, don’t worry. There are certain steps you can take to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Gather Evidence

After a motorcycle accident, it’s extremely important to gather as much evidence as you can. Evidence may include photographs and videos of the crash site, testimonies from witnesses, data from electronic devices on the involved motorcycles, and any other relevant information. Evidence can help to determine exactly how an accident happened.

Record Information

Document as much information about the motorcycle accident as you can. This could include the date, time, exact location, weather conditions, and other factors that may have played a role in the accident. Detailed information will help to build a good legal case.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident. Some injuries don’t seem serious at first but can worsen over time. Additionally, medical documents play a crucial role in legal cases. These records provide evidence of the severity of injuries, the treatment required, and any potential long-term health impacts.

Submit an Accident Report 

In San Diego, you must report accidents to the local authorities if the accident results in any form of injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if the aftermath of an accident seems manageable, it’s important to submit an accident report promptly. An accident report also serves as a critical piece of evidence in any potential legal proceeding.

Contact Conger Law

Ryan Conger specializes in handling motorcycle accident cases in San Diego and can help you through the complexities of your situation. Contacting Conger Law will equip you to ensure your rights are defended.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego

Motorcycle accidents occur for various reasons, but certain types of motorcycle accidents are more common than others. Below are the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in San Diego.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Other drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs pose a serious danger to motorcycle riders. Impaired judgment and slower reaction times can lead to severe collisions.

Excessive Speeding

Speeding or reckless driving dramatically increases the risk of a serious accident with a motorcycle. High speeds reduce the driver’s time to react to obstacles or changes in traffic conditions. Additionally, reckless maneuvers can endanger the rider and others on the road.

Night Riding

Motorcycle riders often ride at night when visibility is low and other drivers may be fatigued. These factors lead to decreased reaction times and potential accidents.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to spot than larger vehicles. Drivers who make unsafe lane changes or fail to check their blind spots, can cause serious accidents.

Left Turn Accidents

These occur when a vehicle making a left turn collides with a motorcycle riding through an intersection. Often, a driver turning their vehicle will fail to see a motorcycle or can misjudge its speed, leading to an accident.

Visibility Issues

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. This can lead to accidents when other drivers fail to spot motorcycles in their blind spots or during adverse weather conditions.

Under Ride Accidents

Sometimes, when a truck or other larger automobile brakes too quickly, a motorcycle rider can be caught by surprise. Motorcycles can collide with these larger vehicles and both the rider and bike can become trapped beneath.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the rider’s exposure and lack of structural protection. Even when wearing the proper safety gear, the impact from these accidents can cause a variety of injuries. Motorcycle accidents commonly lead to high medical expenses, prolonged recovery periods, and complex insurance claims. The most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include the following.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries are serious head injuries that can result in a variety of life-altering conditions, such as loss of consciousness, persistent headaches, confusion, mood changes, and other long-term cognitive complications.

Leg and Foot Injuries

Leg and foot injuries are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can include fractures, ligament damage, dislocations, or even amputations. They often necessitate extensive medical treatment, including surgery, and can result in long-term mobility issues.

Spinal Injuries

Depending on the severity and location, spinal injuries can lead to pain management issues, necessitate surgery, or even cause partial or complete paralysis accompanied by chronic pain. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Fractures

The impact of a motorcycle collision can cause bone fractures. Some fractures may require surgical intervention and extended recovery times.

Internal Trauma

Damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs are common forms of internal trauma resulting from motorcycle accidents. These injuries can be life-altering or even fatal.

Road Rash

Road rash is a specific injury that motorcyclists are susceptible to when a rider makes contact with a paved road. This injury occurs when a rider slides across the pavement, causing layers of skin to be scraped away. Road rash can lead to severe skin damage, infections, and scarring.

Lacerations and Burns

Deep lacerations or burns can lead to significant blood loss or risk of infection if not treated promptly. Surgical intervention and skin grafting is often required.

What Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do For You? 

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling injuries and legal issues at the same time. A motorcycle accident lawyer can offer support and guidance that ensures your rights are protected and secure the compensation to which you’re entitled.

Let’s explore in detail how a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer can help your case:

A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Conducts a Thorough Investigation

When you enlist the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer, the attorney performs an in-depth analysis of your case, puts together timelines, evaluates police reports, analyzes data, and interviews witnesses.

Additionally, your lawyer is able to subpoena information that could shed new light on the accident. For example, in a motorcycle accident case, your attorney may subpoena things like:

• Electronic tracking data of the other driver
• Service and repair history of the opposing vehicle
• Insurance coverage details of the other party involved

Your motorcycle accident lawyer is also able to reach out to specialists in pertinent fields who can offer expert testimony.

A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Will Help You Navigate Fault Allocation and Legal Complexities

In California, a motorcycle is considered a vehicle just like any other, subject to the same laws and regulations. However, the legal landscape for motorcyclists can be more complex due to specific laws concerning lane sharing, helmets and other protective gear, and the other unique risks associated with riding a motorcycle.

Motorcycle accident cases can involve various types of vehicles:

• Private cars
• Commercial trucks
• Public buses
• Emergency vehicles
• Taxi services and rideshares
• Bicycles and pedestrians

Assigning blame in motorcycle accidents requires a deep understanding of these complexities. For instance, other drivers are commonly unaware of motorcyclists’ rights. Sometimes, the design or structure of the road itself might contribute to a crash.

A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Will Fight for Your Rights

Navigating the intricacies of the California legal system can be daunting, but Conger Law is here to guide you. Ryan Conger will help you understand your rights, outline possible compensation, and strategize the best path towards justice.

Citations

Statewide Transportation Injury Mapping System
https://tims.berkeley.edu/summary.php

San Diego ranks third in state with most motorcycle fatalities: CHP
https://fox5sandiego.com/traffic/san-diego-ranks-third-in-state-with-most-motorcycle-fatalities-chp/

Connect with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Diego

If a motorcycle accident in California has left you or a loved one grappling with property damage or personal injuries, we’re here to help. At Conger Law, our goal is to simplify the legal process for you. We offer free, no-pressure consultations, giving you a clear understanding of your rights and possible courses of action. Reach out to us at (619)-569-1919 or complete our online form today. We’re ready to help.