San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

What Makes Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego So Dangerous?

Motorcycle crashes aren’t like car accidents. Riders are exposed to the full force of impact, often with little more than a helmet and protective gear to shield them. Unlike a passenger vehicle, there’s no frame to absorb the blow.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in California in 2022, totaling 634 deaths. In a city like San Diego, it’s important to stay vigilant and understand the causes of motorcycle accidents and what to do after one.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Even the most experienced and cautious motorcyclists are vulnerable to the actions of others on the road.

Understanding the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents can help you recognize how another party’s negligence may have contributed to your crash:

• Driver inattention. Many drivers don’t see motorcycles because they are smaller and fail to check their blind spots.
• Unsafe lane changes. A car that changes lanes without signaling or checking blind spots can collide with a motorcycle.
• Speeding and reckless driving. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
• Impaired driving. Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s ability to judge distance and react quickly.
• Failure to obey traffic laws. Running red lights, not yielding, or engaging in aggressive maneuvers can endanger motorcyclists.

These are just a few of the most common causes. An experienced attorney can investigate your accident to determine what went wrong and who should be held accountable.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego

The moments following a motorcycle accident can feel chaotic and overwhelming. You may be in pain, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. Yet the steps you take after a motorcycle accident can impact your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Protecting your health and your legal rights starts with a few key actions.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel “okay,” motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that are not immediately obvious, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage. Paramedics on the scene can provide initial care, and a complete medical evaluation can help diagnose injuries early. It also creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash.

Document the Scene: Photos, Witness Names, and Bike Condition

If you are physically able, take photos of the crash site, damage to your motorcycle, visible injuries, and the surrounding area (including skid marks, traffic signals, or road hazards). Get any witnesses’ names and contact information. Also, preserve your motorcycle in its post-accident condition until an expert can examine it.

Contact a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney

It’s not unusual for insurance adjusters to call shortly after a crash, often requesting a recorded statement. They may sound helpful, but their goal is to minimize your payout. Please do not speak to them without first consulting an attorney.

The sooner you reach out to a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer, the better they can help preserve evidence, investigate the crash, and protect your rights from the start. At Silva Injury Law, we believe in solving problems, not creating more stress. We’ll handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If another party’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses. These expenses cover all healthcare costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care.
• Lost wages. You may be reimbursed for income lost while recovering and compensated for diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your job or are forced to work fewer hours.
• Motorcycle repairs or replacement. You may be able to recover compensation for damage to your motorcycle and riding gear.
• Pain and suffering. This damage accounts for the physical pain and emotional anguish resulting from the accident.
• Emotional distress. You may be compensated for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects of trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. This damage addresses the loss of ability to engage in hobbies, social activities, or daily routines you once enjoyed.

Every case is unique, and the damages you can recover depend on the specific impact the accident has had on your life. Silva Injury Law fights to ensure your recovery reflects the full scope of your suffering.

Can I Still Recover If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This rule means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the crash. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that amount.

Why Choose Silva Injury Law?

Choosing the right motorcycle accident lawyer in San Diego after a motorcycle accident can make a profound difference in your recovery. At Silva Injury Law, we don’t just handle cases. We help people rebuild their lives with dignity and direction. Here’s why injured motorcyclists across San Diego trust our team.

Compassionate, Problem-Solving Approach

At Silva Injury Law, our mission goes beyond winning cases. We believe in being decent human beings first, treating every client with empathy, respect, and patience. We always focus on what will help our clients move forward.

Free Consultations and Transparent Guidance

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your legal options. You’ll get honest feedback and advice from day one without pressure or legal jargon.

No Fee Unless We Win

You should never have to worry about affording quality legal help. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation.

Proven Experience with Serious Motorcycle Accident Cases

Our attorneys have handled complex motorcycle accident claims across California. We understand the mechanics of motorcycle crashes, the medical challenges riders face, and how to effectively negotiate with insurance companies that try to undervalue your injuries.

Local Insight into San Diego Roads

As a firm familiar with San Diego’s traffic patterns, high-risk intersections, and local legal processes, we bring insight into your case. That knowledge helps us anticipate challenges and position your claim for the strongest possible outcome.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the motorcycle accident. Missing this deadline can mean permanently losing your right to compensation. That’s why acting quickly and speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is crucial.

Talk to One of Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

You’re not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed after a motorcycle accident. Silva Injury Law is here to offer clarity, compassion, and results. As a trusted motorcycle accident law firm in San Diego, we provide free consultations, personalized attention, and a no-win, no-fee guarantee. Don’t wait to take the first step. Contact Silva Injury Law online or call (209) 600-4389 today to speak with a dedicated advocate who will fight for your future.