Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and lack the safety features that are standard in most passenger vehicles. This means that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to the catastrophic consequences of an accident.

Motorcyclists are often the ones who suffer significant injuries and incur costly bills after a collision. That is why you need experienced legal representation to help you get back on your feet after an accident.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a reckless, distracted, or otherwise negligent driver, call the Moreno Valley personal injury lawyers of OnderLaw today for a free consultation. We have decades of experience helping injured motorcyclists seek answers, compensation, and justice. Let us stand up and fight for you.

Why Choose OnderLaw?

In a perfect world, everyone would be compensated fairly for their losses after an accident. Unfortunately, the reality is, motorcyclists are sometimes still stigmatized. This bias may result in compensation packages that are less than fair. Some insurers may take advantage of the portrayal of motorcyclists in television and movies as lawless troublemakers. They might assume that the biker is at fault and reduce compensation because of this unfair judgment.

At OnderLaw, we know how the “biker” stereotype can impact an accident claim. That is why we work hard on behalf of motorcyclists to combat this bias and help them seek the full and fair compensation they deserve after a collision. However, an unfair bias is only one reason that motorcyclists need the help of an experienced Moreno attorney. A skilled attorney can also gather crucial evidence to strengthen your claim, help you file paperwork, keep track of important deadlines, and negotiate on your behalf.

The legal team at OnderLaw knows that your focus should be on the recovery process. While we work on your claim, we will communicate clearly and transparently with you throughout the process. You will always know what to expect and can reach out to us with your questions at any time.

Contact us today if you are ready to let us put our skills to work for you. We think our track record of success speaks for itself, but let us prove our value even further by offering you a free legal consultation.

Motorcycle Laws in Moreno Valley

California has implemented several laws and requirements to help keep riders safe while out on the open road. First and foremost, California law requires that all motorcyclists wear a U.S. Department of Transportation compliant helmet at all times. This law applies to both operators and riders or passengers. Motorcycles must also have side mirrors, as well as working turn signals.

The state also required motorcyclists to carry a minimum of $5,000 in property damage insurance, $15,000 in bodily injury insurance for an individual, and $30,000 for bodily injury insurance to multiple people. Failure to carry the required amount of insurance can result in a license suspension for up to one year.

California is also the only state to legalize lane splitting. The law makes it legal for motorcyclists to travel and maneuver between two lanes of traffic.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists can get injured in a variety of different types of accidents. Some of the most common include:

  • Head-on crashes– A head-on crash happens when two vehicles collide, front end to front end. This type of accident tends to happen when one vehicle is traveling the wrong way towards oncoming traffic.
  • Lane splitting accidents- Lane splitting is when a small vehicle, like a motorcycle, travels between lanes of full-sized vehicles. This maneuver typically happens during rush hour or in areas with slow-moving traffic.
  • Left-turn accidents- A motorcyclist traveling through an intersection can easily be hit by a driver not using due caution while making a left-hand turn.
  • T-bone collisions- T-bone collisions are also known as side-impact crashes. These collisions happen when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. These accidents tend to be more common when a driver fails to stop at a stop sign or runs a red light.
  • Rear-end collisions- Rear-end collisions are sometimes also referred to as “fender benders.” While the term implies that these accidents are minor, nothing could be further from the truth, especially for motorcyclists. Rear-end accidents can cause head, neck, and back injuries, as well as other medical complications.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

As of 2017, California had more motorcyclists than any other state in the U.S. It is no wonder that there have been numerous campaigns targeted at making drivers more aware of motorcyclists. Many of these campaigns focus on reminding drivers to be aware of their surroundings constantly. Unfortunately, these messages don’t always resonate.

Some of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Distracted driving– Distracted driving continues to be one of the most predominant factors related to car and motorcycle accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that eight people are killed in distracted driving crashes every day in the U.S. Distracted drivers are particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders since they are less visible than larger cars and trucks.
  • Drunk or drugged driving- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is both reckless and illegal. When an individual’s cognitive and physical abilities are compromised, avoiding collisions can be extremely difficult.
  • Drowsy driving- Drowsy driving can be just as devastating as drunk driving. Numerous studies have found that driving while drowsy is similar to driving while drunk. Drowsy driving can impair both physical and cognitive functions. In 2017, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimated that 91,000 police-reported crashes involved drowsy drivers.
  • Speeding- Speeding doesn’t get people anywhere faster. It endangers the lives of everyone the speeder shares the road with. Speeding drivers have less maneuverability, and it can take them longer to stop, increasing their odds of being involved in a collision.
  • Tailgating- Following another driver too closely can result in a chain reaction of events that leads to significant rear-end collisions or pile-up accidents. Motorcyclists caught in these types of collisions can suffer serious physical consequences.
  • Failure to obey posted signs and signals- Drivers who fail to yield, stop at stop signs, or run red lights risk their safety and the safety of others, especially motorcyclists.
  • Road defects- Road defects like potholes or poor lighting can be annoying for most drivers, but these defects can be downright fatal to motorcyclists. Municipal negligence can cause significant accidents for motorcyclists. A pothole may damage a car, but hitting a pothole on a motorcycle may send the rider flying off the bike, causing serious injuries.
  • Poor visibility- Motorcycles tend to be less visible than other vehicles. While motorcyclists are harder to spot, drivers must always be aware of their surroundings.

If you were injured in an accident like these or another type of crash, contact an attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crash injuries are often traumatic and devastating. These injuries can differ greatly from other types of motor vehicle crash injuries and are often more severe. Common examples of injuries that motorcyclists can face are:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Concussion
  • Neck injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Spinal injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Road rash
  • Lacerations
  • Contusions

Who is Responsible?

That depends. California is a “pure comparative negligence” state, which is a regulation that dictates how compensation is distributed after an accident. In court, a party can recover money for their damages, regardless of who is responsible for the accident. However, a person’s total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault they bear for causing the accident.

In practice, if a court rules that a motorcyclist is 10 percent at fault for the accident, the operator can recover the total amount of compensation minus 10 percent. This rule means it is important to have an experienced Moreno attorney on your side. An attorney can complete an investigation and gather substantiating evidence to support your claim, and seek maximum compensation.

While pure comparative negligence binds the courts, insurance adjusters will often use this regulation to guide their settlement claims as well.

Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Claim

An individual should consult with an experienced attorney to get the full and fair value of any claim. An attorney will be able to help calculate the worth of your physical and emotional losses, as well as gather documentation to support that claim. In general, an injured motorcyclist may be able to recover money for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

State and City Accident Statistics

California has the most vibrant and active motorcycle population in the U.S. According to the University of Berkley, in 2017, there were more than 800,000 registered motorcycles in the state. Unfortunately, California leads the nation in motorcycle fatalities as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2019, 474 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the state.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is often responsible for distributing information about serious motorcycle accidents in Moreno Valley. As recently as July 2021, a motorcyclist was killed in an accident on Atwood Avenue.

Contact A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

It doesn’t matter if you are an avid rider or even a hobbyist. If you are involved in a significant motorcycle collision, you deserve quality legal representation.

Contact the experienced team at OnderLaw for a free and confidential legal consultation. Our team wants to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.