Riding a motorcycle down a California freeway is an experience straight out of a James Dean movie. The sun is shining on you, the wind is in your hair, and you feel free.
One wrong move from a careless driver, and your life can change forever. Freeway motorcycle crashes are incredibly dangerous. In fact, motorcyclists face a higher risk of dying in an accident than other road users.
The fatality rate for motorcyclists is 35 times higher than that of car occupants. In 2023 alone, there were a total of 583 motorcycle riders killed in crashes on California roads.
If you have ever been in a car accident, you know how stressful the aftermath is.
It helps to hire an experienced attorney who can navigate the unique rules and laws that surround motorcycle accidents in California.
Let’s dive in.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents on California Freeways
Riding a motorcycle on freeways can be dangerous for multiple reasons. There’s heavy traffic, unpredictable drivers, and natural elements at play. If you are wondering what factors contribute to motorcycle accidents that you should be aware of, here’s a list.
Speeding
There is a reason why speed limits exist. A split-second mistake can leave a rider with a lifetime of pain.
Distracted Drivers
The freeway is no place for using a phone, staring at the GPS screen, or having in-car conversations. You need to pay attention to the road at all times. Many crashes occur because distracted drivers notice the motorcyclist too late.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Changing lanes without indicating can be dangerous for the motorcyclist and other vehicles on the road, as a sudden lane change can result in a devastating side collision.
Road Hazards
While California freeways are usually well kept, there is a chance that you will be met with uneven pavement or loose cargo falling from a truck. These obstacles are not always visible, so the rider may not be able to avoid them.
Weather Conditions
This goes without saying, but rain, wind, and severe glare from the sun can turn a regular road into a dangerous one. You need to be extra careful on days when the weather is not cooperating.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident on the Freeway
Even if you do everything right, it is still possible that you might get in an accident. The crash happens, and it might come as a shock to you. What you do in those moments immediately after an accident is very important.
Here’s a simple checklist that you should follow in case of an accident (and share with your friends).
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Call 911 Immediately
Nothing is more important than your safety after this moment. You need an emergency responder at the scene right away. The police need to be informed so they can file a report for insurance purposes.
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Seek Medical Care
During an accident, you will experience a rush of adrenaline, which often masks pain. This will make you feel ‘okay’ even if you are not. You need to visit a doctor to create an official record of your injuries and also check for concussions or internal bleeding.
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Document the Scene
You must document the scene. Whether it is taking photos of your vehicle, registration, or road conditions, you should safely document the details, as they can be used in legal proceedings to prove what happened.
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Gather Witness Information
Similar to taking photos, you need to gather witness information. This includes names, phone numbers, and statements from anyone who was at the scene—this information will be used to build your case.
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Avoid Insurance Company Pressure
Insurance adjusters often use this time to call victims and offer a quick settlement. You should not agree to anything at this time. If there is anyone you should talk to at this point, it is a lawyer.
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Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Medical bills, lost wages, insurance settlements, and negotiations often follow an accident. You can’t handle all this and recover from your injuries at the same time. Hiring a lawyer allows you to sit back and relax while we represent you and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Who Is Liable in a California Freeway Motorcycle Accident
One of the biggest questions that riders have after a crash is: who is actually responsible for their injury? That’s a fair question. You need to determine liability in California freeway motorcycle accidents to receive compensation.
Here’s how we determine fault:
Other Drivers
In case of distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or speeding, the other driver is held responsible. If the other driver has insurance, it is the insurance company that will be paying damages.
Trucking Companies
Suppose the accident was caused by a commercial truck. In that case, the trucking company will share the liability because the crash could be linked to poor maintenance, driver fatigue, or inadequate loading practices.
Government Bodies
If the road is damaged and that is the main cause of the accident, then the city, county, or state is responsible for the crash. This is because potholes, guardrails, or poor signage are part of road maintenance, and the government collects taxes from taxpayers to provide these services.
Multiple Parties
If the cause of the crash involves multiple parties, then you can pursue compensation from more than one party under California law.
If you’re partially at fault, the comparative negligence rule applies. This means you will receive damages, but the proportion of your fault will reduce your compensation.
Hire a Freeway Injury Lawyer
Hiring a law firm such as Freeway Injury Lawyer helps you pursue fair compensation. We investigate every angle of the case, from police reports to witness statements and video footage. We help you fight for your rights, and we hold people accountable for what happens to you.
If you’re ready to fight, call us today so we can start building your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I file a motorcycle accident claim on California freeways?
You can start by reporting the accident to the police. You should also call 911 to seek medical care and report any injuries you have sustained. It is a good time to contact your lawyer to help you with insurance negotiations and claims.
- What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents on California highways?
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include speeding, distracted drivers, and sudden lane changes.
- Who can be held liable for a freeway motorcycle accident?
The responsibility for a freeway motorcycle accident can fall on the motorcyclist, other drivers, trucking companies, or even government agencies.
- What should I do after a motorcycle accident on the freeway in CA?
You should call 911 and get medical attention immediately. This will help you identify hidden injuries and internal bleeding. If you can, try to document the scene, talk to the witnesses, and collect their details, as this information helps build your case.
- Can I still file a claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes, you can file a claim even if you are partially responsible for the accident. This means your compensation is reduced depending on the percentage of your fault.
- How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
You have up to two years to file a claim after the accident. If a government agency is involved, you must file a claim within 6 months of the accident.
- What kind of compensation can I recover?
You can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- How much is my motorcycle accident claim worth?
You can determine how much your accident claim is worth by using the multiplier method or the per diem method.
- Do I have to go to court for a motorcycle accident claim?
Most cases are settled outside of court, but if yours goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you.
- How much does it cost to hire Freeway Injury Lawyers?
We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to pay a dime until we win your case for you.
