The motorcyclist is almost always the party who suffers the worst injuries in a traffic accident involving other motor vehicles. Since motorcyclists are highly vulnerable, many devastating outcomes can result from a motorcycle crash, such as road rash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.

Motorcyclists can suffer other losses, such as property damage and emotional scarring. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash, speak immediately to an experienced injury lawyer.

The skilled Elverta motorcycle accident attorneys at AutoAccident.com have nearly four decades of experience handling these accidents throughout Northern California. Call us today at (916) 921-6400 to discuss your legal options. We offer free consultations with no obligation to retain our law firm.

According to Assembly Bill No. 51, lane splitting is legal in California. Lane splitting, also known as lane sharing, is when a motorcycle travels between two vehicles on the freeway, riding between the lanes of traffic. Research has indicated that lane splitting while driving is a secure method and can effectively alleviate traffic congestion.

Although lane splitting is legal in California, the law does have a few restrictions. There are speed limits and other rules motorcyclists must obey. It’s essential to know and understand the safe implementation of sharing lanes.

• Riders can only lane split when the road divides into two or more marked lanes.
• Riding on the shoulder of a freeway or road is illegal and not considered lane splitting.
• Avoid lane splitting when traffic flow is faster than 30 MPH.
• Do not share lanes next to large vehicles such as motorhomes or semi-trucks.
• Do not split lanes if the road condition is dangerous.
• Steer clear of lane changes close to freeway exits and on-ramps.

Lane splitting is not a reason to automatically place liability on the motorcyclist after an accident. If you were lane-splitting during the crash, do not admit fault. Wait for the police to investigate the collision.

Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about lane-splitting laws and how to protect yourself following a motorcycle accident.

After a motorcycle accident, you likely have serious injuries that require immediate medical care. It is easy to panic after a crash. However, what you say or do afterward can work against you in a potential injury claim.

Remember that you can consult a lawyer about your accident, no matter your situation. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better position you will be.

Below are some steps to take following a motorcycle accident:

• Stay calm — Keep your cool and do not admit fault to the other party.
• Get to a safe location — Move to a secure place to wait for the police, if possible.
• Check for injuries — Check for any injuries like broken bones or lacerations. See if the driver is also okay.
• Call the police — Report your accident to the proper authority to have an official police record.
• Gather information — If you are not severely injured, collect the other party’s information, like your driver’s license and the insurance company.
• Take pictures — Take photos of your injuries, damaged motorcycle, the other driver’s vehicle, the road conditions, and other relevant factors, like an obstructed stop sign, obstacle in the road, or loose gravel.
• Seek medical care — See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t see any apparent injuries. Some internal injuries don’t always show immediate symptoms. 
  
• Keep documents organized — Put all your accident-related information, such as photos, police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and information about the other driver in a file. 
  
• Contact an injury lawyer — Call a reputable motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options. You have two years from your accident to file a claim. But speaking to a lawyer immediately can help you protect essential evidence.

A law firm that practices personal injury exclusively will have the expertise and resources you need to win your motorcycle injury case. Having an experienced legal team can get you the results you deserve. Your lawyer will handle the entire process of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

While healing physically and emotionally, your lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, talk to eyewitnesses, and negotiate with the insurance company to recover the total compensation you are owed.

Your attorney will take your case to court if the insurance company offers a lowball settlement. Going to court may seem frightening, but an experienced accident attorney is fully prepared to fight on your behalf.

At AutoAccident.com, our mission is to help you achieve a successful outcome. We will only take your case if we feel there is an excellent chance of winning and being offered the compensation you deserve.

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. The injured motorcyclist may suffer debilitating injuries that prevent returning to work. They may face a lifetime of chronic pain or disability from a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. Whether a motorcycle crash led to your own severe injuries or the death of a family member, our Elverta motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to assist you. Contact us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice.

Our mission since 1982 has been to protect injured individuals’ rights and help them negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.

Our law firm operates under a contingency fee structure, which means you only incur legal fees if we successfully resolve your case.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 10.26.23 Photo by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay cha [cs 945]}