San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in San Diego?

With beautiful year-round weather, San Diego’s roadways along the crystal blue coast are a popular place to ride amongst local motorcycle riders. However, due to its popularity, both in terms of tourism and overall population (1.4 million people), the city is prone to traffic accidents.

Motorcycle accidents can have devastating outcomes for victims, causing permanent injuries and financial hardships. Suffering the life-changing repercussions of someone else’s negligence is not only unfair, but it’s also unlawful. San Diego personal injury lawyer, Daniel Kim, is passionate about defending the legal rights of injured victims.

With a 99% success rate of securing maximum compensation for deserving clients, he and his experienced legal team can help you too. Schedule a free consultation with our San Diego office today.

Other Practice Areas We Specialize In

Why Hire Daniel Kim As Your San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

After any type of automobile accident, whether it’s a motorcycle accident or a car accident, you will need expert legal counseling in order to navigate through the claims process.

As Southern California’s top personal injury law firm, The Law Offices of Daniel Kim maintains a 99% success rate. Furthermore, a win for us takes into account client satisfaction and if maximum compensation was secured.

Our award-winning law firm has represented thousands of clients throughout San Diego County, successfully recovering millions in compensation for clients. When partnering with our motorcycle accident attorneys for legal representation, expect the following benefits:

• Obtain maximum compensation for your case
• Personally deal with the insurance companies and advocate on your behalf
• Provide skilled negotiation techniques to obtain a maximized settlement
• Access to the best medical care in San Diego, CA
• Assistance with car rentals and other transportation
• Help finding a body shop to repair your motorcycle
• Give formal legal advice and insight into your case
• 24-hour support

Schedule a complimentary case evaluation with personal injury lawyer, Daniel Kim. A member of our team is available to assist and set up your free consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Hiring motorcycle accident attorneys may not be necessary for everyone. However, if you are considering legal representation, consider some key factors.

• Is the person who hit you accepting fault or blaming you for the crash?
• Are you partially responsible for the motorcycle accident?
• Has the other party’s insurance company contacted you?
• If you have been offered a motorcycle accident settlement, does it appear fair?
• Do you feel like the insurance company is stalling?

Depending on your responses, hiring San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys may or may not be in your best interest. The most effective way to make this informed decision is to first start with a consultation. Based on the firm, the consultation can work as an opportunity to address the preceding questions, along with any other inquiries injured San Diego motorcycle accident victims may have.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we offer a free case evaluation so we can provide victims with answers. It’s vital that motorcycle accident victims become aware of their legal rights as soon as possible.

Due to California law and its statute of limitations, a personal injury claim can only be filed within a two-year timeframe that starts on the day the accident occurred. Failing to file motorcycle crashes in time will relinquish your rights to recover financial compensation.

Insurance companies can be difficult and unaccommodating. In some instances, they may even try to deny damages or delay a personal injury claim in hopes that their tactics will discourage people from collecting.

When working with a motorcycle accident attorney from our firm, rest assured that we will absolutely not tolerate the insurance company’s dishonest strategies. We always advocate on the behalf of our clients, aggressively vying for the best settlement.

Therefore we will negotiate lawsuits by settling out of court or by taking the motorcycle accident case to trial with the litigation process. We prioritize every possible opportunity that will result in full and fair compensation for our clients.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Claim Worth?

When it comes to the worth of any motor vehicle accident claim, varying factors will affect the value of every claim. Therefore, there is no set amount for how much a motorcycle accident claim is worth.

Ultimately, the more damages a motorcycle accident victim, in particular, suffers, the higher the value of his or her case will be.

Our law offices consider all viable areas of loss including economic damages and non-economic damages. Both forms of damages can be financially compensated based on:

• Current Medical Expenses
• Future Medical Expenses
• Physical Therapy
• Lost Wages
• Loss of Earning Capacity
• Property Damage
• Physical Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Pain and Suffering
• Sustained Disabilities
• Permanent Injuries
• Loss of Companionship
• Diminished Quality of Life
• Wrongful Death

Economic damages account for tangible losses with a monetary value. The value of these losses is evident in receipts, bills, and other invoices. Non-economic damages are not as apparent in value; however, these types of damages are certainly justifiable and can be compensated with proper legal representation.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim has worked on a high number of motorcycle accident cases, most of which were the result of driver negligence. Depending on the vehicle type, the cause of the accident can vary. When it comes to San Diego motorcycle accidents, some of the most common occurrences are based on the following:

• Speeding – Speeding is the top reason behind many motorcycle accidents in San Diego, as well as in the United States.
• Distracted Driving – Motorcyclists who are hit by distracted motorists are a result of cellphone/smartphone usage. Talking, texting, and using applications are among the most common reasons drivers are distracted on the road.
• DUI – Driving under the influence of controlled substances, like alcohol or drugs remains an ongoing problem. Although illegal, impaired driving is still very prevalent in the US. Driving under the influence gravely endangers fellow motorists, especially motorcyclists.
• Disobeying State Traffic Laws – Running red lights or stop signs, changing lanes without signaling, not respecting the right-of-way, and other violations are all examples of how motorists disobey traffic laws on a daily basis. When these laws are not followed properly, catastrophic accidents occur.
• Poor Weather Conditions – Although rare in San Diego, when the weather is not great, accidents are more likely to take place. Rain, fog, and slippery roadways put motorcyclists in danger from other motorists who may lose control of their vehicles in such harsh conditions.
• State of Roadways/Freeways – Poorly maintained roads, missing traffic signs, and ill-functioning traffic lights should be managed by the city. When this is not upheld, the environment creates hazards for drivers and bikers.

Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

In California, if an injured plaintiff believes that he or she has a viable case against the other driver, then a personal injury claim can be filed against the accused at-fault party.

If found liable, the insurance company of the defendant who loses the case will have to pay compensation to the victim. Before getting to this stage, fault must be proven. Anyone who was found to acted negligently by exhibiting any of the common causes of why motorcycle accidents happen can be ruled at fault.

However, in some motorcycle accident cases, motorcyclists can also be found partially liable for causing a crash–which is okay. California’s comparative negligence laws enforce that every party who contributed to an auto accident holds a level of accountability for their role in causing the crash. This allows an insurance company to assign some blame on the plaintiff so that they will not owe as large of an amount in damages.

Again, if you are partially at fault, that is okay. If victims are less than 50% at fault, they are still eligible to recover damages. The best way to establish liability is by looking at the evidence.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim works with private investigators and expert witnesses to compile valuable evidence, which allows us to determine which party holds more responsibility for causing the motorcycle accident.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

In order to meet the requirements of the statute of limitations and to protect your claim, it’s important to be proactive in taking legal action.

However, after being injured in a motorcycle accident, this is much easier said than done, as victims are in a vulnerable state and likely functioning at a limited capacity while they heal from severe injuries.

If possible, the provided recommendations should be followed to the best of your ability following a motorcycle crash.

1. Call the San Diego Police Department for help. They will provide assistance, maintain the accident scene, determine liability, and create a police report for you. Police reports are vital in a motorcycle accident case.
2. Exchange contact information and insurance information with all involved parties. Also, collect contact information from any present witnesses.
3. Collect as much evidence from the accident scene by taking pictures of the crash site, wreckage, and your injuries.
4. Seek immediate medical attention to treat apparent injuries and/or check for unsuspecting injuries, like a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding. Keep all medical bills and medical reports regarding diagnosis and treatment.
5. Reach out to our San Diego law offices for additional assistance. We provide a free case evaluation and can address any questions you may have about the accident.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Hit-and-Run?

Hit-and-run motorcycle crashes that resulted in fatalities or injuries have both increased within the last year in California, as reported by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

The general recommendations of what to do after a motorcycle accident should be followed for a hit-and-run accident, as well.

However, victims will not be able to exchange contact and insurance information with the fleeing driver, which can complicate the matter. A hit-and-run accident will also stress the importance of contacting the police and obtaining evidence.

If you were able to take note or capture photos/videos of the fleeing vehicle, this will help the authorities locate the driver. The following information will help:

• License plate number
• Make, model, and color of the car
• Distinct characteristics, like car damage, window decals, bumper stickers
• The direction of the fleeing car

If the at-fault driver is not located, victims can still potentially recover some damages if they have uninsured motorist coverage through their insurance company. Depending on the policy, insurance may cover motorcycle repairs and medical expenses.

An experienced personal injury attorney’s knowledge can help clarify these details and ensure that your insurance is fully utilized.

What Are the Most Common Injuries of a Motorcycle Accident?

Injuries from a motorcycle accident are just as unique as the reason behind the crash itself. Although some injuries may not appear to be serious, always seek professional medical attention.

A doctor or specialist is qualified to confirm whether or not you sustained serious injuries or not. Delaying to be examined and determine if you suffered severe injuries so could have negative, long-term effects. Common motorcycle accident injuries:

• Amputation – The removal of a limb(s) due to server damage or complications from the injury
• Fractures – Any bones that are broken as a result of the collision’s impact
• Meniscus Injuries – Tissue damage and torn ligaments around the leg area
• Rotator Cuff Injuries – Muscle and tendon damage to the shoulder joint(s)
• Head Injuries – Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), like a concussion or internal bleeding from the brain
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord damage
• Catastrophic Injury – Pаrарlеgіа, tеtrарlеgіа, amрutаtіоn, lоѕѕ оf vіѕіоn іn bоth eyes, TBI, phуѕісаl іmраіrmеnt resulting іn 55% of thе body, mеntаl оr behavioral dіѕаbіlіtу оf 55% оf thе body, and imраіrmеnt to three оr mоrе functional аrеаѕ are typical “catastrophic” injuries
• Wrongful Death – When other drivers cause fatal motorcycle accidents

San Diego Motorcycle Accident Statistics

California currently holds the highest amount of registered motorcycles at 808,377. In relation, recent studies show that San Diego ranks fourth (out of C.A.’s 58 counties) in motorcycle crash fatalities. The study also indicated:

• A wide majority of accidents involved male motorcycle riders
• Spike in deaths involved age groups 19-25 and 45+
• There were 1,470 reported motorcycle crash-related deaths and sustained severe injuries
• The California Office of Traffic Safety found that alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased from 1,116 in 2018 to 1,066 in 2019. That’s a 4.5% decrease. Also, this stat includes both drivers and motorcycle riders with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.08 or higher.
• Drug-impaired driving fatalities increased in 2019 by 8%. In addition, drivers killed tested positive for both legal and illegal drugs.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

The most dangerous roadways are based on the number of traffic accidents that take place on each street or intersection. Provided is a list of the most hazardous roads in San Diego County:

1. University Ave. & 52nd St.
2. 10th Ave. & A St.
3. 5th Ave. &  B St.
4. El Cajon Blvd. & 36th St.
5. Broadway & 5th Ave.
6. 4th Ave. & Market St.
7. Coronado Ave. (SB) & Thermal Ave.
8. 6th Ave. & Broadway
9. 4th Ave. & B St.
10. Euclid Ave. & Naranja St.

Contact an Experienced San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The top motorcycle accident attorney in San Diego, Daniel Kim, is committed to helping injured victims of motorcycle accidents become whole again by providing the best legal representation.

We have successfully recovered maximum compensation for thousands of satisfied clients. Our professional legal team of motorcycle accident lawyers will provide guidance and keep your rights protected from start to finish.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim can provide assistance to residents of San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Oceanside, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, San Marcos, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, as well as nearby neighboring counties, such as Orange County and Riverside County.

Directions to Our San Diego Office

We are conveniently located in Downtown San Diego and close to the San Diego Civic Theatre and San Diego City College.

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim — San Diego, CA
Address: 1111 Sixth Avenue, Suite 231 San Diego 92101 
Phone: (619) 639-9063