California is one of the most popular states in the country for motorcycle riders. The weather allows for year-round riding, and the roads offer everything from coastal highways to mountain passes. However, with that comes a set of motorcycle-specific laws that riders need to understand, both for their own safety and to protect their legal rights if something goes wrong.
Some of these rules are straightforward. Others, like the state’s lane-splitting law, are unique to California and often misunderstood. Knowing what the law actually says can help you ride responsibly and put yourself in a better position if you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident.
California’s Helmet Law
California enforces a universal helmet law. Every motorcycle rider and passenger is required to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards, specifically the Department of Transportation’s FMVSS 218 certification. This applies regardless of age or experience level.
Riding without a compliant helmet can result in a fine and complicate matters if you are injured in an accident. Insurance companies often consider whether the rider was wearing an approved helmet when evaluating a claim; failing to wear one can become a point of dispute, even though it does not change who caused the crash.
Lane Splitting in California
In California, lane splitting is legal. The practice was officially defined and authorized under Vehicle Code Section 21658.1.
Lane splitting means riding a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles traveling in the same lane. The law also gave the California Highway Patrol authority to develop educational safety guidelines for riders who choose to split lanes.
Note that it is illegal for a driver to intentionally block a motorcyclist from lane splitting. In addition, opening a vehicle door into the path of a rider is also a violation.
Licensing and Insurance Requirements
To legally ride a motorcycle in California, you need a Class M1 or M2 license. Riders under 21 are required to complete the California Motorcyclist Safety Program before they can obtain their license. The course includes five hours of classroom instruction and ten hours of on-bike training. Riders 21 and older are not required to take the course, but it is strongly recommended.
California also requires motorcycle riders to carry minimum liability insurance. The current minimums are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
These are bare minimums. Carrying a larger policy is usually a good idea given the severity of injuries that motorcycle accidents tend to produce.
What Happens if I’m Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
You can pursue both economic and non-economic damages from the responsible party after a motorcycle accident in California.
Some of the primary laws to keep in mind that may apply to your claim include:
- Pure comparative negligence: California allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the crash. However, your award can be reduced by your share of responsibility.
- Two-year statute of limitations: You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, you may need to file a formal claim within just six months.
- Insurance pushback: Adjusters tend to fight harder on motorcycle claims than standard car accident cases. Bias against riders is well-documented.
Having an attorney involved early can help counter insurer tactics and make sure nothing falls through the cracks during the claims process. This is even more true in motorcycle cases, where the injuries tend to be more severe and the legal disputes more aggressive.
Why Motorcycle Laws Matter After an Accident
California’s motorcycle laws can play an important role after a crash. Insurance companies may examine whether a rider was properly licensed, wearing a DOT-approved helmet, or otherwise complying with state law when evaluating a claim.
Even if you are accused of violating a traffic law, that does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, protect your rights during the claims process, and work to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Bell Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help After a Motorcycle Accident
Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re facing medical treatment, time away from work, and insurance companies focused on minimizing your claim. Having experienced legal representation can make the process easier and help ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation with a Bell motorcycle accident attorney at Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers to get started with your case. You may be entitled to substantial compensation from the party responsible for your motorcycle accident under California law. Contact us today.
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