If you’re seeking compensation after being injured in a motorcycle accident, you should be aware that motorcycle laws can affect your case. Your compensation could be decreased if you violated one or more safety laws.
You must be familiar with the California Vehicle Code when you operate a motorcycle. This code contains all laws governing the general rules of the road and includes specific laws governing motorcycle drivers.
Motorcycle Safety Laws
Following motorcycle safety laws can reduce your risk of an accident. If someone hits you and you suffer an injury, compliance with these laws can clear you of blame. If you did break one or more laws, you may be held partly responsible for your accident, resulting in less compensation.
Helmet Laws

California requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear safety helmets. Helmets must comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and be labeled as compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. The right helmet can save your life.
Head trauma accounts for some of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents. Failure to wear a helmet can affect the amount of your compensation if you suffer a head injury. Someone can argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you had followed the law.
Lane-Splitting
Driving your motorcycle between vehicles in two adjacent lanes is known as lane-splitting. California is the only state where lane-splitting is legal. While it’s safe at slow speeds or in lines of stopped traffic, lane-splitting while driving over 30 mph can be dangerous.
Even though lane-splitting is legal, you should still be cautious. Some car drivers won’t know it’s legal and may respond negatively. Also, you could be seen as reckless if you try to lane-split at high speeds or in low visibility.
Motor-Driven Cycles
A motorcycle with a less than 150 CC engine is considered a motor-driven cycle. Motor-driven cycles aren’t typically considered road-safe on major freeways or expressways. They are best suited for residential or rural areas.
Most California freeways and expressways have signage prohibiting motor-driven cycles. If you disregard such signage and drive on such roads, you’re breaking the law and putting yourself at risk.
License Requirements
You need a motorcycle license to legally drive a motorcycle. This is generally an M1 license that lets you drive a two-wheeled vehicle. With an M2 license, you can operate a motor-driven cycle with an engine of less than 150 CC.
If you operate a motorcycle without a license, you may be found reckless. Non-compliance with licensing requirements can indicate irresponsibility, which could cause problems in your case.
Valid Motorcycle License
A valid motorcycle license is crucial for legal operation. This license signifies that the rider has undergone the necessary training and testing to operate a motorcycle safely. Without a valid license, you may be subject to fines and penalties, which could negatively impact your case if you’re involved in an accident.
Motorcycle Endorsements
A motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license signifies that you have passed the required tests and can operate a motorcycle. Different classes of endorsements depend on the type of motorcycle you ride. For example, an M1 endorsement allows you to operate any two-wheeled motorcycle, while an M2 endorsement is limited to motor-driven and motorized bicycles.
Motorcycle Safety Course
Completing a motorcycle safety course is often a prerequisite for obtaining a motorcycle license. These courses cover essential skills such as defensive riding techniques, proper motorcycle handling, and understanding the specific laws for motorcycle riders.
Skills Test
The licensing process includes passing a skills test, which evaluates your ability to handle a motorcycle safely. The test typically includes maneuvers such as sharp turns, quick stops, and navigating through traffic.
Driver License

All motorcycle operators must have a valid driver’s license in addition to a motorcycle endorsement. This ensures that riders know the rules of the road and can operate vehicles safely in general traffic conditions.
Eye Protection and Protective Headgear
California law requires motorcycle riders to wear eye protection and protective headgear. This ensures the safety of both the operator and any passengers. Helmets must meet the safety standards set by the DOT and provide adequate protection in case of an accident.
Required Equipment
Motorcycles must be equipped with certain safety features as required by law. These include a stop lamp, turn signals, and a red reflector. Ensuring your motorcycle has all the necessary equipment can prevent accidents and avoid fines for non-compliance.
Exhaust System and Noise Regulations
Motorcycles must have an exhaust system that meets California’s noise regulations. Excessive noise can be a distraction and a hazard on the road. Ensuring your motorcycle’s exhaust system is compliant with state regulations is essential for legal and safe operation.
Turn Signals and Stop Lamps
Turn signals and stop lamps are critical for communicating your intentions to other drivers on the road. They must be functioning and visible to ensure that other vehicles can anticipate your movements and react accordingly.
Riding in Traffic
Motorcycle riders must adhere to the same traffic laws as other vehicles. This includes obeying speed limits, following traffic signals, and yielding to pedestrians. Riding defensively and being aware of your surroundings can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Lane Usage and Sharing
Motorcycle riders are entitled to use a full lane like any other vehicle. However, they must also respect the rules of lane usage, including not riding in the space between two lanes of traffic unless lane-splitting is performed safely and legally.
Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can have severe consequences, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. According to recent statistics, motorcycle riders are significantly more likely to be injured or killed in an accident compared to car drivers.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Failure to yield the right of way by other drivers
- Speeding
- Lane splitting
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
Importance of Following Safety Laws
Adhering to motorcycle safety laws can greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Wearing a helmet, following speed limits, and avoiding lane-splitting at high speeds are some of the measures that can enhance your safety on the road.
Seeking Compensation After an Accident
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, seeking compensation for your injuries is important. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Defensive Riding and Awareness
Defensive riding is one of the most effective ways to prevent motorcycle accidents. This involves being constantly aware of your surroundings, anticipating potential hazards, and taking proactive measures to avoid accidents.
Staying Visible to Other Drivers
Motorcycles are smaller than cars and can easily be overlooked by other drivers. Wearing bright, reflective clothing and using your headlights, even during the day, can make you more visible to other drivers.
Maintaining a Safe Following Distance
Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you gives you more time to react to sudden stops or other unexpected events. This is especially important when riding in traffic or on highways.
Using Proper Riding Techniques
Proper riding techniques, such as using both brakes simultaneously and leaning into turns, can improve your control over the motorcycle and reduce the risk of accidents. Regular practice and taking advanced riding courses can help you hone these skills.
Emergency Maneuvers
Learning and practicing emergency maneuvers can be life-saving. Techniques such as swerving to avoid obstacles, executing quick stops, and knowing how to handle skids can greatly increase your safety on the road.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your motorcycle in good condition is essential for safety. Regular maintenance checks, including tire pressure, brake functionality, and fluid levels, can prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
The Role of Insurance in Motorcycle Accidents
Insurance plays a critical role in the aftermath of motorcycle accidents, providing financial protection for injuries and damages. Motorcycle insurance typically includes liability coverage, which is required by law and covers bodily injury and property damage to others involved in an accident. It may also include collision coverage for repairing or replacing your motorcycle, comprehensive coverage for non-collision incidents like theft or fire, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to protect against drivers with insufficient insurance. Medical payment coverage can help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers. Adequate insurance ensures you are financially protected, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Legal Assistance for Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking legal assistance is crucial. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and represent your interests in court. They can also assist in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Importance of Timely Legal Action
Taking timely legal action is essential in personal injury cases. Statutes of limitations dictate how long you have to file a claim after an accident. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to compensation. Therefore, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Building a Strong Case
A strong legal case requires thorough documentation and evidence. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other relevant information supporting your claim. An experienced attorney will know how to gather and present this evidence effectively.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in accident cases. Having an attorney on your side can level the playing field. They can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Understanding Settlement Offers
Not all settlement offers are fair. Before accepting any offers, it is important to understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs. An attorney can help evaluate settlement proposals and advise you on whether to accept or negotiate further.
Trial Representation
Your case may go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Having an attorney with trial experience is crucial. They can present your case effectively in court, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Should You Still Seek Compensation?
Motorcycle laws play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of riders and other road users. Understanding and complying with these laws can prevent accidents and protect your rights in case of an accident. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking legal assistance to secure the compensation you need to recover fully is essential.
Call Adamson Ahdoot at (800) 310-1606 today to schedule your free case evaluation.