Northern California Motorcycle Law Attorneys
Northern California Motorcycle Law
Motorcycle riders must familiarize themselves with laws regarding motorcycle education, licensing requirements, insurance and helmet use. Licensing, helmet and insurance laws help to protect the rider from injury and financial hardship in the event of a motorcycle accident occurring.
In situations where the rider has been involved in an accident and suffered serious injuries, they may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the negligent or reckless party responsible for their injuries. The northern California motorcycle accident attorneys at Estey Bomberger have extensive personal injury litigation experience and have successfully recovered more than $100 million dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients’ medical expenses, past, current and future lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Helmet Motorcycle Law
Wearing a helmet is one of the only protective measures a rider can take to decrease their chances of sustaining a serious injury in a motorcycle accident and is required by law under California vehicle code § 27803, which states a motorcycle rider and their passenger (if applicable) must wear a federally approved helmet at all times. A federally approved safety helmet has been put through rigorous tests before being marketed or sold to the public. Federal safety standards also require that a helmet have a strap that fits comfortably around the chin and the helmet be labeled with proper instruction use. The use of eye protection is not required in California, but recommended by several law enforcement agencies including the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Education and Licensing Motorcycle Laws
To be able to operate a motorcycle in California, you must be licensed and have registered your bike with the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). There are two classes of a motorcycle license: M1 and M2. An M1 license allows you to ride any type of motorcycle with an attached motor (or any motorized scooter) and a M2 license permits you to drive a motorized scooter, moped, and motorized bicycle or bicycle with an attached motor. Whether you are applying for an M1 or M2 license, every rider must first get a learners permit. Riders under the age of 18 must have a permit for a minimum of six months before taking the driving training course, unlike a rider over the age of 18 who is not required to have their license for a specific time. After a rider has obtained a permit they must take a California Motorcyclist Safety Program training course, which is taught by the CHP. After completing and passing the course, a certificate will be issued. To receive a motorcycle license, the certificate must be submitted to the DMV, and the rider must pass a written test and vision test.
California Insurance Requirements
California Insurance Code § 11580.1b requires that a motorcyclist have at least the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage of 15/30/5. What 15/30/5 provides is $15,000 to cover bodily injury for each person in any one accident, $30,000 for all persons injured in any one accident, and $5,000 for property damages. In addition to liability insurance, it is recommended that a rider also opt for additional types of insurance coverage such as Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UM coverage protects the rider from having to pay out of pocket expenses if a driver without insurance caused the accident. UIM coverage ensures the rider is protected from a driver who has inadequate insurance to pay for the total amount of damages. UM/UIM will also protect a rider if injured in a hit and run motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle riders and motor vehicle drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times and if found without insurance after causing a motorcycle accident may have their vehicle impounded, have their license revoked and face fines up to $2000.
Estey Bomberger - Right Representation
Our northern California motorcycle accident injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger work with experts in motorcycle accident reconstruction and forensic engineers to determine who is at fault for the accident. Our team of lawyers will work diligently to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and hold the negligent or reckless parties responsible for their actions. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, call our law firm at (800) 890-6722 to speak with one of our California personal injury lawyers today.