Motorcycle Accident Attorney Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana Motorcycle Accidents

Most motorcycle accidents involve drivers of passenger vehicles who fail to notice or keep an eye out for oncoming motorcycle riders, yet riders are often blamed for these crashes. Car drivers who obstruct a motorcyclist’s right of way cause about two thirds of multi vehicle accidents involving motorbikes. Many of these collisions stem from reckless driving, which can lead to costly medical treatment. After a motorcycle accident in Santa Ana, you should be able to pursue swift justice with the help of a skilled Santa Ana motorcycle accident attorney near you. If a negligent driver caused harm to you or a loved one, they are responsible for the damage they caused. Our experienced motorcycle injury lawyers are here to provide guidance, reassurance, and support, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.

After a motorcycle accident in Santa Ana, you should be able to seek swift justice with the help of a qualified Santa Ana motorcycle injury attorney near you. When a careless driver harms you or a loved one in a crash that was their fault, they are legally responsible for the injuries and losses you suffer. Our experienced motorcycle injury lawyers are here to provide guidance, reassurance, and support so you can focus on getting proper medical care and recovering from your injuries.

California Statute of Limitations 

The timeline is one of the most important issues when working with a motorcycle injury attorney. The statute of limitations generally gives accident victims only two years from the date of the crash to file a motorcycle injury claim. Certain exceptions can shorten this period depending on the facts of the case. Once this deadline passes, you lose the right to bring a lawsuit, which is why motorcycle injury lawyers work to make sure all critical filing dates are met.

What a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer in Santa Ana Can Do For You

Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer is often the most effective way to pursue full financial compensation. With an attorney on your side, it is easier to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. Many questions and uncertainties arise during the legal process, and an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help address each concern. Insurance adjusters are focused on protecting the company’s profits, not on your recovery. For that reason, we strongly recommend turning down quick settlement offers. Early proposals rarely account for the full range of damages, including future financial losses or the long-term emotional impact of the accident. By partnering with experts, such as doctors and accident reconstruction specialists, your legal team can establish the other party’s liability and support your motorcycle injury claim. With a seasoned motorcycle law firm near you acting quickly and strategically, your financial recovery has a much better chance of being complete.

Why Hire Our Firm as Your Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

As a respected motorcycle accident law firm with a proven history of success, we have developed a focused approach to helping people who have been injured by someone else’s negligence. Our injury law office understands how insurance companies operate. An insurance adjuster’s goal is to pay as little as possible, or nothing at all, to avoid responsibility. A knowledgeable attorney from our firm pushes back against these tactics and fights for the compensation you deserve.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

Injury victims often face serious financial strain while also dealing with the stress and trauma of an accident. To ease that burden, our motorcycle accident law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you never pay upfront legal fees. You only pay if we obtain compensation on your behalf. 

What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident

After a crash, get the medical care you need right away so you can begin healing and understand what is required for a full recovery. As soon as your condition allows, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Santa Ana near you and start pursuing full compensation for your damages. Being able to speak after an accident does not mean you should. Anything you say may be used against you in court. Do not discuss the crash with the police or the insurance company, and avoid sharing details with medical staff beyond what they need for treatment. Instead, speak only with an experienced Santa Ana personal injury attorney, ideally one who focuses on motorcycle accident cases.

Wrongful Death Cases

Motorcycle collisions can be catastrophic and may result in fatal injuries to the rider or passenger. Losing a loved one in this way is emotionally overwhelming for a family. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death action. Recoverable damages can include loss of income, funeral costs, medical bills, and other losses related to the death. Trying to handle this process alone is extremely difficult. Insurance companies will often attempt to pay as little as possible to a grieving family. By working with an aggressive attorney who understands motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases, your family can pursue the full financial recovery you deserve. 

Short-Term Damages vs Long-Term Damages

Motorcycle accidents cause both short-term and long-term harm. Immediate damages include bike repairs and emergency medical bills, but there are often lasting consequences that must be considered when calculating fair compensation. Accepting a quick settlement is rarely in your best interests. When we handle a motorcycle injury claim, we look closely at long-term damages to help ensure our clients receive the full amount they are owed.

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Loss of future earnings
• Loss of wages while recovering from injuries
• Mental suffering and depression as a result of the accident
• Physical pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death of a family member

Comparative Negligence: Who Is At Fault?

California is an at-fault state that follows the rule of comparative negligence. In some cases, both the plaintiff and the defendant may share responsibility for an accident. When that happens, the court can still award damages to the plaintiff, but the amount is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the defendant is found to be 75 percent responsible for causing the collision, the plaintiff may receive 75 percent of the total value of the claim.

In certain situations, additional parties may also be liable. A vehicle manufacturer can be held responsible if a defect causes the vehicle to fail to meet reasonable safety standards. A property owner or local government may be liable for crashes that occur on unsafe roads or poorly maintained property. Hazardous road design can also create grounds for a municipality or government entity to be held responsible when an accident occurs.

How Much Does A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?

It is important for a motorcycle accident victim to understand the different types of legal fees in injury cases and which fee structure applies to their situation. Knowing how your attorney gets paid can help you make informed decisions about your claim. 

• Fixed Fee: A set amount charged for a clearly defined legal service.
• Hourly Fee: A rate charged for each hour an attorney spends working on a case. 
• Retainer Fee: An upfront amount that secures the attorney’s availability and is often applied toward future services.
• Statutory Fee: A fixed amount or percentage set by law or the court. 
• Contingency Fee: A fee that is only paid if your personal injury attorney wins your case and recovers compensation on your behalf. 

Timeline Of A Motorcycle Accident

Once we meet and agree to work together, we begin building your case right away. We investigate how the accident happened and identify all parties who may be at fault. After our investigation, we send a demand letter to the responsible party or their insurer, seeking payment for the damages you have suffered. If insurance companies get involved, we negotiate aggressively for the maximum settlement available. When a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Most cases resolve through settlement, but the strength and reputation of a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly improve your position. 

After a Motorcycle Accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident is often a frightening and overwhelming experience. In the chaos that follows, it can be hard to know what to do next. Even if you feel scared or unsure, it is important to remain as calm as possible and take steps that protect your health and your legal rights. If you ever find yourself at the scene of a motorcycle accident, the following tips can help:

Try to Stay Calm

The first and most important step is to stay calm. Panic and frustration can make a bad situation worse, so do your best to stay composed and think clearly.

Move to a Safe Location

If you are able, move yourself and others to a safe location away from traffic before calling 911. Getting out of the roadway helps prevent additional collisions or injuries while you wait for help to arrive.

Call 911

If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even after what seems like a minor crash, contacting the authorities is important. Provide as much information as you can, including the location, how many people are involved, and any visible injuries.

Administer Medical Assistance

If you are trained in first aid, you may provide basic care, such as checking vital signs, covering wounds, or performing CPR if needed. This early assistance can help stabilize an injured person until emergency responders arrive.

Collect Evidence

Once the scene is secure and medical help is on the way, start gathering evidence if you can do so safely. Take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Pictures and videos from the scene may be valuable later in negotiations or at trial.

Check for Witnesses

Understanding how the crash occurred is crucial. Speak with any witnesses who saw the accident and ask for their description of what happened. Get their names, phone numbers, and insurance information if relevant. 

Exchange Contact Information

Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver and any involved parties. This information will be necessary for your claim.

Call Your Insurance Provider

After you have collected evidence and contact details, notify your insurance company about the accident. They can explain the next steps and how to start the claims process so you can seek coverage for your losses.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Advice

Once you have reported the crash to your insurer, reach out to a personal injury lawyer for guidance. If the accident caused serious injuries, medical expenses, or other significant losses, an experienced attorney can help you pursue compensation and safeguard your legal rights.

Seek Additional Medical Care

If you have been injured, continue to seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Some injuries are not immediately obvious, so even minor pain should be evaluated. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and treatment notes for your lawyer and insurance company.

Follow-Up

Finally, follow up regularly with both your insurance provider and your attorney. Keep them informed of any changes in your condition and update them on new bills or documents. In motorcycle accident cases, safety and health come first, but protecting your legal rights is also essential. By following these steps, you can help ensure that you stay safe, support others who are injured, and put yourself in a stronger position to recover the compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can guide you through each stage of the process and work toward the best possible outcome.

Understanding Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries and major losses. Understanding how liability works is an important part of staying protected on the road. In this section, we review how responsibility is determined in motorcycle crashes and offer tips that may help reduce the risk of being held liable if a collision occurs.

Liability of Other Vehicle Drivers

After any accident, it is essential to determine who was at fault. While it can be easy to assume that the other driver caused the crash, that is not always true. In some situations, a motorcyclist may be held liable even when they were not riding recklessly or carelessly. Factors such as poor weather, roadway design, visibility, and the type of motorcycle involved can all influence how liability is assigned.

Understanding Negligence

Negligence is the legal concept used when someone’s careless or reckless behavior causes an accident. In a motorcycle case, negligence might involve driving through a red light, speeding, or failing to yield. When evaluating negligence, some key questions include:

• Was either party behaving recklessly?
• Was either party driving too fast for the conditions?
• Did either driver fail to yield the right-of-way?

If an individual is found to have acted negligently, they may be held responsible for the damages caused by their conduct. The degree of liability can vary widely depending on the facts of the case, which is why it is important to understand the specific details of your situation.

Liability of the Motorcyclist

In some cases, a motorcyclist can be held liable even when they were not the only one behaving negligently. Traffic laws are designed to protect drivers, riders, and pedestrians, and a violation of these rules can affect liability. For example, in some states motorcyclists are required to wear helmets. A rider who chooses not to wear a helmet and is hurt in a crash may be found partly responsible for the extent of their injuries. Even careful and experienced riders make mistakes, and they can be held accountable if those mistakes contribute to a collision.

Proving fault in motorcycle accidents usually requires a detailed investigation and a clear understanding of the laws involved. In this discussion, we explain how fault is established so you can better understand what might be needed to pursue justice and compensation.

Who Is at Fault?

Determining who is responsible starts with identifying fault. Negligence, a legal doctrine, helps guide this process. If a person fails to use reasonable care, and that failure causes injury or loss to someone else, they may be liable. In many motorcycle accident cases, the person whose conduct involved the most serious negligence is held responsible. For instance, if you had the right-of-way and another driver ran a red light and hit you, that driver would typically be considered negligent and liable for your injuries. When both parties are negligent, such as when both drivers are speeding or unfit to drive, it can be more difficult to assign fault, and liability may be divided. That is why it is so important to understand exactly what happened and how the law applies.

Gathering Evidence

Once you have an idea of who may be responsible, the next step is to collect evidence that supports your claim. Helpful evidence can include photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles, and your injuries, as well as statements from witnesses. Obtaining a copy of the police report is also important because it provides an official description of the crash and may identify contributing factors. Keep all medical records, repair estimates, and receipts. These documents help show the extent of your damages, which is vital when dealing with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.

How Negligence is Established in Motorcycle Accidents

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that in 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists were involved in fatal crashes with other vehicles. While motorcycles carry inherent risks, many collisions occur because drivers in larger vehicles fail to notice riders around them. Since motorcycles are smaller and easier to overlook, drivers often fail to see them when changing lanes, merging, or making left turns. A driver may forget to use a turn signal or fail to check blind spots before shifting lanes on a busy highway, which can lead to a serious impact with a motorcycle.

Four Steps

There are four basic steps in proving negligence in a motorcycle and automobile collision.

1. The at-fault driver owed a duty of care. Every driver on the road has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle carefully and responsibly to avoid harming others.
2. The at-fault driver breached that duty of care. In other words, they did not drive as safely or responsibly as the law requires.
3. The victim suffered injuries directly because of that breach, which means the careless or reckless behavior caused the harm.
4. The accident led to actual damages, such as physical injuries, financial losses, or the death of the victim.

Whenever a motorcycle accident occurs because another driver was negligent, the injured rider has the right to seek compensation for their losses. A personal injury lawyer can help prove that the other driver was at fault and pursue the payment you deserve. Some common examples of negligent driving in motorcycle collisions include:

• Drunk driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Driving while distracted
• Driving over the speed limit
• Failure to yield
• Tailgating
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals

All of these behaviors are considered negligent because they reflect a disregard for the safety of others on the road. A driver who operates a vehicle while drunk, impaired, or speeding is not acting with reasonable care and can be held responsible when their conduct leads to a crash.

Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcycle collisions are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents. Riders are far more exposed than drivers in enclosed vehicles and must constantly be alert, because even a minor mistake can result in serious injury or death. In 2020, motorcycle accidents were reported to be 28 times more likely to result in fatalities than passenger vehicle crashes. Although motorcycles account for roughly 3 percent of registered vehicles in the United States, they are involved in about 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. While motorcycle accidents occur for many reasons, some causes are especially common. Below are a few examples of frequent factors that contribute to motorcycle collisions.

Sudden Stops

Sudden stops are difficult to avoid, especially on busy highways. These abrupt slowdowns can cause rear-end collisions for both motorcyclists and drivers. For riders, however, the consequences can be more severe because they lack the protection of a vehicle frame and seat belts. A sudden stop can cause the rider to be thrown from the motorcycle, increasing the risk of serious injury. Keeping a safe following distance and staying alert to traffic patterns may help reduce this risk.

Open Car Doors

Accidents involving open car doors and motorcycles are more common than many people realize. These collisions often occur when a driver or passenger opens a door into a lane without checking for approaching riders. In many cases, the motorcyclist has little or no time to react before striking the door.

Alcohol Use

Riding a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous and illegal. Impaired riders are more likely to speed, misjudge distances, or make risky decisions that can lead to severe or fatal crashes. Alcohol slows reaction time and affects coordination, which are both critical for safe riding.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speed increases both the likelihood and the severity of an accident. High-speed collisions often overwhelm safety features in motor vehicles and leave motorcycle riders with little protection. Reckless behavior such as weaving in and out of traffic, racing, or ignoring traffic rules greatly raises the risk of life-changing injuries for everyone on the road.

Lane Switching

Unsafe lane changes are another common cause of motorcycle collisions. Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, drivers may not see them when switching lanes. When a driver changes lanes quickly or without signaling, it can be extremely dangerous for a rider in the blind spot. Motorcyclists can help reduce this risk by staying visible and watching for signs that a driver may be preparing to move, such as changes in speed or position within the lane.

What is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic on a local, state, or federal roadway. This practice is sometimes confused with “filtering,” which refers to riding between lanes of vehicles that are completely stopped. Because many riders move between these behaviors depending on traffic conditions, lane splitting and filtering are often discussed together.

Pros of Lane Splitting

Lane splitting can offer several potential benefits for motorcyclists, including:

• Faster commute times, because riders can move through congested traffic and reach their destinations more quickly.
• Improved safety in stop-and-go traffic, since lane splitting can reduce the risk of being rear-ended during sudden stops.
• Better visibility, as lane splitting can make riders more noticeable to drivers instead of being hidden directly behind a vehicle.
• Greater fuel efficiency, because maintaining a steadier pace helps lower emissions and fuel consumption.
• Reduced overall traffic congestion, as motorcycles take up less space and can move out of heavy traffic more easily.

Cons of Lane Splitting

Lane splitting also carries certain risks and drawbacks, such as:

• Higher likelihood of accidents if the rider is traveling too fast or if drivers do not check their mirrors before changing lanes.
• Unpredictable situations for drivers, who may not expect a motorcycle to pass between lanes, leading to confusion and sudden movements.
• Unclear or inconsistent legality across the country, making it difficult for riders to know when and where lane splitting is allowed.

Where is Lane Splitting Legal in the US?

Lane splitting is not legal in every state. While some states have passed laws allowing or regulating the practice, others have not. California was among the first states to formally recognize and legalize lane splitting, which it did through Assembly Bill No.51.

Other jurisdictions that have legalized some form of lane splitting or filtering include:

• Arizona
• Hawaii
• Connecticut
• Oregon
• Washington DC
• Virginia
• Utah

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Riding a motorcycle is riskier than traveling in an enclosed vehicle, but many people accept that risk because they value the freedom and excitement that riding provides. It is still important to understand the types of injuries that are common in motorcycle accidents so you can appreciate the need for proper safety gear and cautious riding. Knowing what can happen in a crash helps you take reasonable steps to protect yourself as much as possible. 

Head and Neck Injuries

When a motorcycle rider is involved in a crash at speed, there is often little separating them from the pavement and other vehicles. The neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, and the forces involved in a collision can cause severe injury. The head is also at risk, although that risk is reduced when the rider wears a quality helmet. According to the CDC, head and neck injuries account for about 22 percent of all motorcycle accident injuries. 

Road Rash

Road rash is one of the most frequent injuries among motorcycle riders. While it is usually not life-threatening on its own, road rash can be extremely painful and may require specialized treatment, including skin grafts in severe cases. Because most crashes occur on paved surfaces, it is easy to see how abrasions can happen when a rider slides across the road. The seriousness of road rash often depends on speed and whether the rider was wearing protective gear such as leather clothing or armored apparel. Proper gear can greatly lessen both the extent and the recovery time of these injuries. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Being thrown from a motorcycle can cause devastating injuries to the back and spinal cord. The severity of these injuries depends on many factors, including the rider’s position at the moment of impact and the speed at which they strike the ground or another object. Spinal cord injuries can lead to long-term disability and may require extensive medical care. While protective gear can sometimes reduce the severity of these injuries, the forces involved in a high-speed crash can still cause significant damage.

Arm and Leg Injuries

Leg injuries are among the most common injuries suffered by riders in motorcycle accidents, occurring in roughly 30 percent of cases. The lower leg, including the tibia and fibula, is especially vulnerable, followed by the femur in the upper leg. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the legs can also be damaged. Arm injuries frequently happen when riders instinctively extend their arms to brace for impact, which can harm the wrists, forearms, elbows, and shoulders. Protective clothing, boots, and gloves can help reduce the severity of these injuries. 

Broken Bones and Muscle Damage

Broken bones and soft tissue injuries can occur anywhere on the body that is exposed to the forces of a crash. Fractures, muscle tears, and ligament damage are all common in motorcycle collisions. The seriousness of these injuries often depends on the speed of the impact and the quality of the rider’s gear. For example, a well-made helmet can help protect the skull and brain, while reinforced jackets and pants may help shield bones and muscles from some of the impact. 

Types of Motorcycle Insurance

In California, motorcyclists are required by law to carry insurance. This coverage is meant to help pay for property damage and bodily injuries if an accident occurs. Riding without insurance can result in serious penalties and may leave you personally responsible for significant costs.

Riders are also encouraged to purchase additional coverage to help protect themselves and their passengers. The minimum insurance requirements for California motorcycle riders include:

• $5,000 for property damage caused by a collision
• $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
• $15,000 for bodily injury to one person

Loss and Damages In a Motorcycle Accident

Even when you meet the minimum insurance requirements, certain policies may not fully cover all the losses you suffer in a motorcycle accident. In addition, other drivers may have limited coverage, or their insurers may refuse to pay in full, leaving you with unpaid bills and uncompensated damages. In these situations, it is important to speak with an experienced Santa Ana motorcycle accident attorney or law firm. Your attorney can explain your legal rights, review your insurance policies, and communicate directly with your insurer or the other party’s insurance company on your behalf.

Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to several types of financial compensation, including:

• Medical Bills: These include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, ambulance transportation, prescription medications, medical tests, and therapy related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages and Benefits: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for wages and employment benefits lost while you recover. This may also include time missed for follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment.
• Property Damages: You may recover the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any damaged safety gear or personal property.
• Suffering and Pain: This covers the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall impact the accident has on your quality of life. Although these losses are not easily measured in dollars, a jury or settlement negotiations can assign a value. Additional compensation may be available for future medical care and reduced earning capacity.

A skilled motorcycle accident attorney or law firm will carefully evaluate your losses and present them in a way that reflects the true impact of the crash on your life. Your lawyer can negotiate with insurers, file personal injury or property damage claims, and, when necessary, bring your case to trial to pursue fair compensation.

California Helmet Laws

What Are the Different Helmet Laws?

Helmet laws can vary based on the type of vehicle and whether it is motorized or non-motorized. Understanding these distinctions is important for riders, passengers, and parents of young riders.

California Helmet Law for Motorized Vehicles

In 1991, the California legislature passed a law requiring helmets for all motorcyclists, which took effect on January 1, 1992. Under this law, both the rider and any passenger must wear a DOT-approved safety helmet at all times. This rule appears in California Vehicle Code Division 12, Chapter 5, Article 7, Section 27803, commonly called CVC 27803. States may adopt either partial or universal helmet laws. A partial law applies only to certain groups, such as minors or inexperienced riders, while a universal law applies to all riders and passengers. In California, CVC 27803 is a universal helmet law that covers all motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles.

Electric Bicycle Law

In 2017, California enacted a new electric bicycle law, AB 1096, which created three classes of electric bicycles.

• Type 1: Electric bicycles with a top speed of 20 mph that must be pedaled to operate.
• Type 2: Electric bicycles with a top speed of 20 mph that can operate without pedaling by using a handlebar-mounted throttle.
• Type 3: Electric bicycles with a top speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate.

Riders and passengers under age 18 must wear a helmet on Type 1 and Type 2 electric bicycles. Anyone operating or riding as a passenger on a Type 3 electric bicycle must be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet.

Helmet Law for Non-Motorized Vehicles

Under California law, VEH 21212, anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, non-motorized scooter, skateboard, or in-line and roller skates.

Types of Helmets

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) sets minimum safety standards for motorcycle helmets sold by manufacturers and retailers. Some helmets also meet higher standards, such as those established by the Snell Foundation, which many consider the gold standard in helmet safety testing.

Whatever helmet you choose, make sure it has the appropriate safety certification label to show that it has passed required testing.

At a minimum, a motorcycle helmet should have the following basic features:

• A proper fit that comfortably covers the head and sits low on the forehead
• A secure chin strap to keep the helmet from shifting or coming off

For Type 1 and Type 2 electric bicycles, a standard bicycle helmet is generally sufficient. For Type 3 electric bicycles, however, a motorcycle helmet or a helmet with multi-directional impact protection (MIP) is recommended for greater protection.

Purpose of Helmet Laws

Many motorcycle crashes occur on short trips of five miles or less, often at speeds around 30 mph. At these speeds, wearing a compliant safety helmet can reduce the risk and severity of brain injuries by about 50 percent. Because most fatal motorcycle injuries involve trauma to the head, properly using a safety helmet can be the difference between life and death.

Basics About Helmet Laws

DOT standards set the minimum level of protection that a helmet must provide. Full-face helmets typically offer the greatest protection because they shield the head, face, and chin, often with a built-in visor.

Under CVC §27803, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant safety helmet. The U.S. Department of Transportation has created safety standards for helmets that are sold and marketed within the country.

• The helmet manufacturer must certify that the helmet meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. 
• Compliant helmets typically weigh around three pounds, have sturdy riveted chin straps, and include an inner liner of hard polystyrene foam that is at least one inch thick. 
• No attachment should extend more than two-tenths of an inch from the surface of the helmet, so mounting a GoPro can render a helmet non-compliant.
• The helmet should fit snugly to prevent excessive movement up, down, or side to side.
• The chin strap must be firmly fastened at all times while riding, as required by law.
• Always confirm that the helmet is DOT certified before you buy it.

Contact an Experienced Santa Ana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You

If you are searching for a Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer near you, contact a motorcycle accident law firm you can trust. Call the Santa Ana Accident Injury Attorneys at (714) 877-0020 for a Free Consultation. We also are trusted personal injury attorneys in Santa Rosa.