Anyone riding a motorcycle needs to follow all the state laws, regardless of wherther they live in that state. Most of the laws are similar to those you will find in other states. However, California allows lane-splitting, a practice that many consider controversial. In some circumstances, it may reduce the likelihood of a wreck. Still, with irresponsible drivers on the road, it can increase the chance of a wreck.
If you have been in a wreck, you may be entitled to compensation. Trying to get it can be more difficult for drivers who are not local. To get help with Sunnyvale out-of-state motorcycle accidents, contact the lawyers at Solution Now Law Firm. Our dedicated motorcycle accidents attorneys could help.
The most important thing to know about California’s traffic laws is that a person must have a valid driver’s license to operate motorcycles in the state. A regular driver’s license is not sufficient—it must be a motorcycle license. This law applies to out-of-state bikers, as well. They must have the equivalent of a motorcycle license from their state. Some states have specific motorcycle accidents, while others have a motorcycle endorsement on the driver’s license. Biking without that license is not only illegal in Sunnyvale, but it can also lead to insurance denying an accident claim.
While some states do not require helmets, this state does. It requires helmets for all riders and passengers, and those helmets must comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s helmet requirements. It also requires motorcycles to have safety equipment that complies with state laws. The most important ones include working lights—headlight, taillight—turn signals, and a rearview mirror. Failure to wear a helmet or have appropriate safety gear on the motorcycle can have a dual impact. First, it can lead to tickets or other criminal penalties. Second, it can impact the findings of fault after an accident.
This state permits bikers to carry passengers on their bikes. However, they can only do so if the motorcycle has both a dedicated seat and footrest for the passengers. Transporting a passenger on a bike that is not designed for passengers can increase a biker’s responsibility in an accident.
When an out-of-state biker violates any of these laws, it may impact their ability to collect money from insurers or impact the finding of fault. California is a pure comparative fault state, so people can recover from another party as long as that party has at least one percent of the fault. However, fault impacts how much they can recover. After an out-of-state motorcycle wreck, a victim in Sunnyvale wants the other party to have the majority of the responsibility.
One of the main differences between the laws here and those of other states is that California permits lane splitting. Lane splitting is not the same as lane-sharing, a practice where two or more motorcycles share the same line. Lane splitting entails riding between the lanes of traffic, usually along the dividing line. The state permits bikers to pass slower-moving vehicles.
While it is legal, it is not necessarily encouraged. In some scenarios, lane splitting may be safer. For example, in stop-and-go traffic, bikers are at a lower risk of accident or injury if they cautiously lane-split instead of getting stuck in traffic. However, on highways, lane splitting to pass people who are going the speed limit can be very dangerous.
One of the most significant risks for out-of-state bikers is that they may be unfamiliar with lane splitting in Sunnyvale. Trying to do it in unfamiliar circumstances can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Four out of five motorcycle accidents result in injuries, which makes it very likely that you will experience injuries in a wreck. Recovery from those injuries can be painful and traumatic. In most circumstances, it is also costly. In addition to medical bills, most victims will miss work and may even have a reduced earning capacity. The financial pressure on your family can be tremendous.
At Solution Now Law Firm, our lawyers focus on negotiating settlements that meet your financial needs and expedite the settlement process. The goal is to get you the money you need as quickly as possible to take away the financial trauma associated with an accident. Schedule a consultation to learn more about Sunnyvale out-of-state motorcycle accidents.
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