San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney

San Diego has a strong motorcycle culture. With mostly sunny weather all year, motorcyclists can enjoy scenic coastal and mountain highways.

However, increased motorcycle traffic also brings challenges, particularly with car drivers not accustomed to sharing the road with motorcyclists. Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire actively supports the motorcycle community in San Diego. With extensive experience in personal injury law, our team understands what riders face daily on the road.

We have helped clients receive over $2 billion in compensation across personal injury cases, including those involving motorcycles. When you’ve been in an accident, you want a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer who understands your challenges and will fight for you.

We are here to assist you if you've sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident. We will support you, offering the guidance and dedication you need to get back on your feet. Reach out online or by phone at 619-236-9363 for your free consultation.

“I not only recommend attorney Vince Bartolotta, but I guarantee once you have used his service, you too will look no further. He responds in an extremely timely manner; he is a very knowledgeable, trustworthy person. There is no other attorney that will work as hard for you.”
–
Emily F., San Diego, CA

San Diego Accident Statistics and High-Risk Areas

No matter how skilled a rider you are, no matter how vigilant, you are at the mercy of careless, clueless drivers who share the road. According to state studies, motorcycle accidents are more common in San Diego than in most California cities.

• In 2023, San Diego reported 51 fatalities involving motorcycles. That's about 10 percent of the state's total.
• From 2020 to 2023, 1,344 additional motorcycle accidents in San Diego resulted in serious injuries. 
• Between 2021 and 2023, about 28% of fatal crashes involved alcohol. 
• San Diego maintains the third-highest fatalities for motorcycle accidents in the state.

Motorcycle accidents in San Diego are especially common in certain high-traffic areas. Interstate highways like I-5, I-15, and I-8 see high volumes of vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Fast moving traffic, frequent lane changes, and distracted drivers all put motorists at risk.

The city's most dangerous routes are in areas of high traffic congestion. These are the sites of the most horrific and fatal motorcycle crashes:

• Miramar Way to Scripps Poway Parkway
• Locations within the Hillcrest neighborhood
• Valley Parkway and Midway Ave.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Diego

San Diego traffic can be unpredictable, which poses serious risks for motorcycles. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the area:

• Distracted driving: Many drivers use phones or other devices while behind the wheel. This lack of attention on the road increases the risk of missing smaller vehicles like motorcycles. For a motorcyclist, the brief moment a driver spends glancing at their phone can make a world of a difference.
• Lane changes without checking: Drivers often forget to check blind spots before changing lanes. Motorcycles can be difficult to see, so these careless maneuvers frequently result in accidents.
  Speeding and aggressive driving: Speeding is a major problem on San Diego’s highways and is responsible for 29.5% of crashes nationally. Aggressive drivers may cut off or tailgate motorcycles, creating dangerous conditions.
• Left-turn accidents: Many motorcycle accidents occur when a driver makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often because they misjudge the bike’s speed or don’t see it at all.
• Inclement weather: Seasonal changes pose risks for motorcyclists. Early morning coastal fog reduces visibility, making accidents more likely. The winter months can bring occasional rain, leading to slick roads that may be hazardous for motorcycles. During the summer, an influx of tourists increases congestion, especially in the Gaslamp Quarter and around the beach.

How San Diego Laws & Driver Behavior Affect Motorcyclists

California has specific laws for motorcycles, including helmet requirements, lane-splitting regulations, and guidelines for following distances. While California has these laws in place to protect motorcyclists, unsafe driver behavior often undermines these protections, creating additional risks

Drivers can intentionally impede motorcycles' paths by swerving or moving closer to the lane line. Some may fail to check their mirrors or blind spots, leading to sudden lane changes that put motorcyclists at risk. Others might exhibit aggressive behavior or road rage, intentionally trying to intimidate motorcyclists, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

Our San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys are known for handling high-stakes, complex cases. This strengthens our approach to motorcycle accident cases, as we bring the same rigor to representing motorcyclists. Our thorough approach ensures full protection of our client's rights.

When you need a motorcycle accident attorney in San Diego who understands California law and can navigate complex legal situations, we’re here to help. With a track record of successful verdicts and settlements, we’re ready to support you. Reach out online or by phone at 619-236-9363 to get started on your claim.

Insurance Company Tactics in San Diego Motorcycle Accident Claims

DO NOT talk to insurance companies—even your own—without your legal representative present. They will attempt to use your words against you when assigning blame.

Insurance companies often employ tactics to reduce the amount they pay in motorcycle accident claims. Motorcyclists face challenges in insurance claims due to common biases that view bikers as “risk-takers.” This stereotype can unfairly impact settlement negotiations, as insurers might try to argue that the motorcyclist was at fault. Specific tactics insurance companies may use include:

• Offering quick, low settlements: Insurers know that accident victims may be dealing with medical bills and loss of income. They often offer an immediate but low settlement, hoping victims will accept before consulting an attorney.
• Blame-shifting: Insurers may argue that the motorcyclist was partially at fault due to speeding, aggressive riding, or lane-splitting, regardless of the actual circumstances.
• Minimizing injuries: Insurance companies sometimes question the severity of injuries, even when documented, in order to reduce payout amounts.

A motorcycle accident lawyer in San Diego can protect you from unfair insurance practices. Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire is familiar with insurers' strategies for reducing claims. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics, ensuring our clients receive fair compensation, either through a settlement agreement or by taking the case to court.

How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in San Diego

The process of filing a motorcycle accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and the aftermath of an accident. Here are the most important steps you should take to protect your claim:

1. Seek medical attention. See a healthcare professional even if you feel fine. Certain injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
   
2. Document the scene. Take pictures of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
   
3. Gather contact information. Obtain the contact information for witnesses, the other driver(s), and any responding police officers.
   
4. File a police report. A police report is a valuable piece of evidence that can support your case.
5. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney. The sooner you consult, the better. An experienced San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.

Our Success with Vehicular Collisions in San Diego

Our results speak volumes about our dedication to clients. We’ve achieved substantial settlements and verdicts in cases that required diligent research, careful strategy, and relentless advocacy. Here are two examples of successful cases that resonate with the experiences of motorcyclists in San Diego:

• $6.25 Million Settlement: We helped a client who suffered serious injuries in a freeway accident on the I-5 when another vehicle lost control.
  
• $2.59 Million Preliminary Settlement: Multiple drivers’ negligence injured our client. The case’s complexity mirrors that of many motorcycle accident cases, where blame can be incorrectly assigned to the motorcyclist. We fought for our client, proving they deserved compensation for their injuries.
  

When hiring Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, you choose a team with a proven track record, genuine client care, and a strong sense of community responsibility. We’re ready to stand by your side, using our resources and experience to fight for the justice you deserve.

Thornses Bartolotta McGuire: Good Lawyers for Bad Injuries

Only the lucky few walk away from a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists are almost 30 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than a car or truck driver. Even if motorcyclists survive, their injuries are often devastating and life-changing. Injuries in motorcycle accidents include: 

• Pelvic fractures
• Busted ribs
• Broken legs
• Spinal injuries
• Road rash
• Facial scars
• PTSD

Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire's trial lawyers excel in cases of severe and permanent injuries. We are aggressive and thorough. We work with crash victims and their families, doctors, and other professionals to document the injuries and their long-term impact.

We calculate the financial damages if you are unable to return to your job. You should receive compensation for all your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Additionally, we offer bilingual, Spanish-language support to ensure all San Diego residents can access our services. We believe that language should never be a barrier to justice, and our team is committed to representing clients from all backgrounds. With Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, you have a strong advocate who understands the importance of fair treatment and will fight for every dollar you deserve.

We are not a San Diego motorcycle accident law firm that jumps at the insurance company’s lowball offer. We are the firm that says, “Try again. Do better.” We care deeply about our clients and know they depend on us. If the defense does not come through with a decent faith settlement that covers the family’s losses, we are ready and willing to take them to trial.

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Who Will Fight for You

"As a motorcyclist, you face unique risks on the road—and you deserve a law firm that understands those challenges deeply.

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, our goal is to protect you from the consequences of another driver's negligence, and we will relentlessly pursue your rightful compensation and respect. Our team has the experience and dedication to fight for you, no matter how tough the road ahead may be."

- Vincent J. Bartolotta | Attorney at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire

We are committed to getting our clients the justice they deserve after a serious motorcycle accident. Contact our San Diego office today to arrange a free consultation with an experienced and compassionate attorney. Call 619-236-9363 or use our online form.

Proudly Representing San Diego Residents