San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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. | Client

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% 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 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.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists on San Diego Roads

California may have laws designed to protect riders but laws alone don’t stop accidents. The real danger often comes from other drivers who either don’t understand those laws or choose to ignore them.

Too often, we see drivers in San Diego who fail to check their blind spots, make reckless lane changes, or tailgate riders in heavy traffic. Some intentionally try to crowd motorcyclists by drifting toward lane lines, while others simply don’t see the bike until it’s too late. In some tragic cases, road rage plays a role where a driver tries to intimidate a rider and ends up causing serious harm.

Even when other drivers don’t follow the rules, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of life-changing injuries:

• Wear full protective gear: A DOT-approved helmet is just the start. Padded jackets, riding pants, gloves, and boots protect against road rash and broken bones.
• Make yourself visible: Use your high-beam during the day, wear reflective gear, use your turn signals, and never assume a driver sees you, especially near coastal fog or at night.
• Keep a safe distance: Sudden stops are common in San Diego traffic. Give yourself extra room to react.
• Stay on top of maintenance: Even a small issue with your tires, brakes, or lights can lead to a crash.

We know San Diego roads. We know motorcycle law. And we know how to take on drivers and insurance companies who try to twist the facts after a crash. If you’ve been injured because another driver didn’t respect your space or your rights, we’re ready to fight for the recovery you deserve.

Reach out today online or call (619) 236-9363 for a free, no-pressure case review. We’ll walk you through your options and what comes next.

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:

• Seek medical attention: See a healthcare professional even if you feel fine. Certain injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
• Document the scene: Take pictures of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Gather contact information: Obtain the contact information for witnesses, the other driver(s), and any responding police officers.
• File a police report: A police report is a valuable piece of evidence that can support your case.‍
• Contact a San Diego 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.

How a San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorney Proves Liability and Damages

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in San Diego, proving your case comes down to two things: first, showing that the other driver was at fault, and second, proving how badly you were hurt and what those injuries have cost you. This includes not just medical bills and lost income, but also the pain, stress, and changes to your daily life.

San Diego follows what’s called a pure comparative fault rule. That means you can still recover compensation for your injuries. For example, if your damages total $50,000 and you were found to be 50% at fault, you could still recover $25,000. If you were only 10% at fault, you could recover $45,000. The key is how fault is divided.

And this is where things often get tricky.

One of the first things insurance companies do is try to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist. They might argue you were speeding, weaving through traffic unsafely, or that you weren’t wearing the proper gear. These are common tactics designed to reduce how much they have to pay. Every percentage point of fault they push onto you means less money in your hands.

As your San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer, it’s our job to set the record straight. Here’s how we do that:

• Police Report Review: We go over the official crash report from the California Highway Patrol or the San Diego Police Department. These reports give us a starting point, but we never rely on them alone.
• Photos & Scene Evidence: We collect pictures of the crash site, damaged vehicles, road conditions, and anything else that helps tell the story.
• Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can help confirm what really happened. We quickly interview witnesses to secure their statements before their memories fade.
• Expert Analysis: In complicated cases, we bring in experts to rebuild the crash using science and data. 

The Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

The value of a motorcycle accident claim isn’t just about what it costs to fix your bike or cover an ER visit. It’s about the impact the crash has had on your body, your ability to earn a living, and your everyday life now and in the future.

Motorcyclists don’t have the same protection that drivers in cars do. There are no seat belts, no airbags, and no metal frame to absorb the hit. So when a crash happens, even at lower speeds, the injuries are often far more serious. 

Riders are more likely to suffer life-changing injuries that can take months or even years to recover from, and in some cases, the damage is permanent.

That’s why having a San Diego motorcycle crash attorney matters. Insurance companies often try to undervalue these claims by focusing only on your most obvious or short-term costs. But we work closely with your doctors, physical therapists, and care providers to understand how badly you were hurt, what your recovery will look like, and how the crash has changed your day-to-day life.

Other factors that affect the value of your claim include:

• How serious and permanent your injuries are.
• How long your recovery is expected to take.
• The total cost of your medical care, now and in the future.
• How much income you’ve lost, and whether your ability to work has changed.
• How your injuries affect your lifestyle, hobbies, relationships, and independence.
• Whether you had any health issues before the crash that were made worse.
• If the other driver was doing something especially dangerous, like driving drunk.
• How much insurance coverage is available from the at-fault driver’s policy.

Pain, frustration, loss of freedom, and the emotional toll of being sidelined from the life you used to live may not show up on a bill, but they’re just as real. We take the time to understand what you’re going through and fight for a settlement or verdict that reflects the full weight of what was taken from you.

Can a San Diego Motorcycle Wreck Attorney Still Help Me If My Loved One Died in a Motorcycle Accident?

If your spouse, partner, parent, or child was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under California law. This type of claim gives surviving family members a way to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek financial support for the loss.

While no amount of money can replace your loss, these claims provide necessary financial security during a time of extreme grief and hardship. Recoverable damages can include:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses: The costs related to laying your loved one to rest.
• Lost Financial Support: The income and financial benefits the deceased person would have provided to the family over their lifetime.
• Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss of love, support, comfort, guidance, and intimacy the family members would have received from the deceased.

According to a study by Martindale-Nolo, people who hired a lawyer for their personal injury case received an average of $77,600 compared to just $17,600 for those who went it alone. That’s the difference between struggling to keep up with bills and having real support to rebuild your life.

As San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys, we know how to push back when insurers try to rely on old stereotypes or lowball offers. We build every case as if it’s going to trial, because that’s what it takes to get results. You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.

Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Know the Laws That Protect You

As a rider in San Diego, knowing the rules of the road can protect your legal rights if you’re ever involved in a crash. Insurance companies love to argue that the motorcyclist broke a law and caused the accident. When they do, it can reduce your ability to recover compensation. That’s why it’s important to have an attorney in your corner who knows the law and how it applies to your case.

California’s Universal Helmet Law

California requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times while on public roads. This law applies no matter your age or experience level.

Why this matters: Helmets are proven to reduce the risk of serious brain injuries and death. If you weren’t wearing one at the time of the crash, an insurance company may try to argue that your head injury was your fault, even if the other driver clearly caused the accident. 

Lane Splitting Is Legal When Done Safely

California allows lane splitting, which is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of slower-moving or stopped traffic. While it’s legal, there are no exact speed limits in the law, so insurers often try to use this against riders after a crash.

If the insurance company claims you were lane splitting recklessly, they may try to reduce your compensation. A San Diego motorcycle wreck attorney can show that you were riding responsibly and that the other driver’s actions, like sudden lane changes or distracted driving, were the real cause of the crash.

Motorcycle Equipment Rules That Can Affect Your Case

California has strict rules about motorcycle equipment and rider safety. If your bike wasn’t up to code, or if you were missing required gear, it could be used against you after an accident. Here are a few things the law requires:

• Mirrors are required on both the left and right side.
• Handlebars can’t sit more than six inches above your shoulders when seated.
• Turn signals are required on bikes made and first registered after Jan. 1, 1973.
• Exhaust systems must follow emissions rules for bikes made in 2013 or later.
• Headlights must include at least one working light at night, but no more than two.
• Taillights must stay on for at least 15 minutes after the engine shuts off.
• Passenger setups must include a proper seat and footrests, or a sidecar.

Some of these may seem like minor technicalities, but after a crash, they can become major sticking points. We know how to handle these arguments and make sure you are not unfairly blamed for things that didn’t cause the accident.

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we’re deeply familiar with both local traffic patterns and the specific laws that apply to riders. If you were injured, call our team at (619) 236-9363 or fill out our online form. We make sure your side of the story is told clearly and fairly and that no detail is used against you unfairly.

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: Experienced Lawyers for Tough 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
• Traumatic brain injuries

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 fair settlement that covers the family’s losses, we are ready and willing to take them to trial.

Why Choose Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire: San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Who Will Fight for You

Motorcyclists are often unfairly judged as reckless simply because they choose to ride on two wheels. We know that’s not true. We’ve stood beside countless riders who were doing everything right, and still got hurt by drivers who weren’t paying attention.

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we don’t just understand the law. We understand what it means to have your life turned upside down by someone else’s negligence. Our firm was built in San Diego, for San Diegans, and we've spent more than 47 years holding powerful insurance companies and careless drivers accountable.

We’ve recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for people just like you. And we approach every case, no matter how big or small, with the same intensity and respect we’d give our own family. That’s not just a motto. It’s how we work.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait for the insurance company to define your story. Call (619) 236-9363 or contact us online today to schedule your free, no-pressure consultation.

Proudly Representing San Diego Residents