Fall Motorcycle Riding in Southern California: Safety, Accidents & Your Legal Rights

Fall is a great time to ride a motorcycle in Southern California. Cooler temperatures,
scenic coastal routes, and comfortable riding weather make September and the early fall
months especially appealing. However, changing daylight, heavier traffic, distracted
drivers, and changing road conditions can also create additional risks for motorcyclists.

Whether you are commuting, enjoying a weekend ride, or heading down the Southern
California coast, understanding basic motorcycle safety and your legal rights can help
protect you before and after an accident.

Fall Motorcycle Safety in Southern California

Southern California may not experience the dramatic seasonal changes seen in other
parts of the country, but fall still brings changes that motorcycle riders should keep
in mind.

Watch for Reduced Visibility

As the season progresses, daylight hours become shorter. Motorcycles are already more
difficult for motorists to see because of their smaller size, especially in blind spots.

Riders should make visibility a priority by using proper lighting, wearing visible or
reflective riding gear, and avoiding lingering in another vehicle’s blind spot whenever
possible.

Drivers also have a responsibility to watch for motorcycles when changing lanes,
entering traffic, and making turns.

Be Prepared for Changing Road Conditions

Motorcyclists should continuously watch the road ahead for hazards such as debris,
gravel, oil, potholes, construction areas, and other conditions that may be more
dangerous to a motorcycle than to a passenger vehicle.

Maintaining a safe speed and leaving yourself enough room to react can make an important
difference when unexpected hazards appear.

California Motorcycle Laws Riders Should Know

Motorcyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as other
motorists. California also has several motorcycle-specific rules riders should
understand.

Motorcycle Helmets Are Required

California requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet that complies with applicable
safety standards. Wearing proper protective equipment can also significantly reduce
the risk of serious injury when an accident occurs.

Lane Splitting Is Legal in California

California permits motorcycle lane splitting, which generally refers to riding between
rows of stopped or moving vehicles traveling in the same direction.

Although lane splitting is legal, riders should use good judgment and consider
surrounding traffic, vehicle size, roadway conditions, visibility, and speed before
doing so.

Motorists should also remain alert for motorcycles before changing lanes or opening a
vehicle door near traffic.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Even the safest motorcycle rider cannot control the actions of everyone else on the
road. Many motorcycle collisions involve another driver’s failure to see or properly
react to a motorcycle.

• Distracted driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Left-turn collisions
• Rear-end accidents
• Sideswipe collisions
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Failure to check blind spots

Because motorcycles provide considerably less physical protection than passenger
vehicles, an accident can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal
cord injuries, head and brain injuries, facial injuries, and other life-changing
conditions.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The moments following a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Your health and
safety should come first.

When possible, move to a safe location and contact emergency services. Seek medical
attention for injuries, even when an injury does not initially seem severe.

You should also consider documenting the accident scene. Photographs or videos of the
vehicles, motorcycle, roadway, traffic signs, skid marks, visible injuries, and
surrounding conditions may become important later.

Collect the other driver’s insurance and contact information as well as information
from witnesses when possible.

Be careful about making statements regarding fault at the scene or discussing the
accident with an insurance company before you fully understand your situation.

Understanding Your Rights After a California Motorcycle Accident

If another person’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, you may have the right
to pursue compensation depending on the circumstances of your case.

Potential damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income,
property damage, pain and suffering, and expenses associated with serious or long-term
injuries.

Every accident is different. Determining responsibility and the compensation that may
be available requires examining the specific circumstances surrounding the collision.

This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be
considered legal advice.