California Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

After a blind spot motorcycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation. We’re here to help you!

Motorcycles can be almost invisible when they’re riding nearby. Other motorists often hear motorcycles before they see them – or don’t see them at all!

When a motorcyclist cruises along in another vehicle’s blind spot, it’s like a motorcycle collision waiting to happen. But that doesn’t mean the motorcycle rider OR the other driver is automatically at fault. Blind spot crashes are complex cases that require careful investigation into the details.

At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we have respect and compassion for injured people, including injured motorists and motorcyclists. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have an excellent track record for getting positive results for our clients injured in a motorcycle accident. Contact us now for a free motorcycle accident case evaluation.

Who’s at Fault in a Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident?

After a blind spot accident, it’s common for both parties to point the finger at each other and try to pass the blame. Liability isn’t assigned automatically to either the motorcyclist or other driver in a blind spot accident.

The police will do an investigation, and your motorcycle accident lawyer can conduct a separate investigation to reveal additional details about what happened. From there, it’s up to the insurance companies, lawyers, and courts to eventually come to a determination about who should receive compensation.

Numerous factors could be relevant, including:
  • A failure to check rearview mirrors, side view mirrors, and all blind spots before the collision
  • What kinds of movements and evasive actions came next
  • Whether there was a misjudgment about traveling speed
  • The motorcycle and vehicle positions in traffic
  • Any aggressive behavior before the accident
  • Potential influences of speeding, alcohol, drugs, or distracted driving
  • Evidence like dashcams, traffic camera videos, and accident reconstructions
  • The motorcycle laws that are relevant to your accident
  • The weather and road conditions
  • Police reports
  • Witness accounts
  • Expert witness testimony
  • Damage to vehicles and your motorcycle, plus crash debris

It’s certainly possible that the other driver is liable for your accident. There’s even a chance that a motorcycle or vehicle company, parts manufacturer, or repair shop contributed to the unsafe circumstances of your accident in some way. Your lawyer can help you sort through the details.

It’s important to understand that California is a comparative negligence state, meaning the fault may be split among parties with each receiving a proportion of the blame and compensation. That’s good for you because it means even if you share partial fault for what happened, you can still claim partial compensation.

How to Avoid Blind Spot Motorcycle Accidents

Although blind spot accidents aren’t entirely preventable, they’re less likely when drivers check their blind spots consistently before making maneuvers in traffic. There are things both motorcyclists and other drivers can do to help avoid blind spot accidents.

Mind Your Mirrors

Each time you drive, adjust your mirrors to allow maximum visibility. Ensure side mirrors help with blind spots as much as possible.

Learn and Teach Blind Spot Behavior

Always look over your shoulder to check for motorcycles and other traffic before making a lane change or sideways maneuver. Teach new drivers the importance of checking their blind spots.

Look, Signal, Move

Before moving or signaling a move, check your blind spot, then signal, then move. Ensure you leave enough signaling time to alert other drivers that you’re about to move.

Don’t Drift

Stay steady in your lane and don’t allow your vehicle to drift left or right. Drifting can be deadly for a nearby motorcyclist.

When in Doubt, Ask!

If you can’t see your blind spot, don’t make a move in traffic. Ask passengers in your car for help when needed to ensure a clear lane of travel.

More Tips for Motorcyclists

For motorcyclists, it’s especially important to be aware of blind spots and avoid riding in them as much as possible. This is particularly true when it comes to large vehicles like semi-trailers and commercial trucks, which can easily hit and crush a motorcycle.

Motorcyclists should also maintain enough distance between themselves and other vehicles to allow safe lane changes and braking. When a motorcyclist notices another vehicle failing to signal lane changes or doing other dangerous things, they should keep their distance.

It’s also a good idea to increase your visibility as much as possible by ensuring your lights are functioning and you are wearing bright clothing. Anything you can do to improve your visibility to other drivers could save your life!

Common Broadside Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can cause extensive injuries that require surgery, rehabilitation, rest, and recovery time. The extent of your injuries usually depends on the severity of the crash.

Common injuries include:
  • Soft tissue injuries like bumps and bruises
  • Broken bones
  • Knee injuries
  • Hand and wrist injuries
  • Road rash
  • Torn muscles and ligaments
  • Back and spinal injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Tooth and dental injuries
  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Chest and ribcage impact injuries
  • Loss of feeling in the limbs
  • Limited range of motion
  • Problems with balance
  • Nerve damage
  • Chronic pain
As an injured motorcyclist, you might have long-lasting mental and emotional injuries that need significant psychological treatment. If you seek treatment for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), your costs could be covered by an insurance claim or lawsuit.

The Deadline for Motorcycle Accident Claims

All motorcycle accident claims, including blind spot accident claims, have a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. It’s usually within two years of the date of the accident, but sometimes this period shortens if you’re dealing with a government entity, for example.

Don’t wait! The clock starts ticking on the day of your motorcycle accident. Talk to an accident lawyer as soon as possible to start building a strong case or you could lose your right to claim compensation.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Accident Claim

If you are involved in a blind spot motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer as soon as possible. Before you know it, you’ll have a pile of medical bills and calls from insurance companies, and you’ll need to decide on your next steps.

Here are some important ways you can protect yourself and your case. First, preserve any evidence you may have, like debris from the accident and your demolished motorcycle. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

As soon as possible after your accident, seek medical care and photograph your injuries. Capture any cuts, bruises, deformities, or scarring. Continue to document these injuries as they heal and photograph your medical gear like crutches, casts, slings, canes, and so forth.

Save your medical records and keep track of your out-of-pocket costs. This is a huge part of determining the value of your claim, even if many of your costs are covered by your health insurance. Track expenses like bus fares, Uber rides, and copays.

With the help of your lawyer, open a claim with the other person’s insurance company. Don’t provide personal information, like your social security number, without talking to your lawyer first.

Also, don’t talk about the crash on social media. A motorcycle accident is life-changing, so it might feel irresistible to update your friends on social media. But this gives the other side information that could ruin your case!

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case

You can handle your legal case by yourself, but it’s a stressful and risky thing to do. Blind spot accident cases are complicated and you could easily become buried in the details of managing your case.

Also, an insurance company will typically toss out a lowball offer when they know you don’t have a lawyer. They’ll assume you don’t know what you’re doing and will say they owe you less because you’re not paying a lawyer.

Plus, an insurance company usually offers compensation for your past medical bills, but what about your future treatment? Your mental health counseling? Your lost days of work? The value of your motorcycle? This could easily be tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.

Here’s another important thing to consider about a severe blind spot motorcycle accident: Your pain and suffering should be valued. Compensation for pain and suffering is protected by California law and should never be undervalued by an insurance company that’s pressing you for a quick settlement.

At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, our law firm does not take our fee until the conclusion of your case after you’ve already covered your costs. So let’s talk about your crash in a free and confidential consultation!

We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus on Your Life

After a blind spot motorcycle accident, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of the law, including motorcycle accidents. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details.

We truly care about California’s injured people. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation or call 877-380-8852.

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Karen johnson profile picture
Karen johnson
2 years ago
When I got into my accident I was really not looking for an attorney, however I became frustrated with the other parties insurance company. I then went online and found Sally Morin Law and called for a free courtesy consult. Annie quickly called me back and spent 30 minutes explaining the attorney process. This made my decision easy,,, an All female attorney group certainly did not disappoint. Annie and her team (Amber) were on the case immediately, making calls, sending emails and dealing with the other party insured (or lack of insured). I’m so pleased to have had this incredible team of ladies to help me through this process. They did all their professional expertise, none of which I was capable of. They advocated for me in every way from medical bills, insurance liens, med pay, demand letters, phone calls, emails etc. All I needed to do was send receipts, and most importantly focus on getting better. Thank u team for all u have done. I am grateful for so much,,, and I can say that making that first phone call was the best decision. Keep up the great work and helping others
Sincerely
KJJ
Michael Basti profile picture
Michael Basti
2 years ago
I unfortunately got injured in an auto accident and called a bunch of different attorneys with little to no help. I called Sally Morin Law and got help from Rebecca who was absolutely fantastic. She was there every step of the way to help and Isn’t just trying to make a quick buck. She took her time with me and went out of her way to help out. Thanks for all the help Rebecca!!
Reba Roseberry profile picture
Reba Roseberry
2 years ago
I was t-boned by someone who ran a red light, totaling my car and sending me to the hospital with multiple breaks to my pelvis, among other smaller injuries. Once released from the hospital, I was confused, angry, and extremely anxious about what to do next. A friend encouraged me to seek legal help, and I found the team at Sally Morin. I was drawn to their all-women team, and immediately felt assured that I was in good hands. They took the reigns on handling everything, leaving me significantly more relieved to rest and heal like my body needed. With their help, the case was settled within four months of the accident, and I can now move forward with my life and leave this behind me. I would absolutely recommend the team at Sally Morin to anyone in a similar situation!
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John Zientek
2 years ago
I was injured while riding my bicycle and a friend recommended Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. In my experience, they made the process transparent and smooth, allowing me to focus on recovery — they were professional, empathetic, and effective! Rebecca and Carmen made a difficult time much less stressful.
Jimmy Lu profile picture
Jimmy Lu
2 years ago
My mom was in a car accident and was badly injured. We wanted her to focus on her recovery without the worries of medical bills and dealing with multiple insurance companies so we hired Sally Morin Lawyers. Fortunately we received Annie Heller who showed strong ownership of the case, dealing with all communications from medical to slow moving insurance companies. Annie and team helped us settle the case with money in my mom’s pocket, but more importantly helped all of us not worry about anything besides my mom’s recovery. thank you!
Shannon Yu profile picture
Shannon Yu
2 years ago
Carmen and team at Sally Morin are the best. Having Carmen and her team for my personal injury case is one of the lucky thing for me in 2024
Carmen is a very capable law professional. she is expert in her domain, also she is very skillful in finding the key information.
Carmen is also a compassionate and kind person, she listened and also put my interests in priority. At the same time she patiently explained to me the law information.
Carmen is also very good with execution, the whole process she is proactively driving it towards the satisfactory result

What more can you ask for a lawyer who is capable, professional, kind, effective and efficient.
Dee49ful profile picture
Dee49ful
2 years ago
I was very fortunate that, by pure luck, I found Sally Morin’s firm online. It wasn’t recommended to me by anyone, but I now want to recommend them to EVERYONE, especially my fantastic attorney, Annie Heller. Annie was compassionate, honest, attentive, and responsive to my calls and emails. Throughout the entire process of my claim, I felt completely supported by her, and even after my case was successfully settled, she followed up with me. Thank you Annie, for your exceptional legal service!!
Amazing! After months and months of going it alone and getting nowhere with our sons accident, and struggling...badly, we were lucky enough to get refered to Sally and Rebecca.

They took over the whole case and handled everything.

The whole team was very personable, professional, keeped us in the loop the entire time and cared about what was going on.

They also set us up with all the right people to make sure the settlement funds were properly handled in the most efficient way for us.

I just dont think we could have done all of this without them. It was a terrible time for our family, and we are very gratefull for everything they did for us! Thank you guys! ~HavasuLew
Kyle Osborn profile picture
Kyle Osborn
3 years ago
Rebecca and the Sally Morin team provided invaluable support during a challenging period after our daughter was involved in a car accident. Their care, expertise, and dedication resulted in an outcome that exceeded our highest expectations. Working with them was a great experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone, without hesitation!
Alysia Lyons profile picture
Alysia Lyons
3 years ago
I worked with Annie on my case and had such a pleasant experience! I felt supported and understood throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Sally Morin firm. Being injured isn't pleasant, so having a team behind you that's got your back makes the experience that much better.
Ariana D profile picture
Ariana D
3 years ago
I just spent the last 8 months working with a team of caring, compassionate, relatable women for my personal injury claim. Brief background: I was hit by a car while riding my bike to work. The driver pulled out of a parallel parking space without looking and was completely at fault. Initially, he and the others in the car were very concerned, but ghosted us afterwards and made up a story in order to not take on the blame. I ended up needing surgery and costs mounted, so I sought legal advice. After much research, I settled on Sally Morin Law. The team at this law firm is invested and responsive in a very personable way. I specifically worked with Carmen and Annie. Carmen took the lead and she answered every email, text, and annoying question my husband and I sent her way. She wrote a detailed demand letter that personalized my case and thoroughly explained the impact the accident had on my life, my children's lives, and my husband's life. In the end, our own insurance policy covered the claim to the fullest amount. Additionally, Carmen was able to negotiate the medical lien to $0, and my husband received a separate smaller amount for loss of consortium. We are more than happy with the results as it’s way beyond what we expected, and completely life changing. We didn't proceed with the case thinking we would have the outcome we did, and almost didn't pursue the case. However, after spending my own money on copays, days off from work, take out, uber rides, babysitters, and special equipment, it just didn't feel right not to seek help and I am so glad that I did! I highly recommend Sally Morin Law!
Simon Unge profile picture
Simon Unge
3 years ago
Last year me and my partner was in a MC/Car accident. I was clueless on what rights we had and how to proceed with insurance claims etc. I contacted Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, who guided us through the year long process in a very pedagogical manner, a lot of support, expertise and professionalism - answering any questions we had in a timely manner. Highly recommended, they made a painful experience very manageable. Thank you, Rebecca, Carmen, and Amber!