California Motorcycle vs Car Insurance Claims: Key Differences Explained

Understanding California Motorcycle vs Car Insurance Claims

Every California driver is required to have an auto insurance policy that meets minimum coverage requirements. California law requires a driver to have at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for a single person and at least $60,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people injured in a single accident, and the policy must also include at least $15,000 in property damage liability coverage.

These coverage requirements extend to motorcyclists as well, and all drivers are encouraged to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that can compensate them if an uninsured driver causes an accident. It is also crucial to understand how state rules dictate liability, which you can explore in detail through our guide on car accident fault laws in California. While a motorcyclist has just as much of a right to file a claim against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy as a car driver, the motorcyclist is likely to have suffered far worse injuries.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 4,061 traffic accident deaths statewide in 2023, and 583 were motorcycle accident deaths. Any vehicle accident can potentially cause devastating injuries, but the risk of fatal injury is much greater in a motorcycle accident because the motorcycle offers so little physical protection in a crash. Even when a rider survives, the risk of catastrophic injury is much higher than it would be in a passenger car. Wearing proper safety gear is essential, and you should review how helmet laws and motorcycle accident claims interact after an incident. Even when a rider survives, the risk of catastrophic injury is much higher than it would be in a passenger car.

When it comes to filing an auto insurance claim after any accident in California, the injured claimant must prove fault for the accident and show the full extent of the damages they suffered. They must also prove that their claimed damages directly resulted from the defendant’s actions and not from any other cause. This may sound simple, but many injured drivers encounter unexpected complications with their auto insurance claims.

Recovering Compensation With California Motorcycle vs Car Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging because they will almost always look for excuses to devalue or deny claims, hoping to settle for as little as possible. Some will even engage in bad faith, hoping an injured claimant accepts a lowball settlement offer out of desperation or that they will not know how to fight an unfair denial.

You should not wait for this to happen to your claim to hire legal counsel. When an insurance company sees that you are represented by legal counsel, they are more likely to process your claim in good faith and offer a reasonable settlement. Should you encounter any unfair pushback, your attorney will know how to handle it and secure the compensation you need to recover.

The main difference between California motorcycle vs car insurance claims is the scope of damages. Motorcycle accident claims tend to involve greater damages because these accidents are significantly more likely to result in severe injuries. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident in California can protect your legal rights. The filing process is largely the same, but if you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you through the insurance claim-filing process.

The team at Bentley & More LLP has years of proven experience helping injured clients throughout California with all types of vehicle accident cases, and we are confident we can help you with yours. You have a limited time to file an auto insurance claim after any accident, and we can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Motorcycle Accident in California?

The total amount of compensation you can claim for a motorcycle accident in California largely depends on the severity of your injuries. If you can prove liability for the accident, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and lost future earning capacity if the accident resulted in a permanent disability. You can also claim vehicle repair costs and compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced.

What Happens if I Share Fault for a Motorcycle or Car Accident in California?

If you share fault for a motorcycle or car accident in California, the state’s pure comparative negligence law applies to your case. You will be assigned a fault percentage and then lose this percentage of your case award or settlement. For example, if you are found 10% at fault, you will lose 10% of the compensation claimed from the defendant. Consult a California car accident lawyer if you believe you partially caused your recent accident.

Why Are Motorcycle Accidents More Damaging Than Car Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents tend to be more damaging than car accidents because a motorcycle provides very little physical protection to the rider in a collision, and the rider is also likely to suffer injuries from the secondary impact of hitting the ground. Any vehicle accident can potentially result in devastating injuries, but this risk is much greater for motorcyclists than occupants of enclosed passenger vehicles.

Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to have a better chance of proving fault for your recent accident and recovering suitable compensation for your damages. Your attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove fault, help you file an auto insurance claim, and assist you with resolving any unexpected challenges you encounter as you attempt to recover your losses.

Discuss Your Case With Our Team

The team at Bentley & More LLP can help you navigate the aftermath of any vehicle accident in California. We have an extensive record of success and can explain what to expect with California motorcycle vs car insurance claims. You have a short time to file your claim after an accident, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced California car accident lawyer you can trust with your case.

About the author: Greg Bentley

Co-Founder & Trial Lawyer at Bentley & More LLP

Greg Bentley is Co-Founder of Bentley & More LLP in Newport Beach, California. With 36 years of experience, he represents plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance bad faith, dangerous road and property conditions, and construction-site failure cases. Admitted to the State Bar of California, Greg earned his J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of several invitation-only trial organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is active in multiple statewide and regional trial lawyer associations.

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