Motorcycle accidents often result in both physical injuries and financial strain. Understanding how San Diego helmet laws affect your legal rights and potential compensation is an important step after a crash. Medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery can be overwhelming- especially when the accident was caused by another party’s negligence. from another party’s negligence. Knowing how helmet use may factor into your claim can help you make informed decisions moving forward. San Diego motorcycle helmet laws could directly influence your ability to file a successful claim.
Whether you were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident or not, an experienced attorney can explain how these regulations apply to your case and help clarify your rights and options. With the support of a personal injury lawyer who knows the local laws, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet at all times. California’s motorcycle helmet law applies statewide, including in San Diego. Helmets must fit securely and meet federal safety standards.
While helmet use does not guarantee full protection, it can significantly reduce the severity of a motorcyclist’s head injuries during a crash. The opposing party may argue that a biker who was not wearing a helmet at the time of an accident contributed to their own injuries. In these circumstances, a legal concept known as the comparative negligence rule comes into play. Under this rule, the injured party could still pursue damages, but their compensation may be reduced depending on their percentage of fault.
If you plan to seek compensation for motorcycle crash injuries, a knowledgeable attorney can explain how this legal concept applies to your specific circumstances and what evidence may support your case.
Helmet use can influence both an accident victim’s physical recovery and the strength of their personal injury claim. For instance, someone who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle crash might face scrutiny from insurance adjusters if they were not wearing a helmet, even if the other party caused the collision.
If you plan to make a claim after a San Diego motorcycle wreck, insurance companies or defense attorneys may argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you had been wearing a motorcycle helmet. However, even if you were not wearing a helmet, you may still have legal recourse. In many cases, the primary cause of the accident, such as the other party’s distracted driving or failure to yield, could still be the most important factor.
By gathering medical records, eyewitness testimony, and accident reports, an attorney can help document the facts and evaluate your legal options to support your claim.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the statute of limitations (deadline for filing) for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean completely losing the right to pursue compensation.
The sooner a case is filed, the easier it may be to preserve key evidence, such as helmet condition, skid marks, or surveillance footage. If you suffered injuries in a San Diego motorcycle crash, you should not delay in consulting with an attorney about how the statute of limitations and the helmet law could affect your case. Taking timely action helps protect your right to file and strengthens your ability to seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Whether or not you were wearing a helmet, you may still have the right to pursue compensation. At CaseyGerry, we have represented injured motorcyclists throughout the area for decades. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can support your recovery and how San Diego’s motorcycle helmet laws may impact your claim.
