Injury cases
Motorcycle accidents in Riverside County
Riders hurt in Riverside County crashes can recover even if a driver claims the rider shared blame, because California reduces rather than bars recovery (CACI No. 405). California requires helmets for riders and passengers (Vehicle Code § 27803) and defines lane splitting in its Vehicle Code (§ 21658.1).
Common causes
Many motorcycle crashes happen when a driver turns left across a rider's path (Vehicle Code § 21801 requires left-turning drivers to yield to approaching traffic), changes lanes without seeing the bike, or follows too closely (§ 21703).
Helmets
California requires motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear a safety helmet (Vehicle Code § 27803). Insurers sometimes raise helmet use to reduce a claim; whether it matters depends on the injuries and the medical evidence, not on assumptions.
Lane splitting
California's Vehicle Code defines lane splitting and authorizes the CHP to develop educational safety guidelines for it (Vehicle Code § 21658.1). A driver cannot avoid responsibility simply by pointing out that a rider was between lanes; the question is still who acted unreasonably.
Evidence that protects riders
- Photos of the bike, the other vehicle and the scene
- Helmet and protective gear (keep them, don't discard)
- Witness names and nearby video
- The collision report (see our crash report guide)
Related pages
- Car accidentsCollisions on Riverside County freeways and streets.
- California injury lawsThe rules that decide fault and deadlines.
- Crash reportsWhich agency has your report and how to get it.
- Blowing sand and dust stormsLow visibility on I-10 and Coachella Valley roads.
- Construction and work zonesDouble fines, work zone driving and road-setup claims.
- Crash explorerInteractive map and charts of every injury crash since 2016.
Hurt in Riverside County?
Talk with our Riverside team about what happened. Consultations are free, in English or Spanish.