Motorcycle Accident Claims in California
The California helmet law, whether lane splitting is legal, how fault is shared after a motorcycle crash, and the deadline to sue.
Short answer: Motorcycle helmets: according to the California DMV Motorcycle Driver Handbook, all riders and passengers must wear a U.S. California DMV, Motorcycle Driver Handbook (2024), Helmet Use
| Motorcycle helmet law | Motorcycle helmets: according to the California DMV Motorcycle Driver Handbook, all riders and passengers must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle, certified by the manufacturer as meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. The handbook does not address reducing damages for not wearing a helmet. |
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| Lane splitting | Lane splitting is legal in California. The DMV's California Driver Handbook tells drivers that it is legal to share lanes with motorcycles, known as lane splitting, and never to try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane. The Motorcycle Driver Handbook defines lane splitting (also called lane sharing, filtering or white-lining) as riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a light, and warns riders of its risks. |
| Minimum car insurance | Minimum liability insurance is $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15). Low-income drivers may qualify for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for injury to a person (for example, accidents, assault, battery, or negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress) must generally be filed within 2 years from the date of the injury. If the injury was not discovered right away, the time generally starts when it was discovered or should reasonably have been discovered. |
More California personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in California
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in California
- Medical Malpractice Rules in California
- Car Accident Claims in California
- Dog Bite Liability in California
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in California
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in California
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in California
- Bicycle Accident Claims in California
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in California
- All California personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in California?
Motorcycle helmets: according to the California DMV Motorcycle Driver Handbook, all riders and passengers must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle, certified by the manufacturer as meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. The handbook does not address reducing damages for not wearing a helmet.
Is lane splitting legal in California?
Lane splitting is legal in California. The DMV's California Driver Handbook tells drivers that it is legal to share lanes with motorcycles, known as lane splitting, and never to try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane. The Motorcycle Driver Handbook defines lane splitting (also called lane sharing, filtering or white-lining) as riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a light, and warns riders of its risks.
What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
Minimum liability insurance is $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15). Low-income drivers may qualify for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in California?
A lawsuit for injury to a person (for example, accidents, assault, battery, or negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress) must generally be filed within 2 years from the date of the injury. If the injury was not discovered right away, the time generally starts when it was discovered or should reasonably have been discovered.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.