Riding a motorcycle in California can feel like freedom. But speeding while riding is one of the most dangerous things a rider can do. Speeding can cause serious crashes, injuries, and even death. When a crash happens and speeding is involved, the legal outcomes can be complicated and serious. It is important for riders and drivers to know how the law in California handles speeding when it leads to a crash. If you or someone you know was recently in a motorcycle crash and speeding might be involved, there are some things you need to understand about your rights, the law, and what may come next.
How California views speeding on the road
Speeding in California is against the law. The law says drivers and riders must drive at a safe speed at all times. That means even if the sign says 65 miles per hour, a person must slow down if the road is wet, dark, crowded, or unsafe in any way. The law does not allow speeding even if it seems like everyone else is doing it. If a motorcycle crash happens and someone was speeding, that rider or driver may be found at fault. The law can hold them responsible for damage, injury, or loss of life. This is true even if they were only going a little over the limit or if speeding was just one part of the crash.
Why speeding makes crashes worse
Motorcycles are smaller than cars. They have less protection. When a motorcycle hits another vehicle or object, or when a rider is thrown off the bike, the injuries can be very serious. Speeding makes this even worse. At high speeds, it is harder to stop or turn. There is less time to see danger and react. Even skilled riders can lose control. And when a crash happens at high speed, the force of impact is greater. That can mean broken bones, brain injury, or death. The law sees this and treats speeding as a major risk factor. If you are hurt in a crash and the other person was speeding, you may be able to show that their speeding caused or added to the crash.
What happens legally if you were speeding during a crash
If you were the one speeding and you got into a crash, California law can find you partly or fully at fault. California follows something called “comparative fault.” That means more than one person can be blamed for a crash. If you were speeding and someone else made a mistake too, the law may say you both share the blame. But the more blame you have, the less you may be able to recover in court. So if you were hurt but you were also speeding, the court will look at how much that speeding played a role in your crash. You might still be able to get some money for your injuries, but it will likely be reduced. If the other side proves that your speeding caused most of the crash, they may not have to pay anything at all.
What if the other driver was speeding and caused your crash
If you were riding your motorcycle safely but someone else was speeding and hit you, then you may have a strong case. You can try to hold that driver responsible for your injuries. Your lawyer may look for proof that the other driver was going too fast. This can come from police reports, camera footage, witnesses, or crash investigators. If speeding is shown, the court may agree that the other driver is to blame. That can help you get money for your hospital bills, lost work time, pain, and more. In some cases, if the speeding was very bad, like racing or going double the limit, the court may also give you more money as a punishment to the driver. This is called punitive damages.
The role of police and crash reports
After a motorcycle crash, police usually come to the scene. They write a report that tells what they saw, what people said, and who they think was at fault. If speeding was involved, the report might say so. It may also include a ticket or citation for speeding. These things can be used later in court. But they are not always final. If you believe the report is wrong or missed something, you can talk to your lawyer. They can help you challenge the report or bring in other proof. But never ignore what the report says. If you were speeding, the report might be used against you. If the other person was speeding, the report can help you.
Insurance problems and speeding crashes
Insurance companies look closely at who was at fault in a crash. If you were speeding and got into a crash, your insurance might pay less or even deny your claim. They might say you broke the law and caused the crash. This can also make your rates go up. If you were hurt and the other person was speeding, their insurance should pay for your injuries. But insurance companies often try to fight claims or say you were also to blame. Having a lawyer can help make sure they treat you fairly. The insurance process can be hard, especially when there are injuries. Speeding makes it even more tricky because it raises questions of blame.
Motorcycle rider rights and safety rules
Motorcycle riders have the same rights as car drivers on the road. But they must also follow the same safety rules. This includes obeying speed limits, using turn signals, and not riding recklessly. If a rider speeds and crashes, they can lose those rights in court. Judges and juries may see the rider as careless, even if they were badly hurt. That is why following the law and riding safely is not just good for health. It can also protect your legal rights after a crash. In many cases, the outcome of a case comes down to what the rider did or didn’t do before the crash.
What happens in court if speeding is involved
If your case goes to court, the judge or jury will look at all the facts. They will look at the crash report, pictures, video, and medical records. They will listen to witnesses. If one person was speeding, that will be a big part of the case. The court will ask whether the speeding caused the crash or made it worse. They will also ask whether the other person could have done anything to stop the crash. The goal of the court is to find the truth and make a fair ruling. Speeding often plays a big role in that. It can affect who wins and how much money is paid.
What to do if you were in a motorcycle crash with speeding
If you were in a crash and speeding was involved, the first step is to get medical help. Even if you feel okay, some injuries show up later. Keep all records of your care. Then, try to gather proof from the crash, like photos, witness names, and the police report. Do not talk to the other side’s insurance without talking to a lawyer. They may try to use your words against you. A lawyer who understands California law can help you see your options. They can help you fight blame, deal with insurance, and go to court if needed. They can also help you find out if the other person’s speeding makes them fully or mostly at fault.
Speeding is not just a traffic ticket
Many people think speeding is just a ticket and a fine. But in a motorcycle crash, speeding can lead to much more. It can mean large medical bills, long time away from work, pain, and stress. It can also mean going to court. If someone dies in a crash caused by speeding, the driver can face very serious charges. Families may file lawsuits for wrongful death. Courts may give large awards to help cover the loss. So the choice to speed is not a small one. It can change lives forever. That is why it matters so much to understand how speeding is treated by the law in motorcycle crashes.
Speak with someone who can help
You do not have to face this situation alone. If you or someone you love was in a motorcycle crash and speeding may be part of it, now is the time to take action. The law can be confusing. Insurance can be difficult. But your rights and your future matter. You need someone who can listen, explain the law in simple terms, and help you move forward.
Timothy J. Ryan is here to support you. His legal team can look at your case, tell you what steps to take, and work to protect your rights. Whether you were the rider or the other person in the crash, understanding your legal situation is key. Reach out today for guidance that puts your needs first.