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This is Steve Sweat, California motorcycle accident attorney. I wanted to talk to you
today about one of the more common and unfortunate motorcycle collision scenarios which is unfortunately
all too common on our surface streets but more prevalent on our freeways here in the
Southland which is the unsafe lane change by a car, truck, SUV which then causes a motorcycle
to crash. It's most commonly the fault of the driver who simply just doesn't see the
motorcyclist, doesn't check their rear view mirror properly or their side view mirror
properly and from a legal standpoint, it comes down to California Vehicle Code 21658(a) usually
as the legal cause, which requires all drivers to remain in one lane in the case of a roadway
with multiple lanes of traffic going in the same direction until they can change lanes
with reasonable safety which, again, requires due diligence in checking your mirrors prior
to coming over on the biker.
Things the biker can do to protect themselves: try never to ride in a driver's blind spot
either to the right or the left, try to give yourself a buffer, if possible ride in the
far right or left lane if there is an emergency lane there. Give yourself and "out" to avoid
the collision and, most importantly, just wear protective gear: Helmet, gloves, jackets,
boots, skid guards are all very useful in tend to reduce injuries related to these incidents.
So ... hope that helps all you Southern California bikers out there!