According to a July 2017 article in The Press-Enterprise, a motorcycle crash occurred on the 215 Freeway in Riverside, which backed up rush hour traffic on both the 215 and 60 freeways. The crash was initially reported as a hit-and-run accident that occurred shortly before 5 p.m. south of Central Avenue. The crash involved a motorcycle, pickup truck, and another type of vehicle, and was ultimately determined not to have been a hit-and-run. The California Highway Patrol did have to shut down three lanes of the highway, as it took them 30 minutes to clear the vehicles to the roadside. This caused a backup in the northbound traffic all the way to Frederick Street in Moreno Valley. Around 6 p.m., traffic was backed up from Valley Way in Jurupa Valley to the crash site.
The report did not include any information about injuries to the motorcyclist or drivers. No further information was included regarding whether any of the individuals involved planned to file a personal injury claim for damages.
A motorcycle accident typically involves a motorcycle and a vehicle such as a car, truck, or commercial vehicle. It may also include some negligent act that causes a motorcyclist to hit and damage property such as a building or street sign. The injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident can range from minor to devastating or even fatal.
A Vehicle Owner is Liable for a Riverside Motorcycle Crash
According to California’s permissive use law, every driver is responsible for the injury, death, or property damage he or she causes while driving. The owner of the vehicle is also liable for the accident caused by a driver who borrows the vehicle.
The personal injury law does not distinguish whether the consent, or permission given to a driver, need be expressed. A vehicle owner can give permission to use a vehicle by giving the driver his or her car keys or nodding an answer when asked to use the vehicle.
Permissive use pertains to any type of vehicle accident, not just motorcycle accidents.
Owner Liability for a Motorcycle Crash in Riverside is Limited
An owner is not totally liable for an accident caused by a driver who borrows his or her vehicle. An owner’s liability is limited. He or she can be sued for damages related to the victim’s injuries or death up to $15,000. The amount increases to $30,000 if the accident caused death or injury to multiple people.
Exceptions to the Permissive Use Law in Riverside
A vehicle owner liability is not limited if he or she knew the driver did not have a driver’s license at the time the vehicle was lent to the negligent driver. Limitations also do not apply if the negligent driver was an employee or he or she used the vehicle to run an errand for the owner.
Getting Damages You Deserve from a Riverside Motorcycle Accident
At Sanford A. Kassel, we maximize compensation because we conduct a thorough investigation into who caused your motorcycle accident. We are not intimidated by the fact that the owner of the vehicle that hit you tries to avoid liability. We know the law and will use our experience with permissive use to get you the money you need for your injuries. Contact us for a free case review.
