Motorcycle Accidents in California

Fighting for Riders Across the State

Injured in a California Motorcycle Crash?

We Protect Riders’ Rights to Compensation

Motorcyclists face unique risks on California roads, from distracted drivers to unsafe intersections and unpredictable weather. When a crash happens, injuries are often severe, and insurance companies are quick to blame the rider. At our firm, we represent injured motorcyclists and their families throughout California, fighting for full compensation after devastating accidents. With decades of personal injury experience and board certification in trial law, we’re ready to take on insurance companies and stand up for riders when it matters most.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle

Protecting Riders in Every Situation

We handle a wide range of motorcycle accident cases, including:

Left-Turn Collisions

One of the most common motorcycle crash types, often caused when drivers fail to yield at intersections.

Lane-Change Accidents

Motorcycles are often missed in blind spots, leading to devastating side-swipes and knockdowns.

Rear-End Crashes

Even low-speed impacts can throw a rider from their bike and cause serious injuries.

Road Hazard Accidents

Potholes, loose gravel, and debris pose a much greater threat to motorcyclists than other vehicles.

Drunk or Distracted Driver Crashes

Impaired and inattentive drivers cause countless avoidable motorcycle wrecks every year.

Uninsured Driver Accidents

When a careless driver doesn’t carry insurance, we help pursue compensation through your UM/UIM coverage.

Motorcycle Crash Claims in Florida

What Riders Should Know About the Law

Motorcycle accidents in California are treated differently from other vehicle crashes under state law. Riders are not covered by California no-fault PIP insurance, meaning you may need to file a claim directly against the at-fault driver to recover medical costs and lost income. Because these cases often involve serious or life-altering injuries, insurance companies will fight hard to minimize payouts. Acting quickly can help preserve evidence like skid marks, crash reports, and witness statements—critical for proving fault.

No PIP Coverage for Motorcycles:

Motorcycles are excluded from California no-fault PIP system, requiring riders to seek compensation from the other driver.

Two-Year Filing Deadline:

You now have just two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.

Helmet Law Rules:

Riders over 21 may legally ride without a helmet, but insurance companies often try to use this against injured riders.

Common Motorcycle Accident Questions

Straight Answers for California Riders

  • Are motorcycle riders treated differently under the law after an accident?
    Legally, motorcyclists in California have the same rights as all drivers, but in practice, they often face unfair assumptions. Insurance companies and opposing counsel may stereotype riders as inherently reckless, which can complicate negotiations or trial. That’s why it’s essential to work with an attorney who understands how to shift the narrative and prove fault based on evidence—not bias. California does not follow a no-fault insurance system, so if you're injured, you must file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance or sue to recover compensation. This makes proving liability a critical first step in any motorcycle injury case. But unlike states with no-fault coverage, California riders aren’t restricted to just economic losses—they can seek full compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional harm. Federal law, including initiatives from the NHTSA, promotes motorcycle safety, but compensation rules are governed by state law. In California, your rights are clear—but enforcing them requires fast action, a strong case, and an attorney who knows how to overcome anti-motorcycle bias.
  • What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?
    In California, motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. That includes medical bills, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries are life-altering, you may also recover for permanent disability, disfigurement, or long-term care needs. Unlike some states, California does not cap damages in standard personal injury cases (except in medical malpractice). That means the value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your evidence. Expert testimony—especially from doctors and financial experts—can help establish the full impact of your injuries on your daily life and future. Federal safety regulations don’t control how much compensation you receive—but they do influence vehicle design, visibility, and crash statistics, which your legal team may use to strengthen your claim. In California, the burden is on the injured rider to prove both fault and damages, and a qualified attorney will build a case that captures the full scope of what you’ve lost.
  • Do I need to wear a helmet to file a claim?
    California law requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear a DOT-compliant helmet. However, not wearing one does not prevent you from filing a claim. That said, it may reduce the amount you can recover if the defense proves your injuries would have been less severe had you worn a helmet—especially in cases involving head trauma. This is where California’s comparative fault rule comes into play. If a court finds you partially responsible for the severity of your injuries, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your failure to wear a helmet is found to contribute 25% to your injuries, your final award would be reduced accordingly. Helmet laws vary by state, but in California, the legal standard is strict—and your case may be scrutinized if you didn’t comply. However, many crashes result in injuries unrelated to the head. Your lawyer’s job is to challenge blanket assumptions and tie the claim directly to the other driver’s negligent behavior.
  • What if the other driver claims they didn’t see me?
    “I didn’t see the motorcycle” is one of the most common defenses in these cases—but it’s not a valid excuse under California law. Every driver has a duty to be aware of their surroundings and to look for all types of vehicles, including motorcycles. Failure to do so is a form of negligence. California follows a fault-based system, and if the other driver made an unsafe lane change, failed to yield, or turned in front of you, those are violations of the vehicle code. Your attorney can gather traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert analysis to show that the driver didn’t meet the required standard of care. Federal safety campaigns encourage drivers to “Look Twice for Motorcycles,” and although these initiatives aren’t binding law, they reinforce the public duty drivers owe to vulnerable road users. An experienced legal team will leverage both legal precedent and hard evidence to show that “I didn’t see them” is an admission of inattention—not a defense.
  • What if road conditions caused my motorcycle crash?
    If unsafe road conditions like potholes, debris, or poor signage contributed to your crash, you may have a claim against a public agency responsible for road maintenance. In California, these are typically municipal, county, or state entities. However, the rules for suing a government body are very specific and time-sensitive. You must file a notice of claim under the California Tort Claims Act within six months of the incident. That’s a strict deadline, and missing it could prevent you from ever filing a lawsuit. Your attorney will need to prove that the agency had actual or constructive notice of the hazard and failed to repair it within a reasonable time. While federal programs fund road safety research, they don’t govern liability. What matters is whether the local agency acted responsibly. Photos of the road, previous complaints, or public records can all strengthen your claim. Legal counsel experienced in government liability is essential to navigate these claims properly.
  • Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the crash?
    Yes. California uses a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partly—or mostly—at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you're found to be 40% at fault, you can still recover $60,000. This flexibility can be especially important in motorcycle cases, where riders are often blamed unfairly. Insurance adjusters may try to assign disproportionate fault, but their opinion isn’t final. Your legal team can counter with expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and evidence of the other driver’s misconduct—such as speeding, texting, or failing to yield. California law prioritizes fairness over absolutes. As long as the other party holds any portion of blame, you’re entitled to pursue that portion of the damages. A skilled attorney can help ensure your percentage of fault isn’t exaggerated or misrepresented—and that you recover every dollar you’re entitled to under the law.
  • How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident?
    In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is two years from the date of the crash. If you’re filing a property damage-only claim, you have three years. If a government agency is involved—such as in cases of dangerous road conditions—you typically have just six months to file an administrative claim. It’s important not to wait. Even though two years sounds like plenty of time, valuable evidence can be lost in days or weeks. Witnesses forget details, surveillance footage gets erased, and accident scenes change. The sooner you begin the legal process, the better your chances of building a strong, well-documented case. There are very few exceptions to California’s time limits. If you miss the deadline, your claim can be dismissed—no matter how serious your injuries. Speaking with an attorney early ensures that all legal requirements are met and your rights are preserved from the start.
  • What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?
    If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance—if you carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. In California, UM coverage isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended and often included unless you specifically rejected it in writing. Your UM coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It can also apply in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver can’t be identified. However, even though you’re dealing with your own insurer, these claims are still adversarial—and you may be offered less than your case is worth. California law allows UM claims to go through binding arbitration if a dispute arises. This is like a mini trial, but without a judge or jury. It’s critical to have a lawyer guide you through this process to ensure you receive the full amount you’re owed.
  • Should I speak with the insurance company after the crash?
    You should notify your insurance company that an accident occurred, but beyond that, it’s best not to give any recorded statements or detailed information without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance companies—yours or theirs—are trained to limit payouts and may use your statements against you later. In California, insurance adjusters are not required to tell you what your case is truly worth or whether you’re entitled to more. They may push for a quick settlement before you understand the full scope of your injuries, or try to assign fault unfairly to reduce what they owe. Having legal representation protects you from these tactics. Your attorney will handle all communication with insurers, ensure your statements are accurate and limited in scope, and help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim. It costs you nothing upfront—and could make all the difference in the final outcome.
  • Do I need a lawyer if I wasn’t badly hurt?
    Yes—even in cases with seemingly minor injuries, legal representation is still important. What feels like a “sore neck” or “stiff back” today may turn into chronic pain, herniated discs, or other long-term problems that don’t show up right away. If you settle too soon, you may lose the ability to seek additional compensation. California law allows you to recover for both current and future damages, but once you accept a settlement, you typically can’t go back. A lawyer helps you value your case properly, taking into account not just medical bills but lost income, long-term care, and emotional distress. Even soft-tissue injuries can impact your quality of life—and your ability to work or ride again. Legal support also ensures deadlines are met, paperwork is filed correctly, and insurance companies don’t take advantage of your lack of experience. In personal injury law, preparation is everything—and even if your injuries are moderate, you deserve to be treated fairly and fully compensated.