Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in California
When the open road turns treacherous, having expert legal representation can make all the difference. California's highways and byways present unique challenges for motorcyclists, and when accidents occur, the consequences can be life-altering. Navigating the complex aftermath of a motorcycle collision requires knowledgeable guidance from professionals who understand both California's legal landscape and the distinct vulnerabilities motorcyclists face.
California's sunny climate and scenic routes make it a motorcyclist's paradise, but these same qualities contribute to one of the highest motorcycle accident rates in the nation. When collisions occur, motorcyclists face disproportionate risks compared to other vehicle operators.
A dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer provides crucial support through:
- Thorough investigation of accident circumstances
- Documentation of all injuries and damages
- Identification of all potentially liable parties
- Navigation of complex insurance claims
- Protection against unfair settlement offers
- Preparation for litigation if necessary
The right legal representation ensures your rights remain protected while you focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in CaliforniaUnderstanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents helps establish liability in these cases:
Driver Negligence- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Unsafe lane changes
- Distracted driving
- Improper turns
- Opening vehicle doors into motorcycle paths
- Driving under the influence
- Potholes and uneven pavement
- Debris on roadways
- Construction zone dangers
- Inadequate signage
- Poor road design
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Steering mechanism malfunctions
- Fuel system defects
Motorcyclists lack the protective shell that other vehicle occupants enjoy, resulting in more severe injuries during collisions:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken and crushed bones
- Road rash and severe abrasions
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations and limb loss
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Psychological trauma including PTSD
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, increasing the importance of proper compensation.
California Motorcycle Laws You Should KnowCalifornia maintains specific laws affecting motorcyclists that can impact accident claims:
Lane SplittingCalifornia is the only state that explicitly permits lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic). While legal, determining fault in lane-splitting accidents requires expert legal analysis.
Helmet RequirementsCalifornia mandates helmet use for all motorcyclists. While failing to wear a helmet doesn't prevent recovery for injuries, it may affect compensation amounts through comparative negligence principles.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle AccidentThe actions taken immediately following an accident significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Report the accident to law enforcement
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Document the accident scene with photos if possible
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Notify your insurance company of the accident
- Avoid discussing fault or providing recorded statements
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offers
With over 40 years of experience, Moseley Collins Law provides comprehensive representation for motorcycle accident victims throughout California. Our approach includes:
- Free consultations to evaluate your case
- Thorough investigation of accident circumstances
- Consultation with accident reconstruction experts
- Documentation of all injuries and damages
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Preparation for trial when necessary
We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on California roads and the prejudices they often encounter in the claims process.
Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident VictimsCalifornia law allows motorcycle accident victims to pursue various forms of compensation:
Economic Damages- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modification expenses
- Transportation costs for medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Quality emergency and trauma care can be found at these California facilities:
- UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento - Website
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles - Website
- Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto - Website
- UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco - Website
- Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla - Website
- Loma Linda University Medical Center - Website
- Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno - Website
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance - Website
- UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange - Website
- UC San Diego Health, San Diego - Website
Report motorcycle accidents to these agencies:
- California Highway Patrol - Website
- San Francisco Police Department - Website
- San Diego Police Department - Website
- Sacramento Police Department - Website
- Oakland Police Department - Website
- San Jose Police Department - Website
- Long Beach Police Department - Website
These California roadways consistently rank among the most hazardous for motorcyclists:
- Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
- Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2)
- Mulholland Highway
- Interstate 5
- Interstate 405
- US Route 101
- Ortega Highway (Highway 74)
- Highway 17 through Santa Cruz Mountains
- Sierra Highway
- Santiago Canyon Road
- Laguna Canyon Road
- Glendora Mountain Road
- Kanan Dume Road
According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System:
- Motorcycle fatalities account for approximately 15% of all traffic deaths in California despite motorcycles representing only 3% of registered vehicles
- Nearly 30% of California motorcycle accidents involve drivers who fail to see the motorcyclist
- About 25% of motorcycle accidents in California involve riders with blood alcohol concentrations above the legal limit
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that antilock brakes reduce motorcycle crash fatality rates by approximately 31%.
Areas We Serve in CaliforniaMoseley Collins Law provides representation for motorcycle accident victims throughout California, including:
Northern California- Sacramento
- San Francisco
- Oakland
- San Jose
- Stockton
- Modesto
- Redding
- Eureka
- Chico
- Yuba City
- Grass Valley
- Auburn
- Placerville
- Davis
- Woodland
- Vacaville
- Fairfield
- Napa
- Santa Rosa
- Vallejo
- Fresno
- Bakersfield
- Visalia
- Merced
- Madera
- Hanford
- Porterville
- Tulare
- Clovis
- Delano
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Maria
- Salinas
- Monterey
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Anaheim
- Long Beach
- Santa Ana
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- Irvine
- Oxnard
- Ventura
- Santa Barbara
- Palm Springs
- Ontario
- Pomona
- Pasadena
- Burbank
- Glendale
- Huntington Beach
- Newport Beach
- Laguna Beach
Choosing the right motorcycle accident lawyer can determine the outcome of your case. Moseley Collins Law stands apart through:
- Over 40 years of experience representing accident victims
- Millions won for injured motorcyclists
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google
- Free consultations for all potential cases
- No fees unless we recover compensation
- Personalized attention to each case
- Comprehensive understanding of California motorcycle laws
Our team will point you in the right direction even if we cannot help with your specific situation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don't delay in securing professional legal representation. The complexities of motorcycle accident claims require experienced guidance to ensure fair compensation.
Call Moseley Collins Law today at 800-426-5546 for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case and explain your legal options without obligation.
Remember, California's statute of limitations restricts the time available to file your claim. Taking prompt action protects your right to compensation and provides the best opportunity for a favorable outcome.