While riding motorcycles is an enjoyable experience, the inherent risk of being involved in an accident is always present. While motorcyclists are required to wear helmets in California, this does not always prevent serious or fatal injuries from occurring. The good news is that if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our experienced Motorcycle accident lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We will not rest until we get you the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Many different factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. In some cases, the actions of another driver may be the cause, such as if they fail to yield the right of way or make an illegal turn. In other cases, road hazards such as potholes or debris in the roadway may cause an accident.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:
Speed
The chances of an accident increase at higher speeds. Many motorcycles are capable of quick acceleration and maintaining high top speeds, but braking correctly takes practice and coordination. Other drivers who speed around motorcycles may also cause accidents.
Poor visibility
Motorcycles are harder to spot than passenger vehicles due to their size, so riders must pass with care and execute lane changes safely.
Road hazards
Motorcycles are more vulnerable to road debris and inclement weather. The risk of accidents increases around construction zones, during heavy rain, fog, or other types of severe weather.
Lane sharing
While lane sharing or splitting is legal in California, it poses a great danger. In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 51 into law, which defined lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle … that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on either divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.” When lane splitting, be aware of your surroundings, avoid lane splitting between large vehicles, and danger increases at higher speeds.
What are the Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents?
Due to the lack of protection around them, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries in accidents than other motorists. The most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
These injuries can be extremely serious, and in some cases, they may result in death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
It’s also important to remember that motorcycle accidents don’t just affect riders. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in a motorcycle accident, you have your own right to pursue a claim with a pedestrian accident attorney.
How Can I Protect Myself from Motorcycle Accidents?
There are certain steps you can take to protect yourself from motorcycle accidents. These steps include:
Wearing a helmet
In California, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards.
Wearing protective clothing
Wearing long pants and sleeves, as well as gloves and boots, can help protect you from road rash and other injuries in an accident.
Being visible
Wear bright colors or reflective gear so that you are more visible to other motorists.
Driving defensively
Drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Avoiding lane splitting
Lane splitting, or driving between lanes of traffic, is illegal in California and can be extremely dangerous.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Report the accident to the police: It is important to have an official report on file so that there is a record of the accident.
- Get medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussion, may not be immediately apparent.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can be critical in building your case.
- Speak to an attorney: An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to act quickly after a motorcycle accident. In California, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all.
Comparative Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
California is a comparative fault state, which means that you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by an amount equal to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident that caused $10,000 in damages, you will only be able to recover $8,000 from the other parties involved.
It is important to note that California also has a “pure comparative fault” rule, which means you can recover compensation even if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the specific facts of your case. Some of the factors that may be considered include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of property damage you’ve suffered
- Whether the other driver was at fault
- Whether the other driver was intoxicated
In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. They are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are typically only available in cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
How Can an Lawyer Help Me After a Motorcycle Accident?
Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can help you in a number of ways. First, they can investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and gather evidence to support your claim. They can also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Additionally, an expert personal injury lawyer in USA can help you understand the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected at every step. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today.
The Insurance Company Not Your Friend
After a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to deal with is an insurance company. But unfortunately, that’s often exactly what you’ll have to do. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. So, they will often try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether.
That’s why it’s important to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. An attorney can deal with the insurance companies for you and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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gunjan jaiswal0 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was hit by another driver while traveling through an intersection in Los Angeles. The insurance company disputed responsibility. There were details from the collision that didn’t match the other driver’s account. Pathway challenged the liability issue and fought to have the facts properly considered.Posted on Google![]()
Michael S.2 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I reached out to Pathway for a second opinion after feeling frustrated and dismissed by another attorney. From day one, they took the time to thoroughly review my case and clearly explain my options every step of the way. Their responsiveness, thoroughness, and straightforward communication meant so much to me. Honestly, I just wish I'd found Pathway from the very beginning!Posted on Google![]()
Esther Badewole3 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Joe and the whole team were so committed to my case. I never felt rushed or ignored, and every interaction was professional. They helped me after a serious rear-end accident, and I’d absolutely recommend them.Posted on Google![]()
Elliot White3 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After my car accident, I had no idea what to do next. Joe and his team explained every step, handled the insurance company, and kept me updated until my case was resolved.Posted on Google![]()
Irene Pemberton3 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From my very first phone call, the entire staff made me feel welcome. Every question I had was answered right away, and I never once felt rushed.Posted on Google![]()
Vedansh Choudhary4 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Another driver backed into my car and denied responsibility. Pathway Law Firm gathered the evidence needed and got the claim resolved without me having to deal with the insurance company directly. I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. Thank you!Posted on Google![]()
**************5 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I contacted Pathway Law Firm after a driver hit my vehicle while making an unsafe left turn. There were a few delays that were outside anyone’s control, but they were committed to my case and got it resolved successfully.Posted on Google![]()
Mariana colombo gonzalez20 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I slipped on a mopped floor at a shopping center with no warning signs and ended up with a fractured wrist. Pathway worked hard to hold the property owner accountable and got what I deserved. I’m so thankful for everything they did.Posted on Google![]()
Elizabeth Andrade24 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
One of the best law firms I have the pleasure of working with; they get back to you on time and value your case no matter how big or small. Cecilla and Gisselle are some of the best people who work here; they make sure you feel like you're not alone. They have great communication skills and make every client feel like they have someone in the corner fighting for them.Posted on Google![]()
MICHAEL NARH FIEMAWHLE24 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was hit by someone who wasn’t paying attention in traffic. Joe and everyone at Pathway made the process so much less stressful. They handled the insurance company and I ended up with a settlement that covered my medical bills and time away from work.Posted on Google![]()
Fazlur Rahman24 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I got into a bad motorcycle accident and was overwhelmed with medical appointments and paperwork. The legal team handled everything with the insurance company so I could focus on healing. Took a lot of weight off my shoulders.Posted on Google![]()
Nahlah Latif25 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was involved in a freeway accident with multiple cars and liability wasn’t immediately clear. The team at Pathway put together a strong case and stayed persistent until everything was resolved. I really appreciate their hard work.Posted on Google![]()
Cityvan 601927 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I appreciated how thoroughly they explained my legal options after my accident. The process wasn’t quick, but I understood why it took time, and I felt the final resolution was fair.Posted on Google![]()
rajkumar sharma28 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was bitten by a dog while delivering packages and the injuries were more serious than I first realized. Pathway Law Firm helped me recover compensation for my treatment and lost wages. Very grateful for all their help.Posted on Google![]()
Donna James41 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I contacted Pathway after a rideshare accident and they helped me understand why I wasn’t in the wrong. Their knowledge of these types of cases gave me a lot of confidence and ended up getting a great result. Excellent service throughout.Posted on Google![]()
Leslie Aranda51 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Being involved in this accident as a passenger was stressful and left me feeling anxious throughout the process. Dealing with injuries and the uncertainty of everything that comes after an accident can be overwhelming. I had been through the claims process before, and this experience felt much more organized. Reyna at Pathway Law Firm was responsive, professional, and kept me informed along the way. Whenever I had questions, she took the time to explain what was happening and made sure I knew what to expect. She helped me get started with treatment promptly and handled everything efficiently, which made the process much less overwhelming. I appreciated her attention to detail and the care she showed from beginning to end. I am grateful for Reyna and the team at Pathway Law Firm for making a difficult situation easier to get through, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for reliable legal representation after an accident.Posted on Google![]()
Bianca Aranda52 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My accident occurred on June 14, 2026, and it was my first accident, so I was understandably nervous. I immediately contacted law enforcement, but they declined to make a crash report. They did, however, help us exchange insurance information. I was worried that the other driver's insurance company wouldn't take responsibility for their insured's negligence. Thankfully, I reached out to Reyna at Pathway Law Firm. She was knowledgeable, experienced, and supportive throughout the entire process. Reyna worked quickly to ensure liability was accepted within 14 days and helped resolve my property damage claim within 30 days of my accident. She also helped me get reimbursed for my daughter's car seat and made sure I was able to begin treatment for my injuries right away. I truly appreciate Reyna's professionalism, communication, and dedication. She made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I highly recommend Reyna and the Pathway Law Firm to anyone who needs help after an accident.Posted on Google![]()
Jasmine Graciano-Ruiz52 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had my first accident and didn't know what to expect, but Reyna, my personal injury case manager at Pathway Law Firm, made the entire process so much easier. She helped get liability accepted, set up my claim, and arranged for my mom's car to be appraised and repaired. She kept me informed every step of the way and made sure everything stayed on track. Everything was handled in a timely manner, and I honestly couldn't believe how smooth the process was. Reyna was professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about helping me through the process. I highly recommend Reyna and the team at Pathway Law Firm to anyone who needs help after an accident. Thank you for making such a stressful experience much easier to get through!Posted on Google![]()
Shaoul Aftalion56 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very knowledgeable and excellent advise given, Thank you Joe
Don’t Wait to Get Help for Motorcycle Accidents
Pathway Injury Law is here to help if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Our CA motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience handling these types of cases and know what it takes to get results.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to all potential clients. This gives you an opportunity to learn more about your legal rights and options without any pressure or commitment. To schedule your consultation, call us at 1-213-263-3754 or fill out our online contact form today.
Some Areas we Serve for Motorcycle Accidents in California
- Una, CA 93314
- Saco, CA 93314
- Crome, CA 93263
- Venola, CA 93313
- Stevens, CA 93311
- Prospero, CA 93308
- Oil Junction, CA 93308
- Wible Orchard, CA 93307
- Calders Corner, CA 93314
- Sausalito, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Dallas, CA
- Vista, CA
- Oildale, CA