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California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash in Los Angeles, San Diego, or elsewhere in the state of California, The Advocates are here to help.

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You

Motorcycle accidents are around 30 times more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities than ordinary car accidents. This is partly because motorcycle riders have much less protection than occupants of other motor vehicles.

After a motorcycle collision, the victim often faces injuries, emotional distress, and financial damages that seem never ending. It may feel like you and your loved ones have been left to pick up the pieces of your lives by yourselves.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The Advocates are experienced motorcycle accident lawyers who can help you on the road to recovery. We are here to provide personalized care and legal representation based on your unique needs.

Contact us today for a free consultation. With an Advocate, you are never alone.

The Next Steps In Your California Motorcycle Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can

Property Damage

Get the damage on your bike assessed and fixed

Finish Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your attorney will compile your medical records

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We don’t get paid unless we win your case and you receive a settlement.

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.

Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Motorcycle Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

We only get paid if we win your case!

Hable con un profesional

California Motorcycle Statistics

California motorcycle accident statistics  

  • Southern California sees the highest number of motorcycle accident fatalities each year compared to the rest of the state, partly due to the larger population of this area and partly due to its ideal riding conditions.
  • According to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SITRS), an average of 526 bikers were killed each year in California between 2015-2019.
  • Those aged 15-34 are more likely to be killed or injured in a motorcycle accident than any other age group.
  • Most motorcycle accidents happen between April and October.
  • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most motorcycle accidents happen during daylight hours and in clear weather conditions.
  • Around 46% of motorcyclists killed in accidents in 2021 had a BAC at or above the legal limit.

Motorcycle helmet statistics 

  • California has one of the highest rates of motorcycle helmet use in the country, thanks to a law requiring that all riders and passengers wear a DOT-compliant helmet.
  • The NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets saved the lives of more than 1,800 bikers in 2017.
  • The most common motorcycle accident injury is to the lower extremities, but the most severe injuries are often to the head.
  • Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.
Motorcyclist lane splitting on the freeway

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

  • Speeding: Not only does speeding increase the risk of an accident, it also greatly increases the chances of motorcycle fatalities or injuries.
  • Impaired driving: In California, more than 250 motorcyclists killed in accidents in 2021 had a BAC at or above the legal limit.
  • Failure to see the motorcyclist: Drivers of cars and trucks should check their blind spots twice before turning or making lane changes. Motorcyclists can be easy to miss because of their size relative to other vehicles on the road.
  • Failure to give motorcyclists appropriate space: Operators of motor vehicles should allow bikers plenty of following distance—it can be difficult to accurately judge the speed of a motorcycle. Additionally, motorcyclists may move around within their lane to avoid unsafe road conditions like potholes, debris, loose gravel, and other hazards.

Common motorcycle accident injuries 

Motorcycle accidents can lead to mild cuts and bruises or to more serious injuries, like internal organ damage or paralysis. Some of the most common injuries that motorcycle accident victims face include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Disfigurement
  • Broken bones
  • Broken or missing teeth
  • Ligament tears or strains
  • Road rash
An unidentified male riding motorcycle on the dark misty mountain road at dusk.

California Motorcycle Laws

Is lane splitting legal in California?

Lane splitting, or the practice of motorcycles sharing lanes with passenger vehicles to reduce traffic congestion, is legal in California.

Motorists should be aware that motorcyclists may be weaving through traffic. It is against the law to block or impede a motorcyclist in a way that could hurt them.

What licenses must a motorcyclist have to ride on public roads?

A Class M license is required to operate a motorcycle in California. To obtain this license, a person must: 

  • Complete a motorcycle training course
  • Pass a knowledge and skills test
  • Have an instruction permit for at least six months

Depending on the age and experience of the applicant, they may need to complete additional training.

Motorcycle training course
An unidentified male riding motorcycle on the dark misty mountain road at dusk.

What equipment must a motorcycle have to be street legal?

In order to be considered street legal in California, a motorcycle must have:

  • Tires with sufficient tread and air pressure for safe operation
  • Headlight, taillight, brake light, and turn signals in good working order
  • Front and rear brakes
  • A horn
  • Mirror(s)

What damages can I seek in a motorcycle accident claim?

Every personal injury case is different. The amount of compensation you can seek for your damages will depend on the circumstances surrounding your accident, the severity of your injuries, and the amount of treatment you require.

Some common damages from motorcycle crashes include:

  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Funeral and burial expenses (in the event of wrongful death)

The best way to know how much your case is worth is by talking to a personal injury attorney. Contact The Advocates for a free case evaluation—we can help you understand your legal options at no cost to you.

When Should I Hire a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Not every accident requires an attorney. If you weren’t injured, you likely will not need a lawyer. However, if you find yourself facing medical expenses, missing work, or grieving the loss of a family member, an attorney can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.

The Advocates are here for you. Our experienced lawyers will build your case and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, so that you can focus on feeling better. Contact us today for a free consultation.

You deserve personalized legal representation for your motorcycle accident case. You deserve an Advocate.