Motorcycle Accident Lawyer California | HellaHurt
Potentially relevant categories of loss and legal issues depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, and coverage. A lawyer can assess a specific matter.
California Motorcycle Accident Law
California is the only state that expressly permits lane splitting (CVC § 21658.1). When a motorcyclist lane-splits lawfully and a driver opens a door or changes lanes without checking mirrors, the driver is at fault. Insurers routinely argue the rider was lane-splitting unsafely to reduce their payout — HellaHurt counters this with accident reconstruction and speed data.
Helmet law: California requires all motorcyclists to wear a DOT-approved helmet (CVC § 27803). Riding without a helmet does not bar your recovery, but insurers will argue it contributed to your head injuries. HellaHurt fights this argument with medical evidence.
Injury severity: Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled than passenger car occupants (NHTSA). Serious injuries — traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, road rash requiring skin grafts — are common. HellaHurt works with life-care planners to document future medical costs.
Issues for Attorney Review
Potentially relevant categories of loss and legal issues depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, and coverage. A lawyer can assess a specific matter.
What to Do After a motorcycle accident in California
The steps you take immediately after a motorcycle accident in California can affect the information available for a later legal review. Consider these practical steps:
- Document the incident: Get police and emergency medical services to the scene. The police report is foundational evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated. Many serious injuries — including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding — have delayed symptoms. Gaps in medical treatment hurt your claim.
- Document everything: Take photos and video of the scene, all parties involved, road or property conditions, your visible injuries, and any damage. Surveillance footage is often overwritten within 24–72 hours — act fast.
- Get witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident. Witnesses become harder to locate over time.
- Do not give a recorded statement: Do not give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Adjusters use recorded statements to find inconsistencies that reduce your settlement.
- Contact HellaHurt: Call 888-693-5777 or start your free AI case check to understand your rights before speaking with any insurance company.
Why Choose HellaHurt for Your California Motorcycle Accident Case
- Licensed California attorneys: Morgan D. Ross (CA Bar #270650) and Robert B. Salgado (CA Bar #297391)
- Contingency fee: No fees or case costs unless there's a recovery.
- Free AI case check: Get an instant analysis of your claim online
- Statewide representation: We handle cases throughout all of California
- Free consultation: No pressure, no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
California's statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury (CCP § 335.1). For claims against government entities, you have only 6 months to file a government tort claim. Contact HellaHurt immediately if you are approaching a deadline.
What issues may be relevant to a motorcycle accident in California?
Potentially relevant categories of loss and legal issues depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, and coverage. A lawyer can assess a specific matter.
Does lane splitting affect my motorcycle accident claim?
Not necessarily. California law permits lane splitting when done safely. If you were lane-splitting within the speed of traffic and a driver changed lanes without signaling, the driver is at fault. HellaHurt uses accident reconstruction to establish the facts.
What if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
California requires helmets, but not wearing one does not bar your recovery. It may reduce your damages for head injuries under comparative negligence. HellaHurt fights insurer arguments that overstate the helmet's impact on your specific injuries.
Does HellaHurt handle motorcycle accident cases throughout California?
Yes. HellaHurt handles motorcycle accident cases throughout all of California — San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and every city in between. We are a statewide firm. Call 888-693-5777 for a free consultation.
What if I was partially at fault for my motorcycle accident in California?
California follows pure comparative negligence — you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce their payout. HellaHurt fights back.
Free Case Evaluation
- Start your free AI case check — instant analysis online →
- Call 888-693-5777
- No fees or case costs unless there's a recovery.