Motorcycle accident?Talk to a lawyer for free.

Generally two years from the crash to file an injury lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), but only six months for a written claim when a public agency is involved. For an injured rider or passenger under 18, the two years usually don't start until their 18th birthday; the six-month claim isn't paused. Bikes get repaired and footage gets erased long before either deadline, so it helps to call early.

No. We handle motorcycle accident cases anywhere in California, with offices from Stockton to Palm Desert. If you can't travel, we'll come to your home or the hospital.

You may. State law requires a helmet that meets federal (DOT) standards, strapped on and the right size, for every rider and passenger whatever their age. Breaking that rule doesn't cancel the driver's responsibility for the crash. Under California's comparative fault rule, the driver's side has to show the missing helmet made your injuries worse, a head injury for example, and even if it does, the award goes down by your share of responsibility but doesn't disappear.

Yes. In the CHP's own words, “Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California,” and Vehicle Code §21658.1 defines it: riding a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Riding on the shoulder is illegal and doesn't count as lane splitting, and a driver who intentionally blocks a rider in a way that could cause harm is breaking the law, the CHP says. Fault turns on how everyone was riding and driving, so splitting lanes doesn't by itself put the crash on you.

Your own policy's uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries if you didn't waive it in writing. The underinsured part applies once the driver's policy has paid its limit. It covers injuries, not damage to the bike itself, which is usually claimed from the driver's insurer or your own collision coverage. We check every policy that might apply.

Sometimes. If the driver was on the job, the employer is generally responsible too. If a defect in the motorcycle, a part or the other vehicle caused the crash, the maker or seller may be liable. A city, county or Caltrans may be responsible for a dangerous road condition it created or knew about in time to fix.

Their spouse or domestic partner, children and, in some cases, other family members can bring a wrongful death claim, usually within two years of the death. Who can claim and what the claim covers are set out on our California wrongful death page, and we can visit your family at home.

Nothing upfront. Your consultation is free, and no attorney's fees are owed unless we recover compensation for you. You may be responsible for case-related costs and expenses; we'll explain them before you sign.