What Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle in California
Motorcycle accidents happen in many different ways, often due to negligent drivers who fail to see or respect riders on the road. As experienced California motorcycle accident lawyers, ER Trial Lawyers represents injured motorcyclists in a wide range of cases, including:
Left-turn motorcycle accidents, where drivers misjudge speed or fail to yield
Lane change and merging accidents caused by blind spots or distracted driving
Rear-end motorcycle collisions, often resulting in severe spinal or head injuries
Intersection accidents involving failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs
Drunk or distracted driving accidents, including texting while driving
Highway and freeway motorcycle crashes involving excessive speed or unsafe road conditions
Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, where drivers flee the scene
Motorcycle crashes frequently lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries. When negligence is involved, our firm investigates every detail, works with experts, and prepares each case as if it will go to trial to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California
Motorcycle accidents in California are often caused by driver negligence rather than rider error. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, even minor mistakes by drivers can lead to devastating consequences for riders. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Failure to yield, especially during left turns at intersections
Distracted driving, such as texting, using GPS, or adjusting in-car technology
Unsafe lane changes where drivers fail to check blind spots
Speeding and reckless driving, reducing reaction time around motorcycles
Drunk or impaired driving, which significantly increases crash severity
Following too closely, leading to rear-end collisions
Dangerous road conditions, including potholes, debris, or uneven pavement
Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection during a crash. When a negligent driver causes an accident, injured riders may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries because riders lack the protection provided by seatbelts, airbags, and vehicle frames. Even low-speed crashes can cause significant harm, while high-impact collisions frequently lead to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries we see include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and permanent cognitive impairment
Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis
Broken bones and fractures, especially to the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis
Severe road rash, which can lead to infection, scarring, and nerve damage
Internal organ injuries, including damage to the lungs, liver, or spleen
Neck and back injuries, such as herniated discs or chronic pain conditions
Amputations or crush injuries caused by high-force impacts
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. A California motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure that all current and future medical needs are fully accounted for when pursuing compensation.
What Compensation Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?
Motorcycle accident victims in California may be entitled to significant compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash. Because motorcycle injuries are often catastrophic, damages frequently extend far beyond immediate medical bills. A California motorcycle accident lawyer can help pursue compensation for:
Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
Lost income and reduced earning capacity, if injuries prevent a return to work
Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement, such as paralysis, scarring, or amputations
Property damage, including motorcycle repair or replacement
Wrongful death damages, when a fatal motorcycle accident occurs
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or unfairly blame motorcyclists for their injuries. Our firm aggressively pushes back against these tactics by building strong, evidence-based cases and preparing every claim as if it will proceed to trial.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in California
Taking the right steps after a motorcycle accident can protect your health and your legal rights. If you are able, consider the following actions after a crash in California:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not immediately apparent
- Call law enforcement and ensure an accident report is filed
- Document the scene, including photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and skid marks
- Gather witness information, such as names and contact details
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies
- Preserve evidence, including damaged riding gear and your motorcycle
- Contact a California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible
Insurance companies often move quickly to limit their financial exposure. Having experienced legal representation early helps protect against unfair blame, low settlement offers, and critical mistakes that could weaken your claim.
How a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Motorcycle accident claims are often complex and aggressively contested by insurance companies. An experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer can level the playing field by protecting your rights and handling every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery.
At ER Trial Lawyers, we help injured motorcyclists by:
Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident, including reviewing police reports, medical records, and available video evidence
Working with accident reconstruction and medical experts to establish fault and document the full extent of injuries
Handling all communications with insurance companies, preventing unfair blame or low settlement offers
Calculating full damages, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and long-term impact
Preparing every case for trial, giving us maximum leverage during negotiations
We are trial lawyers first. That preparation often results in stronger settlements — and when insurers refuse to act fairly, we are fully prepared to take cases to court. There are no upfront costs, and clients pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation.
Proven Results for Injured Motorcyclists
ER Trial Lawyers has secured significant recoveries for motorcycle accident victims, including a $6,000,000 settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury after his Harley crashed due to a dangerous roadway defect, and a $2,860,000 verdict for a motorcyclist whose leg was severely injured when a careless driver pulled out from a shopping mall. These results reflect our commitment to preparing every case for trial and pursuing maximum compensation.
FAQs – Motorcycle Accidents
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth in California?
The value of a motorcycle accident case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, long-term care needs, and whether the accident caused permanent disability. Serious motorcycle injury cases often result in substantial compensation because riders are more vulnerable to catastrophic harm. A California motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and estimate its potential value after reviewing the facts.
What if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies often attempt to unfairly blame motorcyclists, which is why legal representation is critical.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. If a government entity is involved, shorter deadlines may apply. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation.
Do I need a lawyer after a motorcycle accident?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, motorcycle accident claims are frequently complex and aggressively challenged by insurance companies. An experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights, handle negotiations, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation while you focus on recovery.
What if the motorcycle accident was caused by a road defect or unsafe conditions?
If a motorcycle accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, defective roadway design, or lack of proper maintenance, additional parties — including government agencies — may be liable. These cases involve unique rules and strict deadlines, making early legal guidance especially important.
How much does it cost to hire a California motorcycle accident lawyer?
ER Trial Lawyers handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. You pay no legal fees unless compensation is recovered through a settlement or verdict.
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If there is no recovery, then there are never any fees or costs to you.
