Wilshire Attorneys®

Motorcyclists face a substantially higher risk of serious injury and death than people in passenger cars, according to federal crash data. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that motorcyclists are roughly 29 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash and about four times more likely to be injured. Helmets help considerably and are estimated to reduce the risk of fatal head injury, but they cannot prevent every injury in a serious collision. If a crash has upended your life, a free case review with our team may help you understand what your claim could involve.

Most motorcycle accidents trace back to another driver’s negligence, though road conditions and mechanical failures also play a role. Common causes generally include distracted driving, failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, and drivers simply not seeing a rider. Environmental factors such as poor weather, potholes, and debris can contribute, and defective brakes or tires may point to a product liability issue under California law. Identifying the true cause often shapes who can be held responsible, which is one reason many riders speak with a legal professional early.

Motorcycle riders often sustain more severe injuries than other motorists because they have little physical protection in a crash. Frequently seen injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage that may lead to paralysis, fractures and broken bones, and road rash or other soft tissue trauma. These injuries can require emergency care, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation, and their full cost is not always clear right away. Documenting the medical picture carefully generally matters a great deal when pursuing compensation.

Taking a few careful steps after a motorcycle accident can help protect both your health and any future claim. In most cases it helps to seek medical care promptly, notify your insurance company while being cautious about recorded statements, avoid posting about the crash on social media, and think twice before accepting an early settlement offer that may not reflect your full losses. It is also generally wise to preserve evidence and speak with a legal professional before signing anything. Not sure whether an offer is fair? A free case review is available 24/7.

Fault in a California motorcycle accident is generally determined using negligence principles and the state’s comparative fault rule. To establish negligence, an injured rider typically must show duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. California Civil Code § 1431.2 and the state’s comparative negligence framework mean that even a rider found partly at fault may still recover compensation, reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Evidence such as police reports, photos, witness statements, and expert analysis often helps clarify who was responsible. More than one party — another driver, a government entity, or a manufacturer — may share liability.

Compensation after a motorcycle accident may cover both economic and non-economic losses tied to the crash. Recoverable damages can generally include medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage to your motorcycle. In cases involving especially egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. California generally applies a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, so acting within the deadline matters. A free case review can help you understand what categories may apply to your situation.

Many riders find that working with an experienced attorney helps them navigate insurance and evidence issues they might otherwise handle alone. A lawyer can generally assist with investigating the crash, gathering and presenting evidence, dealing with insurance adjusters, and working to pursue fair compensation. At Wilshire Law Firm, cases like these are typically handled on a contingency basis, which means there are no fees unless you get paid. Wondering whether your case is worth pursuing? Our award-winning, nationally recognized team offers a free case review, available 24/7.