When a careless driver causes a motorcycle crash, the rider almost always pays the highest physical price. Motorcyclists have no metal cage, no airbag, no seatbelt — just a helmet and protective gear standing between them and 4,000-pound vehicles traveling 60 miles per hour. You need a California motorcycle accident attorney who understands California riders, California law, and how to fight back against insurance companies that try to blame the rider.
The Advocates Injury Attorneys are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact The Advocates Injury Attorneys at 1-888-565-5277 today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Drivers may fail to spot bikes when changing lanes
Phones, GPS, infotainment, & food can distract drivers
Alcohol or drugs affecting either driver or rider
Crashes at high speed increase fatality risk
Tailgating, weaving, & aggressive maneuvers
A leading cause of injury in lane-splitting crashes
Fault in a California motorcycle accident is determined by applying the state’s pure comparative negligence standard. Investigators, insurers, and courts look at: whether the driver checked mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes; whether the rider was lane splitting within CHP guidelines; speed of both vehicles at the time of impact; whether either party was impaired or distracted; road conditions and visibility; dashcam, traffic camera, or witness evidence; and accident reconstruction analysis. Even if a rider wasn’t wearing full gear or was lane splitting, they can still recover — their compensation is simply reduced by their percentage of fault. An experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer will build the evidence needed to minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery.
Yes. Motorcycle passengers injured in a crash have the same right to pursue compensation as any other accident victim. A passenger can file a claim against the at-fault driver — whether that’s the operator of another vehicle, the motorcycle rider, or both. California’s pure comparative negligence rules apply, meaning a passenger’s recovery isn’t barred even if multiple parties share fault. Passengers often sustain the same severe injuries as the rider and are entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact a California motorcycle accident attorney to evaluate your specific situation.
Yes. California is the only state where lane splitting is fully legal under Vehicle Code § 21658.1. The CHP publishes lane-splitting guidelines that recommend safe practices. Even when a rider is splitting lanes, drivers can still be at fault for failing to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
It can be, and our attorneys know how to counter it. Many jurors carry stereotypes about bikers. We carefully select juries, present clear visual evidence, humanize our clients, and rely on accident reconstruction to keep the focus on what actually happened.
Yes. California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a DOT-compliant helmet. Failure to wear one doesn’t bar your recovery, but it can reduce damages tied to head injuries under comparative negligence.
Lack of jacket, gloves, or boots may be raised by the defense to argue some injuries were avoidable. California’s comparative negligence rule means this might reduce — but not eliminate — your recovery.
Two years from the date of the crash under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Six months for claims against a government entity for dangerous road conditions or a government vehicle.
Nothing upfront. Your initial consultation is completely free, we work on contingency, and if we don’t win you owe us nothing.
As a California motorcycle accident law firm, The Advocates bring rider-focused experience and over $500 million in recovered compensation to every case. When selecting a California motorcycle accident attorney, look for a firm with trial experience, a genuine understanding of rider culture, and a proven record of results.
Proven Track Record
Over $500 million recovered for injury victims, including motorcycle riders across California.
No Upfront Cost
Pay nothing unless we win. We advance all case costs so you can focus on healing.
Trial-Ready Advocacy
We prepare every case for trial, which produces better settlements and sends a clear message to insurers.
Bilingual Team
Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff are available to serve California’s diverse riding community throughout the entire legal process.
Rider-Focused Approach
We understand riders. We’ll help you find a reputable shop for repairs, work with medical providers familiar with motorcycle trauma, and document the gear you were wearing — important evidence many firms overlook.
I was in an accident 3 years ago and had a very bad experience with the attorney back then I was in another accident last year and called the advocates mark and his team were amazing changed my view on accident attorneys they kept I'm touch with me every step of the way gave me authority on choices for myself I didn't have to go with what they said I could go against it and they still would have worked with me the same I had choices this time around I would always go with Mark I have even sent friends his way just cause I appreciate all the help and support the whole way threw.
My experience with the advocates was a good one. After being hit by a car on my motorcycle they helped me with a settlement with the insurance company to get the hospital bills paid. They were extremely helpful. They always answered any questions I had with in a day. Every email I sent was always responded to. If you unfortunately has to go through a injury by another person I would recommend them in helping you resolve any debt you have because if that injury. The Advocates were great to work with and help me get this unfortunate event behind me.
Steve and his crew at The Advocates were nothing short for amazing. They took my case after I was rear-ended resulting in neck surgery. Steve and company made sure all of the was taken care of and that I got the maximum compensation possible. I definitely recommend The Advocates
Mr. Brad Johnson, our lawyer; was Awesome! He was very informative, kept us up to date on my case with regular calls. He returned calls back to us within 24 hours or less. Brad Johnson is very courteous, honest, kind, and a pleasure to talk to and work with. There are very few Lawyers out there that could even come close to the high morals that Brad Johnson has and has shown towards us. We need more lawyers like Brad Johnson . If we ever needed a disability lawyer again in the future; it would be Brad Johnson and The Advocates Firm that he works at. We will definitely turn ALL of our family and friends towards this lawyer and firm; in a heartbeat!!!
I want to First say that I am truly thankful for the advocates Law Firm they have been a great service to me through this ordeal and Katie she is a tremendous lawyer someone that I would recommend she fights tooth and nail for her clients and the rest of the team they supported me to the fullest with that being said I would like to say for anyone who is trying to find an attorney to fight their case The Advocates is the way to go.
California has more registered motorcycles than any other state, over 800,000, and consistently sees among the highest motorcycle fatality numbers in the nation. According to California Highway Patrol data, hundreds of motorcyclists are killed on California roads each year, with thousands more injured.
Riders aged 25 to 34 represent the largest share of victims, and over 90% of motorcycle crash victims are male. Counties with the highest motorcycle crash volumes include Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange. As experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in California, we have seen firsthand how these crashes devastate riders and families in every one of these communities.
Even with full protective gear, motorcycle riders absorb tremendous force in a crash. Common injuries include:
These injuries often involve months of treatment, multiple surgeries, and permanent impairment.
Lane splitting, riding between lanes of slower or stopped traffic, is legal in California for licensed motorcycle operators. The CHP encourages riders to travel no more than 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic, avoid splitting at speeds above 30 mph, and avoid splitting near intersections, exit ramps, or wide vehicles.
Drivers are required to give riders space and check mirrors before changing lanes. Failure to do so is negligence, and a leading cause of California motorcycle crashes. A motorcycle accident attorney in California will use CHP guidelines, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction to establish exactly who was at fault when a lane-splitting crash occurs.
Under California Vehicle Code § 27803, all riders and passengers must wear DOT-compliant helmets. Acceptable helmets carry a DOT certification mark on the back and must fit properly. A helmet that is too loose or improperly secured does not satisfy the law.
A motorcycle accident attorney in California can help you understand how helmet compliance, or non-compliance, may affect your specific claim, and how to present that evidence in the most favorable light.
Identifying every liable party is one of the first things an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney will do. Liability isn’t always limited to the other driver, possible defendants include:
California allows motorcycle accident victims to recover:
Whether you ride canyons in the San Gabriels, commute through the Bay Area, cruise the PCH, or split lanes on the 405, The Advocates Injury Attorneys are ready to serve as your California motorcycle accident attorney from the first call to the final resolution of your case.
Call 1-888-565-5277 for your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
