Fighting for you is what we do
California Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Riding is risky enough without dealing with insurance companies. We have spent 50 years protecting riders' rights and securing maximum compensation for life-changing injuries.
$1 Billion+
Recovered for Clients
50 Years
Defending Riders
8,000+
Clients Helped
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle riders face some of the most severe and life-altering injuries on the road. Unlike drivers protected by a vehicle frame, motorcyclists are exposed to direct impact, making even a minor crash capable of causing catastrophic harm. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Northern California, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the unique risks riders face and knows how to fight insurance companies that routinely try to blame the rider.
Motorcycle accidents are especially common in high-traffic East Bay corridors. Many riders travel between Concord, Brentwood, Walnut Creek, and Antioch, where motorcycle accidents along Highway 4 remain a major safety concern. Heavy traffic, unsafe lane changes, and drivers failing to notice motorcycles contribute to thousands of injuries each year.
Whether your accident involved a rear-end collision, unsafe left turn, lane-splitting incident, distracted driver, or speeding vehicle, our team is prepared to protect your rights from the moment you call. We investigate every detail of your crash, preserve critical evidence, and build the strongest possible case to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
What Are The Most Common Causes?
Reckless Driving
DUI Involvement
Lane Splitting
Distracted Drivers
Speeding
Stopping Distance
Lack Of Visibility
Weather Conditions
What Can A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do For You?
You focus on healing. We handle the fight. Here is our proven 5-step strategy for your claim.
1
Thorough Investigation
We reconstruct the accident scene, interview witnesses, and pull police reports to scientifically prove the other driver was at fault.
2
Accurate Claim Valuation
We assess the true cost of your injuries, property damage, and lost wages—including future earnings you might miss out on.
3
Aggressive Negotiation
We handle all communication with insurance companies, preventing them from using your words against you to lower your payout.
4
Personalized Guidance
Every crash is unique. We tailor our legal strategy to your specific medical needs and financial objectives.
5
Litigation Ready
If the insurance company won't offer a fair settlement, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to court.
The California Insurance Trap
In California, motorcycle insurance requirements are dangerously low. A standard "minimum limit" policy covers only $15,000 for an injury. If you need surgery, an ambulance ride, or even a few days in the hospital, that money is gone instantly.
It is risky to rely on the at-fault driver. They often carry bare minimums or try to shift blame. Our firm investigates every possible layer of coverage to get your bills paid, including:
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Triggering your own policy when the other driver can't pay.
- Umbrella Policies: Finding hidden corporate or personal assets.
- MedPay: Getting immediate cash for medical bills regardless of fault.
CA STATE MINIMUMS
Bodily Injury (1 Person)
$15,000
Often covers < 24 hours in ER
Bodily Injury (Total)
$30,000
Split between all victims
Property Damage
$5,000
Won't replace most modern bikes
Don't Face the Insurance Giants Alone.
Motorcycle accidents in California often leave riders facing severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and insurance adjusters who immediately try to shift the blame. You do not have to deal with this alone.
The Scranton Law Firm has spent more than 50 years fighting for riders across Northern California and the East Bay. Whether your crash happened on a busy interstate like I-80, a winding coastal highway, or a city street, we understand the unique hazards California riders face.
Fill out the form to get your free California motorcycle accident case review. Our legal team will contact you right away to help protect your claim, answer your questions, and ensure you understand your rights.
You focus on healing — we’ll handle the rest.
Real Riders. Real Results.
We don't use actors. We fight for real people facing the toughest recovery of their lives. Here is what our clients say about the Scranton Law Firm difference.
★★★★★
"They are truly the most trustworthy, professional, and hardworking lawyers that I have dealt with. They fought for every penny and kept me informed the entire way."
★★★★★
"I was overwhelmed by the insurance adjusters calling me after my accident. Scranton Law Firm took over everything immediately. I could finally breathe and focus on healing."
★★★★★
"Professional from start to finish. They knew exactly how to handle the medical billing issues I was facing. Highly recommend to anyone injured in the East Bay."
Find Out If You Have A Case.
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California Rider Laws & Your Rights
Insurance companies often mislead riders about California's specific vehicle codes. Here is the truth about lane splitting, liability, and your right to compensation.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in California? +
Yes. California is one of the few states where lane splitting (riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic) is explicitly legal under AB 51. Other drivers are required to share the road safely.
However, insurance adjusters often try to blame riders for "unsafe speed" while splitting. We use CHP guidelines to prove you were riding responsibly and that the other driver failed to check their blind spot before changing lanes.
Can I Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault? +
Yes. California follows a "Pure Comparative Negligence" rule. This means you can recover compensation even if you were 1%, 50%, or even 99% at fault for the crash.
For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault for speeding, you still receive $80,000. Never let an insurance adjuster tell you that you have "no case" just because you weren't perfect.
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Claim? +
Under CVC 27803, all riders and passengers in California must wear a DOT-compliant helmet. If you were not wearing one, the defense may argue that your injuries were preventable.
However, this defense only applies to head/neck injuries. If you suffered a broken leg, road rash, or spinal injury, the lack of a helmet is irrelevant to those damages. We fight to ensure the defense cannot use this against you unfairly.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit? +
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California (CCP 335.1).
CRITICAL EXCEPTION: If your accident involved a government entity (such as a Caltrans vehicle, a city bus, or a dangerous road condition), you must file a government claim within six months. Do not wait.
We Handle Catastrophic Injury Cases
Motorcycle accidents often result in life-altering trauma. Our team works with top medical experts to calculate the lifetime cost of your care, ensuring your settlement covers you for decades, not just days.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
From concussions to severe cognitive impairment. We fight for compensation that covers long-term rehabilitation, neurology costs, and lost cognitive function.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis, herniated discs, and nerve damage require expensive lifetime care. We factor in home modifications, assistive devices, and future surgeries.
Severe Road Rash & Burns
Often minimized by insurers, "road rash" can require painful skin grafts and leave permanent disfigurement. We demand payment for scarring and pain and suffering.
Complex Fractures
Biker impacts often shatter bones in the legs, arms, and ribs. We account for orthopedic surgeries, hardware implants, and the risk of future arthritis.
California Rider FAQ
Expert answers to the most complex questions about motorcycle law, liability, and insurance tactics.
How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
Every case is different, but the value typically includes medical bills (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In severe injury cases involving TBI or spinal damage, settlements can reach into the millions. We calculate the "Lifetime Cost" of your injury to ensure you never run out of funds for care.
Can I still sue if I was lane splitting?
Yes. Lane splitting is legal in California (AB 51). Insurance companies often try to claim you were splitting "unsafely" to deny liability. We use CHP guidelines and accident reconstruction to prove you were riding lawfully and that the driver failed to check their blind spot.
Does California have "No-Fault" motorcycle insurance?
No. California is a "Tort" (at-fault) state. This means the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible. Unlike no-fault states where your own insurance pays automatically, in California, we must prove the other driver was negligent to get their insurance to pay.
Can I get compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Yes. While California law requires helmets, failure to wear one does not bar you from suing. It only affects damages related to head/neck injuries. If you suffered a broken leg or back injury, the lack of a helmet is irrelevant, and we will fight to ensure the defense cannot use it against you.
What if I was hit by a drunk driver?
Accidents involving DUI are not just negligence; they are crimes. In civil cases against drunk drivers, we often pursue Punitive Damages in addition to standard compensation. These damages are designed to punish the reckless conduct of the driver and can significantly increase the final settlement amount of your case.
What if it was a hit-and-run accident?
If the other driver flees the scene and cannot be found, we file a claim under your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy. This coverage steps in to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In California, using your UM coverage for a hit-and-run where you were not at fault typically does not raise your insurance premiums.
What if the driver who hit me didn't have insurance?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is a critical safety net for riders. If you have UM coverage on your own policy, we can file a claim against your own insurer to pay for your injuries. This does not typically raise your premiums if you were not at fault.
Why do motorcycle claims take longer than car accidents?
Motorcycle injuries are often more severe (road rash, fractures, TBI) and take longer to stabilize. Settling too early—before you reach "Maximum Medical Improvement"—is a huge mistake. We wait until doctors understand your long-term prognosis to ensure the settlement covers future care, not just past bills.
Can my passenger also file a claim?
Absolutely. Passengers have the same rights to compensation as riders. If another driver caused the crash, the passenger can sue them. If the motorcycle operator was at fault, the passenger may be able to file a claim against the operator's insurance policy.
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle lawyer?
Zero upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid a percentage of the settlement we win for you. If we don't win your case, you owe us nothing. We also advance all court costs and expert witness fees.
Don't Let the Insurance Company Undervalue Your Ride.
The clock is already ticking on your claim. Antioch riders have relied on our 50+ years of experience to secure the maximum compensation for their injuries. We don't get paid unless we win your case.
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Attorney Advertisement: Do not rely on this advertisement in making any medical decision. Please call your physician before making any medical decision, including altering your use of any drug. This advertisement is not intended as a testimonial or endorsement, and does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, either express or implied. Non-attorney spokesperson. Anyone considering a lawyer should independently investigate the lawyers’ credentials and ability, and not rely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. Court costs and expenses may be the responsibility of the client. Scranton Law Firm, 2450 Stanwell Drive. Concord, CA 94520 Attorneys are licensed in California, and may affiliate with attorneys located in other states. Cases will not be accepted in states where attorney solicitation is prohibited.