California lane-splitting law
California is the only U.S. state where lane-splitting (riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic) is legal. Insurance carriers and defense attorneys will often try to argue that lane-splitting itself contributed to the accident — even when the actual cause was an inattentive driver. Knowing how to present a lane-splitting case to a California jury is a specific skill.
Common motorcycle injuries
Even with a helmet, motorcycle accidents commonly produce: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, road rash requiring grafting, and amputations. These are catastrophic injuries with long-term medical and economic consequences that require careful future-damages calculation.
Helmet law and comparative fault
California requires every rider and passenger to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Not wearing one does not bar recovery, but a carrier will argue comparative fault on head and neck injuries. Even with a helmet on, properly preserving the helmet itself as evidence is critical — we instruct riders not to clean or modify it before our investigator can document it.
Uninsured / underinsured motorist claims
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance, your own auto policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. California requires that UM/UIM be offered with every auto policy unless waived in writing. We pursue every available source of recovery, including stacked UM/UIM policies where applicable.
Free case review
Call (213) 380-9310 for a free review of your motorcycle accident case. We handle catastrophic-injury motorcycle cases throughout California.