1. DiMarco | Araujo | Montevideo
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, rear-end motorcycle collisions, lane splitting accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has been assisting the Orange County and Southern California communities for over 40 years. More than three decades of legal experience with significant settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of clients throughout California and the US. Client-centered focus with personalized attention. Handles cases on contingency fee basis with no upfront costs. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Historic Spurgeon Building, 206 W. 4th Street, Suite 305, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Contact: (714) 783-2205 | https://www.damfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
2. HN Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, red light/stop sign violation accidents, left-turn motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, failure to yield motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence preservation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, loss of enjoyment of life damages, future medical care claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Seasoned Santa Ana motorcycle accident attorneys experienced in handling motorcycle injury claims. Understands that insurance companies try to minimize settlements and provides passionate advocacy for clients’ interests and rights. Familiar with Orange County traffic patterns and motorcycle accident causes. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Santa Ana, California (Orange County)
Contact: (657) 333-5726 | https://www.hn-lawyers.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
3. KAL Attorneys (KAL Law APC)
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, dog bites, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, head injury motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injury motorcycle accidents, broken bone motorcycle accidents, road rash injuries, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence documentation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, emotional distress damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Dedicated professionals who have helped numerous individuals who have sustained injury due to someone else’s negligence. Personalized approach focusing on each client’s specific needs. Compassionate to client situations. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar. Also serves Riverside area.
Location: Santa Ana, California
Contact: (714) 881-7300 | https://www.kalattorneys.com
Consultation: Free case evaluations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
4. Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, left-turn motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, failure to notice motorcyclist accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, future medical care claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Experienced Santa Ana personal injury attorneys who help hold liable parties responsible for damages. Promise that attorneys never make more money on a case than the client. Work on contingency basis with no upfront costs and no charges if they do not win. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Santa Ana, California
Contact: https://www.hanningsacchetto.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
5. Callahan & Blaine
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, broken bone motorcycle accidents, road rash motorcycle accidents, burn injury motorcycle accidents, spinal injury motorcycle accidents, traumatic brain injury motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, evidence collection, proving the four elements of negligence, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has 29 experienced lawyers available to handle motorcycle accident cases. Experienced in identifying and holding the correct liable party responsible for negligent actions. Skilled at proving liability through evidence of duty, breach, causation, and damages. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Santa Ana, California (Orange County)
Contact: https://www.callahan-law.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in California
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1. Missing this deadline results in losing the right to pursue legal action.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Statute of Limitations for Government Entity Claims: Six months to file an administrative claim if a government entity is involved.
Fault vs. No-Fault State: California is a fault-based (at-fault) state. The at-fault party is responsible for compensating the injured victim.
Comparative Negligence Rules: California follows a pure comparative negligence system. You can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you are 90% at fault, you can still recover 10% of your damages.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements (effective January 1, 2025 under SB 1107):
Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
Property Damage: $15,000 per accident
Helmet Laws: California has a universal helmet law under Vehicle Code Section 27803. ALL motorcycle operators and passengers must wear DOT-approved helmets regardless of age.
Eye Protection Requirements: Required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is LEGAL in California. Motorcyclists may ride between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Riders must have a valid Class M1 or M2 motorcycle license.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must have headlamps, taillamps, turn signals, mirrors, and compliant exhaust systems.
Damage Caps: California does not have caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in California?
A: California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This deadline begins on the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death. If a government entity is involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines results in losing your right to pursue compensation.
Q: Is lane splitting legal in California, and how does it affect accident claims?
A: Yes, lane splitting is legal in California. However, if you were involved in an accident while lane splitting unsafely or at excessive speeds, this could be used as evidence of comparative negligence, potentially reducing your compensation.
Q: Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault in California?
A: Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. California does not bar recovery even if you are more than 50% at fault.
Q: What types of compensation can I recover in a Santa Ana motorcycle accident case?
A: You may recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). Punitive damages may be available in cases involving egregious conduct.
Q: Do I need to wear a helmet in California?
A: Yes. California has a universal helmet law requiring ALL motorcycle operators and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets regardless of age. Failure to wear a helmet could affect your compensation if it contributed to the severity of head injuries.