1. Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions with cars and trucks, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, head-on motorcycle collisions, hit-and-run accidents, accidents caused by defective motorcycle parts, accidents caused by road hazards
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, witness interviews, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expert consultation, future medical care cost projection, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: The firm has obtained more personal injury verdicts and settlements over $10,000,000 than any law firm in California history. Over 99% success rate. Recovered over $5 billion for clients since 2010. Serves Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, Pasadena, Long Beach, Glendale, Burbank, and surrounding areas.
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas)
Contact: (310) 928-6200 | https://www.panish.law/motorcycle-accidents.html
Consultation: Free confidential case evaluation available, contingency fee arrangement
2. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, sportbike accidents, cruiser accidents, touring motorcycle accidents, off-road motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents, hit-and-run accidents
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, left-turn accidents, lane splitting accidents, unsafe lane change accidents, accidents caused by poor road conditions, equipment failures involving semi-trucks, no-contact accidents, property damage claims
Legal Services: Accident investigation, traffic collision report analysis, private investigator dispatch for witness canvassing, surveillance footage collection, preservation of evidence letters, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation
Background: Founded in Los Angeles almost 50 years ago. The firm handles more California motorcycle accident claims than any other firm. Dedicated members of the rider community attending rallies and club events throughout California. Attorneys are motorcyclists themselves who understand rider culture and unique challenges.
Location: Los Angeles, CA (headquarters)
Contact: https://russbrown.com/los-angeles-motorcycle-accident-lawyers/
Consultation: Free consultation and advice available, even for cases that may not appear favorable
3. The Dominguez Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions with cars and trucks, hit-and-run accidents, accidents caused by distracted drivers, accidents caused by drunk drivers, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, accidents involving uninsured motorists
Legal Services: Accident investigation with in-house investigators, evidence preservation, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expert consultation, lost wage recovery
Background: Over 35 years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for accident victims. Legal team of over 130 professionals. 96% success rate. Serves clients regardless of immigration status.
Location: Los Angeles, CA (serving all of Southern California)
Contact: (800) 818-1818 | https://dominguezfirm.com/injury-lawyer/motorcycle-accidents/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no upfront fees)
4. Wilshire Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, lane splitting accidents, left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents caused by distracted drivers, accidents involving uninsured and underinsured motorists, accidents caused by road hazards
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident scene documentation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage calculation
Background: Founded in 2007. The firm has recovered over $1 billion for clients. Represents riders involved in motorcycle accidents daily. California personal injury law firm with extensive knowledge of California comparative negligence law.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Contact: https://wilshirelawfirm.com/los-angeles-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no legal fees unless client wins)
5. Rose, Klein & Marias LLP
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, lane splitting accidents, left-turn accidents, accidents caused by road hazards, accidents involving defective motorcycle parts, accidents caused by distracted or negligent drivers, uninsured motorist claims
Legal Services: Accident investigation, negligence analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, case valuation, medical lien resolution, property damage claims
Background: Over 80 combined years of experience helping motor vehicle accident victims. The firm is committed to both obtaining compensation for clients and furthering the laws that apply to motorcycle accident cases. Serves Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Contact: (213) 626-0571 | https://www.rkmlaw.net/los-angeles-motorcycle-accident-attorney/
Consultation: Free consultation available, no costs upfront
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in California
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1)
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date the damage occurred
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death
Statute of Limitations for Claims Against Government Entities: Six months to file a claim with the proper government entity
Insurance State Status: California is a fault-based (tort) insurance state. The at-fault party is responsible for paying damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: California follows pure comparative negligence (California Civil Code Section 1714). An injured motorcyclist can recover damages even if 99% at fault, with compensation reduced by their percentage of fault.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements:
- $15,000 bodily injury or death to one person
- $30,000 bodily injury or death to more than one person in a single accident
- $5,000 property damage
Helmet Law: Universal helmet law. All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear DOT-approved helmets meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, regardless of age (California Vehicle Code Section 27803). Enacted in 1992.
Eye Protection Requirements: Not explicitly required by law, but recommended. Helmets with face shields are commonly used.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Legal in California (California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1). California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly recognized as legal. CHP guidelines recommend not splitting at speeds exceeding 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic and not splitting when traffic is moving 40 mph or faster.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Class M1 or M2 license or endorsement required. Must pass written test and skills test. California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) offers Basic Rider Course (mandatory for riders under 21, recommended for those 21 and over).
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements:
- Right and left mirrors required (California Vehicle Code 26709)
- Turn signals required on motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 1973
- Headlight required
- Taillight required (must remain on for 15 minutes after shut-off)
- Handlebars that do not position rider’s hands more than six inches above shoulder height
- Exhaust systems must comply with Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act (motorcycles built after 2013)
Passenger Requirements: Passenger footrests and seats required if carrying a passenger. No minimum age for passengers, but children under 4 feet 9 inches in height generally cannot ride due to child safety seat requirements. Minors must wear appropriate safety gear including heavy leather jacket, safety gloves, closed-toe footwear, and long pants.
High-Visibility Gear Requirements: As of 2024, riders are required to wear high-visibility protective gear (reflective vests or bright clothing) for nighttime riding.
Uninsured Motorist Recovery Limitation: California law generally prevents uninsured drivers from recovering non-economic damages (pain and suffering) after an accident, even if the other driver is completely at fault. Exception exists if the accident was caused by a driver under the influence.
Damage Caps: California does not have a universal cap on personal injury damages. Medical malpractice cases have a $350,000 cap on non-economic damages (increased from $250,000).
Collision Reporting: If involved in a collision causing more than $1,000 in damage, must report to DMV within 10 days.
Carpool Lane Usage: Motorcyclists may use carpool lanes unless otherwise stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in California?
A: In California, motorcyclists have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident results in death, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is also two years from the date of death. Claims against government entities have a much shorter deadline of six months. Missing these deadlines typically means forfeiting the right to pursue compensation.
Q: Is lane splitting legal in California, and how does it affect liability in an accident?
A: Yes, California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal under Vehicle Code Section 21658.1. However, lane splitting must be performed safely and prudently. CHP guidelines recommend not exceeding 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic and not lane splitting when traffic is moving at 40 mph or faster. If a motorcyclist is lane splitting recklessly or at unsafe speeds when an accident occurs, comparative negligence may reduce their compensation.
Q: How does California’s comparative negligence law affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. Theoretically, you could be 99% at fault and still recover 1% of your damages, though pursuing such a claim may not be financially practical.
Q: What happens if I was not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle accident in California?
A: California has a universal helmet law requiring all riders to wear DOT-approved helmets. Failure to wear a helmet does not affect fault determination in your accident. However, if you are claiming head or facial injuries, the insurance company may argue that your damages would have been less if you had worn a helmet. Under the duty to mitigate damages, your compensation for those specific injuries may be reduced if you were not wearing a helmet.
Q: What compensation can I recover in a California motorcycle accident case?
A: Motorcycle accident victims in California may recover economic damages including medical bills (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the defendant acted with malice or reckless disregard, punitive damages may also be available. However, uninsured motorcyclists generally cannot recover non-economic damages unless the other driver was intoxicated.