1. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents exclusively, sportbike accidents, cruiser accidents, touring motorcycle accidents, dirt bike accidents, motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents, road rash injuries
Case Types Handled: Left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, pothole accidents, equipment falling from vehicles, defective motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, underinsured motorist motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, motorcycle accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, comparative negligence arguments, bad faith insurance claims, insurance hurdle navigation, challenging unfavorable police reports
Background: Firm founded in Los Angeles metro area almost 50 years ago, focusing exclusively on motorcycle accident law longer than any other firm. Attorneys include Chuck Koro (Managing Partner), Jim Romag (Partner), and Shelby West (Attorney), all with extensive motorcycle litigation experience. Chuck Koro named to Super Lawyers, firm holds A+ BBB rating, National Trial Lawyers membership, Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum members, American Association for Justice members. Firm handles more San Bernardino motorcycle claims than any other firm. Attorneys are dedicated members of rider community, supporting events at Glen Helen Raceway and local rallies. Notable settlements: $22.8 million (left turn), $22 million (unsafe lane change), $20 million (equipment falling from semi), $19.4 million (blown stop sign).
Location: Based in Los Angeles with service throughout San Bernardino County
Contact: 1-800-4-BIKERS (1-800-424-5377) | https://russbrown.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, free legal advice, contingency fee arrangement
2. The Dominguez Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, brain injuries, bus accidents, serious/catastrophic injuries, pedestrian accidents, Uber/Lyft accidents, work injuries, wrongful death, dog bites, personal injury litigation throughout Southern California
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, burns, road rash, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of enjoyment of life claims, wrongful death claims, in-house investigation team available 24/7
Background: Over 30 years of experience helping motorcycle accident victims in San Bernardino and throughout Southern California. 96% success rate for litigated cases. Over $1 billion recovered for clients. Multiple million and multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident clients. Defense attorneys and insurance companies familiar with firm’s reputation for aggressive litigation. Available to undocumented immigrants without regard to legal status. Will assist riders even if not wearing helmet (California comparative fault applies).
Location: Headquarters: 3250 Wilshire Blvd. #2200, Los Angeles; serves San Bernardino County
Contact: (800) 818-1818 | https://dominguezfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, 24/7 availability, contingency fee (no fee unless you win)
3. Jacoby & Meyers Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, hit-and-run accidents, pedestrian accidents, broken bones, wrongful death, ridesharing accidents, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, construction accidents, dog bites, personal injury litigation throughout California
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical records review, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, mental distress claims, loss of consortium claims, loss of enjoyment of life claims, punitive damage claims (rare), wrongful death claims
Background: Over five decades of experience protecting rights of motorcycle accident victims. 14 locations throughout California including San Bernardino office at 473 E Carnegie Dr #200, San Bernardino, CA 92408. Over $2 billion recovered for clients. Known for fighting insurance company tactics including denial attempts, settlement pressure, and delay strategies. Available 24/7 for consultations.
Location: 473 E Carnegie Dr #200, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact: (909) 245-8920 | https://www.jacobyandmeyers.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, 24/7 hotline, contingency fee arrangement
4. West Coast Trial Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, bicycle accidents, dog bites, scooter accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, wrongful death, truck accidents, bus accidents, brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, food delivery accidents, lemon law, personal injury litigation
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents, road hazard accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical records review, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Over 60 years of collective legal experience in handling personal injury cases. Over $1 billion recovered in settlements for clients. Ranked as one of the top personal injury law firms in San Bernardino. San Bernardino office available for local consultations. Also serves Los Angeles, Irvine, Long Beach, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Woodland Hills, Sacramento, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, San Diego, and other California locations, plus Nevada, Arizona, and Washington.
Location: San Bernardino, CA (multiple California locations)
Contact: (909) 787-2178 | [email protected] | https://westcoasttriallawyers.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation, 24/7 availability, contingency fee (no fees until you win)
5. Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit-and-run accidents, big rig accidents, product liability, personal injury, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Uber/Lyft accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, head-on motorcycle collisions, multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver vs. motorcycle accidents, distracted driver vs. motorcycle accidents, speeding accidents, improper lane change accidents, road hazard accidents, debris accidents, pothole accidents, uneven pavement accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases, fatal motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering (police reports, skid marks, traffic camera footage, witness statements), insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical records review, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Experienced personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys serving San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County. Two office locations for client convenience: Ontario office at 3333 Concours St, Bldg #4 Suite 4203, Ontario, CA 91764; Victorville office at 15437 Anacapa Rd Suite #9, Victorville, CA 92392. Spanish-speaking services available (Se Habla Español).
Location: Ontario Office: 3333 Concours St, Bldg #4 Suite 4203, Ontario, CA 91764; Victorville Office: 15437 Anacapa Rd Suite #9, Victorville, CA 92392
Contact: (909) 889-1131 | https://injuryatwork.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, Spanish-speaking services available
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 under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date of the accident.
Government Claims Deadline: Six months from the date of the accident to file a claim against a government entity (city, county, or state) if dangerous road conditions or government negligence caused the accident.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: California is a fault-based (tort) state. The at-fault driver or their insurance company is responsible for paying damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: California follows pure comparative negligence. Even if the motorcyclist is partially at fault, they can still recover compensation. The recovery amount is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if found 30% at fault, the victim can recover 70% of total damages.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: California requires minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage (15/30/5). Higher coverage limits recommended due to high costs of motorcycle injuries.
Mandatory Helmet Laws: California has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmets at all times. No age exemptions.
Eye Protection Requirements: Not specifically mandated by state law if helmet has face shield, but recommended for safety.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering Laws: California is the only state where lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is legal. California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 allows lane splitting when done in a safe and prudent manner. CHP guidelines recommend not splitting when traffic is moving above 30 mph and not exceeding traffic speed by more than 10 mph.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Riders must have a Class M1 or M2 motorcycle license or instruction permit. M1 allows operation of any motorcycle or motorized bicycle; M2 is for motorized bicycles only. Written and skills tests required.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: All motorcycles must have working headlights, taillights, turn signals, brakes, mirrors (at least one required), and horn.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Regulations: UM/UIM coverage is optional but highly recommended. Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage, and riders must affirmatively reject it in writing if they do not want it.
Damage Caps: California does not cap economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. However, if a motorcyclist did not have liability insurance on the bike at the time of the accident, California law (Proposition 213) prevents recovering non-economic damages (pain and suffering) from other parties, with some exceptions (DUI conviction of at-fault driver, wrongful death heirs).
Dram Shop Liability Laws: California generally does not hold bars or restaurants liable for serving alcohol to intoxicated adults who then cause accidents. However, liability may apply for serving minors.
Helmet Non-Compliance Impact: If a rider was not wearing a DOT-compliant helmet and sustained head injuries, courts may apply comparative negligence to reduce damages if the helmet could have prevented or reduced the head injuries. A helmet expert may be needed to determine if injuries would have been prevented with proper helmet use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is lane splitting legal in San Bernardino, and how does it affect accident liability?
A: Yes, California is the only state where lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is legal under California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1. However, the law requires lane splitting to be done safely and prudently. California Highway Patrol guidelines recommend not splitting when traffic is moving above 30 mph and not exceeding traffic speed by more than 10 mph. If you were lane splitting during an accident, fault determination depends on the specific facts. If you were splitting with due caution and a driver changed lanes without looking, the driver is typically at fault. However, comparative fault may be applied if you were splitting at excessive speeds or in unsafe conditions. Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for lane splitting even when legal, so experienced legal representation is essential.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim in California?
A: California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date. Property damage claims have a three-year deadline. If your accident involves a government entity (such as poorly maintained roads managed by the city or state), you must file a claim within six months of the accident. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation entirely. Rare exceptions may apply for minors or incapacitated individuals. Consulting with an attorney promptly preserves your rights and ensures evidence is gathered while fresh.
Q: How does California’s helmet law affect my injury claim if I was not wearing a helmet?
A: California has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-compliant helmets. If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of an accident and sustained head injuries, courts may apply comparative negligence to reduce your damages if a proper helmet could have prevented or reduced your injuries. However, California’s pure comparative negligence system means you can still recover compensation even if partially at fault. A helmet expert can help determine whether the head injury would have occurred regardless of helmet use. Unlike Virginia’s contributory negligence system, not wearing a helmet in California does not automatically bar recovery.
Q: What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino?
A: If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may recover economic damages (medical expenses past and future, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, rehabilitation costs, home modifications), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium), and in rare cases involving fraud, malice, or oppression, punitive damages. However, if you did not have liability insurance on your motorcycle at the time of the accident, California’s Proposition 213 may prevent recovery of non-economic damages (pain and suffering), which typically constitute the largest portion of settlements. Exceptions exist when the at-fault driver is convicted of DUI or for wrongful death heirs.
Q: What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino?
A: After a motorcycle accident, take these steps if able: (1) Move to a safe location and call 911 to report the accident and request emergency help; (2) Get a complete medical evaluation, as some injuries do not show symptoms immediately; (3) Document everything by taking photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle positions, road conditions, and visible injuries; (4) Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved; (5) Collect witness contact information; (6) Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene; (7) Stay off social media, as posts can be used against you; (8) Follow up with all medical appointments and treatment; (9) Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies often contact victims quickly seeking recorded statements that can be used to devalue or deny claims.