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, defective motorcycle claims, 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. Significant and successful history in California with track record of obtaining significant settlements and jury verdicts. Handles cases on contingency fee basis with no upfront costs. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Anaheim, California (Orange County)
Contact: (714) 783-2205 | https://www.damfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
2. Easton & Easton
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, product liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, defective motorcycle parts claims, brake failure accidents, signal failure accidents, negligent driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, product liability claims, defective parts analysis, 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 many years of experience handling Anaheim motorcycle accident cases. A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Selected by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the “Best Law Firms” for the Southern California Metro Area each year since 2014. Matt Easton selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys Under 40 in California (2015) by NAPIA. Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton selected by National Association of Distinguished Counsel among Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys each year since 2017. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Anaheim, California (Orange County)
Contact: https://www.eastonlawoffices.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
3. Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC
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, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, paralysis cases, amputation cases, traumatic brain injury cases, disfigurement cases, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, medical provider coordination, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Managing attorney Samer Habbas is a Multi-Million Dollar Advocate and member of the Consumer Attorneys of California and Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Can help set up clients with medical providers for necessary care. Experienced in seeking compensation for catastrophic injuries including paralysis, amputations, TBI, and disfigurement. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: 704 S. Spring Street, Suite 1105, Los Angeles, CA 90014 (serving Anaheim)
Contact: (888) 848-5084 | https://www.habbaspilaw.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
4. Hicks Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, negligent driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence-backed case building, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Aaron Hicks brings extensive experience to motorcycle accident representation. Experienced in overcoming prejudice against motorcyclists and proving other party’s negligence. Years of practice helping motorcyclists pursue and win full and fair compensation. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Anaheim, California (Orange County)
Contact: (949) 541-9944 | https://www.hickslawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
5. Omega Law Group, PC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, distracted driver motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, aggressive driver motorcycle accidents, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, insurer communication management, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has decades of legal experience building cases for motorcycle accident victims. Has recovered millions for clients as shown in case results. Personalized attention from day one with dedication to each client’s case. Will go to court to fight for compensation when necessary. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Anaheim, California (serving Orange County)
Contact: https://www.omegalaw.com
Consultation: Free case review 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. Helmets must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218.
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. California is currently the only state that explicitly permits lane splitting.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Riders must have a valid Class M1 or M2 motorcycle license. M1 permits operation of any two-wheel motorcycle or motorized scooter. M2 is for motorized bicycles, mopeds, and any bicycle with an attached motor.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must have at least one headlamp, at least one rear taillamp, turn signals, mirrors on each side, and compliant exhaust systems.
Helmet Use as Evidence: Defense attorneys may argue that failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of head injuries under comparative negligence principles, potentially reducing compensation.
Damage Caps: California does not have caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are available in cases involving malice, oppression, or fraud.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Optional but recommended. Provides coverage when at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance.
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 under CCP § 335.1. 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 in your claim, you must file an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines will result in losing your right to pursue compensation, so it is important to consult with an attorney promptly after an accident.
Q: Is lane splitting legal in California, and how does it affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Yes, lane splitting is legal in California, making it the only state that explicitly permits this practice. However, if you are involved in an accident while lane splitting, the circumstances will be examined to determine if you were splitting lanes safely and at reasonable speeds. If the lane splitting was performed in a dangerous manner, it could be used as evidence of comparative negligence, potentially reducing your compensation. Safe lane splitting practices are generally considered acceptable, but each case is evaluated on its individual facts.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet in California?
A: California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets regardless of age. If you were not wearing a helmet and suffered head or brain injuries, the defense may argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your injuries. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, this could reduce your compensation. However, you are not automatically barred from recovery. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help counter helmet-related defense strategies.
Q: What compensation can I recover in a California motorcycle accident case?
A: California motorcycle accident victims may recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct such as drunk driving, punitive damages may also be available. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of negligence, and your documentation of damages.
Q: How does California’s comparative negligence affect my motorcycle accident claim?
A: California’s pure comparative negligence rule means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your total damages are $200,000 but you were 25% at fault, you would receive $150,000. Unlike some states, California does not bar recovery even if you are more than 50% at fault. However, insurance companies often try to exaggerate the motorcyclist’s fault to minimize payouts, which is why having an experienced attorney is valuable.