1. Chain | Cohn | Clark
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury litigation
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. semi-truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, road hazard accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims, property damage claims
Background: The firm has been in business in Bakersfield for over 90 years. Located at 1731 Chester Avenue, just a five-minute walk from the courthouse. Voted “Best Law Firm” and “Best Personal Injury Lawyer” in The Bakersfield Californian’s 2024 readers’ choice poll. The firm’s motorcycle accident attorneys have successfully settled or won verdicts of $1 million or more in multiple motorcycle cases. Works on contingency fee basis with no payment upfront.
Location: 1731 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Contact: (661) 616-9829 | https://www.chainlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
2. Rodriguez & Associates
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, product liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, single-vehicle motorcycle accidents, helmet law defense cases, defective motorcycle claims, road hazard accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, expert testimony coordination, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, comparative negligence arguments, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Daniel Rodriguez leads the firm with over 30 years of service to California’s Central Valley. The firm has handled more than 100 motorcycle accident cases. Over 100 years of combined legal experience among attorneys. Recovered the highest personal injury verdict in Kern County history. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar. Serves Kern County and surrounding areas.
Location: 1800 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Contact: (661) 323-1400 | https://www.rodriguezlaw.net
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
3. Klein DeNatale Goldner
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, commercial litigation, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, negligent driver motorcycle accidents, road hazard accidents, defective equipment motorcycle accidents, weather-related motorcycle accidents, intoxicated driver motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, expert witness coordination, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, traumatic brain injury claims, spinal cord injury claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients. Serves the San Joaquin Valley and San Diego regions. Experienced in handling complex motorcycle accident litigation. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: 4550 California Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Contact: (661) 485-2100 | https://www.kleinlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
4. Campbell Whitten
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, rear-end motorcycle collisions, head-on motorcycle collisions, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver motorcycle accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence collection, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, property damage claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm’s attorneys understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road. Experienced in collecting critical evidence, communicating with witnesses, and negotiating with insurance company representatives. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar. Two-year statute of limitations expertise for California personal injury claims.
Location: Bakersfield, California
Contact: (661) 771-3077 | https://www.campbellwhitten.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
5. Alvandi Law Group, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-hand turn motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents, rear-end motorcycle collisions, head-on motorcycle collisions, unsafe lane change motorcycle accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence gathering, witness statements, 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 recovered more than $1 billion for injured Californians. Experienced in handling motorcycle accident claims with a nuanced approach tailored to highlight motorcyclist vulnerabilities. Familiar with local Bakersfield roads including California Highway 99, Ming Avenue, and Chester Avenue. Licensed and in good standing with the California State Bar.
Location: Bakersfield, California (serving Kern County)
Contact: https://www.alvandigroup.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 (tort) 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. For example, if you are 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
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 and not more than two headlamps, at least one and not more than two rear taillamps, 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. This differs from some states that bar recovery if you exceed a certain percentage of fault. However, insurance companies often try to exaggerate the motorcyclist’s fault to minimize payouts, which is why having an experienced attorney is valuable in proving the other party’s negligence and minimizing your assigned fault percentage.