Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield, California

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.

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Helmet Rules, Lane Splitting and Shared Fault in Bakersfield Motorcycle Crashes

In a Bakersfield motorcycle crash, California’s helmet statute covers both rider and passenger, and the Vehicle Code has a definition of lane splitting. Fault is then divided under the state’s comparative negligence rule.

Helmets for Rider and Passenger

Vehicle Code § 27803 requires the driver and any passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle to wear a safety helmet meeting the § 27802 requirements, and makes it unlawful to operate or ride if the driver or any passenger is not wearing one. “Wearing” means the helmet is on the head, fastened with its straps and of a size that fits securely. The section applies on highways, and it does not apply to a fully enclosed three-wheeled vehicle at least seven feet long and four feet wide weighing 900 pounds or more unladen that meets federal standards.

What the Statute Says About Lane Splitting

Vehicle Code § 21658.1 defines lane splitting as driving a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, on divided and undivided streets, roads or highways, and allows the California Highway Patrol to develop educational guidelines in consultation with listed agencies and a motorcycle safety organization.

Speed

Vehicle Code § 22350 bars driving on a highway faster than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic and the surface and width of the highway, and in no event at a speed that endangers persons or property. The rule applies to the rider and to every other driver.

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Bakersfield Motorcycle Accident Questions

Can I recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) adopted pure comparative negligence. For example, imagine $200,000 in damages and 25 percent of the fault on the rider: the recovery would be $150,000.

Does the lane splitting statute set a speed limit for splitting?

No. The text of § 21658.1 contains a definition and authority for CHP educational guidelines; it does not state a speed or traffic condition. Speed is measured under the basic speed law in § 22350.

How long do I have to sue?

Two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 for injury or death caused by another’s wrongful act or neglect. A claim against a public entity must first be presented within six months after accrual under Government Code § 911.2.