Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Modesto, California

1. AutoAccident.com (Law Offices of Edward A. Smith)

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, bone fractures

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car accidents, motorcycle versus truck accidents, motorcycle versus bus accidents, motorcycle versus pedestrian accidents, motorcycle versus motorcycle accidents, lane splitting accidents, left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims

Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, liability determination, insurance claim negotiations, uninsured/underinsured motorist claim handling, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation

Background: The firm’s attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The firm has decades of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face in seeking compensation. Attorneys know insurance company tactics and strategies.

Location: Modesto office available by appointment

Contact: (209) 227-1931 | (800) 404-5400 | https://autoaccident.com

Consultation: Free, friendly case advice

2. Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death claims arising from motorcycle collisions

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents caused by distracted driving, poor road conditions, defective vehicle parts, weather-related accidents, intersection accidents, rush hour accidents, fatal motorcycle accidents

Legal Services: Case assessment, evidence gathering, liability investigation, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claim representation, litigation, trial representation

Background: The firm has experience handling motorcycle accident cases in the Modesto area. Attorneys understand the challenges riders face and advocate for motorcyclists to adopt safety practices including wearing DOT-approved helmets and protective gear. The firm participates in local safety awareness campaigns.

Location: Modesto, CA

Contact: (209) 528-0404 | https://www.deanpetrulakislaw.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation

3. Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, workers compensation, wrongful death

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions caused by driver negligence, reckless driving accidents, careless driving accidents, intersection accidents, highway accidents, accidents involving catastrophic injuries

Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, liability determination, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation

Background: The firm has been serving the Central Valley since 1989. Attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of injured clients. The firm has three office locations and serves injured motorcyclists throughout California’s Central Valley. Services are offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Location: Modesto, CA (with additional locations)

Contact: (916) 884-6554 | https://www.rancanolaw.com

Consultation: Free consultation available

4. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries including scarring, nerve damage, broken bones, brain injuries

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car accidents, motorcycle versus tractor-trailer accidents, motorcycle versus bus accidents, motorcycle versus pedestrian accidents, motorcycle versus motorcycle accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents caused by impaired drivers, accidents caused by negligent drivers

Legal Services: Accident investigation, accident reconstructionist consultation, toxicology report ordering, evidence gathering, liability determination, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, punitive damages claims, litigation, trial representation

Background: The firm’s Modesto attorneys have investigated numerous motorcycle accident cases throughout California. Attorneys are experienced in pursuing claims for both economic and non-economic damages. The firm will take cases to trial if defendants refuse to settle for reasonable amounts.

Location: Modesto, CA

Contact: 1-800-GO-HARRIS | https://harrispersonalinjury.com

Consultation: Free case assessment

5. Habbas & Associates

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions caused by motorist negligence, intersection accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents involving insurance company disputes, wrongful death motorcycle cases

Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, liability determination, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, long-term rehabilitation cost calculation, lost wage recovery, litigation, trial representation

Background: The firm has been able to secure over $650 million in recoveries and compensation for clients since its founding. The firm has 200 years of combined legal experience among its attorneys. Attorneys are caring members of their communities who genuinely want to see clients treated fairly after accidents.

Location: Modesto, CA (with additional locations)

Contact: Contact via website | https://www.habbaslaw.com

Consultation: Consultation available

Lane Position, Following Distance and Road Defect Claims in Modesto Motorcycle Crashes

In a Modesto motorcycle crash, the questions start with where the bike was in the lane and how closely the other vehicle followed. When a road defect contributed, a claim against the public entity responsible for the road runs on its own clock.

Lane Splitting in the Vehicle Code

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.

Following Distance and Speed

Vehicle Code § 21703 bars following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles, the traffic and the condition of the roadway. Vehicle Code § 22350 bars driving faster than is reasonable or prudent given weather, visibility, traffic and the surface and width of the highway.

A Dangerous Condition of Public Property

Except as provided by statute, Government Code § 835 makes a public entity liable for injury caused by a dangerous condition of its property if the property was dangerous at the time of injury, the condition proximately caused the injury and created a reasonably foreseeable risk of that kind of injury, and either an employee’s negligent or wrongful act created it or the entity had actual or constructive notice in time to protect against it.

The Claim Clock

Government Code § 911.2 requires a claim for personal injury against a public entity to be presented within six months after accrual. Under § 945.6, suit is due within six months after a written rejection notice, or two years from accrual if no notice is given.

Modesto 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 $100,000 in damages and 40 percent of the fault on the rider: the recovery would be $60,000.

Does California require helmets for adult riders?

Yes. Vehicle Code § 27803 requires the driver and any passenger on a motorcycle operated on the highways to wear a safety helmet meeting § 27802, fastened and fitting securely, with no age exception in the section.

How long do I have to sue the other driver?

Two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 for injury or death caused by another’s wrongful act or neglect.