What to Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in California

Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Extremely Stressful – What You Need To Know

Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than car crashes, and California’s legal landscape adds complexity to the aftermath. Whether you’re a rider or passenger, knowing what to do immediately can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future.

Is Everyone Safe?

Motorcycle accidents can be particularly serious due to the rider’s exposure and limited protection. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in California, your first priority should be safety. Move out of traffic if you’re able, and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical help if needed. Even if injuries appear minor, it’s important to get evaluated, as symptoms may worsen over time.

Exchange Information

Once the scene is safe, gather and exchange information with all parties involved. This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registrations, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well. Take photos or video of the scene, including damage to vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, injuries, and anything else that could be relevant to an insurance claim or legal case. A police report can provide an official account of the accident, so cooperate fully with responding officers.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After the incident, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney, especially if there are injuries involved. California follows a comparative fault system, meaning you may still be entitled to compensation even if you’re partially at fault. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer who understands California motorcycle laws can help ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages.

Know Your Rights

Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than car crashes, and California’s legal landscape adds complexity to the aftermath. Whether you’re a rider or passenger, knowing what to do immediately can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future.

At the Scene: Immediate Actions

1. Get to Safety
   • Move yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic if possible.
   • Use hazard lights or flares to alert other drivers.
2. Call 911
   • Report the accident and request medical assistance.
   • A police report is essential for insurance and legal claims.
3. Check for Injuries
   • Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask serious trauma.
   • Prioritize medical care over everything else.
4. Exchange Information
   • Get names, contact info, license numbers, and insurance details from all involved parties.
   • Collect witness contact info if available.
5. Document the Scene
   • Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and traffic signs.
   • Note weather, time, and any unusual circumstances.

Medical and Legal Follow-Up After A Motorcycle Accident

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately
  • Internal injuries like concussions or spinal trauma may not show symptoms right away.
  • Medical records help link injuries to the crash.
• File a DMV Report
  • Required within 10 days if there’s injury, death, or damage over $1,000.
  • Use Form SR-1.

Notify Your Insurance

• Report the accident promptly, but avoid recorded statements until you speak with a lawyer.

Know Your Rights

• California Is an At-Fault State
  • You must prove the other party’s negligence to recover damages.
  • Comparative negligence applies—your compensation is reduced if you share fault.
• Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
  • Riders are often unfairly blamed due to bias or misunderstanding of lane-splitting laws.
  • An attorney can help preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation.

Build a Strong Case

Keep a file with:

• Medical records and bills
• Photos and videos from the scene
• Witness statements
• Police and DMV reports
• Insurance correspondence
• A recovery journal (pain levels, emotional impact, daily limitations)

Bonus Tip: Understand Lane-Splitting Laws

California is the only state where lane-splitting is legal, but it must be done safely. Misinterpretation of this law often leads to unfair fault assignment. If lane-splitting was involved, make sure your attorney understands how to defend it.

Here’s a concise and informative FAQ section you can add to your blog post on motorcycle accidents in California. It’s designed to address common concerns while reinforcing your article’s authority and usefulness:

Motorcycle Accident FAQ – California

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

• Move to safety and call 911.
• Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor.
• Exchange contact and insurance info.
• Document the scene with photos and witness details.

Who is liable in a motorcycle accident?

• California follows comparative negligence, meaning fault can be shared.
• Liability depends on evidence of negligence (e.g. speeding, distracted driving).

Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

• Yes, but your compensation may be reduced if the lack of a helmet worsened your injuries.
• California law requires all riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets.

What types of damages can I claim?

• Economic: Medical bills, lost wages, property damage.
• Non-economic: Pain and suffering, emotional distress.
• Punitive: In rare cases, to punish egregious negligence.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

• Not without legal advice. Early offers may undervalue your claim.
• A lawyer can help assess the true value and negotiate on your behalf.

Is lane-splitting legal in California?

• Yes, California is the only state that explicitly allows lane-splitting.
• However, unsafe lane-splitting can affect fault determination.

How long do I have to file a claim?

• You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Do I need a lawyer?

• Not legally required, but highly recommended—especially if fault is disputed or injuries are serious.
• Lawyers help preserve evidence, handle insurers, and maximize compensation.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney In California

If you or someone you love is in a motorcycle collision, the Motorcycle Lawyer Pros strongly encourage you to call our California motorcycle accident lawyers. And Best of all, your experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer will provide you with the best legal representation and guidance that you need. Not only that, but our offices are conveniently located throughout Northern California and we conduct regular travels in your region to meet with clients. So what are you waiting for, contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer today.

Donald Stevenson

Motorcycle Accident attorney, Donald Stevenson, is a legal expert and has been practicing law for over 25 years. Donald has been a ruthless fighter, going after insurance companies to get his clients the highest settlement available. His desire to help more people in their time of need has caused him to expand across three states (California, Nevada, and Colorado) to bring his talent to as many people as possible.