Riverside Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Riverside Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Riverside, CA, is a popular destination for motorcycle riders due to the city’s pleasant weather and scenic views. Unfortunately, for more than 900 Riverside County riders in 2022, a pleasant day on their bikes resulted in serious injuries due to a traffic accident. As motorcyclists have limited protection, a crash can result in serious, even catastrophic injuries.

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside motorcycle accident attorney is a strong, aggressive advocate for justice. We hold negligent drivers and big insurance companies accountable. If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, a Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer at The JLF Firm can help. Contact us today to start your recovery. Your initial case review is free.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A RIVERSIDE MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Hurt in a motorcycle accident in Riverside or elsewhere in the region in Southern California? You may be feeling confused, stressed out, and overwhelmed. You must take a proactive approach to protect yourself and your rights. Here are key steps to take after a serious motorcycle accident in Riverside:

• GET MEDICAL HELP: The most important thing to do immediately after a motorcycle crash is to get help for any injuries you or your passenger has. Then, if you are able, begin collecting evidence to support your injury claim.

• MOVE TO A SAFE LOCATION: Unless you or your passenger cannot move because of injuries, move to an area away from traffic to avoid the potential of getting struck by another vehicle. If you need to move your motorcycle, take photos or video first.

• DOCUMENT THE SCENE: Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the crash scene. Photograph the damage to all vehicles. Take pictures of injuries. Make a note of traffic controls, such as traffic lights or signs. If road conditions, such as a pothole, played a role, get photos or videos of the road. If there are skid marks related to the crash, photograph them. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Write down the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of the other vehicle.

• REPORT THE CRASH TO THE POLICE: All motorcycle accidents should be reported to law enforcement. You should contact the police and file a report. Get the officer’s badge number and the report number. Request a copy of the report when it becomes available. A police report is a key form of evidence in a motorcycle accident case.

• CONTACT A RIVERSIDE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER: Even if you think it is clear that the other driver is at fault for the accident, they may not have insurance, or their insurance company may blame you for the accident or refuse to pay the full value of your claim. A Riverside motorcycle accident attorney at The JLF Firm will help you get the compensation you deserve.

• BEWARE OF THE INSURANCE COMPANY: Avoid speaking to the insurance company and do not admit fault. The other party can use anything you say against you. Let your attorney deal with the other party or their insurance. Most of the time, motorcycle accident cases will end with an out-of-court settlement. However, sometimes, the parties cannot agree on fault or the value of the case. If this happens, you may need to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. A Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer can help you file and present your case in court.

• GET FOLLOW-UP CARE: Medical care is important for your recovery, and your medical records are key documentation for your injury claim. Get immediate care for serious injuries at the emergency room or an urgent care center. Schedule an appointment with your regular doctor for less severe injuries. Attend any follow-up appointments your medical providers recommend. Even if you do not think you have injuries, you should see a doctor. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries are not always immediately apparent.

PROVING DRIVER LIABILITY IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH CASES

California is a fault-based motorcycle accident state. The party (driver or otherwise) who caused a motorcycle crash can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. In other words, whether you can recover damages for your injuries depends on proving that someone else’s negligence caused the accident and the accident caused your injuries. The evidence you collected at the scene and the police report will be important for proving your case. Some of the most common examples of negligence by drivers that contribute to motorcycle crashes include:

• Not checking their blind spots
• Driving while intoxicated
• Talking or texting while on a cell phone while driving
• Driving too fast for the conditions

Your motorcycle crash should be thoroughly investigated. A Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, including examining the accident scene, reviewing any video footage from security or traffic cameras, interviewing witnesses, and identifying traffic law violations to determine who is at fault. All drivers have a legal duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely. The failure of one or more drivers to practice safe driving is the most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Southern California.

Note: Other parties can be held legally liable for a motorcycle accident as well. Indeed, sometimes other parties, such as a mechanic, manufacturer, or government entity, may share some blame. For example, a manufacturer may have failed to recall a motorcycle with a known defect. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Riverside can help you identify the at-fault party or parties in your accident.

THE ROLE OF COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE

California is a pure comparative negligence state. As explained in the Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI No. 405), this means that all parties can collect damages from any other party that has any share of the blame, up to that party’s share of the fault. However, it also means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, the other party can collect damages from you or your insurance.

For example, imagine you are riding your motorcycle through Riverside near Mission Inn Avenue and a driver makes an unsafe left turn in front of you. You collide, and both you and the driver suffer injuries. The investigation shows that while the driver failed to yield, you were also speeding. As a consequence, you are assigned 20 percent blame for your own crash. That would mean that you would be liable for 20 percent of your own damages.

COMPENSATION FOR A RIVERSIDE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Following a motorcycle crash in Riverside, you have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including any non-economic losses. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, their insurance will probably be the primary source of any compensation you receive.

If the driver does not have insurance, you may need to file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company. If the other party’s insurance refuses to pay or offers a settlement that does not fully cover your damages, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. A Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer can help you identify potential sources of compensation. Do not agree to settle your motorcycle accident injury claim or less. Our Riverside, CA motorcycle crash lawyer can help.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE TYPES OF COMPENSATION YOU CAN RECOVER

There are several different types of compensation that you may be entitled to recover as part of a motorcycle accident injury claim in California. The at-fault party may be liable for the following:

• Medical bills related to your injuries
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages due to the accident or your injuries
• Loss of future income due to your injuries
• Damage to your motorcycle or other property
• Pain and suffering;
• Disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

Additionally, you can seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or disfigurement. If a loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

KNOW THE DEADLINE: MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Motorcycle accident injury claims are highly time-sensitive legal cases. Indeed, injured motorcycle riders in Riverside and Riverside County must be prepared to act quickly after a crash. The law imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including motorcycle wrecks. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, a person hurt in a motorcycle accident has two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, regardless of how strong your claim may otherwise be. Be proactive: Filing on time preserves your right to hold the at-fault driver accountable and seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You do not want to fall behind the defense or their insurance company. Contact a Riverside, CA motorcycle accident lawyer right away.

NO PAY, NO PLAY LAWS

California law requires all motorists, including motorcycle drivers, to have liability insurance to pay for any damages they might cause to another person or their property. The minimum liability coverage California law requires is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for injuries or deaths, and $5,000 for property damage.

If you did not have the legally required amount of liability coverage when the accident happened, you may not be able to collect non-economic damages from the at-fault party. However, you can still pursue recovery for your economic damages. If you have any questions about the law in California, please do not hesitate to contact our Riverside motorcycle accident attorney for help.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS

Motorcyclists are vulnerable. Did you know that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes that are reported nationwide result in injuries to the rider? It is an alarming statistic, and it emphasizes the importance of motorcycle safety. Here are safety tips for motorcyclists in Riverside:

• Always Wear a Helmet: California law requires all riders and passengers to wear a U.S. DOT–compliant helmet. A properly fitted helmet can cut the risk of head injury by nearly half. Never ride without one. It is the top safety tip for motorcyclists in Riverside.
• Use Protective Gear Beyond the Helmet: Helmets are important, but not sufficient. There is other safety gear to wear as well. Gloves, sturdy boots, and a leather jacket or riding suit provide critical protection against road rash and impact injuries. Eye protection is equally important to guard against wind, dust, and debris.
• Inspect Your Motorcycle Before Every Ride: A safe bike can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Check your brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels. A quick pre-ride inspection ensures your motorcycle is in safe working order. Small issues left unchecked can lead to dangerous situations.
• Follow Traffic Laws and Ride Defensively: Traffic laws matter. Obey speed limits and lane rules, especially when lane-splitting. Always assume that nearby drivers may not see you. Defensive riding can help you avoid sudden hazards.
• Proactively Increase Your Visibility: You should try to wear reflective or brightly colored clothing and use your headlights during the day. Position yourself where drivers can clearly see you, not hidden in blind spots.

WHY TRUST OUR RIVERSIDE, CA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle crash is not easy. It is normal to have tons of questions about your rights, your options, and what exactly comes next in your case. At The JLF Firm, we are proactive, solutions-focused advocates for motorcycle crash victims. Our team invests the time, resources, and attention to detail to handle your case the right way. Our strong history of case results tells the story best. We are standing by, ready to get started on your case today. Among other things, our Riverside motorcycle accident attorney is ready to:

• Hear your story and answer questions about your case;
• Investigate your motorcycle accident in Riverside, gathering key evidence.
• Represent you in any settlement negotiations with insurers; and
• Take aggressive action to help you fight for the maximum compensation.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN RIVERSIDE: FAQS

DO I NEED TO CALL THE POLICE AFTER A MOTORCYCLE CRASH?

Yes. California law requires reporting a collision that causes injury or significant property damage. A police report creates an official record that helps establish liability. Call the Riverside Police Department or another state or local law enforcement agency. 

ARE MOTORCYCLE HELMETS REQUIRED BY LAW IN CALIFORNIA?

Yes. California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires DOT-approved motorcycle safety helmets for all riders, regardless of their age or skill level. Beyond the legal requirements, you should always wear a helmet on a motorcycle. They can help to prevent brain injuries and even save lives.

CAN I STILL RECOVER DAMAGES IF I WASN’T WEARING A HELMET?

Yes, you may still recover compensation. Still, as California law requires helmets for all riders, the failure to comply can reduce damages. Courts may assign you a percentage of fault for increased injuries. Comparative negligence could be a big issue in your case.

WHAT IS MOTORCYCLE LANE SPLITTING?

Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Unlike in most states, lane-splitting is legal in California. The relevant law is Vehicle Code § 21658. Still, there are specific rules that must be followed by riders who split lanes. However, fault is still based on the circumstances of the crash. If unsafe lane-splitting contributed to the accident, your compensation may be reduced.

HOW MUCH ARE MOST MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS?

The settlement for a motorcycle accident claim can be anywhere from a few thousand to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries, the share of fault of each party, and the financial resources of the at-fault party. A Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer can estimate the value of your case.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CLAIM IN CALIFORNIA?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in California is two years from the date of the injury. However, if you did not discover your injury until later, you have at least one year from the date you discovered it.

WE REPRESENT MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN RIVERSIDE ON A CONTINGENCY BASIS

After a motorcycle crash in Riverside, the last thing that you want to think about is another bill that needs to be paid. You may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney. With The JLF Firm, it is not an issue. You can always afford to hire a top-tier Riverside, CA motorcycle accident lawyer. We represent victims and families on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and there are no out-of-pocket fees. Our firm does not charge hourly bills to victims. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid. It is as simple as that. Your initial consultation with our Riverside, CA motorcycle accident attorney is free, confidential, and without any additional obligations.

CONTACT A RIVERSIDE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury or the death of a loved one in a motorcycle accident, a Riverside motorcycle accident lawyer at The JLF Firm can help you recover the compensation you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We handle motorcycle accident injury claims in Riverside and throughout the entire region, including in 92501, 92502, 92503, 92504, 92505, 92506, 92507, 92508, 92509, and other communities.