Bicycle & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Fontana, California

Riders have far less protection than people inside a vehicle, so injuries tend to be more severe and recovery can take longer. Riders also often face bias from insurers and even juries, who may assume a cyclist or motorcyclist was reckless. These cases can involve specific evidence, such as damaged helmets and gear, and California laws that apply to riders, like lane-splitting rules and the three-foot passing law. An attorney familiar with these cases knows how to address those issues from the start.

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. Claims for property damage alone, such as damage to your bike or motorcycle, generally have a three-year deadline. If a government agency is involved, for example because of a dangerous road condition, you may have only six months to file a formal claim. Because exceptions can apply, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

You may still be able to recover compensation. California follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Insurers often try to shift blame onto riders, so it’s important to have someone push back with evidence of what actually happened.

Medical bills often arrive long before a case resolves. Depending on your situation, your health insurance, medical payments (MedPay) coverage on your auto or motorcycle policy, or providers who agree to wait for payment until your case settles may help cover treatment in the meantime. We can help you understand your options and coordinate with providers so you can focus on your recovery.

Every case is different. Some settle within a few months, while cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take a year or more, especially if they go to trial. In many cases it’s wise to wait until your medical treatment is further along, so the full cost of your injuries is known before settling. We’ll give you a realistic timeline once we understand the details of your case.

Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and get medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Report the crash to the police, take photos of the scene and your injuries, and collect witness contact information. Keep your damaged bike or motorcycle, helmet, and gear, avoid discussing fault with insurers or posting about the crash on social media, and contact an attorney as soon as you can. Motorcyclists may also need to file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000.

Yes. California was the first state to formally recognize lane splitting, and it’s legal when done safely. Even so, insurers sometimes argue that a rider who was lane splitting caused the crash. Whether lane splitting affects your claim depends on the specific facts, such as your speed and the traffic conditions at the time.

California requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, and bicycle riders under 18 must wear one as well. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering compensation, but an insurer may argue that it made certain injuries, such as head injuries, worse. Other injuries, like a broken leg, usually aren’t affected. An attorney can help you understand how this applies to your case.