Motorcycle Accidents
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle collision can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and insurance companies eager to minimize their payouts. Motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely to be killed in crashes, and over 78% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury, underscoring the severe risk riders face on California roads. In addition to life-altering physical trauma, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, victims often contend with astronomical healthcare costs, lost income, and complex liability issues, including bias against riders and intricate state-specific motorcycle safety laws.
When you partner with a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney, you gain more than legal representation; you secure a strategic advocate to guide you through every stage of your claim. A qualified attorney accurately evaluates both economic and non-economic damages, from medical expenses and rehabilitation costs to pain and suffering, ensuring no aspect of your loss is overlooked. They skillfully manage communications with insurance adjusters, counter lowball settlement offers, and, if necessary, prepare to litigate to protect your rights. With their deep knowledge of California’s comparative negligence rules and motorcycle-specific regulations, a personal injury attorney levels the playing field, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities.
The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone stands out as your premier choice for motorcycle accident representation. Serving Southern California since 1986, our firm combines a track record of significant settlements with deep local insight and a personalized, compassionate approach. As a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney, Keith J. Stone brings four decades of legal experience, attention to detail, unwavering dedication to each client, and a personalized approach to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Secure your rights by partnering with the right motorcycle accident lawyer. Contact The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone today to schedule a consultation.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
As your motorcycle accident lawyer, we begin with a detailed consultation to understand the full scope of your collision and injuries. During this session, we’ll help review documents, accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to identify liable parties and evidence critical to your claim. We will keep you informed at every stage, providing clear explanations of California’s personal injury process, so you never have to guess about next steps or deadlines.
Once we establish the facts, we launch a comprehensive investigation. We partner with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and vocational consultants to quantify your present and future losses, from medical bills and rehabilitation to lost earning capacity and diminished quality of life. We negotiate effectively and aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf, pushing back against lowball settlement offers and insurance tactics that aim to devalue your case.
Our goal is to allow you to focus on healing while we shoulder the legal matters. As your chosen motorcycle accident attorney, we help protect your rights and handle all negotiations so you achieve the best possible outcome.
What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle collisions often involve unique challenges that set them apart from typical vehicle accidents. Due to the lack of an external protective structure, riders are far more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and bone fractures.
California law follows a comparative negligence model, meaning you can recover damages even if you bear partial fault, so long as your share of liability remains below 100%. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, making it crucial to document every detail of the crash scene and your injuries. Wearing Department of Transportation (DOT)–approved helmets and protective gear may reduce injury severity, but does not automatically shift fault to the rider. Our motorcycle accident attorney will gather evidence—from police reports to traffic camera footage—to refute allegations that riders frequently face regarding helmet use or highway lane-splitting.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline almost always bars recovery, so prompt action is essential. Early consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer ensures vital evidence, such as skid marks, witness recollections, and CCTV footage, is preserved before it disappears. Additionally, you need to know that insurance companies typically begin their investigation immediately, often contacting victims for recorded statements. Having an attorney intervene early prevents unintentional misstatements that could jeopardize your claim.
Motorcycle accidents can also give rise to complicated liability issues, ranging from negligent drivers and defective motorcycle parts to dangerous road conditions. Identifying all potentially responsible parties is a critical step in securing full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. The Law Offices of Keith J. Stone and our thorough approach and deep understanding of both motorcycle dynamics and California’s legal framework allow us to build compelling cases that address every aspect of your loss.
By arming yourself with knowledge and partnering with our motorcycle accident lawyer and motorcycle accident attorney, you position your claim for success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
Right after a motorcycle collision, your safety and health are the number one priority. First, move to a safe location and call for immediate medical assistance. Request help even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Document the scene by taking photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), and collect contact details for witnesses.
Finally, report the crash to your insurance company, but avoid making detailed statements before consulting a motorcycle accident attorney. Early medical reports and accident scene documentation are crucial for building a strong claim.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Through California’s comparative negligence system, you can recover damages even if you share some fault. Your percentage of responsibility will reduce your total award. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for an accident that resulted in $100,000 in damages, you could still recover $80,000. Retaining a motorcycle accident lawyer early helps gather evidence that can minimize your percentage of fault, such as traffic camera footage, expert reconstruction analysis, and reliable witness testimony.
What types of compensation can I pursue?
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages: Past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medication, assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, prosthetics), property damage, and lost wages (including diminished earning capacity).
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and diminished quality of life. In rare cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may apply.
Your motorcycle accident attorney will accurately calculate these losses, often collaborating with medical professionals and vocational experts, to ensure your claim reflects your actual needs.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to compensation. Contact us immediately after your accident to preserve your legal options and critical evidence.
Will my case go to trial?
While many motorcycle accident cases settle out of court, we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies are more inclined to offer fair settlements when they know a top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer is ready to litigate. Keith J. Stone has decades of courtroom experience; if negotiations stall, we will file suit and represent you at trial to pursue maximum compensation.
How long does a motorcycle accident claim take?
Every case is unique. Simple claims can resolve in a few months, while more complicated cases, such as those involving catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants, may take one to two years. Throughout the process, the Law Offices of Keith J. Stone provides regular updates on progress and timelines so you know what to expect.
