Call An Experienced California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Accidents Are on the Rise — Know Your Legal Rights

Motorcycle enthusiasts are numerous in this country and motorcycle sales are at an all time high. Many who ride do it safely and with a respect for other drivers. But no matter how careful a motorcyclist may be, he or she is still in a more vulnerable position than other kinds of drivers. Motorcycle accidents occur everyday. Even with proper licensing, motorcycle training, and helmet use, a motorcycle rider hit by a car or truck faces difficult odds. Unfortunately, with the rise in motorcycle sales comes an increase in motorcycle-related injuries and deaths. Motorcycles and bike riders have always been more prone to accidents involving other vehicles due to the smaller size of the motorcycle.

California Motorcycle Accident Facts and Statistics

Motorcycles offer the freedom of the open road. With the wind in your face and nothing between you and the elements, riding a bike can be an exhilarating experience. But climbing on to a motorcycle also comes with an increased risk. The dangers of negligent drivers and road hazards can result in a crash. Protective gear won’t protect you from the hard impact of hitting the pavement.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle crash fatalities rose from 2013 to 2014 from 54 to 60 per 100,000 registered vehicles. Operators who rode over the legal BAC limit of .08 jumped up from 23 to 28 percent while improperly licenses motorcycle fatalities decreased by one percent.

The state has also seen a steady increase in motorcycle fatalities from 2011 to 2016. The number of deaths has climbed from 898 to 1,056 during that period with in-helmeted loss of life holding steady and operators wearing protective head gear rising from 385 to 511.

The highest number of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in Los Angeles County with a high 145 with San Diego County running second at 52 deaths followed by Orange County at 41 in 2016.  In many cases, car and trucks often cause the crashes due to:

• Distracted Driving
• Reckless and Negligent Driving
• Speeding
• Improper Lane Changes
• Failure to follow traffic signs, signals and stops
• Tailgating
• Turning without signaling
• Failure to yield right of way

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

In 2008 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration commission the ‘Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes: Pilot Study” in Orange County, California, using data from law enforcement agencies in the jurisdictions Capistrano, Santa Ana, Westminster, Riverside, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, and Long Beach [1]. Unfortunately, no conclusive information came from this pilot study, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Facts 2013 Data states that common crash involvement includes:

• Collisions with a motor vehicle in transport
• Frontal collisions in two-vehicle crashes
• Fixed objects
• Vehicles turning left in front of motorcycle
• Both vehicles going straight

Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries in California Accidents

Motorcyclists have minimal protection in a collision, which leads to a high incidence of severe injuries. A study from the American Journal of Surgery identifies the following injury distribution:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – 65%
• Spinal Cord Injuries – 35%
• Lower Extremity Fractures – 47%
• Road Rash & Skin Abrasions – 89%
• Internal Bleeding & Organ Trauma – 22%

Many victims are unaware that even mild injuries like concussions may result in long-term disability. A skilled motorcycle accident injury lawyer in California can help quantify these injuries for maximum compensation.

California Motorcycle Crash Statistics at a Glance

These figures underscore the devastating impact of motorcycle accidents across the state. Riders in Long Beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, and Walnut Creek are particularly vulnerable due to dense traffic and poor infrastructure.

What Are the Best Steps to Take after a Motorcycle Accident?

A Newport Beach motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries. Protect your rights to legal compensation after a collision by taking these steps.

Get Medical Help

Motorcycle accidents typically result in severe injuries, including back injuries, and fractures. All of these injuries require urgent medical care. Get medical help even if your injury seems minor.

Get Information

Exchange contact information with the motorist involved in the crash. You should get his name, address, phone number, as well as his auto insurer information.

Report the Accident

An accident report must be filed both with your local police department as well as the California Highway Patrol. Also remember to file a report with your auto insurance company.

Procure Evidence

The scene of an accident can be a valuable source of evidence for your claim. Take pictures of the damage to your motorcycle, as well as the damage that occurred to the other vehicle. Don’t discount the importance of such evidence. A rear-ender, for instance, is very often seen as the fault of the person doing the rear ending, and any photographs of the damage can help you establish the motorist’s liability in causing a crash. Take pictures of debris at the scene, missing traffic signs, and other pieces of evidence.

Contact Witnesses

Talk to witnesses at the scene. They can provide very valuable testimony when it comes to corroborating your statements in court. Don’t forget to take down their names, phone numbers, and contact information.

Remain Silent

Avoid talking to the insurance company of the other driver involved, without having an attorney present. Remember, you do not have to make a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Do not do anything that jeopardizes your case – your California motorcycle accident lawyer may find it challenging to file a successful claim on your behalf.

Contact a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Call an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in California, and learn how you can protect your legal rights to compensation.

The experienced Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorneys at the The Ledger Law Firm are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in these accidents. They represent victims from their offices in California and Washington State.

What Kind of Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you are the victim in a motorcycle accident in California and Newport Beach, compensation your entitled to receive may include:

1. Rental Reimbursement
2. Payment of your medical bills, and any future medical bills
3. Medical treatment, whether you have insurance or not
4. Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
5. Recovery of your loss of earnings and any future losses
6. Reimbursement for your out of pocket expenses incurred
7. Maximum recovery for pain and suffering of your physical and emotional injuries

We will make sure, if you are involved in an accident involving motorcycles. We will help to make sure you receive:

1. The best medical treatment available so you make the best medical recovery possible
2. The maximum monetary compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses

Why You Need a Specialized California Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Unlike generic personal injury lawyers, attorneys who focus on motorcycle accident cases bring targeted expertise in handling:

• Comparative fault disputes (common in California due to lane-splitting legality)
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist claims
• Helmet use & injury mitigation arguments
• Road condition liability (city vs. state)
• Commercial vehicle and delivery-related crashes (FedEx, Uber Eats, etc.)

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? We’re Here to Help

Motorcycles have the disadvantage of not being “crashworthy”, meaning they do not stand up well upon impact. Riders are unprotected and are often thrown off their bikes in an accident.

While the inherent nature of motorcycle riding poses many dangers, the fact that cars and truck drivers fail to acknowledge the rights of motorcycle riders adds to these risks. Because of their smaller size, they are often harder to spot and easier to ignore. Motorcyclists are also more susceptible to an accident in adverse weather conditions. If your loved one was injured or killed while on a motorcycle, we’ll find out if negligence was involved. Our Newport Beach motorcycle accident attorneys are advocates for the rights of the injured motorcyclist and will investigate the accident to discover if alcohol or speeding was a contributing factor. After a motorcycle accident the odds may seem against you, but with our legal services we can get you the help you need.

What Makes The Ledger Law Firm the Right Choice?

• Rapid Response – We begin investigation and evidence preservation immediately.
• Legal & Medical Integration – We partner with medical experts to support injury claims.
•  Multi-State Reach – Licensed across California, Texas, and Washington State.
• Free Consultation – No fees unless we win your case.

Whether you’re a resident of Newport Beach, Frisco, Long Beach, or Katy, our team of California motorcycle accident attorneys is here to ensure you get justice, medical support, and maximum compensation.

Call an Experienced California Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Your FAQ Guide to Legal Recovery After a Crash

What should I do after a motorcycle accident in California?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in California, your first priority should be medical treatment. After that, contact a California motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. The Ledger Law Firm helps clients in Long Beach, Fullerton, Walnut Creek, and across Northern and Southern California navigate insurance claims, evidence collection, and compensation demands.

Why hire a motorcycle accident attorney?

Hiring a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney in California is essential. Unlike general personal injury attorneys, California motorcycle lawyers understand motorcycle dynamics, rider bias, helmet laws, and local legal precedents. Whether you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Fullerton, Long Beach, or Redding, we provide aggressive representation backed by expert testimony and accident reconstruction.

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle lawyer in California?

Most motorcycle accident attorneys in California, including The Ledger Law Firm, operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We proudly serve clients statewide — from Frisco, Chico, and San Mateo County in the north to Torrance, Pasadena, Irvine, and Orange County in the south.

Do you handle motorcycle accident claims in Texas?

Yes. Our legal team includes experienced attorneys such as a top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in Katy and a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in Frisco, Texas. Whether you’re in California or Texas, The Ledger Law Firm offers nationwide legal strength with local insight.

What’s the difference between a motorcycle accident lawyer and a personal injury attorney?

While all motorcycle accident lawyers are personal injury attorneys, not all personal injury attorneys specialize in motorcycle accidents. Our motorcycle lawyers in California focus exclusively on these high-risk cases. From motorcycle collision lawyers in Northern California to Santa Ana motorcycle accident law firms, our legal expertise is highly targeted.

How do I choose the best motorcycle accident attorney near me?

Start by considering an attorney like Emery Ledger, who has proven experience in motorcycle crash claims, strong client reviews, and knowledge of local court systems. Whether you’re looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County, a California motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, or a motorcycle accident lawyer in Stockton, Emery Ledger and our team bring deep local knowledge and national resources to every case.

What if my accident involved a commercial vehicle or delivery truck?

Motorcycle crashes involving commercial vehicles — like FedEx, Amazon, or construction trucks — require special legal handling. Our California motorcycle accident attorneys are skilled in identifying multiple liable parties, including employers and insurers. We handle complex cases throughout Southern California, Northern California, and beyond.

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

Yes. While helmet use is required under California law, not wearing one doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering damages. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney in California can help prove that your injuries would have occurred regardless, especially in cases involving negligence by another driver.

Which areas of California does The Ledger Law Firm serve?

We serve clients across all of California. Our most-requested areas include:

• Motorcycle accident attorney in Long Beach
• Motorcycle accident lawyer in Fullerton
• Walnut Creek motorcycle accident lawyer
• Redding California motorcycle accident lawyer
• Stockton and Chico motorcycle accident lawyers
• California motorcycle accident lawyer Pasadena
• California motorcycle accident lawyer Torrance
• Motorcycle accident attorney Southern California
• Northern California motorcycle accident attorney

Is The Ledger Law Firm a good choice for motorcycle accidents in Northern California?

Yes. We’re trusted advocates for riders across Northern California, from motorcycle accident attorneys in Chico to collision lawyers in San Mateo County and Walnut Creek. Our team includes veteran attorneys for motorcycle accidents in Northern California who know how to fight for maximum compensation under California’s complex legal system.

How can I contact your motorcycle lawyers?

You can contact our award-winning team 24/7 via https://ledgerlaw.com or call our California offices directly. Whether you need a California motorcycle attorney, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Katy, or a motorcycle lawyer in Los Angeles, we’re ready to fight for your rights.

1. Motorcycle Crash Causes And Outcomes: Pilot Study
2. Traffic Safety Facts (2013 Data)