Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Advocating for Injured Motorcyclists
Dedicated Legal Representation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries. Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, making them especially vulnerable on the road. When a crash occurs, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be devastating.
At Frank Penney Injury Law, we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face. Insurance companies often try to blame riders for accidents, even when they're not at fault. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys fight back against these unfair tactics and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle
Our experienced attorneys handle all types of motorcycle accident cases, from common road hazards to collisions caused by negligent drivers.
Lane Splitting Accidents
Crashes that occur when motorcyclists ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic.
Left-Turn Accidents
Collisions caused by drivers failing to see motorcycles when making left turns.
Road Hazard Accidents
Crashes caused by potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or poor road conditions.
Dooring Accidents
Injuries from car doors suddenly opening into the path of a motorcyclist.
Blind Spot Accidents
Collisions when drivers change lanes without checking for motorcycles.
Rear-End Collisions
Accidents where vehicles strike motorcycles from behind at stops or in traffic.
Intersection Accidents
Crashes at intersections caused by running red lights or stop signs.
Drunk Driver Accidents
Holding intoxicated drivers accountable for striking motorcyclists.
Why Choose Frank Penney Injury Law
When you're injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for you.
Understanding Rider Bias
We know that insurance companies and juries sometimes hold unfair biases against motorcyclists. Our attorneys are skilled at overcoming these prejudices and presenting your case in the most favorable light.
Proven Track Record
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the experience and results to back up our reputation. We've helped countless motorcycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs and only get paid when you receive compensation.
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations of motorcycle accidents, working with accident reconstructionists and experts to establish exactly what happened and who was at fault.
Maximum Compensation
Motorcycle injuries are often severe, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. We fight to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Personalized Attention
Unlike large firms that treat clients like numbers, we provide personalized attention to every case. You'll work directly with experienced attorneys who understand your situation.
California Motorcycle Accident Statistics
California ranks 3rd in the nation for motorcycle accidents, behind only Florida and Texas, according to the National Safety Council.
Urban Congestion
Multi-lane interstates like I-5, I-10, I-80, and US-101 see heavy stop-and-go traffic, increasing rear-end and lane-change collisions.
Lane Splitting Is Legal
While lane splitting can reduce rear-end risk when done safely, unsafe merges and sudden door openings remain constant hazards that continually cause accidents.
Helmet Law (CVC §27803)
California requires DOT-compliant helmets for all riders and passengers. While helmets significantly reduce fatal head injuries, many Californians take this rule lightly.
Peak Times and Seasons
Evening commutes and warm-weather months typically see higher crash volumes due to an increase of motorcyclists riding for pleasure.
Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, making injuries particularly severe. Here are the most common types of injuries our clients face.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer traumatic head injuries ranging from concussions to severe TBIs that require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Disc herniations, nerve impingement, paralysis, and chronic pain are lifelong injuries that often require injections or surgery — and they are common even in milder motorcycle accidents.
Lower-Extremity Trauma
Tibia and fibula fractures, knee ligament tears, and hip injuries are very common from accidents involving bike pinning or impact with bumpers and curbs.
Road Rash and Soft-Tissue Damage
Deep abrasions, infections, scarring, and nerve damage are common in motorcycle accidents. Depending on severity, skin grafting may be required for recovery.
Psychological Harm
Anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and driving phobia are among the most unexpected injuries from motorcycle accidents — all of which are compensable when properly documented.
What If You Were Partially At-Fault?
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Don't assume you have no case. Let an attorney evaluate the evidence, traffic laws, and witness testimony before you talk to the insurer.
Example: How Comparative Fault Works
If a jury finds you 20% at fault for lane positioning but the driver was 80% at fault for an unsafe merge, your total award is reduced by 20%.
For example, a $500,000 award would be reduced to $400,000 — you still recover significant compensation.
Call Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Today
After a motorcycle crash, the steps you take in the first few days can dramatically affect your recovery — both medical and financial. Our skilled team of attorneys will investigate the scene, vehicles, and electronic data immediately and craft a personalized legal strategy to maximize your compensation.
Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win
Over $1 Billion Recovered | 30+ Years of Experience
California Motorcycle Accident Law: What You Need to Know
California has motorcycle-specific rules — and riders often face unfair bias. Here is what you should know.
Two-Year Filing Deadline
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (as little as six months if a government entity is involved). Missing the deadline can end your claim.
Helmet & Lane-Splitting Laws
California Vehicle Code § 27803 requires every rider and passenger to wear a DOT-compliant helmet. Lane splitting is legal in California (Vehicle Code § 21658.1), and doing it safely does not automatically make a rider at fault.
Comparative Negligence & Rider Bias
California uses pure comparative negligence, so you can recover even if you were partly at fault; your award is reduced by your share of fault. Insurers often exploit bias against riders — strong representation counters that.
Not sure what your claim could be worth? Try our case value calculator, read the latest California accident news, or explore our injury law blog. We serve riders in Sacramento, Roseville, Oakland, and across Northern California.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
In California you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If a government vehicle or agency is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim, so it is important to speak with an attorney quickly.
Is lane splitting legal in California?
Yes. California is the only state that expressly authorizes lane splitting (California Vehicle Code § 21658.1). Splitting lanes safely does not automatically make a rider at fault, though the other driver's insurer may still try to shift blame.
Can I still recover if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
Yes. California's pure comparative negligence rule means you can recover even if you were partly at fault. Not wearing a helmet will not bar your claim, though it may reduce the damages attributed to a head injury.
How much does it cost to hire Frank Penney Injury Law for a motorcycle accident case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free.