Motorcycle Accidents
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Riders get blamed. Pushing back against that assumption takes evidence, preparation, and a firm that takes motorcyclists seriously.
Free and confidential. We will explain the next practical step.
Focused reviewWe start with the facts that matter.
Clear guidanceWe explain the practical options and next steps.
Prepared advocacyWe build the record before the other side defines it.
In Plain Terms
Insurers often start from the assumption that the rider was at fault. Lane splitting is legal in California, and being partly at fault does not automatically prevent recovery. Do not accept blame before the facts are in.
A disciplined first step
What should be preserved after a motorcycle crash?
Photographs of the scene, vehicles and gear, witness information, road and weather conditions, medical records, and available video can help establish a complete account of the collision.
Talk through the facts with our teamThe Bias Riders Face
Insurance adjusters, and sometimes juries, may start from the assumption that the rider was speeding, splitting lanes recklessly, or otherwise at fault. Overcoming that bias takes evidence and preparation. Lane splitting is legal in California, and a rider's injuries are not less deserving of compensation because they chose two wheels instead of four.
Comparative Fault Protects You
California follows comparative fault rules. Even if you were partly responsible for a crash, that does not automatically eliminate your ability to recover for harm caused by someone else. Your share of responsibility can affect the amount recovered. An insurer telling you the crash was your fault is an opening position, not a verdict.
Why the Injuries Drive the Case
Motorcycle injuries tend to be serious. Road rash, broken bones, head injuries, and long recoveries are common even in lower-speed collisions because riders do not have a steel frame around them. Medical documentation and a realistic picture of future treatment are central to evaluating these cases.
Practical, direct advice
Understand the facts before making the next move.
We identify the questions that need answers, explain the available options, and help clients move forward with a clear view of the risks and evidence.
Straight answers
Questions people ask
These are general answers. The right next step depends on the facts, evidence, injuries, and available coverage.
Is lane splitting legal in California?
Yes. Lane splitting is legal in California. Whether a rider acted safely under the particular circumstances can still matter when fault for a collision is evaluated.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Potentially, yes. California uses comparative fault. A person's percentage of responsibility can reduce the damages recovered rather than automatically eliminating the claim.
The driver's insurer already made me an offer. Should I take it?
Do not make that decision until you understand what the offer covers and what rights you would be giving up. An early offer may not account for the full extent of your injuries, future treatment, lost income, or other losses.
Related practice areas
Find the right path for the facts.
Appelblatt Mazzola LLP
Tell us what happened.
We will listen, assess the information available, and explain the next practical step. The case review is free and confidential.