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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer - Serving the San Francisco Bay Area

Motorcycle accident attorney Bay Area

Protecting California Riders After Serious Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycling offers a sense of freedom that few other experiences can match. But when another driver's carelessness turns that freedom into tragedy, riders face some of the most severe injuries seen on the road.

At Ginny Walia Law Offices, we understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be - physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team is dedicated to helping injured riders and their families recover full and fair compensation under California law, serving clients throughout Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin Counties.

With over 20 years of legal experience, attorney Ginny Walia and her team fight aggressively against negligent drivers, insurance companies, and corporate defendants to ensure that motorcyclists get the justice they deserve.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are Different

Motorcycle collisions are uniquely complex. Unlike car occupants, riders have little protection in a crash, often suffering catastrophic injuries even at low speeds. Unfortunately, motorcyclists also face bias and unfair assumptions - insurers and jurors sometimes perceive riders as reckless simply because they ride motorcycles.

We know how to challenge those stereotypes. Our firm builds every case with hard evidence, expert analysis, and a clear narrative that shows who was truly at fault and how the crash has impacted your life.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

Most motorcycle crashes are caused by driver negligence - not rider error. Common causes include:

  • Left-turn accidents - when drivers fail to yield to oncoming motorcycles
  • Unsafe lane changes or drivers merging without checking blind spots
  • Distracted driving, including texting or using cell phones
  • Speeding or reckless driving on highways and city streets
  • Unsafe road conditions, such as potholes or debris
  • Impaired driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Defective motorcycle parts or poorly maintained vehicles

High-traffic routes like Interstate 880, Highway 101, and I-680, and busy city streets in Oakland, San Jose, and Concord, are frequent locations for motorcycle collisions. If you were hit on one of these roads, we can help investigate the cause and hold the responsible party accountable.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries, such as:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
  • Severe Road Rash and Lacerations
  • Broken Bones and Dislocations
  • Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
  • Amputations and Crush Injuries
  • Fatal Injuries (Wrongful Death Claims)

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and permanent lifestyle adjustments. Our firm works closely with medical experts to document every aspect of your physical and emotional recovery so we can pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Determining Liability in a Motorcycle Accident

California follows a comparative negligence rule - meaning even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation for the other party's share of liability.

We investigate every possible angle to identify all responsible parties, which may include:

  • Negligent drivers
  • Employers (for commercial or on-the-job drivers)
  • Manufacturers (for defective parts or equipment)
  • Government agencies responsible for dangerous road conditions (under California Government Code § 835)

We gather and preserve critical evidence such as police reports, dashcam footage, witness statements, and expert reconstruction reports to prove liability and build a strong case for you.

Key California Motorcycle Laws Affecting Your Case

Understanding state laws is crucial to protecting your rights:

  • Lane Splitting: Legal in California under Vehicle Code § 21658.1. However, riders must do so safely and prudently.
  • Helmet Law: All motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets under Vehicle Code § 27803.
  • Insurance Requirements: Riders must carry minimum liability insurance coverage.
  • Statute of Limitations: You generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim (and only 6 months for claims against government entities).

An attorney experienced in Bay Area motorcycle cases understands how these laws apply and how local traffic patterns, police departments, and court systems can affect your case.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Under California law, victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses (past and future)
  • Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Property Damage (bike repair or replacement)
  • Loss of Consortium (for spouses or family members)
  • Wrongful Death Damages (funeral expenses, loss of support, etc.)

Our goal is simple - to make sure you and your family are financially secure as you rebuild your life after a crash.

How Ginny Walia Law Offices Can Help

When you hire our firm, you get a dedicated advocate who knows how to win tough cases. Here's what sets us apart:

  • Over two decades of legal experience in California personal injury law
  • Aggressive advocacy against large insurance companies
  • Deep familiarity with local courts in Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin Counties
  • Personal attention - your case is handled directly by an experienced attorney, not passed to a junior associate
  • No fees unless we win - you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

We take pride in treating every client with respect, compassion, and the determination to secure justice.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

  1. Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
  2. Call the police and make sure an official report is filed.
  3. Collect evidence - photos, witness names, and any video footage.
  4. Avoid admitting fault or giving statements to insurance adjusters.
  5. Contact a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Tip: Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation under California's comparative negligence law. Don't assume you can't recover - speak with us first.

Serving Riders Across the Bay Area

Ginny Walia Law Offices proudly represents injured riders in:

  • Alameda County: Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley
  • Santa Clara County: San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View
  • Contra Costa County: Concord, Walnut Creek, Richmond, Antioch
  • San Joaquin County: Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, Lathrop

Whether your crash happened on a freeway, in a suburban intersection, or a rural road, our team will fight for the justice you deserve.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in the Bay Area, contact Ginny Walia Law Offices today. We represent clients in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, and Contra Costa Counties - and we don't get paid unless we win your case.

Request Free Consultation Call +1 (800) 379-9330

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in California

Your first priority is safety. Call 911 and seek medical attention right away, even if you think you're not seriously hurt. Then, if possible, take photos of the accident scene, get contact information from witnesses, and file a police report. Before speaking with any insurance company, contact an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer — what you say early on can affect your claim.

Yes. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you can still recover $80,000. An experienced attorney can help minimize fault assigned to you.

Yes, lane splitting — riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic — is legal under California Vehicle Code §21658.1. However, riders must do so safely and at a reasonable speed. If another driver caused a crash while you were lane splitting, you can still pursue compensation, depending on the circumstances.

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. If your claim involves a government entity (for example, due to unsafe road conditions), you must file an administrative claim within six months. It's best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.

You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical bills (past and future), lost income and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage (motorcycle repair or replacement), loss of consortium (impact on family relationships), and wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed in the crash). Our firm fights to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under California law.

Yes — and you should never accept a settlement before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies often make low initial offers to close cases quickly and cheaply. A skilled Bay Area motorcycle accident lawyer can assess the true value of your case, factoring in medical costs, long-term care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Ginny Walia Law Offices, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay no upfront fees, and no legal fees at all unless we win your case. Your consultation is also free. We only get paid when you do.

If the at-fault driver was uninsured or left the scene (hit-and-run), you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our firm can help you navigate your insurance policy and file the necessary claims to protect your rights.

Our legal team conducts a detailed investigation that includes reviewing the police report, analyzing photos and video footage (dashcam, surveillance, helmet cam), interviewing witnesses, consulting with accident reconstruction experts, and examining road and vehicle conditions. This evidence helps establish liability and strengthens your case against negligent parties.