When you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it can feel like the entire system is stacked against you. You are not only dealing with serious injuries and staggering medical bills but also facing insurance adjusters who seem determined to blame you for the crash—regardless of what actually happened.
Choulos, Choulos & Wyle has spent years fighting for riders just like you. We know firsthand the unfair prejudices motorcyclists face after an accident, and we have built our reputation on successfully challenging these biases to secure the compensation our clients deserve. With our attorneys on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle every part of your claim.
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection riders have in a collision. Even when wearing proper safety gear, direct exposure to impact can cause devastating trauma that requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Many victims suffer long-term or permanent injuries that impact their quality of life and ability to work.
Common injuries include:
Even when motorcyclists take extra precautions, they remain vulnerable to the actions of others who share the road. Many collisions occur because drivers fail to account for motorcycles or engage in careless conduct that puts riders at risk.
Several factors can lead to motorcycle accidents, such as:
When you are recovering from a motorcycle accident, having the right legal support can make a major difference in your case’s outcome. While you are focused on healing from your injuries, your attorney protects your rights against insurance companies who often try to devalue your claim.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer fights back against the unfair assumptions many people make about riders, building a compelling case that shows exactly how the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries. They know how to calculate the true cost of your accident, including future medical needs and long-term impacts on your ability to ride or work. When insurance companies try to pressure you with low settlements or blame you for the crash, your attorney will draw on their experience with similar cases to demand the full compensation you deserve.
Most importantly, your lawyer understands what you are going through as a rider—the physical pain, the financial stress, and the emotional trauma. With strong legal representation, you can have peace of mind knowing someone is fighting for you.
After a motorcycle accident, you deserve compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses. The financial and personal impact of a serious collision extends far beyond the initial hospital stay, affecting every aspect of your life for months or even years to come.
By filing a motorcycle accident claim in Santa Rosa, you can secure compensation for:
The actions you take immediately following a motorcycle accident can impact your ability to recover compensation later. While your primary focus should always be your health and safety, there are important steps that help protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim:
Riding a motorcycle in California comes with specific legal requirements that affect both your safety and your rights after an accident. For example, all motorcycle operators must hold a valid California motorcycle license—either a Class M1 license for standard motorcycles or a Class M2 license for motorized bicycles and mopeds. Additionally, California enforces a universal helmet law requiring all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet Department of Transportation standards, regardless of age or experience level.
One of California’s most distinctive regulations involves lane splitting. Unlike other states, California law allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic when it is safe or prudent to do so.
California also requires motorcycle riders to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. You must be able to provide proof of insurance when riding. While these are the minimum requirements, many riders choose higher coverage limits to better protect themselves financially in the event of a serious accident.
California law imposes strict time limits for filing personal injury claims, and missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. Under the statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
While two years may seem like ample time, waiting too long to take action can seriously harm your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and memories fade as time passes. Insurance companies also become more skeptical of delayed claims and may question the severity of your injuries if you wait months before seeking legal help. Starting the claims process early gives your attorney time to conduct a thorough investigation, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for trial if necessary.
When you are recovering from a motorcycle accident, the last thing you need is to face the legal process alone. At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle, our lawyers have spent decades fighting against the unfair bias that riders face and securing the compensation they deserve. Contact us at (415) 604-9915 for a free case evaluation and let our Santa Rosa motorcycle accident attorneys protect your rights.
