Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations in California

Meeting the Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations in California

Any vehicle accident has the potential to cause life-changing injuries, but the risk of severe injury is much greater for a motorcycle accident than for most other vehicle accidents in California. It is crucial to know what to do after a motorcycle accident in California to protect your legal rights. Whether you remember exactly how your accident happened or you have no recollection of the incident because of your injuries, you have a limited time to prove liability and claim compensation for your damages.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing most personal injury claims is two years. The statute of limitations begins on the date the injury occurs, and the victim has two years from this date to file their civil claim for damages. Failure to meet the statute of limitations means losing the opportunity to claim compensation from the at-fault driver, regardless of your case’s merits.

Alternatively, the statute of limitations may begin on the date that the victim discovers the harm done by the defendant. However, this typically does not apply to vehicle accident cases. After you receive medical treatment for your injuries, you should hire a highly qualified Orange County motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to help you build your case.

Filing Your Motorcycle Accident Case in California

After receiving medical care for your injuries, a California motorcycle accident attorney can gather the evidence you need to establish fault for the accident. Some of the evidence you will need is time-sensitive and must be collected as quickly as possible. For example, vehicle computer data may show how a driver behaved just before an accident, but this data is consistently overwritten, so it should be collected as soon as possible after the accident.

Once your attorney has established fault for the accident, filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy is usually your first option for collecting compensation for a vehicle accident in California. Your attorney can guide you through the filing process and help you obtain a fair settlement offer from the defendant’s insurance company.

If you must file a personal injury case to recover your damages, you need to do so within the statute of limitations. However, while it’s important that you start building your case as soon as possible, you should not rush to file your claim before you can accurately assess the full extent of your claimable damages. Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can review the details of your case and help you meet the filing deadline.

The team at Bentley & More LLP has represented many motorcycle accident victims throughout California, and we know the various procedural requirements you will need to meet to file your claim successfully. If you are ready to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer and file your case, we are ready to assist you. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.

FAQs

Are Motorcycle Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?

Yes, motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than car accidents because a motorcycle offers very little physical protection from a crash. Understanding the key differences in motorcycle accident vs car accident insurance claims can help you navigate this complex process. The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 583 motorcycle accident fatalities statewide in 2023. While motorcycle accidents are less common than car accidents, the risk of severe or fatal injury is much greater. Riders often suffer injuries from collisions with other vehicles, followed by the secondary impact of hitting the ground.

How Do You Prove Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

To prove liability in a motorcycle accident case, you need evidence that shows a defendant’s negligence or intentional misconduct directly caused the accident. Most of these cases require physical and digital evidence that a skilled California motorcycle accident attorney can obtain, but some evidence will not be available for very long. You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin building your case right away.

What Is a Motorcycle Accident Case Worth in California?

In California, the value of a motorcycle accident case depends on the severity of the victim’s damages. If you can prove another driver caused the accident, you can claim compensation for your vehicle repair costs, medical bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering you experienced. You are more likely to secure appropriate compensation for all of your losses when you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Motorcycle Accident Case in California?

The time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident case in California varies based on multiple factors. If you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer at your first opportunity, you are more likely to resolve your case efficiently. A skilled attorney will know what evidence is needed to prove fault, how to accurately calculate your damages, and what you can do to streamline your proceedings to reduce the time you must wait to receive compensation for your damages.

Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to increase your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. Your attorney can also help you meet the motorcycle accident statute of limitations. In California, the plaintiff has the right to seek compensation for all economic and non-economic damages a defendant caused, but they will need help accurately calculating their claimable damages and navigating their case proceedings successfully.

Let Our Attorneys Help You Move Forward

The attorneys at Bentley & More LLP can help you build your motorcycle accident case and pursue accountability for the damages you suffered. Meeting the motorcycle accident statute of limitations in California is just one of the procedural rules you must follow, and our team can identify the other challenges and opportunities you face in your claim. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer.

About the author: Greg Bentley

Co-Founder & Trial Lawyer at Bentley & More LLP

Greg Bentley is Co-Founder of Bentley & More LLP in Newport Beach, California. With 36 years of experience, he represents plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance bad faith, dangerous road and property conditions, and construction-site failure cases. Admitted to the State Bar of California, Greg earned his J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of several invitation-only trial organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is active in multiple statewide and regional trial lawyer associations.

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