San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys

Motorcycle riders are exceptionally vulnerable on the roads of San Bernardino, California. Unlike drivers of cars or trucks, motorcyclists are exposed to direct impacts with minimal protection, making them susceptible to severe injuries or even death. If you or someone you care about has been involved in a devastating motorcycle accident, the law firm of Aitken * Aitken * Cohn is here to help. Our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys offer a free consultation to assess your case thoroughly and devise the best approach to defend your rights and secure fair compensation. For further details or to schedule your consultation, please reach out to us.

Navigating Complex Motorcycle Accident Litigation

Motorcycle accident cases often involve intricate issues of liability. A proficient attorney from our team will undertake an independent investigation to pinpoint the responsible parties. Frequent causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Congested traffic
  • Road hazards such as potholes and uneven surfaces
  • Faulty motorcycle parts
  • Poor maintenance and repairs
  • Visual obstructions
  • Reckless or impaired driving

Liability may extend beyond other road users to include repair shops, manufacturers, and even governmental bodies. These entities often have formidable legal representation aimed at shielding them from claims. It is crucial to have robust legal support from an experienced and skilled San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer who can substantiate your claims and maximize your potential compensation.

California Lane-Splitting Laws and Your Accident Claim

California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic) is explicitly legal under California Vehicle Code § 21658.1. However, legality does not eliminate liability — the manner in which you were splitting lanes matters. If you were lane splitting when the accident occurred, the other driver’s attorney will likely argue you were riding unsafely. Our attorneys counter these arguments by reviewing dashcam and traffic camera footage, consulting accident reconstruction experts who specialize in motorcycle dynamics, and citing the California Highway Patrol’s lane splitting safety guidelines issued under § 21658.1. Even if you were lane splitting at the time of the crash, you may still recover compensation under California’s comparative negligence rules.

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

The lack of protective barriers around motorcycles means that riders often suffer severe injuries upon impact. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening and can include:

      • Road Rash: Severe abrasions caused by sliding across the pavement.
      • Fractures: Commonly occurring in the limbs, wrists, legs, and collarbones.
      • Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures.
      • Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
      • Back and Neck Injuries: Including whiplash, herniated discs, and sprains.
      • Internal Injuries: Such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or broken ribs.
      • Facial Injuries: Even with full-face helmets, riders can experience significant facial trauma.
      • Limb Injuries: Ranging from sprains and fractures to amputations.
      • Burns: Contact with hot engine parts or the road can cause severe burns.
      • Psychological Trauma: Accidents can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional issues.
  • Fatalities: Tragically, many motorcycle accidents result in the death of the rider.

Immediate medical attention is critical after a motorcycle accident. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical intervention can help diagnose and treat potentially life-altering conditions effectively. Call a motorcycle or San Bernardino auto accident lawyer today.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Legal Support in San Bernardino

Annually, approximately 80,000 motorcyclists are injured and around 5,000 are killed on U.S. roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2022). Motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die per mile traveled than passenger car occupants. According to California Highway Patrol SWITRS data, San Bernardino County recorded 532 motorcycle injuries and 34 deaths in one year alone (2021) — making it one of the deadliest counties in Southern California for riders. Understanding local traffic laws and accident dynamics is vital, and our attorneys are well-versed in both.

Frequently Asked Questions — Motorcycle Accidents in San Bernardino

No — wearing a helmet does not reduce your compensation. If you were NOT wearing a helmet, your recovery may be reduced under comparative negligence rules, but you can still recover compensation for your injuries.
Yes. Lane splitting is legal in California under Vehicle Code § 21658.1. Even if a jury finds you partly at fault, you can still recover compensation — your damages are reduced by your fault percentage.
Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies. An attorney can also investigate whether other parties (the road authority, a defective parts manufacturer) share liability.
The most frequent cause is drivers failing to see motorcycles — especially when making left turns at intersections. Distracted driving, impaired driving, and road hazards like potholes are also major factors on Inland Empire roads.
It varies widely by injury severity. Soft tissue injuries may settle for $25,000–$75,000. Fractures and TBIs range from $100,000 to $1M+. Spinal cord injuries and fatalities can result in multi-million dollar verdicts.
San Bernardino County has some of Southern California's most hazardous motorcycle corridors. The I-215 through the city of San Bernardino, the I-10 through Fontana and Rialto, and mountain routes like Highway 18 and Highway 138 (running through the Cajon Pass) see high rates of motorcycle fatalities. The Cajon Pass in particular — connecting the Inland Empire to the High Desert — features steep grades, high speeds, and frequent crosswind conditions that challenge even experienced riders. CHP SWITRS data shows San Bernardino County recorded 532 motorcycle injuries and 34 fatalities in a single recent year.
Two years from the date of the accident under California CCP § 335.1. However, if the accident involved a government vehicle (a city bus, a county vehicle) or a road defect on public property, you must file a government tort claim within just SIX MONTHS. Missing this shorter deadline bars your claim permanently. If a San Bernardino city or county entity was involved in your crash in any way, contact an attorney the same week as your accident.
Yes. If a pothole, uneven pavement, missing signage, or debris on a road maintained by a government agency caused your crash, you can file a premises liability claim against the responsible agency — the City of San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, or Caltrans. The critical deadline is six months from the accident to file a government tort claim (California Government Code § 911.2). Motorcycles are disproportionately affected by road defects because they have less stability than four-wheeled vehicles — courts recognize this in assessing fault.
While any personal injury attorney can technically handle a motorcycle case, choosing one with specific motorcycle accident experience matters significantly. Jurors sometimes hold negative biases against motorcyclists — assuming recklessness or blaming the rider — and an experienced motorcycle attorney knows how to counter this. Our San Bernardino attorneys understand lane-splitting law, motorcycle dynamics, helmet evidence, and the NHTSA statistics that support rider claims. We've handled serious motorcycle cases involving TBI, spinal injury, and wrongful death throughout the Inland Empire.
Preserve everything: (1) Photographs of the scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and all vehicle damage — capture images and video before anything is moved. (2) Your motorcycle and riding gear — do not repair or clean them; they are evidence. (3) Helmet — even if damaged, the helmet may reveal impact angle and force. (4) Dashcam or helmet cam footage, if you had one running. (5) Your medical records from the initial ER visit and all follow-up care. (6) Witness contact information. (7) Any communication from the other driver or their insurance. An attorney can also subpoena traffic camera footage and request the other vehicle's event data recorder (EDR) data.

Why Choose Aitken * Aitken * Cohn?

For over three decades, our San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorneys have been advocating for victims of severe motorcycle and vehicle accidents. We have a long-standing reputation for handling complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death lawsuits, and extensive medical treatments. Our goal is to ensure that you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options and learn how we can assist in your personal injury claim.

Whether you are dealing with insurance claims, seeking maximum compensation for your injuries, or need guidance through the legal complexities following a motorcycle accident in Southern California, Aitken * Aitken * Cohn is prepared to stand by your side and fight for justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.