What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in California?

Call 911, move to safety if possible, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, exchange information with involved parties, and report the accident to the CHP if damages exceed $1,000 or there are injuries.

Is lane splitting legal in California?

Yes. California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. The California Highway Patrol recommends doing so at no more than 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic and only when traffic is moving at 30 mph or less.

What is the statute of limitations for a motorcycle accident in California?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Property damage claims also have a two-year window. Consulting a qualified attorney early is important to preserve your rights.

California Motorcycle Accident Resource Center

California Motorcycle Accident Information & Resources

Helping California riders understand their rights, insurance options, accident procedures, and recovery resources — clearly and without legal jargon.

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California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

15,000+

Crashes per year

Annual CA average

500+

Fatal accidents

Per year in California

$92K

Avg. injury cost

Medical + lost wages

2 yrs

Statute of limitations

CA personal injury

Sources: California Highway Patrol, NHTSA. Statistics for general reference only.

Educational Information Only: This content is for general educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

Educational Resources

Everything you need to know

Accident Guide

Step-by-step guidance on what to do immediately following a motorcycle accident in California.

Read the guide

Injury Information

Educational content on common motorcycle injuries, treatments, and long-term recovery.

Learn about injuries

Insurance Guide

Understand coverage types, how to file claims, and navigate dealings with insurers.

Explore insurance

California Laws

Helmet laws, lane splitting rules, insurance requirements, and reporting obligations.

View CA laws

Compensation Guide

Learn about common categories of compensation available to motorcycle accident victims.

Understand compensation

Accident Checklist

Interactive checklist of everything to do at the scene and in the days following a crash.

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By the Numbers

Common causes of California motorcycle accidents

42%

Left-Turn Collisions

Most common crash type in CA

28%

Lane Change Incidents

Blind-spot related crashes

19%

Intersection Accidents

Red light / stop sign

11%

Road Hazards

Debris, gravel, potholes

Prevention

Essential safety recommendations

Reducing risk starts before you ride.

Always wear a DOT-approved helmet — California law requires it for all riders
Take a California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) course
Make yourself visible: high-visibility gear, proper lighting, lane position
Never ride in a vehicle's blind spot, especially trucks
Increase following distance — braking distances for motorcycles differ from cars
Be extra alert at intersections, where most collisions occur

Free Resource

What to do in the first 24 hours after a crash

Our free accident checklist walks you through every critical step — from the scene to the insurance office — so nothing falls through the cracks during one of the most stressful moments of your life.