Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
San Jose Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle riding in San Jose is a mix of freedom and risk. While the open road offers a unique sense of independence, it also exposes riders to dangers that drivers of larger vehicles don’t face. When accidents happen, the outcome can be devastating—serious injuries, financial strain, and emotional trauma. At the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in San Jose are here to stand by your side, protect your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Jose
Motorcycle crashes are rarely minor. Riders lack the physical protection of a car, which means injuries are often severe. Victims face hospital bills, weeks of lost work, and long recoveries that take a toll both physically and emotionally. During this time, insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts or push low settlement offers.
That’s where our San Jose motorcycle accident attorneys step in. We take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers, we make sure every step is handled with your best interests in mind.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Jose
Accidents involving motorcycles often happen because of another driver’s negligence. Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Distracted Driving – A driver looking at a phone or adjusting the radio can miss a motorcycle entirely.
- Failure to Yield – Many collisions occur at intersections when drivers fail to give motorcyclists the right of way.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot. Drivers who don’t check blind spots put riders at risk.
- Speeding – High speeds reduce reaction time and make accidents far more dangerous.
- Driving Under the Influence – Impaired drivers are a constant threat on San Jose roads.
- Hazardous Road Conditions – Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement pose unique risks to riders.
- Mechanical Failures – Defective brakes or tire blowouts can cause sudden loss of control.
Understanding what caused your accident is the first step in proving liability – and it’s something our team investigates thoroughly.
Types of Injuries Riders Often Face
Because motorcycles provide little protection, even a “minor” crash can leave riders with serious injuries. Our San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers have represented clients with:
- Traumatic brain injuries (even with helmets)
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Complex fractures of arms, legs, or ribs
- Severe road rash and disfigurement
- Internal organ injuries
- Facial trauma or dental damage
- Burn injuries from fires or hot surfaces
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD
These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, or lifestyle adjustments. We make sure your claim accounts for both immediate and future needs.
California Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know
Motorcyclists must follow specific California laws to stay safe and protect their legal rights:
- Helmet Requirement – All riders and passengers must wear DOT-approved helmets.
- Lane Splitting – Legal in California, but must be done cautiously and safely.
- Insurance Minimums – $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage.
- Licensing – Riders need a valid M1 or M2 motorcycle license.
- Equipment Standards – Motorcycles must have working brakes, lights, mirrors, and mufflers.
- DUI Laws – Riding with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal and carries severe penalties.
If another driver broke traffic laws or violated these rules, it can significantly strengthen your case.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in San Jose
The steps you take immediately after an accident can shape your case:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries need treatment.
- Call the Police – A police report provides crucial evidence.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Exchange Information – Collect driver and witness details.
- Avoid Admitting Fault – Don’t say anything that could be used against you later.
- Call a Lawyer – Contact a motorcycle accident attorney in San Jose before speaking with insurers.
The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your claim becomes.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in San Jose
At our motorcycle accident law firm in San Jose, we guide clients through every stage of the claims process:
- Investigating and establishing liability
- Collecting police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Calculating damages including medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering
- Filing a claim with the insurance company
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
- Taking the case to trial if insurers refuse to pay fairly
Our goal is always the same: to maximize the compensation you receive.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Victims of motorcycle accidents in San Jose may recover:
- Economic Damages – Hospital bills, surgeries, ongoing therapy, lost wages, reduced earning potential, property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship.
- Punitive Damages – In cases of reckless or intentional misconduct.
Every case is unique, and our attorneys carefully calculate all damages to ensure you are not shortchanged.
Common Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accident claims are often more complex than car accidents. Some challenges include:
- Bias Against Riders – Motorcyclists are often unfairly labeled as reckless.
- Disputed Liability – Insurance companies may try to blame the rider.
- Severe Injuries – Higher medical costs require stronger evidence.
- Comparative Negligence – If you’re found partly at fault, compensation may be reduced.
- Insurance Tactics – Adjusters may delay, deny, or minimize payouts.
Our San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers know how to counter these challenges and level the playing field.
How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help
When you work with the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, you get more than legal representation — you get a dedicated team that fights for you every step of the way. We:
- Conduct thorough investigations into your crash.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Bring in accident reconstructionists and medical experts.
- Negotiate for maximum settlements.
- Take your case to trial if necessary.
You won’t be left dealing with insurers or paperwork on your own — we handle the heavy lifting.
Why Choose Us For Motorcycle Accident Cases?
When you work with us, you get more than legal representation—you get a dedicated partner who genuinely cares about your recovery. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Proven Experience – Years of successful motorcycle accident cases in San Jose.
- Client-First Approach – We tailor strategies to your unique needs.
- Aggressive Advocacy – We push back hard against insurers who try to underpay.
- No Upfront Fees – You don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Our mission is simple: protect injured riders, fight for full justice, and help you move forward with dignity.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If your accident involved a government vehicle or agency, the deadline can be as short as six months. Acting quickly ensures your rights are protected.
Yes, you may still recover damages. However, not wearing a helmet could affect the compensation you receive, especially if head injuries were involved. A lawyer can help push back against insurance companies trying to reduce your claim unfairly.
Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be held liable, including negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers (for defective parts), or even government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions. An attorney will investigate to determine every responsible party.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Each case is unique, and the amount depends on the severity of injuries and impact on your life.
Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle claims and may try to shift blame onto riders. Having experienced San Jose motorcycle accident attorneys ensures you have an advocate who knows the law, understands local courts, and fights for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Our San Jose Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, let the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe guide you through the legal process. Our office at 2880 Zanker Rd Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95134, United States is here to help.
Call today for a free consultation and let our team guide you through every step of the process. Your recovery is our priority- let us fight for the justice and financial security you need to move forward.