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Fall Riding Gear & Motorcycle Maintenance

Why Autumn is the Perfect Season to Get Ready in California

Labor Day weekend always feels like the turning of a page. Summer rides up and down the California coast, into the Sierras, and across the Central Valley have a magic of their own—warm evenings, long days, and rallies that keep us connected as a riding community. But once Labor Day passes, fall is right around the corner.

And here’s the truth: fall is one of the best seasons to ride in California. The weather is still mild, the tourists thin out, the air gets crisp, and some of the best scenery in the country comes alive when the leaves start to turn in the foothills, vineyards, and mountains.

But fall also brings different challenges—shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures, early rains, and unpredictable road conditions. That makes your gear and your bike’s maintenance more important than ever. Preparing now not only makes fall riding more enjoyable, it also keeps you safer and helps you avoid accidents.

Let’s break down what fall means for California riders, the gear you should be reaching for, and why this season is the perfect time to give your motorcycle some overdue love.

Why Fall Is a Great Time to Ride in California

California is lucky. In many parts of the country, fall is the last chance to ride before snow and ice shut things down. But here, fall often means prime riding conditions:

  • The Weather: Temperatures ease up from summer highs, making long rides through places like Big Sur, the Central Coast vineyards, or Yosemite’s Tioga Pass more comfortable.

  • The Scenery: Vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Temecula glow in shades of orange and red. The Sierra Nevada foothills light up with gold. Even the Central Valley has a beauty of its own with harvest season in full swing.

  • Less Traffic: After Labor Day, the heavy tourist flow thins out on the coast and in the national parks. You still need to watch out for distracted drivers, but the roads generally feel calmer.

  • Longer Riding Window: Unlike the Midwest or East Coast, you don’t have to winterize your bike and park it for months. With the right gear and preparation, you can ride safely all through fall—and even into winter in much of California.

But that doesn’t mean you can coast. Fall weather is more unpredictable, and being prepared can make all the difference.

Essential Fall Riding Gear for California Riders

As cheesy as it sounds, dress for the slide, not the ride. Gear is more than just comfort—it’s your first line of defense when other drivers don’t see you, when the weather shifts suddenly, or when road conditions change. Fall riding means layers, visibility, and gear designed to keep you safe in cooler, darker, and sometimes wetter conditions.

1. Layered Jackets: The Core of Fall Comfort

Fall mornings in California can be in the low 50s (or colder if you’re up in the mountains), but afternoons still climb into the 70s or 80s. That swing means layers are your friend.

  • Textile Jackets with Zip-Out Liners: A breathable textile jacket with a removable liner is ideal. You can start the morning warm and strip it out as temps climb.

  • Leather with Base Layers: A classic leather jacket works too, but pair it with a thermal base layer so you’re not freezing at dawn or after sundown.

  • Visibility Panels: Look for jackets with reflective piping or high-vis panels, or carry a reflective vest. They’re light. They’re easy to throw on. They’re easy to take off and stash inside your helmet. Fall means shorter days, so you’ll be more likely to ride at dusk or dark.

2. Gloves: Protecting Your Hands from Cold & Crashes

Summer gloves don’t cut it once fall mornings set in. Cold hands slow your reaction time.

  • Insulated, Waterproof Gloves: Even light insulation can make a huge difference in morning chill. Waterproofing helps with surprise fall showers.

  • Gauntlet Style: Covers the wrist and seals better against wind.

3. Base Layers & Mid Layers

A good set of thermal base layers keeps you warm without bulk. On colder days, add a fleece or heated vest under your jacket. Heated gear is a game-changer if you’re commuting or taking longer rides into higher elevations.

4. Riding Pants & Rain Gear

Don’t just think about your torso. Legs take the brunt of wind chill.

  • Armored Riding Pants: Denim with Kevlar lining works for casual rides, but for fall, textile pants with armor and water resistance are better.

  • Packable Rain Suit: California may not see constant fall rain, but the first showers make roads slick. Having rain gear stashed can save a ride from becoming miserable—or dangerous.

5. Footwear: Dry, Warm, and Grippy

  • Waterproof Riding Boots: Cold, wet feet are distracting and dangerous.

  • Tread Matters: As leaves start to fall and oil rises in the first rains, grip becomes critical.

6. Helmets & Visibility

  • Pinlock or Anti-Fog Visors: Fall mornings often bring fog along the coast and in the valleys. A fogged visor is an accident waiting to happen.

  • Hi-Vis Accessories: Even if you don’t love the look, consider a hi-vis vest for dawn or dusk rides.

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Motorcycle Maintenance in California

Riding gear is half the equation. The other half is your bike. Fall is the ideal season to get on top of your maintenance—not just because it keeps you safe, but because it sets you up for the months ahead.

Here’s why:

  1. Summer Miles Add Up: Summer riding is hard on bikes. Long trips, hot temps, and stop-and-go traffic all take a toll.

  2. Fall Weather Is Trickier: Shorter days, early rains, and cooler temps mean your bike has to be in top condition to respond quickly.

  3. Shops Are Less Slammed: After the summer rush, motorcycle shops tend to be less busy. That means shorter wait times and better availability for service.

  4. Prepares You for Winter Riding: If you’re planning to keep riding through winter (and you can, in much of California), fall is the time to make sure your bike is ready.

Key Maintenance Items for Fall Riding

1. Tires: Your Only Contact with the Road

  • Check Tread Depth: Fall roads get slick with leaves, oil, and early rain. Worn tires increase your risk of losing traction.

  • Inspect Pressure: Cooler temps can drop PSI. Check before every ride.

2. Brakes: Stopping Power Is Critical

  • Pads & Rotors: Don’t push your luck. If they’re worn, replace them before fall riding picks up.

  • Brake Fluid: Old fluid absorbs water, which can reduce braking efficiency in cooler, wetter conditions.

3. Lights & Electrical

  • Headlights & Brake Lights: Fall means more riding in the dark. Make sure every bulb is working and bright. Consider upgrading to LED for visibility.

  • Battery Check: Heat kills batteries, and summer heat is brutal in California. Test your battery before fall leaves you stranded on some brisk morning.

4. Oil & Fluids

  • Oil Change: After a summer of miles, your oil may be dirty or thin. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoother as temps cool.

  • Coolant: Make sure your cooling system is topped off and in good shape.

5. Chain & Drive System

  • Wear: Check for summer wear and tear.

  • Lubrication: Fall moisture can cause rust. Keep your chain clean and lubed.

  • Tension: Adjust for proper slack before long rides.

6. Suspension & Handling

  • Inspect Shocks & Forks: You want your suspension dialed in for unpredictable fall roads. Potholes hide under leaves, and wet pavement punishes bad suspension.

How Gear & Maintenance Keep You Safer

This isn’t just about comfort. It’s about survival. Too many motorcycle accidents in California happen because of poor visibility, mechanical failures, or a rider being caught off guard by changing conditions.

  • Gear Protects Against Biker Bias: After a crash, insurance companies love to argue that “the rider wasn’t dressed safely.” Proper gear protects your body and your legal case.

  • Maintenance Prevents Breakdowns in Dangerous Spots: A flat tire on Highway 1 or a dead battery on a mountain pass isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.

  • Prepared Riders React Faster: When your bike is dialed in and you’re comfortable in your gear, you can focus on what matters: traffic, road hazards, and the ride itself.

California Roads to Enjoy in the Fall

Since we’re talking about fall riding, let’s not forget the joy of the open road. Some of California’s best rides shine in fall:

  • Highway 9 through the Santa Cruz Mountains: Crisp mornings, redwood shade, and less Silicon Valley traffic post-summer.

  • Wine Country Loops (Sonoma, Napa, Paso Robles): Cooler afternoons and harvest colors make these rides unforgettable.

  • Sierra Foothills (Highway 49, Sonora, Auburn): Golden leaves, winding roads, and history around every curve.

  • Big Sur (Highway 1): Fewer tourists after Labor Day make this stretch more rideable. Fog and sudden chills can occur, but they’re usually less of an issue in September and early October.

  • Eastern Sierra (Highway 395): Aspens turn brilliant yellow in October, and the mountain air is sharp but rewarding.

Every one of these roads has risks—blind corners, distracted drivers, wildlife crossings. That’s why fall prep matters.

Final Thoughts: Ride Smart, Stay Safe, Enjoy Fall

Fall is a season of change. For riders in California, it’s not the end of riding—it’s the start of some of the best miles of the year. But the shift in seasons means you need to adapt.

Gear up for shorter days, cooler temps, and the possibility of rain. Give your motorcycle the attention it deserves after summer riding. Doing so isn’t just about extending the life of your bike—it’s about keeping yourself safe on the road.

At McCarthy Motorcycle Law—California’s Motorcycle Law Firm—we know what it means to ride these roads, to feel the season shift, and to understand the risks that come with it. We’ve represented riders and families after serious crashes, and we’ve seen how the right preparation can prevent tragedy.

So this fall, invest in yourself. Gear up. Tune up. Ride smart. And enjoy everything California’s roads have to offer.

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John McCarthy John McCarthy

Riding Through Monterey Car Week

Tips for Motorcyclists to Enjoy the Event and Stay Safe

Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into a motorhead’s paradise. Car Week brings in some of the rarest, most beautiful, and most powerful vehicles in the world — from vintage Ferraris cruising Ocean Avenue to futuristic concept cars being unveiled on Alvarado.

For riders, Car Week is a mixed bag. On one hand, you get to share the road with rolling art. On the other hand, the crowds, rental cars, and gawking tourists can make our normally scenic rides a lot more hazardous.

As California’s Motorcycle Law Firm, we’ve put together some tips so you can enjoy Car Week from the saddle without putting yourself in unnecessary danger.

1. Know the Roads and the Traffic Patterns

During Car Week, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Pebble Beach become traffic magnets. Popular routes like Highway 1, Highway 68, Laureles Grade, and Carmel Valley Road can go from peaceful rides to stop-and-go crawl.

What to expect:

  • Slowdowns near event venues like, Laguna Seca, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Quail Lodge, and downtown Carmel.

  • Out-of-towners who may be more focused on spotting the next Bugatti than on the lane in front of them.

  • Sudden stops when drivers see a photo op.

Pro tip:
If you’re riding to enjoy the scenery, plan your route early in the morning before traffic builds. If you’re commuting through the area, leave extra time and be patient. Sometimes, taking a longer, lesser-known road — like the loop up San Benancio Road and Corral de Tierra Road, or the back way through Arroyo Seco — is safer and more enjoyable.

2. Expect the “Car Show Glare” Effect

Tourists come to Car Week for the cars, not for you. That means drivers may have tunnel vision for Lamborghinis, not motorcycles.

Risks include:

  • Sudden lane changes without signaling.

  • Pulling out from side streets without seeing you.

  • Stopping in the middle of the road to take photos.

Your move:

  • Stay out of blind spots longer than you have to.

  • Use your high-visibility gear if you have it.

  • Tap your horn if you think someone is about to cut over.

  • Keep a bigger following distance than usual — someone might slam on the brakes for that rare Shelby Cobra.

3. Parking Can Be a Challenge

Car Week events mean parking is at a premium. And while it’s tempting to slip your bike into any small gap, be careful:

  • Some venues will tow motorcycles parked in “display vehicle” areas.

  • Monterey will definitely ticket for two vehicles in one parking spot, and will assume the motorcycle squeezed in second.

  • Crowded lots mean a higher chance of your bike getting knocked over by inattentive drivers.

Better options:

  • Look for official motorcycle parking at major events.

  • Park away from high foot-traffic zones where people might bump your bike.

  • If you’re in downtown Carmel or Monterey, side streets a couple of blocks away can be safer and less chaotic.

4. Watch for Pedestrians Everywhere

Car Week brings out photographers, influencers, and enthusiasts who step into the street without looking. On a motorcycle, a distracted pedestrian can be as dangerous as a distracted driver.

Extra safe spots:

  • Keep your speed low around Cannery Row, Alvarado Street, and Ocean Avenue.

  • Assume every person on the sidewalk might suddenly step into the road.

5. Stay Alert on Highway 1

Many Car Week visitors take Highway 1 toward Big Sur. It’s gorgeous — and often jammed with slow-moving rental cars, RVs, and people pulling over in unsafe spots.

If you ride south during Car Week:

  • Expect blind corners and cars crossing the centerline to get a better look at the ocean.

  • Keep a pace that allows you to react quickly.

  • Remember that weekend afternoons are the busiest. Morning rides are quieter and safer.

6. Consider Riding With a Buddy

Two sets of eyes are better than one during Car Week chaos. Riding with a friend can:

  • Make you more visible to drivers.

  • Provide help if you get stuck in a bad situation.

  • Make the ride more fun (and give you someone to talk cars with).

7. Don’t Forget the Joy

With all these warnings, it’s easy to forget: Car Week is still a blast for riders. You’ll see:

  • Rare vintage motorcycles mixed in with the cars.

  • Exotic cars from every era driving the same roads you love.

  • A one-of-a-kind celebration of automotive culture.

If you ride smart, you can enjoy the sights, hear the engines, and still make it home safely.

Final Word from California’s Motorcycle Law Firm

We love Monterey Car Week — but we also know it’s a dangerous time to be on two wheels here. Every year, we represent riders who were hurt because a distracted or careless driver wasn’t paying attention during major events like this.

If you or a loved one is injured during Car Week:

  • Get medical attention right away.

  • Document the scene and get witness info.

  • Reach out to a lawyer who understands riders — and knows Monterey’s roads.

We’re here to fight for injured motorcyclists in Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Hollister, and across California.
You can call us or fill out our Case Evaluation Form — it’s free, confidential, and goes straight to our inbox.

Ride safe, enjoy Car Week, and remember: the most valuable vehicle out there is the one that gets you home in one piece.

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John McCarthy John McCarthy

Two Riders Lost on Highway 9: Remembering the People Behind the Headlines

Tragic Crash in Our Own Backyard

This past Saturday, two riders—a 61-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman from Hayward—were killed in a head-on collision between their Harley-Davidson and a Tesla Model 3 on Highway 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

They were riding southbound through one of the most iconic, twisty stretches of road in Northern California, just below Highway 35. The Tesla was headed north—toward Silicon Valley—when, for reasons still under investigation, the two vehicles collided. Both riders were ejected from the motorcycle. Despite life-saving efforts, neither survived. The Tesla driver, an 18-year-old woman from San Jose, was uninjured.

We’re not sharing their names here out of respect for their families, but our hearts go out to the loved ones they left behind. They were someone's parents, someone’s children, someone’s best friends. People who likely spent that morning gearing up for a beautiful ride, not knowing it would be their last.

The Beauty—and Danger—of Highway 9

Highway 9 is a legendary route for Bay Area motorcyclists. It weaves through redwood forests, crests along mountain ridges, and offers views you can’t get from a freeway. It’s the kind of road that reminds riders why they fell in love with motorcycles in the first place.

But it also demands respect. The curves are sharp. Sightlines are short. Elevation changes quickly, and so does the pace of traffic—especially on weekends when out-of-towners head to the coast or return to the Valley.

For those heading southbound—like the riders in Saturday’s crash—you’re often riding against the grain of return traffic. You’re facing tired drivers who just want to get home, people who’ve spent the day at the beach or hiking Big Basin, who may be drunk, distracted, impatient, or simply unprepared for mountain driving thinking they can the turns much faster than they really can. Many of them have never taken a turn with proper line of sight, never learned how to downshift through a descent, never dealt with shadows that flicker like strobes through tree canopies.

Some roads are meant to be shared. Highway 9 isn’t always one of them.

When Things Go Wrong, Riders Pay the Price

We don’t know yet exactly what caused this crash. The CHP is still investigating. But here’s what we do know: riders almost always pay the steepest price. Helmets can save lives, but they can’t stop the laws of physics. A head-on collision with a two-ton electric car is rarely survivable.

And when crashes like this happen, insurance companies tend to fall back on tired stereotypes. They question the riders' decisions. They scrutinize speed. They ask whether a Harley should’ve been on that road at all.

We’re here to say: yes. Riders belong on these roads. But they deserve to be seen. They deserve to be respected. And when something goes wrong, their families deserve answers—and accountability.

For the Families Left Behind

To the family members of the two riders: we see you. We know that no legal action, no investigation, no headline or blog post can fill the hole left by their absence. But we want you to know that your loss matters. That your story is not just a statistic. And that, if you need help navigating what comes next—whether it’s dealing with insurance, planning a memorial ride, or just having someone listen—we’re here.

We’ve lost people too.

Ride Safe, Ride Smart—and Look Out for Each Other

To those still riding Highway 9, especially as summer weekends continue: stay sharp. Don’t assume the oncoming driver knows what they’re doing. Trust your instincts. Use your lights, your lane positioning, your voice when needed.

And if you’re driving Highway 9 in a car—especially if you're heading back to the South Bay—slow down. This road isn’t just a shortcut. It’s sacred ground to many riders. Treat it with the respect it deserves.

If you've lost someone in a motorcycle crash like this, or if you've been seriously injured riding your bike on a Santa Cruz mountain road, reach out. We’re California’s Motorcycle Law Firm, and we’ve dedicated our practice to riders and their families. We don’t just know the law—we know these roads. And we’re here when you need us.

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Tragedy on I-880: Rider Killed in Lane-Splitting Crash Near Hegenberger

What This Oakland Motorcycle Fatality Tells Us About the Dangers Riders Face—and the Justice They Deserve

Another rider is gone. Another family is grieving. And once again, it happened on a California freeway—this time on Interstate 880 near Hegenberger Road in Oakland.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a motorcyclist was killed around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday afternoon when a car changed lanes and the rider, who was reportedly lane-splitting at the time, crashed into the back of the vehicle. The impact threw the rider onto the freeway. He died at the scene.

His name hasn’t been released yet. But someone out there is missing a brother, a son, a friend. Maybe even a father.

Lane-Splitting Isn’t the Problem—But Bad Driving Is

Let’s be clear: lane-splitting is legal in California. It always has been. When done responsibly, it can reduce congestion, improve safety in traffic, and give riders a way out of dangerous situations.

But even with the law on our side, riders are still treated like we don’t belong on the road.

Every day, drivers drift between lanes without signaling. They swing wide without checking mirrors. And far too often, they claim, “I didn’t see the motorcycle.”

That excuse isn’t good enough—not when lives are on the line.

The CHP's Report Raises More Questions Than It Answers

CHP Officer Adib Zeid said the rider was lane-splitting when the driver of the car changed lanes. It’s unclear whether the rider was speeding or whether the driver used a turn signal or even looked. Investigators also haven't determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

The investigation is ongoing. But here’s what we know: the rider had the right to be there.

Two Lanes Closed, One Life Lost

The crash shut down two lanes of southbound I-880 for about two hours and triggered a SigAlert. That’s inconvenient for traffic—but nothing compared to the heartbreak felt by the people who loved that rider.

And the truth is, this kind of crash happens far too often.

Why Lane-Splitting Crashes Like This Are So Common

If you ride in California, you know how dangerous freeways like I-880, I-580, or Highway 101 can be—especially in cities like Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, or Sacramento where congestion is constant and visibility is limited.

Here’s why lane-splitting crashes happen so frequently:

  • Drivers don’t check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes

  • Drivers get irritated and “block” motorcycles trying to pass

  • Riders have to make split-second decisions to avoid being boxed in

  • Sudden lane shifts, road debris, and distracted driving all combine to make already-risky situations deadly

And after the crash? It’s almost always the rider who gets blamed—especially if they didn’t survive to tell their side of the story.

At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, We Fight for Riders Who Can’t Speak for Themselves

We’ve seen this story too many times. And it never gets easier.

We’ve lost friends in crashes just like this one. We’ve represented families left behind, struggling to get straight answers while insurance companies do everything they can to delay, deny, or minimize what happened.

If you’ve lost someone in a crash like this—or you’ve been hurt in one yourself—we want you to know something:

You’re not alone. And you have rights.

What to Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident in California

If someone you love was killed in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.

This can help you recover damages for:

  • Funeral and burial costs

  • Medical bills from emergency responders

  • Lost income and financial support

  • Loss of love, companionship, and guidance

  • Pain and suffering (in a survival action)

But beyond the money, these cases are about something deeper: accountability.

It’s not about revenge. It’s about making sure drivers understand that they can’t just change lanes without looking and expect to walk away without consequences.

If You Were Hurt in a Lane-Splitting Crash

Surviving a crash like this is rare—but if you’re lucky enough to be alive, you may still be facing:

  • Traumatic brain injuries

  • Crushed bones or amputations

  • Spinal cord damage

  • PTSD, anxiety, or depression

  • Months—or years—of recovery

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • ER visits, surgeries, and rehab

  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

  • Damage to your motorcycle and gear

  • Ongoing therapy or disability care

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Blame You for Lane-Splitting

Insurance companies love to twist the facts. They’ll say lane-splitting is “inherently dangerous” or “reckless.” They’ll claim you “assumed the risk” just by being on a motorcycle.

That’s garbage.

Lane-splitting is legal in California. The law says drivers must change lanes safely. End of story.

If a driver failed to check their blind spot or merged without warning—that’s on them, not you.

We know how to prove it. And we know how to win these cases.

Built by Riders. Fighting for Riders. All Across California.

At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we don’t just handle motorcycle cases—we live and breathe them.

We’re not some generic personal injury firm with a motorcycle page slapped on the website. This is all we do. And we ride too, so we understand the risks, the roads, and the ways riders are treated unfairly after a crash.

If you’re in Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, or anywhere in the Bay Area, we’re here to help you:

  • Understand your rights

  • Investigate the crash properly

  • Push back when the insurance company blames you

  • Tell your story the way it should be told

And if we can’t help you for some reason? We’ll point you to someone who can.

Free, Confidential, No-Pressure Consultations

You’ve been through enough already. Getting legal help shouldn’t be a hassle.

Here’s what working with us looks like:

  • You fill out our free case evaluation form
    It goes straight to our inbox. Not a call center. Not a chatbot.

  • We respond quickly—usually the same day

  • If we can help, we set up a free consultation

  • You never pay us a dime unless we win

There’s no pressure. No confusing contracts. No hidden fees.

Just honest answers from lawyers who ride.

If You Knew the Rider Lost on I-880

If you’re reading this because you knew the rider who died in that crash near Hegenberger, we’re so sorry for your loss. Please know that your grief matters. And so does his story.

We’d be honored to help you tell it.

And if the driver is found to be at fault, we’ll fight to hold them accountable—not just for the sake of justice, but so it doesn’t happen to the next rider.

McCarthy Motorcycle Law – California’s Motorcycle Law Firm

Built by Riders. Fighting for Riders. Everywhere in California.

Whether you’re in Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento, or anywhere in between—we’re here when the unthinkable happens.

Don’t let insurance companies write the final chapter of your story.
Let’s write the next one together.

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John McCarthy John McCarthy

Why We Ride—and Why We Fight

Welcome to California’s Motorcycle Law Firm Blog

If you’ve ever twisted the throttle and felt the wind hit your chest, you already know—riding isn’t just transportation. It’s freedom. It’s community. It’s a way of life.

But out on California roads, freedom comes with risk.
And when crashes happen, riders and their families are often left to pick up the pieces alone—fighting insurance companies, battling bias, and trying to rebuild without the support they deserve.

That’s why we started California’s Motorcycle Law Firm.
To stand up for riders.
To give families answers.
To make sure our stories don’t get buried under crash reports and corporate excuses.

Built by Riders. Fighting for Riders.

We’re not a billboard law firm. We’re not interested in ambulance-chasing or quick settlements.

We’re trial lawyers who ride. Who’ve lost people we love in motorcycle crashes. Who’ve been to funerals that never should have happened. Who’ve seen too many riders get blamed for wrecks that weren’t their fault.

We built this firm to do things differently—to fight smarter, care harder, and represent riders like they’re family. Because to us, you are.

What This Blog Is For

This blog isn’t here to spam you with legal jargon or scare tactics. It’s here to be a resource—for riders and the people who love them.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Crash analysis and safety tips
    Breaking down real California crashes to learn what went wrong and how riders can protect themselves.

  • Legal guidance in plain English
    What to do after a crash, how to deal with insurance, and when it’s time to lawyer up.

  • Real talk about bias
    We’ll expose how riders get unfairly blamed—and how we fight back in court.

  • Updates on motorcycle law
    Lane-splitting, helmet laws, road conditions, legislation—we’ll keep you informed.

  • Stories from the road
    From charity rides to courtroom wins, we’ll share what we see out there, and the people who inspire us to keep going.

If You’ve Been Hurt—or You’ve Lost Someone

You don’t need to navigate this alone. Whether you were hit on a freeway in LA, a farm road in the Central Valley, or a coastal route near Monterey—we’re here.

We offer free, fast, confidential case evaluations, and you don’t pay us a dime unless we win. Period.

You can reach out right here and talk to a lawyer who actually rides.

Thanks for Stopping By

This blog is just getting started, but we’ve got a lot to share—and a lot of riders to fight for.

Ride safe out there.
And if the worst happens, you know where to find us.

McCarthy Motorcycle Law
California’s Motorcycle Law Firm
Built by Riders. Fighting for Justice. Across the Golden State.

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