California’s
Motorcycle
Law Firm
We’re There by Your Side for Life’s Wild Ride.
✦
We’re There by Your Side for Life’s Wild Ride. ✦
Top Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in California
If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash — or lost someone you love in one — you already know what the rest of the world doesn’t: these aren’t just “accidents.” They’re life-changing events. And most people don’t get it.
Insurance companies certainly don’t.
The cops often don’t.
And too many lawyers? They lump motorcycles in with car crashes like it’s all the same.
We’re not “too many lawyers.”
We’re McCarthy Motorcycle Law — and we’re proud to be known as California’s Motorcycle Law Firm.
We’re not billboard lawyers. We’re not chasing fender benders or quick settlements.
We’re here for riders who’ve been seriously hurt, and for families who’ve lost someone to a crash that never should’ve happened.
We’re here because we’ve lived it.
We’re here because we ride.
We’re here because we know what it’s like to lose someone to the road.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who’ll treat you like a case file, keep moving.
But if you want someone who’ll actually listen, who understands what it means to ride, and who isn’t afraid to take on big insurance or bad drivers — you're in the right place.
Built By Riders. For Riders.
McCarthy Motorcycle Law was built around one simple idea: real riders deserve real representation.
I’m John McCarthy. I started this firm not just because I believe in fighting for injured people — but because I’ve been on both sides of the phone. I’ve taken those midnight calls. I’ve sat at funerals for people I loved who were taken too soon in motorcycle crashes. I’ve seen how quickly a life can change, and how hard it is to get anyone to care once the sirens stop.
Before I ever went to law school, I worked for a trial lawyer and realized I wanted to fight for people the system chews up and spits out. I didn't want to be the guy who made excuses for companies. I wanted to be the guy who called them out.
I used to ride. I lived for it. But after losing people close to me — and promising my wife I wouldn’t take those risks anymore — I traded my bike for a briefcase. But my heart never left the road.
That’s why I fight for motorcyclists.
Not because it’s trendy. Not because it’s profitable.
Because it’s personal.
We don’t treat your case like a number. We don’t hand you off to a paralegal and disappear.
When you call McCarthy Motorcycle Law, you get me—or Clay. Not some green associate, not a gatekeeping paralegal, and sure as hell not an answering service. You get the cell phone number of an award-winning lawyer who knows how to ride—and how to win.
We’ve taken on major insurance companies and national defense firms — and we’ve won.
We use technology to move fast. We build your case like it’s going to trial from day one.
And we do it all with one goal: get you the justice you deserve without losing your voice in the process.
Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash?
We’ve Got Your back.
If you’re reading this after a motorcycle crash, you're probably dealing with more than just pain.
Maybe your bike is wrecked.
Maybe you’re facing surgeries, time off work, or insurance adjusters who talk like you were the problem.
Maybe your body is bruised, your pride is shaken, and your whole life feels upside down.
We’ve been there. And we’re here to help you stand back up.
It’s Not Just Another “Accident”
When a car runs into another car, it's usually called a fender bender.
When a car runs into a motorcycle — it’s a life-altering event.
Motorcycle crashes are different.
They’re often more severe, more complex, and more emotionally charged.
But you wouldn’t know that from the way some insurance companies treat them.
We’ve seen adjusters try to blame the rider — just because you chose to ride.
We’ve seen police reports leave out key details.
We’ve seen crash victims offered pennies for injuries that will affect them forever.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we know how to push back — hard.
The Most Common Motorcycle Crashes We Handle
We’ve worked with riders from all across California, and some crash patterns show up over and over again. The most common (and most dangerous) include:
Left-turn collisions – A car turns left across your path and “never saw you.”
Rear-end crashes – A driver follows too close and smashes into you at a light.
Unsafe lane changes – You’re in a blind spot, or they just don’t bother to look.
Dooring incidents – Especially in city traffic, parked drivers open their doors without checking.
Run-off-road crashes – Caused by dangerous road conditions or another vehicle cutting you off.
Whatever the crash type — if it was caused by someone else’s mistake, distraction, or carelessness — we want to hear your story.
The Injuries Riders Face
Most of the riders who come to us don’t walk away with bruises. They come to us because something big happened — something that changed their life.
We handle cases involving:
These aren’t cases for billboards or settlement mills. These are the cases where everything is on the line — and that’s when we do our best work.
Motorcycle Cases Aren’t Like Car Accidents — They’re Harder
Here’s the part a lot of lawyers won’t tell you: motorcycle cases are harder to win.
Why? Because juries, insurance adjusters, and even cops often have a bias against bikers.
They assume you were speeding.
They assume you were reckless.
They assume you “knew the risks.”
That bias shows up in everything — from police reports to settlement offers. And if your lawyer doesn’t know how to fight back against it, you’re going to get steamrolled.
We build every case with that bias in mind — and we know how to flip the script.
We use accident reconstruction experts.
We get helmet-cam or dash-cam footage if it exists.
We track down witnesses, subpoena cell phone records, and pull traffic camera data.
We don’t wait around hoping the insurance company will “do the right thing.”
We build your case for trial from day one. And most of the time, that’s why they settle.
Lost Someone in a Motorcycle Accident? You’re Not Alone.
If you’re here because someone you love was killed in a motorcycle crash, we want to start by saying: we’re so sorry. We know that “sorry” doesn’t fix anything. But we mean it.
We’ve sat with families who’ve had to plan funerals when they should’ve been planning birthdays.
We’ve stood by parents, spouses, and siblings who’ve been left with more questions than answers.
And we’ve seen how the legal system can make things feel even worse — with cold forms, confusing timelines, and insurance companies that act like your loss is just another claim to close.
You deserve better than that.
What Is a Motorcycle Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death case is a civil lawsuit filed by surviving family members when someone is killed due to another person’s negligence or wrongdoing.
In motorcycle crashes, that usually means:
These aren’t “accidents.” These are preventable tragedies.
If the person responsible could have — and should have — done something to avoid the crash, you have the right to seek justice.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Under California law, the following people can usually file a wrongful death claim:
The spouse or domestic partner
The children of the deceased
If none of those exist, other family members may qualify — like parents, siblings, or dependents
We can walk you through who has standing and what that process looks like — no pressure, no cost.
What Does a Wrongful Death Claim Cover?
No amount of money replaces the person you lost. We know that.
But filing a claim can help cover:
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship
Loss of love, care, and guidance
Medical bills if there was time between injury and death
And in some cases, we can pursue survival actions, which cover pain and suffering your loved one endured before they passed.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
You’re not just grieving. You’re navigating phone calls, insurance claims, funeral planning, work stress, and the weight of a thousand “what ifs.” We can take some of that off your plate.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we’ll:
Investigate the crash thoroughly — even if police didn’t
Hold the at-fault party accountable, whether it’s a driver, a company, or a city that failed to maintain a safe road
Handle the insurance process so you don’t have to relive the crash over and over
Keep you informed and empowered, not in the dark
We’ll also never pressure you to file a lawsuit you’re not ready for. Some families just want answers. Others want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. We respect that.
It’s Personal for Us
We’re not detached from this kind of loss. We’ve lived through it. We’ve lost friends to crashes.
We know what it’s like to replay the crash in your head at night, and what it’s like to feel like no one understands.
You don’t have to explain motorcycle culture to us.
You don’t have to justify why your loved one rode.
You just have to let us help you carry the weight for a little while.
Why Riders Choose Us
There’s a reason we’re considered California’s Motorcycle Law Firm. There are a lot of lawyers out there. Some buy billboards. Some buy ads. Some spend more time managing their TikTok than they do returning client calls.
That’s not us.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we’ve built this firm on trust, grit, and connection — not gimmicks. And riders come to us for one simple reason:
We actually get it.
We Know Motorcycles — And Motorcycle Cases
A motorcycle case isn’t just a car accident with less metal. It’s different from the moment the crash happens — and so is everything that comes after.
You need a lawyer who understands:
The physics of a bike crash
The bias that riders face in police reports, insurance negotiations, and courtrooms
The true value of your claim, especially when injuries are catastrophic
We don't lump motorcycles into the same file as fender-benders.
We know how to build these cases right — because we ride, we’ve lost riders, and we know what’s at stake.
You’ll Talk to a Real Lawyer — Not an Intake Script
When you contact us, your email doesn’t get funneled into some corporate intake queue.
You won’t talk to a “client specialist” or a chatbot.
Your case evaluation goes directly to me — John McCarthy. I’ll take a look and respond usually within 24 hours. If I think we can help, we’ll schedule a free consultation. If I don’t think we can help, we’ll let you know why, and get you pointed in the right direction.
Because when you’ve been through hell, you deserve a lawyer who actually shows up.
We don’t pass your case down the chain.
We don’t disappear once the paperwork is signed.
We will be by your side from our initial consultation until your case is resolved — whether that’s a settlement, a trial, or something in between.
We Use Technology to Fight Like a Bigger Firm
We’re a small firm by design — but we don’t fight small.
We leverage tech to stay nimble, stay responsive, and stay one step ahead of the insurance companies who are hoping you’ll give up or settle for less.
That means:
Cloud-based case files you can access anytime
Text and email access for fast communication
Digital accident reconstructions when needed
Remote consultations if you’re recovering or out of town
We use modern tools to do old-school lawyering: fight hard, stay honest, and don’t back down.
We Prepare Every Case Like It’s Going to Trial
Even though most cases settle, we treat every claim like it’s headed to a courtroom. That’s how you get leverage. That’s how you get respect. And that’s how you get results that actually cover what you’ve lost — not just what the insurance company feels like paying.
If the other side wants to be reasonable, great. If they don’t, we’ll be ready.
Real Reviews. Real Riders. Real Results.
We’ve helped riders get back on their feet after crashes that nearly ended everything.
We’ve helped families get answers — and compensation — after fatal wrecks.
And we’ve stood in courtrooms across California making sure the people who cause these tragedies are held accountable.
We’re proud of the results we’ve secured, but even more proud of what clients say after the case is over — when they tell us we helped them feel human again.
How It Works: From First Call to Final Result.
We know that reaching out to a lawyer can feel intimidating. You might be thinking:
“I’m not even sure I have a case.”
“What’s this going to cost me?”
“Am I going to get stuck in a system I don’t understand?”
You’re not alone. Most of our clients felt that way at first. That’s why we make the process simple, human, and transparent — from start to finish.
Step 1: You Reach Out
You fill out a free, confidential case evaluation form answering the basics like: what happened, when, where, and who was involved. No pressure. No spam. No obligation.
What happens next:
Your intake form goes straight to John McCarthy’s inbox — not an assistant, not a call center.
If it sounds like something we can help with, we’ll set up a free consultation — usually the same day.
If it’s not a case we can take? We’ll point you in the right direction. We never leave people hanging.
Step 2: We Talk — For Free
This isn’t a high-pressure sales pitch. It’s a real conversation.
We’ll ask questions. You’ll ask questions. We’ll talk about:
What happened
What injuries you or your loved one suffered
Who might be legally responsible
What your options are going forward
If we can help, we’ll walk you through next steps.
If not, you’ll still walk away with answers and direction.
Our Fee Structure: No Upfront Cost. No Surprises.
We front all the costs. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
You don’t pay anything up front
We only get paid if we recover money for you
If we don’t win, you owe us nothing
Our fee is:
30% if we settle without filing a lawsuit
33% if we file but resolve before trial prep
40% if we’re 100 days from trial or responding to a motion for summary judgment
That fee structure encourages fast, full-value settlements, and rewards us all for taking your case all the way to trial when necessary.
We’ll also walk you through the case costs (like filing fees, expert witnesses, and investigators), how they’re handled, and what to expect. No fine print. No gotchas.
Step 3: We Get to Work
Once you hire us, we start building your case right away.
Depending on your situation, we might:
Request and review police reports, body cam footage, and medical records
Hire accident reconstruction or biomechanical experts
Interview witnesses
Pull cell phone records or dashcam footage
Deal with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to
We’ll handle the legal work. You focus on healing.
And you’ll never be left in the dark — we’ll keep you updated, answer your calls, and treat you like a person, not a case number.
Step 4: We Fight for the Outcome You Deserve
That might mean negotiating a full-value settlement.
It might mean filing a lawsuit.
And sometimes, it means taking your case to trial.
Whatever the path, we’ll be with you every step of the way — clear, honest, and relentless.
You’ll know your options. You’ll understand the risks. And you’ll have a voice in every major decision.
Serving Riders Across California
We’re proud to be California’s Motorcycle Law Firm — not just in name, but in how we show up.
From the sunbaked canyon roads of Southern California to the foggy mountain curves of the North Coast, we represent riders who’ve been seriously hurt or lost someone they love in a motorcycle crash.
You don’t need to be in LA or San Francisco to get serious legal help.
You don’t need to be part of a club, or riding the newest bike on the lot.
If you were on two wheels, and someone’s carelessness took that from you — we’re here.
We work with injured riders and grieving families all across the state, including:
Central Coast
Monterey, Salinas, Hollister, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard
Bay Area & Wine Country
San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland & East Bay, Marin County, Napa, Sonoma
Central Valley
Bakersfield, Fresno, Visalia, Tulare, Merced, Modesto, Stockton, Turlock
Capital & Sierra Foothills
Sacramento, Elk Grove, Yuba City, Marysville, Sonora, Grass Valley, Nevada City
Northern California & Redwood Country
Chico, Redding, Eureka, Humboldt County, Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Crescent City, Del Norte County, Lake Tahoe, Truckee
Southern California & Inland Empire
San Diego, Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Coachella Valley, Barstow, Victorville, Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, Canyon Country, Los Angeles, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead
Whether your crash happened in the city or out in the middle of nowhere, whether it was a rear-end at a red light or a fatal left-turn collision on a rural road — if you were on a motorcycle in California, and someone hurt you, we’re ready to fight for you.
Ready to Reach Out? We’re Here
If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash — or lost someone you love — you're probably not sure what comes next.
You don’t need to figure everything out today.
You don’t need to know whether you “have a case.”
You just need a place to start.
That’s what this form is for.
Start with the Case Evaluation Form
When you fill out the form, it goes directly to me — John McCarthy. I read every one personally.
If I think we can help, I’ll reach out to schedule a free consultation. If it’s not something we handle, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
You won’t get spam.
You won’t get a marketing team.
You’ll get a real answer from a real lawyer who gives a damn.
What You Can Expect
✅ A short form with the basics — what happened, when, and where
✅ Everything you share is confidential
✅ A direct response from me, usually the same business day
✅ No pressure — just an honest look at whether I can help
We don’t chase every case. We keep things small on purpose — so the people we do help get our full attention.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d be honored to hear your story.
And if you're not ready yet, that's okay too.
This page will still be here when you are.