Sonora & Gold Country Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Representing Riders and Families in Sonora, Angels Camp, Jamestown, and Across the Sierra Foothills

Riding through Gold Country is something special. There’s a kind of freedom you only get when you’re leaning into a curve on Highway 49, climbing Old Priest Grade, or winding past the pines along Highway 108. But even up here—maybe especially up here—riders face real dangers. Blind corners. Loose gravel. Tourists glued to GPS screens. Logging trucks. Wildlife. Distracted drivers.

And when something goes wrong, it’s the rider who gets hurt. Or worse, the rider who doesn’t come home.

At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we represent injured riders and grieving families across Northern California and the Sierra Nevada foothills. We don’t just talk the talk. We’ve ridden these roads. We’ve lost people we love. And we’ve stood up to insurance companies and big corporations that try to blame riders for their own injuries.

We don’t have billboards. We don’t have stupid commercials. We’re considered California’s Motorcycle Law Firm for a reason. Built by riders, for riders.

We Know the Roads. We Know the Risks. And We Know How to Fight.

If you ride in Sonora, Jamestown, Columbia, Groveland, or Angels Camp, you already know how quickly a scenic ride can turn into a nightmare. Maybe a driver took a blind turn too fast and crossed into your lane. Maybe a pothole sent you airborne. Maybe a drunk driver pulled out of a winery parking lot without looking. Whatever happened, you’re the one left facing the hospital bills, the surgeries, the lost income, the trauma—and sometimes the unbearable grief of losing a loved one.

We’ve helped people through all of that. And we’re ready to help you too.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in the Gold Country

We’ve handled cases involving:

And yes—we’ve seen single-bike crashes labeled as “your fault” that turned out to be caused by poor road design, hidden obstacles, or another driver who fled the scene.

We don’t stop with the police report. We go deeper. Because we know what’s at stake.

What You’re Up Against — And Why It’s Not a Fair Fight Without Help

Let’s be honest. Riders don’t get the benefit of the doubt. You’re assumed to be reckless. You’re assumed to be speeding. The insurance company will say anything they can to pin the blame on you—even if you were doing everything right.

In a rural county like Tuolumne or Calaveras, where juries might not be filled with motorcycle riders, that bias can be tough to overcome. That’s why you need a lawyer who not only knows the law, but knows how to connect with real people. Someone who can explain what really happened in plain English. Someone who can walk a jury through what it’s like to ride through a blind curve on Soulsbyville Road or dodge an RV on Parrotts Ferry Bridge.

We take the time to understand your story and tell it the way it deserves to be told.

After a Motorcycle Crash in the Sierra, Here’s What to Do

The aftermath of a crash can be a blur. You’re hurt. Your bike is wrecked. Maybe you're in the ER or trying to figure out how to explain this to your family. It’s a lot. Here’s what we recommend if you or a loved one has been in a crash:

  1. Get medical help — Even if you think it’s just road rash or soreness. Adrenaline masks injuries.

  2. Document everything — Photos, videos, witness names, witness statements, the location of the crash, and anything you remember.

  3. Don’t give a statement to insurance yet — They’ll try to twist your words or get you to settle cheap.

  4. Talk to a lawyer who knows motorcycle law — Not just any personal injury lawyer. Someone who rides.

You only get one chance to protect your case. Let us help you get it right from the start.

What If the Rider Didn’t Survive?

We’re so sorry if that’s the case. Nothing prepares you for that kind of loss.

If you’ve lost a partner, a child, a sibling, or a parent in a motorcycle crash, you may be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim. Under California law, certain family members can seek damages for:

  • Funeral and burial costs

  • Loss of companionship

  • Loss of financial support

  • Emotional distress

  • Medical bills related to the fatal crash

  • And in some cases, punitive damages

We’ll help you understand your rights. We’ll handle the investigation. We’ll make sure their story is told with dignity—and that the person responsible is held accountable.

We Know the Sierra Foothills—and the Riding Community That Calls it Home

The Sierra isn’t just a place. It’s a way of life.

From the poker runs in Jamestown to the vintage rallies in Murphys, we’ve met riders who ride because it’s in their blood. Whether you’re on a Harley, a BMW adventure bike, or a vintage Triumph with a kickstart and a dream, you deserve to be respected on the road.

We know where the problems are:

  • Old Priest Grade — Steep, narrow, and dangerous when drivers get spooked.

  • Highway 108 — Scenic but fast-changing conditions and impatient traffic heading to the mountains.

  • Highway 49 — Beautiful but deadly when tourists swerve or tailgate.

  • Backroads near Columbia, Twain Harte, or Chinese Camp — Often neglected and poorly maintained.

Local knowledge matters. So does experience. We bring both.

The Road to Recovery: Medical and Financial

Motorcycle injuries are often catastrophic—broken bones, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and internal bleeding. If you’re lucky, you walk away. If not, you’re facing months or even years of rehab.

We help our clients connect with the right doctors and medical providers. We work to make sure those bills are part of the damages we recover. We fight for:

  • Emergency room and hospital stays

  • Surgery and post-op care

  • Physical therapy

  • Prosthetics and mobility aids

  • Future medical needs

  • Mental health counseling (including PTSD treatment)

  • Lost wages and future earnings

  • Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life

You didn’t ask for this. But you can get the support you need to move forward—and we’ll help you get there.

How We Work — No Upfront Fees, No Hourly Bills, No Bull

We work on contingency. That means:

  • You don’t pay anything upfront

  • You don’t pay by the hour

  • We only get paid if you win

Our fast, free case evaluation goes straight to a real, award-winning, trial lawyer, who has been in the saddle (not some call center). We usually respond the same business day. If we can help, we’ll set up a free consultation—by phone, video, or in person.

And if we can’t help, we’ll point you in the right direction. Either way, you’ll walk away with more clarity than you had before.

Not Just Any Law Firm. California’s Motorcycle Law Firm.

We’re not interested in being the biggest law firm. We’re interested in being the right one for riders.

At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we believe in standing up for the underdog. We believe in taking on tough cases in rural counties where riders often get blamed first. And we believe in giving our clients real attention—not just a case number.

We represent motorcyclists across the Sierra, from Sonora to Grass Valley, from Groveland to Angels Camp. And we’ll fight like hell to make sure you’re not just another statistic.

Contact McCarthy Motorcycle Law Today

Fill out our secure, confidential case evaluation form right here on the site. It’s fast. It’s free. And it goes straight to our inbox.

We’ll let you know if we can help. If we can, we’ll take it from there—gathering records, investigating the crash, building your case, and fighting to get you the justice you deserve.

You’ve been through enough. Let us carry the legal load.