Bakersfield’s wide highways and rural roads make it a prime location for motorcycle enthusiasts. But with growing traffic congestion and driver negligence, motorcycle accidents are becoming increasingly common throughout Bakersfield and greater Kern County. Whether you’re commuting through downtown or riding along Highway 99, a single reckless move by a car or truck driver can cause a devastating collision for even the most experienced motorcyclist.
Motorcycle crashes often result in catastrophic injuries—broken bones, spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, and more. These cases are not only physically and emotionally challenging, but legally complex as well. Insurance companies often try to downplay the rider’s injuries or shift the blame to the motorcyclist. That’s why it’s critical to have a knowledgeable and aggressive legal advocate on your side.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the unique risks motorcyclists face and the bias they often encounter when seeking justice. We bring deep experience in California personal injury law and a reputation for compassionate, client-focused service. Our team handles each case with care, urgency, and strategic precision to ensure our clients receive the compensation they need to recover.
Even if you feel okay at first, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Internal bleeding, brain injuries, and spinal trauma may not present symptoms right away. Always seek medical attention at the scene or go directly to the nearest emergency room. Timely medical records will also serve as crucial evidence connecting your injuries to the crash.
It’s essential to have law enforcement respond to the scene. Officers will assess the situation, gather statements, and file an official accident report. This report can be invaluable later when proving fault, especially if the other party disputes what happened. Be honest, but avoid speculating or admitting fault, even if you’re unsure of the exact details.
If you are physically able, take pictures of:
Also, get names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the crash. Independent witnesses can help confirm how the accident occurred and strengthen your case.
Your helmet, clothing, and the condition of your bike can all serve as key pieces of evidence. Do not repair or dispose of any damaged equipment until your attorney has had a chance to review and document them. These items may help demonstrate the force of the impact or refute claims by the at-fault party.
Shortly after the accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Be cautious. These offers are often designed to minimize what they pay you—and accepting too soon could prevent you from recovering full compensation.
Before speaking to any adjuster, call Tim Wright Law. We’ll handle the communication, protect your interests, and ensure you don’t say or sign anything that could harm your claim.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages—though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident and your damages total $100,000, you would still be eligible to recover $80,000. Insurance companies know this rule well and often try to exaggerate a motorcyclist’s share of the blame to reduce their own liability.
Tim Wright Law anticipates these tactics and presents clear, evidence-backed arguments to minimize any unfair or exaggerated fault assigned to our clients.
To establish liability, we look at all potential causes of the crash. Often, the fault lies with the other driver, who may have:
However, sometimes the crash may be caused or worsened by external factors, such as dangerous road conditions—like potholes, missing signage, or poor lighting. In these cases, local municipalities or contractors responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.
Our team investigates every possible angle, consulting accident reconstruction specialists and roadway engineers when needed to build a rock-solid liability case.
If your motorcycle accident involved a commercial vehicle—such as a delivery van, company car, or big rig—the legal landscape becomes more complex. In such cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to include:
These claims often involve large insurance policies and corporate defense teams. Tim Wright Law is well-equipped to take on these powerful opponents and ensure our clients are treated fairly throughout the process.
Under California law, motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet. If you weren’t wearing one at the time of the accident, it doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering damages—but it may affect certain aspects of your claim.
For example, if you suffered a head injury, the defense may argue that the severity could have been reduced or avoided with proper helmet use. However, they must prove that your injuries were specifically caused or worsened by the lack of a helmet—something we vigorously challenge using expert medical testimony and accident data.
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries that require emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. You may also need ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy, mobility aids, or in-home care. We work with medical professionals to assess not just your current medical costs, but also your future healthcare needs, so you’re not left footing the bill down the road.
This includes:
Many riders are unable to return to work immediately after a crash—some may be permanently disabled. If your injuries keep you from earning a living, you deserve to be compensated for:
Our team carefully documents your employment history and consults with vocational experts when necessary to ensure your economic losses are fully valued.
Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries. These damages are often substantial in motorcycle accident cases due to the severity of trauma and long recovery times.
We help clients recover for:
These non-economic damages are just as real as your medical bills, and we ensure they are not overlooked during settlement negotiations or litigation.
Your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and personal items are often damaged or destroyed in a crash. We help you recover the cost of repairing or replacing:
It’s important to keep documentation of repair estimates or receipts for replacement items, which we can use to strengthen your claim.
In cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious—such as drunk driving or fleeing the scene—you may be eligible for punitive damages. These are designed to punish egregious behavior and deter others from similar actions.
While not awarded in every case, punitive damages can significantly increase the value of your claim. Our legal team will evaluate whether this type of compensation applies to your case and pursue it aggressively when appropriate.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Motorcycle crashes often result in serious injuries and complex legal battles, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Tim Wright Law, we’re ready to fight for your recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and you’ll never pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Our firm is known for delivering compassionate, high-impact representation to motorcycle riders across Southern California. We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face, and we’ll stand by you every step of the way.
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