Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios in Bakersfield
Every motorcycle accident is different, but many of the cases we handle in the Bakersfield area follow recognizable patterns. If any of these sound like what happened to you, call us.
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Bakersfield's warm climate and proximity to scenic routes make it a popular area for year-round motorcycle riding. But the same roads that attract riders also create serious hazards. Highway 178 through the Kern River Canyon is one of the most dangerous motorcycle corridors in the region, with tight curves, blind corners, and limited shoulders.
Highway 58 between Bakersfield and Tehachapi is notorious for strong crosswinds that can push riders off course, especially in the Tehachapi Pass. And Highway 99 through Bakersfield carries heavy truck traffic that makes lane changes and merges especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
Motorcycle riders face unique challenges after a crash. Insurance adjusters routinely blame riders, question their right to be on the road, and downplay the severity of their injuries. Riders deserve an attorney who understands motorcycle-specific issues and will fight the bias.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take in the first hours matter. Preserving your gear, photographing the scene, and getting medical treatment creates the evidence needed to prove your case. Contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
The most common motorcycle crash — a car turns left into an oncoming rider's path at an intersection.
Drivers who fail to check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes, merging into a rider's path.
Riders struck by drivers who flee the scene. We track them down or recover through UM coverage.
Red-light running, failure to yield, and distracted driving at Bakersfield intersections.
Commercial trucks on Hwy 99 create devastating collisions with motorcycles. Multiple policies may apply.
Potholes, gravel, oil spills, and debris that are minor for cars can be fatal for motorcycle riders.
Every motorcycle accident is different, but many of the cases we handle in the Bakersfield area follow recognizable patterns. If any of these sound like what happened to you, call us.
Car turned left in front of you at an intersection — drivers fail to see approaching motorcycles, especially on wide Bakersfield arterials like Chester Ave and California Ave.
Blown off course by crosswinds on Highway 58 — the Tehachapi Pass is notorious for strong gusts that push riders into adjacent lanes or off the road.
Sideswiped by a truck on Highway 99 — heavy commercial traffic and lane changes on Hwy 99 make this a dangerous stretch for riders.
Crashed on a curve in the Kern River Canyon — Hwy 178 has tight turns, limited visibility, and no room for error on its narrow shoulders.
The timeline for filing depends on the specific circumstances of your case. California law provides two years from the date of the accident. If a government entity is involved — a poorly maintained road, a Caltrans project — you must file an administrative claim within just six months.
California Vehicle Code 21658.1 explicitly legalizes lane splitting. If you were lane splitting safely when the accident occurred, you have every right to pursue a claim. We fight the bias that adjusters bring to motorcycle cases.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault — not eliminated.
If you don't have health insurance or can't afford treatment, ask about treatment on a lien. Medical providers treat you now and get paid from your settlement later. No out-of-pocket costs while your case is pending.
Insurance companies are biased against motorcycle riders. A local attorney who knows Bakersfield roads, Kern County courts, and rider-specific issues levels the playing field.
Insurance adjusters routinely claim riders were speeding, weaving, or being reckless — even when the other driver was entirely at fault. We fight this bias with evidence and expertise.
Cases filed in Bakersfield Superior Court require knowledge of local filing procedures and judges. An attorney who regularly handles Kern County cases navigates the system effectively.
Relationships with medical providers who treat you now and get paid from your settlement later. No out-of-pocket costs for the care you need.
Insurance companies know which attorneys take cases to court. We prepare every case for trial — and our settlement offers reflect that.
California law entitles you to recover the full range of damages from a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle injuries are typically more severe than car accident injuries, and your compensation should reflect that.
CA minimum liability: $30k per person / $60k per accident. Many drivers carry only the minimum or no insurance at all.
Medical Expenses — ER, surgery, rehab, prescriptions, specialists, and future treatment.
Lost Wages — missed work, reduced hours, and diminished earning capacity.
Pain & Suffering — physical pain, anxiety, PTSD, and lost quality of life.
Motorcycle & Gear Damage — motorcycle repair or replacement, damaged helmet, leathers, and riding gear.
Attorney Etan Nozar does not wait for clients to come to him. We travel to Bakersfield and throughout Kern County to meet you at your home, at Kern Medical Center, or wherever is most convenient.
Road Rash & Skin Grafts — sliding on pavement causes severe abrasions that may require skin graft surgery and leave permanent scarring.
Traumatic Brain Injuries — even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause concussions, contusions, and severe TBI.
Broken Bones & Compound Fractures — arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures requiring surgery, hardware, and months of rehab.
Spinal Cord Injuries — partial or complete paralysis that changes your life forever. We fight for lifetime care costs.
Call us. Tell us what happened. We review your case and explain your options as a rider.
We collect evidence, CHP reports, medical records, and witness statements to build your case.
We fight insurance companies and their anti-rider bias for the highest possible settlement.
Fair settlement or trial verdict. You pay nothing unless we win.
Law Warriors Group is a personal injury law firm based in Los Angeles and serving clients across all of California, including Bakersfield and Kern County. Attorney Etan Nozar (SBN 355654, Southwestern Law School) handles motorcycle accident claims with aggressive, trial-ready preparation and a deep understanding of rider-specific issues.
Our team travels to Bakersfield to meet with you personally. We fight the anti-rider bias that insurance companies bring to every motorcycle case and pursue the full compensation your injuries demand.
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The timeline for filing depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If your accident involved a government entity — such as a poorly maintained road or a Caltrans project — the deadline may be as short as six months under the California Government Claims Act. Call us to discuss the deadlines that apply to your case.
California is the only state that explicitly legalizes lane splitting under Vehicle Code 21658.1. If you were lane splitting safely and within CHP guidelines at the time of the accident, you have every right to pursue a claim. Even if the other driver argues you were partially at fault, California's pure comparative negligence rule means you can still recover damages — your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated.
Law Warriors Group works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, nothing out of pocket, and no fee at all unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. This means anyone can afford quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
California law requires all motorcycle riders to wear DOT-approved helmets. If you were not wearing a helmet, the defense may argue comparative negligence for head injuries specifically. However, this does not bar your entire claim. You can still recover damages for all other injuries, and the helmet issue only applies to the percentage of fault related to head injuries. We build strong cases regardless of helmet use.
Yes. Attorney Etan Nozar is licensed to practice across all of California and regularly serves clients in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County. Cases are filed in Bakersfield Superior Court as appropriate. We travel to you for meetings and handle all court appearances, depositions, and filings. You get the same level of personal attention as any client in Los Angeles.
Hwy 99 and Hwy 58 collisions, rear-ends, T-bones, and multi-car pileups.
Strict liability means the owner pays. We hold them accountable.
Driver fled? You still have options through UM/UIM coverage.
Compassionate representation for families who lost a loved one to negligence.
Protecting pedestrians struck by negligent drivers across Bakersfield.
While our office is based in Los Angeles, Law Warriors Group represents personal injury clients statewide. We work with clients from every corner of California — we come to you.
Serving all of LA County and surrounding areas.
Serving the Central Valley, Delano, and Kern County.
Van Nuys, Pacoima, Lancaster, Palmdale.
Riverside, San Bernardino, and surrounding communities.
We come to you anywhere in the state.
We call you back within the hour.
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