This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
When another driver's error put you on the ground in an Irvine motorcycle crash, you can usually recover your medical bills, lost income, the cost of your bike and riding gear, and compensation for pain and suffering from that driver's insurance company. Lane splitting is legal in California and does not bar a claim, and even a share of fault only reduces what you recover. The window to bring an injury lawsuit normally closes two years after the crash (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1).
Riders take the worst of almost every collision. The California Office of Traffic Safety counted 23 riders and passengers killed or injured on motorcycles in Irvine during 2023, and UC Berkeley's SafeTREC reports that 583 motorcyclists died on California roads that same year. Mile for mile, a motorcyclist faces a far higher risk of dying in a crash than someone in a passenger car, federal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows.
At Cefali & Cefali, our Irvine motorcycle accident lawyers represent injured riders and passengers across Orange County. Trial lawyers Michael J. Cefali and Courtney L.C. Cefali run the firm from our San Juan Capistrano office, about 20 minutes south of Irvine. Our line, (949) 325-7790, is answered 24/7. The case review costs nothing, and a fee applies only if we win compensation for you.
What Are the Leading Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Irvine, California?
Most crashes that injure Irvine riders start with a driver who did not see the motorcycle or misjudged its speed. The patterns we see most:
Left turns across a rider's path. Drivers turning left at signals on Jamboree Road, Culver Drive, Alton Parkway, and Irvine Center Drive often misjudge an oncoming motorcycle's distance, which is one of the most common serious motorcycle crash types.
Unsafe lane changes on the I-405 and I-5. A driver who changes lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots can sideswipe a rider, including one who is lawfully lane splitting.
Rear-end impacts in stop-and-go traffic. Distracted drivers who look at a phone near the Spectrum or the I-405 / I-5 junction can strike a stopped motorcycle with no crumple zone to absorb the hit.
Speed on the toll roads. The SR-133, SR-241, and SR-261 carry fast-moving traffic with long curves and merges, where a small error at high speed has severe results.
Road hazards. Gravel, construction debris, potholes, and uneven pavement are minor for a car but can throw a rider. When a public agency failed to fix a known hazard, a government claim may be possible.
Doors and parking lots. Drivers opening doors into traffic or backing out of spaces at shopping centers create sudden obstacles for riders.
Lane Splitting, Helmets, and Fault in Irvine Motorcycle Cases
Insurers often try to blame the rider first. California law gives riders more protection than many adjusters admit:
Lane splitting is legal.Vehicle Code section 21658.1 recognizes riding between lanes, and a rider who splits lanes at a reasonable speed is not automatically at fault. Read our California lane splitting law guide for the full rules.
Helmets are required.Vehicle Code section 27803 requires riders and passengers to wear a compliant helmet. Riding without one does not end a claim, but an insurer may argue it should reduce damages for injuries a helmet would have prevented, such as head injuries.
Shared fault only reduces recovery. California has followed pure comparative fault since Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975), so if a jury assigns 20 percent of the blame to a rider, the rider still collects the other 80 percent. See our pure comparative fault explainer.
Insurance status matters.Civil Code section 3333.4 takes away pain-and-suffering damages from a rider who had no insurance on the day of the crash, although bills and lost pay can still be recovered.
Nothing guarantees safety on two wheels, but a few habits lower the risk on Irvine roads: wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear on every ride; assume turning drivers at intersections have not seen you; keep lane-splitting speed close to surrounding traffic; give extra space on the toll roads, where traffic moves fast; and use bright gear and your headlight to stay visible.
Insurance After an Irvine Motorcycle Crash
Your claim usually starts with the at-fault driver's liability insurance. California requires only $30,000 for one injured person and $60,000 for everyone hurt in a single crash under Vehicle Code section 16056, and serious motorcycle injuries can exceed those limits quickly. That is where your own motorcycle policy matters:
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) steps in when the other driver is uninsured, underinsured, or flees the scene. California insurers must offer it under Insurance Code section 11580.2. Our hit-and-run law guide explains what to do if the driver left.
Medical payments coverage, if you bought it, helps pay early medical bills regardless of fault.
Other policies, such as an employer's commercial policy when the driver was working, or a rideshare company's coverage, can add to what is available.
What Damages Are Covered Under Motorcycle Injuries in California?
Category
What it can include
Medical expenses
Paramedics, ER visits, operations, physical therapy, and future care
Lost income
Pay you missed while healing and any drop in what you can earn going forward
Motorcycle and gear
Fixing or replacing the bike, helmet, jacket, boots, and other riding equipment
Pain and suffering
Ongoing pain, anxiety, visible scars, and the riding and hobbies you can no longer enjoy
Punitive damages
Reserved for malicious conduct, for example some DUI crashes (Civil Code section 3294)
Pain and suffering awards in motorcycle cases have no state cap. Our economic vs. non-economic damages guide shows how each type is proven.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Riders are thrown from the bike or pinned against a vehicle, so injuries tend to be more serious than in car crashes. Common injuries in our motorcycle cases:
Road rash and degloving injuries, which can require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring.
Fractures of the legs, wrists, collarbone, pelvis, and ribs, often needing surgery and hardware.
Internal bleeding and organ damage, which can be missed at the scene.
What Should I Do Following a Motorbike Accident in Irvine?
Call 911. Irvine Police investigate crashes on local streets, while the CHP covers the freeways and toll roads. A report records the driver's account before it changes.
Get medical care the same day. Riders with serious injuries usually go to UCI Medical Center in Orange or Hoag Hospital Irvine. Do not remove your helmet if your neck hurts unless you have trouble breathing.
Keep your helmet and gear. Do not repair or throw away the helmet, jacket, or damaged bike. They show the force and direction of the impact.
Document the scene. Photograph the vehicles, skid marks, road surface, and your injuries, and get names and numbers for every witness.
Be careful with the driver's insurer. Decline a recorded interview, and remember that early offers usually come before your injuries are fully known.
File the DMV report. If anyone was hurt, the DMV needs an SR-1 form from you within 10 days.
Deadlines for Irvine Motorcycle Accident Claims
Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1: two years to sue over your injuries.
Code of Civil Procedure section 338: three years when only the motorcycle or other property was damaged.
Government Code section 911.2: six months to file a written claim with a public agency, such as after a crash involving a city truck or a poorly maintained road.
Orange County Superior Court hears Irvine cases, usually at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Why Trust Us With Your Motorbike Accident Claims?
Lawyers who stay on your case. Michael and Courtney Cefali personally handle our motorcycle cases, and Michael has won over $60 million for clients during his career.
We push back on rider bias. We use scene evidence, witness accounts, and reconstruction when needed to answer claims that the rider was speeding or lane splitting unsafely.
Ready for court. Insurers know we will try a motorcycle case, so they cannot count on a rider settling cheap.
Contingency fee. The first meeting is free, and we take our fee only from what we recover.
See our case results and, if a car or truck crash rather than a motorcycle crash brought you here, our Irvine car accident lawyer page. Every case turns on its own facts, so prior results cannot predict yours.
Irvine Motorcycle Accident Questions
Can I lane split legally in Irvine?
Yes. Vehicle Code section 21658.1 makes lane splitting lawful statewide, including in Irvine. A rider who splits lanes at a reasonable speed is not automatically at fault, and a driver who changes lanes into a rider can be held responsible.
Does riding without a helmet ruin my claim?
Usually not. Vehicle Code section 27803 requires a helmet, but riding without one does not bar a claim. The insurer may argue that damages for injuries a helmet would have prevented, such as a head injury, should be reduced under comparative fault.
How much does an Irvine motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
You pay nothing at the start. We work for a contingency percentage, written into our agreement, that comes only from money we collect, so no recovery means no attorney fee.
What is the deadline for an Irvine motorcycle injury claim?
Generally two years after the crash for an injury lawsuit, under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. When a city, county, or other government body may be partly to blame, a written claim to that agency has to come first, within six months (Government Code section 911.2).
Who pays when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver caused the crash?
Usually your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. California insurers must offer UM coverage on motorcycle policies under Insurance Code section 11580.2, and it often applies to hit-and-run crashes. Report the crash to police promptly to protect a UM claim.
Where are Irvine motorcycle accident lawsuits filed?
In Orange County Superior Court, usually at the Central Justice Center (700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana). We handle the filing and every court appearance.
Consult With An Irvine Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case
A motorcycle crash can take away your health, your income, and the riding you love at the same time. Our Irvine personal injury lawyers can look at your case for free, lay out your options, and take over the insurance fight while you heal.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
