{"id":1843,"date":"2026-10-24T04:38:51","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T04:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/motorcycle-fatal-crash-claim-california\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T08:13:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T08:13:05","slug":"motorcycle-fatal-crash-claim-california","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/motorcycle-fatal-crash-claim-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorcycle Fatal Crash Lawsuit California | Colvin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"An investigator in a fleece jacket and gloves photographs a crushed motorcycle front end in a fenced impound lot.\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-fleece-jacket-and-gloves-photographs-a-photo-37.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Bakersfield and Kern County<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Helping Families Pursue Answers After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Colvin Accident Lawyers represents families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash in California. We focus on wrongful death claims and can explain the legal options that may be available to you. Your first consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Donald Norman Colvin \u00b7 Published October 24, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A motorcycle fatal crash lawsuit is a claim a family files after a rider dies because another person&#8217;s negligence caused the crash. California law says who may bring that claim, and <a href=\"https:\/\/selfhelp.courts.ca.gov\/civil-lawsuit\/statute-limitations\">strict deadlines<\/a> apply. This guide explains the basics in plain terms.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Motorcycle Fatal Crash Lawsuit Covers and Who Can File It<\/h2>\n<p>A motorcycle fatal crash lawsuit covers the losses the family and the rider&#8217;s estate suffer. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.60.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.60<\/a>, the rider&#8217;s surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children may bring the claim. If the rider left no surviving issue, the persons, including the surviving spouse or domestic partner, who would inherit the rider&#8217;s property by intestate succession may sue.<\/p>\n<p>Parents, stepchildren, a putative spouse, children of the putative spouse, and (if the parents are deceased) the rider&#8217;s legal guardians may also sue if they depended on the rider. A minor may sue if the minor lived in the rider&#8217;s home for the previous 180 days and relied on the rider for half or more of support.<\/p>\n<p>Two kinds of claims often matter:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wrongful death claim:<\/strong> the family&#8217;s own losses, such as loss of companionship.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Survival action:<\/strong> the rider&#8217;s losses before death, such as medical bills. The rider&#8217;s personal representative or successor in interest brings it, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.34.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.34<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Which family members qualify turns on each person&#8217;s relationship to the rider. Identify who may have a claim early.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#x27;re sorting out who may have a claim after a rider&#x27;s death, our team is ready to talk with you about your family&#x27;s options. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-close-up-of-a-motorcyclist-in-a-denim-jacket-gripping-the-photo-4.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a motorcyclist in a denim jacket gripping the handlebars on an urban street.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Motorcycle Fatal Crash<\/h2>\n<p>The at-fault driver is a common target, and others may share responsibility. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1714.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1714<\/a>, everyone is responsible for injury caused by a want of ordinary care. <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1714.\">Cal. Civ. Code \u00a7 1714<\/a> reads: &#8220;(a) Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The at-fault driver:<\/strong> speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield can support liability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A public agency:<\/strong> a city, county, or Caltrans may be liable for a dangerous road condition. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=835.\">Gov. Code \u00a7 835<\/a>, the plaintiff must show the property was in a dangerous condition, that the condition caused the injury, that it created a reasonably foreseeable risk of the kind of injury incurred, and either an employee&#8217;s negligent act created the condition or the agency had notice of it a sufficient time before the injury to act.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Private property owners:<\/strong> a hazard on private land can also support a claim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Claims against a public agency have a much shorter clock. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=911.2.\">Gov. Code \u00a7 911.2<\/a>, a claim for death must be presented not later than six months after the cause of action accrues.<\/p>\n<h2>What Families May Recover in a California Motorcycle Death Claim<\/h2>\n<p>Families may recover economic losses, such as medical bills and lost income. They may also recover non-economic losses (losses that are not money), such as loss of companionship. <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a> defines both types. Under that section, each defendant pays non-economic damages only for its own share of fault.<\/p>\n<p>In a survival action, <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.34.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.34<\/a> generally excludes pain, suffering, and disfigurement. A narrow exception applies only to actions granted a preference before January 1, 2022, or filed between January 1, 2022 and January 1, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>No dollar figure can be set from general information. The amount turns on the rider&#8217;s age, income, family ties, the evidence of fault, and the insurance available. Pay records, medical bills, and funeral invoices help show these losses.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Expect: The Claim Process and Timeline<\/h2>\n<p>A claim usually moves through a review, evidence gathering, insurance talks, and a deadline check before any lawsuit is filed.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Consultation:<\/strong> review the crash, the reports, and who may bring the claim.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Evidence:<\/strong> gather the police or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chp.ca.gov\/traffic\/\">California Highway Patrol<\/a> report, witness statements, vehicle information, and the rider&#8217;s medical and funeral records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public agency:<\/strong> present any written claim within six months, as noted above.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lawsuit deadline:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 335.1<\/a> sets two years for an action for the death of an individual caused by another&#8217;s wrongful act.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Successor filing:<\/strong> a successor in interest files an affidavit under penalty of perjury, with a certified death certificate, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.32.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.32<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Timelines vary from case to case. No particular length is promised.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Questions: Helmets, Licensing, Fault, and What Not to Say<\/h2>\n<p>Helmet use and fault are fact questions, and the law weighs them case by case.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Helmets:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=27803.\">Veh. Code \u00a7 27803<\/a> requires drivers and passengers to wear a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ots.ca.gov\/grants\/motorcycle-safety\/\">safety helmet<\/a> when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle operated on the highways. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EVID&amp;sectionNum=669.\">Evid. Code \u00a7 669<\/a>, a statute violation can create a presumption of failure to use due care if the violation proximately caused death or injury to person or property, the harm was of the kind the statute was designed to prevent, and the person harmed was within the class the statute protects; that presumption can be rebutted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Licensing:<\/strong> insurers may ask whether the rider held the required motorcycle license. That fact is weighed along with the crash facts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What not to say:<\/strong> avoid recorded statements, guesses about speed, and social media posts about the crash. Don&#8217;t sign a release before the full losses are known.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Why Families Work With Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/h2>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers is a personal injury firm based in Bakersfield, California. The firm handles motorcycle, car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, dog bite, premises liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death claims.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Responsible lawyer:<\/strong> Donald Norman Colvin is the responsible lawyer for this page. Our team of lawyers and support staff works on each claim.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where we are based:<\/strong> Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> the firm concentrates its work on personal injury and wrongful death matters.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Results:<\/strong> results turn on the facts of each case. Results will differ if the facts differ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Fatal Crash Claims<\/h2>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a family sue if the rider was not wearing a helmet?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer turns on the facts of the crash and the injuries.<\/p><p>The rider&#8217;s personal representative or successor in interest can bring the survival action.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do families have to file?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generally two years from the death (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 335.1<\/a>). Claims against a public agency need a written claim within six months.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will the at-fault driver&#8217;s insurance pay?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claims are usually paid through liability insurance, subject to the policy limits.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should we accept an early offer from the insurer?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review any offer against the full losses before signing anything.<\/p><\/details>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-motorcyclist-in-red-riding-gear-stands-beside-a-red-sports-photo-4.jpg\" alt=\"A motorcyclist in red riding gear stands beside a red sports motorcycle in a dimly lit parking area at night.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With Colvin Accident Lawyers About Your Family&#8217;s Situation<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re planning a funeral, gathering records, and returning insurance calls, you&#8217;re carrying a lot at once. Three early decisions matter most: who may file, whether a public agency is involved, and which deadlines apply. To talk through those questions, <a href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">contact Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a> for a free, confidential initial consultation with no obligation to continue.<\/p>\n<p><em>Colvin Accident Lawyers, Bakersfield, California &#8212; responsible for this site.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Why Families Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focused on Fatal Crash Cases<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our practice includes wrongful death lawyer work for families who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle collision on California roads.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free, Confidential First Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk with us about what happened at no cost and with no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Based in Bakersfield<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our office serves Kern County and surrounding communities, including Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano, and Tehachapi.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support for the Whole Family<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We understand that a fatal crash affects everyone close to the rider, and we keep families informed as the case moves forward.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Before You Speak With an Insurance Company<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance adjusters may contact the family soon after a fatal crash and ask for recorded statements. Talking with a lawyer first can help you understand what to say and what to hold off on.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Call Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Call Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What Happens After You Reach Out<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Call or Submit Your Information<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell us briefly what happened. We will schedule a free, confidential first consultation at a time that works for your family.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Review the Facts Together<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will talk through the crash, the rider&#x27;s injuries and loss, and the documents and records your family may already have.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Decide Your Next Steps<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If we are able to help, we will explain how we would approach the case. You decide whether to move forward, with no obligation to continue after the consultation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Speak With Colvin Accident Lawyers About Your Family&#x27;s Loss<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Request Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Request Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/\">Fatal Crash Claims in Kern County: Who Can Sue and What a Family Can Recover<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/fatal-crash-at-fault-driver-insurance-limits-california\/\">Fatal Crash and the At-Fault Driver&#x27;s Insurance Limits in California<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/fatal-truck-crash-lawsuit-california\/\">Fatal Truck Crash Lawsuit in California: Families and Trucking Company Liability<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who can file a motorcycle fatal crash lawsuit in California, which deadlines apply, and what damages the law recognizes. A plain guide for families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":930,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Donald Norman Colvin\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/donald-colvin-esq-bakersfield-personal-injury-attorney\", \"jobTitle\": \"Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/bakersfield.kernhigh.org\", \"https:\/\/www.calstate.edu\", \"https:\/\/www.wsulaw.edu\", \"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nZfBxYtQQifX3osw5\"]}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Regina Absher\", \"jobTitle\": \"Personal Injury Paralegal\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a family sue if the rider was not wearing a helmet?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The answer turns on the facts of the crash and the injuries.The rider's personal representative or successor in interest can bring the survival action.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long do families have to file?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Generally two years from the death (Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 335.1). Claims against a public agency need a written claim within six months.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Will the at-fault driver's insurance pay?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Claims are usually paid through liability insurance, subject to the policy limits.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Should we accept an early offer from the insurer?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Review any offer against the full losses before signing anything.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-fleece-jacket-and-gloves-photographs-a-photo-37.jpg\"}, {\"name\": \"Motorcycle Fatal Crash Lawsuit California | Colvin\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": {\"name\": \"Wrongful death and survival claims after a fatal motorcycle crash in California\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, and estate representatives of a motorcycle rider who died in a crash in California\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"mainEntity\": {\"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"name\": \"Can a family sue if the rider was not wearing a helmet?\", \"@type\": \"Question\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"text\": \"It depends on the facts of the crash and the injuries. Whether a helmet affects a claim is evaluated case by case.\", \"@type\": \"Answer\"}}, {\"name\": \"Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in California after a motorcycle death?\", \"@type\": \"Question\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"text\": \"Certain heirs may bring the wrongful death claim, such as a surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, and in some cases parents. The estate may bring a separate survival action. Which family members qualify depends on their relationship to the rider and the facts.\", \"@type\": \"Answer\"}}, {\"name\": \"How long do families have to file?\", \"@type\": \"Question\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"text\": \"For a wrongful death claim, the general deadline is generally two years from the date of death, but earlier deadlines can apply. Claims against a public entity require a written claim presented within six months, so timing should be confirmed on the facts of each case.\", \"@type\": \"Answer\"}}, {\"name\": \"Will the at-fault driver's insurance pay?\", \"@type\": \"Question\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"text\": \"Claims are usually paid from the at-fault party's liability policy, subject to its limits. Policy limits can be far lower than the losses in a fatal crash.\", \"@type\": \"Answer\"}}, {\"name\": \"Do we need a lawyer if the insurer offered to settle quickly?\", \"@type\": \"Question\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"text\": \"Reviewing an early offer against the full losses is important before accepting it. The initial consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to continue.\", \"@type\": \"Answer\"}}]}, \"description\": \"Who can file a motorcycle fatal crash lawsuit in California, which deadlines apply, and what damages the law recognizes. A plain guide for families.\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"name\": \"Motorcycle Fatal Crash Lawsuit Representation in California\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Families and estate representatives of motorcycle riders who died in crashes in California\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"California\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, {\"name\": \"Kern County, California\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Bakersfield\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Fresno\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Visalia\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Lancaster\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Palmdale\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Delano\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Tehachapi\", \"@type\": \"City\"}], \"description\": \"Explains how a motorcycle fatal crash lawsuit works in California, including who may file, who may be liable, recoverable damages, filing deadlines, claim steps, and common questions about helmets, motorcycle licensing, fault, and insurer communications. Results depend on the facts of each case.\", \"serviceType\": \"Wrongful death and personal injury representation\", \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Fatal Crash Claims Kern County\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Motorcycle Fatal Crash Lawsuit California | Colvin\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/fatal-crash-claims-kern-county\/motorcycle-fatal-crash-claim-california\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Who can file a motorcycle fatal crash lawsuit in California, which deadlines apply, and what damages the law recognizes. A plain guide for families.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1843","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1843","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1843"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1843\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1970,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1843\/revisions\/1970"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/930"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1843"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}