Traffic is a common enemy in Oakland, and most people, whether they may be a pedestrian, bicyclist, four-wheel driver, or a motorcyclist, are often threatened by the speed and volume of it.
In fact, there has been initiatives in the city, such as the Safe Oakland Streets or SOS, to keep the streets free from fatal crashes and decrease the inequities of it. The program has been successful in implementing lowered speed limits in the city, and implementing constructions for the betterment of its traffic status.
However, even with this kind of program in place, the city is still far from being crash-free—particularly with motorcycle accidents.
In March 2025 alone, three motorcycle crashes have already been recorded in the city. In one tragic incident on March 1, 2025, a motorcyclist was killed in a multi-vehicle hit-and-run crash on the Bay Bridge. The motorcyclist was struck by a Toyota Corolla, thrown into traffic, and later run over by another vehicle, which fled the scene. The rider was pronounced dead shortly after the collision.
On March 7, 2025, another motorcycle crash occurred in Oakland at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Mandela Parkway.
Moreover, on March 20, 2025, a fatal motorcycle crash occurred in Orion Township, Oakland County, Michigan. The rider was struck by a van that failed to yield at an intersection.
While initiatives like SOS aim to improve road safety, the battle against traffic accidents, especially motorcycle crashes, remains ongoing.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact our Oakland motorcycle accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Too often, riders are blamed after a crash, even when they did everything right.
Common accusations include:
And here’s how we respond:
Contact Thompson Law’s Oakland motorcycle accident attorneys now for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION, CASE REVIEW.
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, extended recovery, and financial stress.
If you’re recovering from a crash in Oakland, you need more than just legal advice—you need a team that moves quickly, knows the area, and understands the process from start to finish.
Our attorneys handle every part of the case. We speak with insurers, review crash evidence, coordinate with medical experts, and file all necessary documents. We also calculate long-term costs related to medical care, lost income, and lasting pain. While you focus on recovery, we focus on results.
Reach out to us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Oakland’s Slow Streets initiative was created to make residential roads safer by limiting through-traffic and giving space back to pedestrians and cyclists.
It offered some relief but only in select areas.
Here’s what you should know:
We connect the dots where city planning meets real-world road conditions.
In a city like Oakland, digital evidence can be valuable evidence. We use:
The earlier we access this data, the stronger your case becomes. Contact us as early as now for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Timing matters after a motorcycle accident. If you wait too long, evidence can disappear, memories fade, and critical deadlines pass.
Here’s why acting fast works in your favor:
Even if you’re unsure about filing a claim, speak with our motorcycle accident attorneys as early as possible. It gives you options and protects your legal rights from day one. Talk to us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Not all law firms understand what riders face on the road, or in the courtroom.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Oakland roads can be chaotic, but your case shouldn’t be. We’ll guide you through every step with experience and confidence. Reach out to us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.
At Thompson Law, we pursue full compensation that reflects both the short-term and long-term effects of your injuries. This includes:
These are the measurable, out-of-pocket losses related to the crash:
These address the personal and emotional toll of the accident:
In cases involving extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, aggressive speeding, or hit-and-runs, courts may award additional damages to punish reckless behavior and send a message.
We work closely with experts, financial analysts, and investigators to build a case that reflects the true impact of the crash. We make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Ready to explore your options? Contact our Oakland motorcycle accident attorneys today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Oakland, Thompson Law is ready to help. We understand how devastating these accidents can be, and we’re here to handle the legal pressure while you focus on recovery. From start to finish, we’ll walk you through the process and fight for the maximum compensation available.
Most motorcycle accident claims in Oakland settle before ever reaching a courtroom. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of going to trial:
At Thompson Law, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, but our goal is always to resolve your claim efficiently and in your best interest. If trial becomes necessary, you’ll have a legal team fully equipped to advocate for you in court, backed by expert testimony, evidence analysis, and courtroom experience. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Not all motorcycle accidents are caused by careless drivers.
Sometimes, the issue lies within the bike itself.
We investigate:
In these cases, the claim may involve not just a negligent driver—but also manufacturers, dealerships, or maintenance providers. We know how to track down the responsible parties and hold them accountable under product liability laws.
Reach out to us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.
In a city like Oakland, traffic density, road design, and local driving habits can complicate the picture.
To build a solid case, we gather and analyze:
Oakland’s comparative negligence laws mean that even if you’re partially at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation. We focus on minimizing your percentage of liability and maximizing your financial recovery.
Strong cases are built on solid evidence—not speculation. That’s why we act fast to preserve the facts.
Some of the most compelling evidence includes:
When necessary, we bring in accident reconstruction experts or forensic analysts to dig deeper. The right evidence can turn a denied claim into a winning case.
Some intersections in Oakland are especially risky for motorcyclists, with high rates of crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities.
While the city has made efforts to redesign streets and improve safety, several major intersections still pose a serious threat, especially those along high-traffic corridors like International Boulevard, Foothill, and West Grand Avenue.
Take 102nd Avenue and International Boulevard as an example. Despite upgrades like medians and crosswalks, collisions continue due to speeding and misuse of the bus lanes. At 73rd and Bancroft, wide roads and heavy traffic have led to dozens of injuries, including incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Meanwhile, West Grand and Adeline sees frequent accidents, with little protective infrastructure in place to slow vehicles or protect those crossing on foot or two wheels.
Many of these intersections (such as 7th and Union, High and Foothill, and 98th and D Street) combine high vehicle volume, poor visibility, and a lack of car-slowing features. These are roads built more for speed than safety, leaving little margin for error when a motorcyclist is involved.
Motorcycle crashes in these zones often happen during routine trips—heading to work, picking up food, commuting from the freeway. We investigate how road conditions and city infrastructure contribute to crashes and factor that into your claim.
If you’ve been hurt at one of Oakland’s most dangerous intersections, our team can help you hold the right parties accountable and pursue compensation that reflects the true risks involved.
A strong motorcycle accident case typically includes three key components:
Negligence, Injury, and Damages.
If another driver violated traffic laws, was distracted, or failed to yield, and that action directly caused your crash, that’s the foundation for a solid claim. If you suffered real injuries, that’s even more reason to pursue compensation.
Your case becomes even stronger if there’s evidence to support what happened. The more details you have, the easier it becomes to prove fault and the full extent of your losses.
Still unsure? That’s what consultations are for. One phone call can help you determine if it’s time to take legal action or if you’re better off negotiating directly with the insurance company. Talk to us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Liability in a motorcycle crash isn’t always as clear-cut as blaming the other driver.
The most common at-fault parties include:
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means more than one party can share fault—including the motorcyclist.
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, your damages may be reduced by 20%.
Immediately after the accident, the focus is on medical care and documenting the incident. Once you reach out to our team, we begin our investigation.
Within weeks to months, we file your injury claim with the appropriate insurance companies. Negotiations begin, and in many cases, we’re able to reach a fair settlement without going to court.
If negotiations stall or liability is disputed, we prepare to file a formal lawsuit.
If a lawsuit is filed, the process enters the litigation phase, which includes depositions, expert evaluations, and potentially, mediation. Some cases settle during this phase, while others proceed to trial. From start to finish, most claims are resolved in a few months to just over a year, depending on complexity and cooperation from the other side.
Throughout it all, we keep you updated and involved, but we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
California sets strict legal deadlines for filing a motorcycle accident claim. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Miss that window, and the court can dismiss your case. No matter how strong your evidence is.
There are exceptions, but they’re rare. For example:
Time may technically be on your side, but in motorcycle injury cases, every day counts. Contact us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times while on public roads.
Not wearing a helmet can affect your injury claim, especially in cases involving head trauma, but it doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation.
Lane splitting is legal in California. However, it must be done safely. Riders are also expected to follow all standard traffic laws, including speed limits, signaling, and yielding.
If a crash occurs and you’re found to have violated any of these laws, your compensation could be reduced under California’s comparative fault rules.
Still, even if you were partly at fault, you may still have a valid claim. Our team can help you understand how local laws may impact your case.
When a motorcycle crash happens, knowing where to turn literally and legally can make all the difference. In Oakland, emergency services are widely available, but time matters.
For urgent medical care, Highland Hospital is the region’s leading trauma center. Located on E. 31st Street, it’s where most critical injury cases in Alameda County are transported.
Other nearby hospitals include Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.
If you’re involved in a crash, always report it to the Oakland Police Department, even if injuries seem minor.
After the dust settles, request a copy of your police report from OPD and follow up with the hospital’s medical records department.
What you do in the moments after a motorcycle crash can shape the outcome of your entire case.
Do:
Don’t:
One of the biggest misconceptions riders have is that hiring a lawyer is too expensive. In reality, it costs you nothing upfront to work with our team at Thompson Law.
We operate on a contingency fee basis. That means:
If we secure a settlement or verdict for you, our fee is taken as a percentage of that recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. And the more you recover, the more successful we are.
Contact us now for a FREE CASE REVIEW.
Calling for legal help can feel overwhelming, but we make the process simple and pressure-free.
Here’s what happens when you contact Thompson Law:
First, you’ll speak with a member of our legal team, who will listen to your story and ask a few basic questions. You don’t need documents ready, and you’re not expected to have all the answers—we’re here to guide you.
Next, we’ll explain your legal options clearly and honestly. If we take your case, you won’t pay anything upfront. Our fees only apply if we win for you.
This call is confidential, informative, and designed to give you peace of mind.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Yes, you can. These are known as “no-contact” motorcycle accidents.
However, proving fault in these cases often requires quick action to gather witness statements, traffic footage, or dashcam recordings. Our team can help track down the evidence needed to support your claim.
It depends on whether the rideshare driver was actively working when the crash happened. If they were logged into the app or had a passenger, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policy.
If not, you’ll likely pursue compensation from their personal auto insurance.
Absolutely. Police reports are important, but they’re not final. Officers make quick assessments based on limited information at the scene. If you believe the report is inaccurate, we can work to challenge it with new evidence—such as video footage, accident reconstruction, or additional witness accounts. Don’t assume a flawed report means the end of your claim.
Lane splitting is legal in California, including Oakland. However, your actions still have to be safe and reasonable. If you were splitting lanes and a driver made a sudden move without checking their blind spot, they could still be at fault. These cases often require a closer look at speed, spacing, and road conditions to determine how much responsibility (if any) lies with each party. We’ve handled many of these cases and can break down what’s relevant under California law.
Yes, you can. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash and don’t have insurance, we can help connect you with medical providers who are willing to treat you on a lien basis. This means they defer payment until your case is resolved. You get the care you need now, without worrying about upfront costs. We make sure your treatment and recovery are factored into your final settlement.
Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.