What if the driver who hit you on your motorcycle in Pomona had no insurance?
If a driver hits your motorcycle in Pomona and they do not have insurance, you may still have options for recovery through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage can protect you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages.
California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance policies of $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to two or more persons, and $15,000 for property damage, for policies issued or renewed from January 1, 2025 (Cal. Veh. Code § 16056). Your own UM policy acts as a substitute for the at-fault driver's missing liability coverage.
Where does a motorcycle accident claim get filed in Pomona?
A motorcycle accident claim involving an incident in Pomona is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, the case will go to the Pomona Courthouse South, located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766.
In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department. This process follows LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order regarding Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024.
The city of Pomona is home to over 150,000 residents, and its incidents fall under Los Angeles County jurisdiction. If your claim is against a public entity such as the City of Pomona, Los Angeles County, or a transit agency, a specific set of rules and deadlines apply. These deadlines are much shorter than those for claims against private individuals or companies.
What steps should you take after a motorcycle accident?
- Get medical attention. Your health is the first priority. Seek immediate medical care, even if you feel your injuries are minor, as some serious injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Report the accident. Call 911 to report the collision to the police or California Highway Patrol. An official report documents the incident and can be important evidence later.
- Gather information. Collect contact and insurance information from all involved parties and any witnesses. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any road hazards.
- Do not admit fault. Avoid discussing the accident in detail with anyone other than law enforcement and medical personnel. Do not apologize or admit fault, even if you think you might be partly to blame.
- Keep records. Hold onto all medical bills, police reports, repair estimates, and communications related to the accident. These documents provide proof of your losses.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your claim against insurance companies who might try to minimize your compensation. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in a Pomona crash, a specific attorney can help with that.
How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident claim?
Most California personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, must be filed within two years from the date of injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This deadline applies to claims against private individuals or companies. However, a claim against a city, county, or public agency, such as a transit authority in Pomona, has a much shorter deadline. You must present a written claim to the public entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). However, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b)). Always confirm the specific deadline that applies to your unique situation with an attorney.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm. For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, the decedent's pain, suffering, or disfigurement cannot be recovered under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34, only economic losses before death and punitive damages the decedent could have recovered. Elder abuse claims under Welf. & Inst. Code § 15600 are unaffected.
What kinds of motorcycle accident cases do we handle?
We represent people injured in many types of motorcycle accidents throughout Pomona and Los Angeles County. This includes collisions with cars, trucks, and other vehicles where driver negligence causes harm. We also handle accidents caused by unsafe road conditions, defective motorcycle parts, or drivers operating under the influence.
Whether you were hit by a distracted driver on a main street in Pomona or suffered injuries from a complex collision, we are here to help you understand your rights. We focus on personal injury law, including cases similar to those handled by a Pomona car accident lawyer or a Pomona wrongful death lawyer. Our work extends to all kinds of personal injury claims, from those affecting individual riders to more complex cases. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Los Angeles, including cities like Maywood or Agoura Hills, we can help.
What working with our firm involves
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we focus on helping you understand the legal process after a motorcycle accident. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build your case. Our aim is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your injuries and losses.
We communicate clearly about your claim's progress and answer your questions directly. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no attorney's fees unless we win your case — and no case costs either. We believe you should focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the other driver's insurance company contacts me after a Pomona motorcycle crash?
If the other driver's insurance company contacts you after a motorcycle crash in Pomona, do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents without speaking to an attorney first. Insurance adjusters often try to get you to settle quickly for less than your claim is truly worth. An attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your rights.
Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault for my motorcycle accident?
Yes, you can still get compensation if you were partly at fault for your motorcycle accident in California. California uses a pure comparative negligence system. This means your compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery even if you are mostly to blame. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total damages would be reduced by 20%.
What damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Pomona?
After a motorcycle accident in Pomona, you can recover various damages, including economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover specific financial costs like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover things like pain, suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. The specific facts of your case determine what you can recover under California law.
How does California's Prop 213 affect my motorcycle accident claim if I was uninsured?
California's Prop 213 (Cal. Civ. Code § 3333.4) generally bars uninsured vehicle owners from recovering non-economic damages after an accident. This means if you were an uninsured motorcycle owner involved in a crash, you could still recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages), but not compensation for pain and suffering. This rule does not apply to uninsured passengers.
A motorcycle accident can change your life. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Pomona, you don't have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today for a free consultation. Call us at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions and must be confirmed with an attorney for your own facts.