Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

The majority of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles are caused by other drivers—not the riders themselves. The most frequent causes include drivers failing to see motorcycles when changing lanes or turning, left-turn accidents where a vehicle turns across a motorcycle’s path, drivers who fail to check blind spots, rear-end collisions at stop lights and in traffic, dooring incidents in congested urban areas, and road hazards including potholes, debris, and uneven pavement that are far more dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles.

California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 legalized lane splitting, but other drivers frequently fail to anticipate motorcycles filtering through traffic, creating dangerous situations that are not the rider’s fault.

Injuries Motorcyclists Face

Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe. Common injuries include road rash ranging from superficial abrasions to deep tissue damage requiring skin grafts, broken bones—particularly in the legs, arms, and pelvis, traumatic brain injuries even when wearing a helmet, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, internal organ damage, and facial injuries and dental trauma.

Recovery is often long, painful, and expensive. Many riders face permanent scarring, reduced mobility, chronic pain, and the psychological impact of a traumatic accident.

Fighting Bias Against Riders

One of the most frustrating aspects of motorcycle accident claims is the bias that riders often face. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame to the motorcyclist—arguing that riding a motorcycle is inherently risky or that the rider must have been speeding or driving recklessly. This bias can result in lowball settlement offers that do not reflect the true severity of the injuries.

California’s pure comparative negligence system means that even if a rider is found partially at fault, they can still recover compensation. And in many cases, a thorough investigation reveals that the other driver bears the full responsibility for the accident.

Compensation Available

Injured motorcyclists may be entitled to compensation for all medical treatment and rehabilitation, motorcycle repair or replacement, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. In fatal motorcycle accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims.

Motorcyclists deserve the same legal protections as any other road user. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, Beverly Wilshire Law APC can advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com for a free consultation—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.