Motorcyclists face a unique combination of risks on Los Angeles roads — less visibility to other drivers, less physical protection in a crash, and, unfortunately, a persistent bias among some jurors and insurance adjusters who assume the rider was at fault simply because they were on a motorcycle. A serious motorcycle accident can mean months of recovery, permanent injury, or worse, and building a strong claim means countering that bias with solid evidence from the start.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Left-turn collisions — a driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle is one of the most common causes of serious motorcycle crashes
- Unsafe lane changes — drivers failing to check blind spots for motorcycles
- Following too closely or failing to leave adequate stopping distance
- Dooring — a parked car door opening into a rider’s path
- Road hazards — potholes, debris, or uneven pavement that affect motorcycles more severely than cars
Lane Splitting Is Legal in California
California is the only state that explicitly allows lane splitting — riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic — under Vehicle Code § 21658.1. The California Highway Patrol publishes safety guidance encouraging riders to split only at safe speed differentials and to avoid splitting next to large vehicles. Because lane splitting is legal, insurance companies cannot automatically blame a rider for an accident simply because they were splitting lanes at the time — fault still depends on the actual facts of the crash.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- Road rash and severe abrasions
- Traumatic brain injury, even with a helmet
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures, especially to the legs, arms, and pelvis
- Internal injuries
California Law You Should Know
- Statute of limitations: Generally two years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
- Pure comparative negligence: You can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Helmet law: California requires all riders and passengers to wear a DOT-compliant helmet. Not wearing one won’t bar your claim, but it may be raised by the defense regarding certain injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was I automatically at fault because I was lane splitting? No. Lane splitting is legal in California under Vehicle Code § 21658.1, and fault in a crash still depends on the specific facts, not the mere fact that you were splitting lanes. Will I recover less because I wasn’t wearing a helmet? Not wearing a helmet doesn’t bar your claim, but insurers may argue it contributed to certain head or facial injuries. This is fact-specific and worth discussing with an attorney. How long do I have to file a claim? Generally two years from the date of the accident under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. What does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer? We work on contingency: no fee unless we win. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or anywhere in California, contact The Law Office of Joshua P. Koshki for a free consultation. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Serving These California Communities
We help injury victims throughout the Los Angeles area and across California, including:
