Understanding the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents helps both in preventing crashes and in building effective legal cases when they occur. Our California motorcycle accident lawyers regularly handle cases involving:

Left-Turn Accidents

Nearly 42% of all motorcycle crashes involve vehicles making left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles. These accidents typically occur when drivers fail to notice approaching motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance. Left-turn collisions often result in severe injuries as the motorcyclist may impact the vehicle's side at full speed.

Unsafe Lane Changes

California's congested highways make lane changes particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. When drivers fail to check blind spots or use turn signals before changing lanes, they may collide with motorcycles traveling in adjacent lanes or force riders into dangerous evasive maneuvers.

Lane Splitting Incidents

While lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) is legal in California under certain conditions per Vehicle Code Section 21658.1, it can lead to accidents when either the motorcyclist rides unsafely or drivers make sudden lane movements without checking for approaching motorcycles.

Rear-End Collisions

Though motorcycles can stop quickly, their small profile makes them vulnerable to being rear-ended by inattentive drivers. These collisions can cause serious injuries as riders may be thrown from their motorcycles upon impact.

Dooring Accidents

Urban motorcyclists face the danger of "dooring"—when vehicle occupants open doors into the path of an approaching motorcycle without checking first. These sudden obstacles give riders little time to react and can cause severe injuries.

Road Hazards and Defects

Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or poorly designed roadways that might be minor inconveniences for cars can be life-threatening hazards for motorcyclists. In these cases, government entities or contractors responsible for road maintenance may be liable for resulting accidents.

Drunk or Distracted Driving

Intoxicated or distracted drivers pose serious threats to all road users but especially to motorcyclists who rely on other drivers' attention and predictable behavior for their safety.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

The injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are typically more severe than those in car accidents due to the rider's exposure. Our California motorcycle accident lawyers have experience with cases involving:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even with helmet use, the forces involved in motorcycle accidents can cause concussions, contusions, or severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may require lifelong care and rehabilitation, substantially impacting a victim's quality of life and earning capacity.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Impacts that compress, sever, or damage the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries fundamentally change a person's life and require extensive medical treatment, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.

Bone Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries

The direct impact of a collision or the force of being thrown from a motorcycle commonly results in multiple fractures, particularly to the extremities. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention and extended physical therapy.

Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage

When skin contacts the road surface during a slide, severe abrasions called "road rash" can occur. These painful injuries can become infected and may leave permanent scarring. Deeper abrasions can damage muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues.

Internal Injuries

The blunt force trauma experienced in motorcycle crashes can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs. These potentially life-threatening injuries may not be immediately apparent but require urgent medical attention.

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, many motorcycle accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other psychological impacts that require professional treatment and may affect their ability to return to riding or normal daily activities.