Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

At the Land Legal Group, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Los Angeles understand how liberating it is to ride throughout the city with the added bonus of traversing our congested traffic patterns with agility and ease.

With nearly 860,000 motorcycles registered throughout the state, riders are everywhere and deserve the same respect as passenger vehicles when they share our roadways.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Last year there were more than 16,500 motorcycle accidents recorded throughout California, resulting in over 15,500 injuries, and nearly 550 deaths.

While some of the Los Angeles County motorcycle accidents were the fault of the rider — who may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol or riding without a license or the proper experience — other driver negligence accounts for a large number of those crashes each day.

What Makes Motorcycle Accidents Different Than Passenger Vehicle Collisions?

Motorcycles lack the crashworthiness and occupant protection an automobile provides during a car accident.

Cars, trucks, and SUVs are designed with door beams, roofs, airbags, and seat belts, and have the added stability of four wheels.

Conversely, motorcycles sacrifice the weight, bulk, and safety features a car provides, which makes any accident with a car or other passenger vehicle potentially life threatening.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Los Angeles Motorcycle Accidents?

Experienced motorcyclists are often able to avoid collisions with negligent drivers using their agility, maneuverability, and ability to stop or swerve quickly when necessary.

Avoiding an accident with a much heavier passenger vehicle requires concentration and focus when it is possible at all.

The leading causes of motorcycle accidents include, but are not limited to:

Distracted Drivers

When passenger vehicle drivers are operating a 4,000-pound car or SUV while distracted, they can collide with a motorcycle without notice, causing life-changing injuries including Traumatic Brain Injuries that require long-term care.

Distracted driving includes talking or texting on a cellphone while driving — both of which are illegal for all drivers in the State of California — eating, reading, writing, or attending to passengers while driving.

Any activity that takes a driver’s eyes or minds off the road, or their hands off the steering wheel, is distracted driving.

Speeding Drivers

Speed plays a large role in car accidents throughout the state and can be deadly when speeding vehicles collide with a motorcyclist.

Aggressive and Reckless Drivers

Aggressive and reckless driving can include passenger drivers that attempt to overtake the motorcyclist’s lane and those who travel too close to the rider by tailgating.

Drivers Who Disobey Traffic Signs and Signals

When a car’s driver runs a stop sign or stop light, fails to yield, or crosses lanes without notice, motorcycle accidents can occur within seconds and seriously harm the rider while simultaneously breaking the law.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Cars, trucks, and SUVs have blind spots that may keep the driver from seeing a motorcyclist in their review or sideview mirrors. When drivers abruptly switch lanes, they can collide with motorcyclists who can be easily ejected from the bike as a result.

Opening Car Doors Without Checking Their Surroundings

Motorcycle accidents can occur when a driver opens the door of their parked vehicle in the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

When passenger vehicle drivers decide to get behind the wheel of their car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are not only breaking the law, they are placing every other motorist in danger — including motorcyclists.

Left Turn Accidents

Right of way errors or the lack of judgment when gauging the distance between the car and the motorcycle before making a left turn in front of rider are common causes of injury and death.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Potholes and debris or cracked and crumbling pavement can all increase a motorcycle rider’s chances of losing control of their bike, which can cause the rider severe injuries or even death.

Motorcycle Defects

When there is a motorcycle design or manufacturing defect that causes injuries or wrongful death to the rider, our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys will focus on holding the liable party responsible for our client’s full financial recovery.

How Can the Land Legal Group Help with My Motorcycle Accident Recovery?

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, contact our experienced attorneys at the Land Legal Group today by calling 310-552-3501 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Our skilled Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will fully evaluate your case before providing the top-notch legal representation you need to pursue the person or parties responsible for your accident and its injuries. Contact us today to learn how we can protect your rights while pursuing the best financial recovery available for your unique circumstances.