Hi, my name is David Gammill — injury lawyer.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
310-750-4149
Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles are a growing concern, with over 2,800 crashes involving injuries or fatalities reported in 2021. Motorcyclists face unique risks, being 22 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries compared to car occupants. The most common causes of these accidents include:
Understanding these causes can help riders and drivers navigate LA’s streets more safely. Defensive riding, proper gear, and staying alert are essential for motorcyclists, while drivers need to share the road responsibly.
Left-turn collisions are among the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists in Los Angeles, making up 42% of fatal motorcycle crashes. These accidents often happen at intersections when drivers make left turns without noticing or yielding to oncoming motorcycles.
According to California Vehicle Code § 21801, drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles. Ignoring this rule not only endangers lives but also places full responsibility on the driver for any resulting damages. In Los Angeles, these crashes are frequently caused by drivers underestimating a motorcycle’s speed or failing to see the rider altogether. Poorly designed intersections and the lack of motorcycle-specific signage in the city add to the problem.
"Drivers cannot claim ignorance to avoid liability under California law. California Vehicle Code § 21801 is clear about right-of-way. It is the motorist’s duty to exercise care on the road and look out for others." – Salamati Law Firm
Motorcyclists can reduce their risk by practicing defensive driving at intersections. This includes keeping a visible lane position and being alert for vehicles signaling a left turn. For other drivers, the best approach is to take an extra moment to scan for motorcycles before making a turn.
Although left-turn collisions are a major cause of motorcycle accidents, other factors – like lane splitting – also create unique challenges for riders in Los Angeles traffic.
Lane splitting, permitted in California under Vehicle Code Section 21658.1, is a common practice in Los Angeles’s heavy traffic. While it helps motorcycles navigate congested roads by moving between lanes, it can be risky – especially during peak hours when traffic speeds vary significantly.
"The risk of death or serious injury during a lane splitting collision increases significantly with speed. Motorcyclists must maintain a speed differential of no more than 10 mph compared to surrounding traffic to minimize accident risks." – California Highway Patrol Safety Division
Research by the California Highway Patrol highlights that the danger rises sharply when motorcyclists exceed a 10 mph speed difference compared to nearby vehicles. This is particularly concerning on busy freeways like the 405 and 101, where traffic flow can shift unpredictably.
To reduce the likelihood of accidents, riders should focus on these key safety practices:
Lane splitting becomes even riskier in challenging conditions such as heavy traffic, bad weather, or poor visibility. The situation worsens when drivers change lanes without checking for motorcycles, increasing the chance of serious collisions.
Although lane splitting can help motorcyclists avoid rear-end crashes in stop-and-go traffic, it requires precise execution. Safe lane splitting relies on good judgment, constant vigilance, and maintaining appropriate speeds.
While this practice comes with its own risks, other factors like speeding and reckless driving also play a major role in motorcycle accidents throughout Los Angeles.
Speeding is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles. According to the California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), 29% of motorcycle crashes in the LA area are caused by unsafe speeds. In 2021, 33% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents were speeding – this figure is noticeably higher than for drivers of other vehicles.
Data from the SHSP also reveals how motorcycle accidents differ across California’s metropolitan regions:
| Region | Unsafe Speed | Improper Turning | Auto Right-of-Way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 29% | 16% | 21% |
| San Francisco | 31% | 18% | 13% |
| San Diego | 29% | 18% | 17% |
This data highlights how speeding plays a key role in creating dangerous conditions for motorcyclists, especially in busy urban areas like Los Angeles. Speeding and violations of right-of-way laws are particularly problematic, making LA’s traffic environment especially hazardous for riders.
"The data shows an alarming 20% increase in motorcycle fatalities over the past decade, with a corresponding 27% rise in death rates. This trend highlights the critical need for speed awareness among riders." – California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
The danger escalates during peak traffic hours when congested roads tempt riders to speed in an effort to navigate through the gridlock. This makes it even more important for motorcyclists to stick to safe speeds and adopt defensive riding habits. Adding to the risks, unpredictable lane changes by drivers in LA traffic further endanger motorcyclists.
Unsafe lane changes are a serious hazard for motorcyclists navigating Los Angeles traffic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these incidents account for nearly 12% of all crashes. Motorcyclists are especially at risk because their smaller size makes them harder to spot, and they lack the protective features found in passenger vehicles.
The California Vehicle Code addresses this issue directly:
"No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement."
Drivers often fail to check their blind spots, and the small profile of motorcycles makes them even easier to miss. This risk increases during peak traffic times when drivers make sudden, impulsive lane changes to avoid congestion. Some of the most dangerous behaviors include skipping turn signals and making abrupt lane shifts without warning.
Motorcyclists can take steps to reduce their risk by:
For motorcyclists in Los Angeles, staying hyper-aware of surrounding vehicles and predicting unsafe lane changes is essential, especially during rush hours when these maneuvers are more frequent and unpredictable.
While unsafe lane changes are a major concern, other dangers, like impaired driving, also put motorcyclists at risk.
Driving while impaired is one of the biggest dangers motorcyclists face in Los Angeles and across California. Recent statistics show that 41% of motorcyclists killed in crashes were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, underscoring how serious the issue is for rider safety.
The California Highway Patrol’s 2020 data sheds light on this troubling pattern. Among the 539 motorcycle-related deaths in the state:
"175 motorcyclists had blood alcohol concentrations above 0.01%, with 122 at or above the legal limit of 0.08%, and 75 showing dangerous levels of 0.15% or higher."
Drug use is also a growing concern, especially with the rise in prescription medication use and legalized marijuana. In 2021, 29% of motorcyclists killed in crashes had blood alcohol levels of 0.08% or higher, showing how substances can dramatically increase the chance of fatal accidents.
Riding at night adds another layer of risk for impaired motorcyclists. Reduced visibility, slower reaction times, and the likelihood of encountering other impaired drivers make nighttime hours particularly dangerous. Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t offer the same physical protection, making these risks even more severe.
To address the issue, California has implemented various DUI prevention efforts, including:
While these measures demonstrate the state’s effort to tackle impaired riding, the statistics reveal that there’s still work to be done to prevent these behaviors.
Although impaired driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, road hazards and other factors also play a major role in crashes across Los Angeles.
Road hazards are a serious danger for motorcyclists in Los Angeles. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 12,926 motorcycle injury accidents and 451 fatal motorcycle accidents reported in their latest annual data. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack stability and protective features, making riders more exposed to the dangers of bad road conditions.
Los Angeles’s heavy traffic and inconsistent road upkeep make these issues even worse. Motorcyclists often face challenges like:
These hazards are especially dangerous in a city with such high traffic volumes. Add to that the constant construction, and the risks only increase.
Caltrans, the agency responsible for maintaining roads, is legally required to fix hazardous conditions in a timely manner. This obligation was underscored in a notable case:
"In January 2017, Caltrans was ordered to pay $35 million to Nick Ekbatani, an ex-UCLA football player, who suffered severe injuries on his motorcycle due to known but unrepaired road hazards on Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach, CA."
Road hazards don’t just challenge a rider’s skill – they also amplify risks caused by other drivers. For instance, distracted driving combined with unsafe road conditions makes Los Angeles streets even more dangerous for motorcyclists.
For motorcyclists in Los Angeles, where traffic is heavy and speeds fluctuate, a distracted driver’s slow reaction can lead to devastating outcomes. This issue is especially concerning in California, where 59.6% of drivers have reported being hit or nearly hit by someone texting or talking on their phone while driving.
Motorcyclists face even greater risks because they’re harder to spot on the road. Distractions like using a phone, eating, talking to passengers, or adjusting controls can turn deadly when a motorcycle is involved.
California’s hands-free law (Vehicle Code Section 23123) is designed to address this problem by banning handheld phone use while driving. But despite this regulation, distracted driving continues to pose a serious danger to motorcyclists.
"The prevalence of distracted driving in California has reached alarming levels. When a 4,000-pound vehicle operated by a distracted driver encounters a motorcyclist, even a split-second lack of attention can have fatal consequences", warns the California Office of Traffic Safety in its latest report.
Motorcyclists should watch for warning signs of distracted drivers, such as inconsistent speeds, slow reactions at lights, or cars drifting between lanes. In a city already dealing with dense traffic and unpredictable drivers, distracted driving adds another layer of risk for those on motorcycles.
Under California’s comparative fault system, motorcyclists injured by distracted drivers can pursue compensation, though the amount may depend on shared responsibility. This legal protection is vital, given how life-altering distracted driving accidents can be for motorcyclists navigating Los Angeles’s challenging traffic conditions.
Distracted driving is a major threat, but understanding the primary causes of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles can help both motorcyclists and other drivers navigate the city’s challenging traffic conditions more safely.
"Regular motorcycle maintenance, protective gear usage, and defensive riding techniques are not just safety recommendations – they’re essential survival tools for navigating Los Angeles streets", says the California Office of Traffic Safety in a recent campaign.
For motorcyclists, staying safe starts with being prepared – keeping an eye on road conditions and staying alert to the behavior of other drivers. For other motorists, it’s about sharing the road responsibly and avoiding distractions that could lead to accidents.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, it’s important to understand your legal rights. California’s comparative fault system can complicate claims, as compensation may be reduced based on the injured party’s share of fault. Seeking legal guidance can help ensure you receive fair compensation for injuries and damages.
While you can’t control every external factor, like road conditions, following safety measures and staying alert can greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident. David Gammill and his team at Gammill Law focus on motorcycle accident cases and offer free consultations to help victims explore their options without any upfront costs.
The leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles is left-turn collisions. These often happen when drivers fail to yield or misjudge a motorcycle’s speed at intersections.
Left-turn accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. To lower the chances of these incidents, motorcyclists should:
Drivers and motorcyclists alike need to stay alert and follow traffic signals to avoid these dangerous situations. According to the California Highway Patrol, managing speed and staying aware at intersections are key to preventing such accidents.
Drivers should take extra care when making left turns, always double-checking for oncoming motorcycles before proceeding. Recognizing the dangers of left-turn collisions is an important step toward reducing motorcycle accidents and making Los Angeles roads safer.
Free Case Review 1
Hi, my name is David Gammill — injury lawyer.