Thousands of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles happen every year, and a large number involve left-turning drivers who fail to yield. A left-turn motorcycle accident in Los Angeles can result in devastating injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, and more.
If this has happened to you or someone you love, you may have a case. California law protects riders from negligent drivers, especially in left-turn scenarios where fault generally falls on the driver making the left turn. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can review the details and let you know what compensation you’re entitled to pursue.
The Hidden Dangers of Left-Turn Motorcycle Collisions
Many serious motorcycle crashes occur because a driver turns left without properly checking for oncoming traffic. These drivers may fail to see a motorcyclist or misjudge how fast the rider is approaching. But a moment of inattention can lead to devastating injuries.
Under California Vehicle Code §21801, drivers who intend to turn left or make a U-turn must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming vehicles that are close enough to pose a hazard, including motorcycles. Failing to follow this rule is a common cause of left-turn collisions and often places legal responsibility on the driver making the turn.
Some of the most common causes of left-turn motorcycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting the radio
- Misjudging a motorcyclist’s speed or distance
- Obstructed views, like parked cars or overgrown trees
- Unsafe or illegal turns, especially at busy intersections
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
These crashes almost always result from driver negligence. Someone wasn’t paying attention, but it’s the rider who ends up with the pain, medical bills, and lost time. Accident victims shouldn’t have to suffer for another driver’s mistake.
What If the Driver Says You Were Speeding or Lane Splitting?
After a motorcycle accident, it’s common for the at-fault driver or their insurance company to claim that the motorcyclist was speeding or lane splitting at the time of the crash. These claims are often used to challenge liability and limit the amount of compensation the insurance company has to pay.
Insurance companies may argue that your speed made it difficult for the driver to see or avoid you in time. Similarly, they might claim that lane-splitting riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic was unsafe or illegal.
However, lane splitting is legal in California when done safely and reasonably. While it can be a factor in determining fault, it does not automatically make you responsible for the crash.
Even if you were lane splitting or accused of speeding, you may still have a case. California follows a comparative fault system, which means you can still recover damages as long as you weren’t entirely at fault. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the crash, challenge these claims, and fight to make sure your rights are protected.
Recommended Reading:
- What is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?
- How Motorcycle Legislation Can Impact Your Claim in California
- Can You Claim Damages If Not Wearing a Helmet?
Real Client Case: Struck by a Left-Turning Truck, Max Compensation Without a Trial
While riding straight through Avenida Castilla in Riverside, CA, our 54-year-old client was struck when a driver in an F-150 pickup truck made a sudden, unsignaled left turn. The crash threw him from his motorcycle, causing multiple fractures, several surgeries, and long-term physical consequences.
To make matters more complicated, the driver claimed he never saw our client before the collision. A neighbor, later identified as the driver’s friend, provided a questionable statement that did not support our client’s version of events.
The situation became even more challenging as multiple insurance carriers became involved, and the fact that the driver was operating a company vehicle raised questions of employer liability. All the while, our client’s medical bills continued to pile up, putting his financial stability at serious risk.
Here’s how we built the case:
- Unraveled the insurance confusion and legal complexities
- Retained independent experts to support the case
- Documented every dollar of damage: past, present, and future
- Turned the defense’s own witness testimony into evidence for our client
- Secured a nearly $1 million settlement—without going to trial
Common Injuries from Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles often leave riders exposed to direct impact. Unlike drivers in cars, motorcyclists don’t have seat belts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. A crash involving a turning vehicle can throw a rider off their bike or pin them underneath it. These types of crashes often cause severe or life-altering injuries.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
These injuries lead to expensive medical expenses, long-term rehab, and pain and suffering that can last for years. In serious cases, riders may never return to work or the life they had before the crash.
High-Risk Areas for Motorcycle Riders in Los Angeles
Certain intersections in Los Angeles are especially dangerous for motorcyclists, particularly when it comes to left-turn accidents. In 2022 alone, there were 2,870 motorcycle crashes reported in Los Angeles County, many of them at busy intersections where drivers failed to yield.
These areas often involve a combination of fast-moving traffic, poor visibility, and complex signal patterns, all of which increase the risk of a serious collision. If your left-turn motorcycle accident in Los Angeles happened at one of these intersections, that detail could help strengthen your personal injury claim.
High-risk intersections for left-turn motorcycle crashes include:
- I-10 and I-5 interchange – East Los Angeles
- Wilshire Blvd & Highland Ave – Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles
- Broadway & 5th St – Downtown Los Angeles
- La Cienega Blvd & Melrose Ave – West Hollywood
- Alameda St & Alpine St – Chinatown, Los Angeles
- Santa Monica Blvd & Lincoln Blvd – Santa Monica
- San Pedro St & 11th St – South Los Angeles / Fashion District
- Playa Vista Dr & Slauson Ave – Playa Vista, Los Angeles
- Santa Monica Blvd & Vine St – Hollywood
- I-405 and I-10 interchange – West Los Angeles
These locations have consistently seen high numbers of motorcycle accidents and injuries. Many are near schools, business districts, or transit hubs with heavy daily traffic. Despite safety measures like added signals or reduced speed limits, crashes still occur due to driver negligence, poor lighting, and confusing road designs.
If your motorcycle crash happened at one of these intersections, it may support your claim by showing a pattern of dangerous conditions. Crash data, traffic footage, and a history of incidents can strengthen your case. But left-turn accidents can happen anywhere, and you still deserve compensation, even if it occurred at a lesser-known location. Let our team investigate and fight for the full recovery you deserve.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Crash
A motorcycle crash can leave you overwhelmed, but your next steps are important. What you do right after the accident can protect your health and your personal injury case. Insurance companies often act fast to reduce what they owe, so it’s important to act just as quickly to protect your rights.
Here’s a step-by-step list of what to do after a left-turn motorcycle accident:
- Get medical help right away – Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like internal bleeding or concussions) aren’t immediately noticeable. Prompt medical care also creates an official record of your injuries.
- Call 911 and request a police report – A police report documents the crash and can be critical evidence when filing a claim.
- Take photos of everything – Capture your injuries, your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and the accident scene, including road signs and skid marks.
- Collect witness information – Get names and contact details for anyone who saw the crash. Their statements can support your version of events.
- Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company – They may try to get you to say something that hurts your case. Politely decline and contact a lawyer first.
- Keep records of your treatment and expenses – Save all receipts, medical reports, and any notes about time missed from work or daily limitations.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer – An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and deal with the insurance company for you.
These steps help protect your health, your finances, and your legal case. What you do in the moments after an accident can greatly impact your recovery and your ability to seek compensation.
Do You Have a Case After a Left-Turn Motorcycle Accident in Los Angeles?
If you were hit by a driver making a left turn, there’s a strong chance you have a basis for a strong personal injury case. Under California law, drivers must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic, including motorcycles, before making a left turn. When they fail to do so and a crash occurs, they are typically considered at fault.
Insurance companies may try to shift blame by accusing the rider of speeding, lane-splitting, or other factors. However, you may still be entitled to compensation. Under California’s comparative fault system, your recovery is reduced only by your share of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you could still receive 80% of your total damages.
Every accident is different. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorney can review the facts, determine liability, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in California
If you’ve been injured in a left-turn motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, it’s critical to act quickly. California law sets strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim, and missing these time limits can result in losing your right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
Here are the key deadlines to be aware of:
- 2 years from the date of the accident for most personal injury claims
- 6 months if the accident involved a government entity, such as a city bus or a poorly maintained public roadway
Because certain cases involve shorter timeframes and specific notice requirements, it’s important to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can determine which deadline applies to your situation and take immediate steps to preserve your legal rights.
Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims
A serious motorcycle accident can impact every part of your life, from your physical health to your finances. You deserve to be compensated for more than just your emergency room visit. A personal injury claim can help cover everything you’ve lost and everything you’ll need to recover.
You may be able to recover money for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or PTSD
- Repairs or replacement of your motorcycle
Every case is different, and the amount you can recover depends on your injuries, your recovery, and how fault can be proven.
How Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights
Navigating a legal case after a motorcycle crash can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer understands how to build strong personal injury claims and push back against aggressive insurance companies. We’ve successfully represented accident victims across Los Angeles, helping them recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Here’s how our legal team supports you every step of the way:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the accident occurred
- Gather crucial evidence, including police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements
- Work closely with medical professionals to document the full scope of your injuries and future care needs
- Negotiate directly with the insurance company to seek the maximum compensation you’re entitled to
- Manage every detail of your claim so you can focus on your health and recovery
We operate on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders while you heal.
$4.3 Million Recovered in Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accident – Los Angeles
We obtained a $4.3 million settlement for the family of a motorcyclist killed by a driver making an illegal left turn in Los Angeles, covering emotional loss, financial support, and funeral costs.
Speak with a Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a left-turn motorcycle accident Los Angeles, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. These crashes can leave you with broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and long-term pain. You may be missing work, struggling with medical expenses, or dealing with an insurance company that’s pressuring you to settle. That’s where we come in.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ve spent over 20 years fighting for the rights of riders across Los Angeles. We know how to prove fault, handle insurance negotiations, and help you get full compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and future earning capacity.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about what happened and what we can do to help.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
