Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California — And Who’s Liable

Hakakian Law Group | Jan 14 2026 19:00

Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately all too common on California’s busy roads. From the crowded streets of West Hollywood to the winding canyons of Los Angeles County, motorcyclists face constant risks due to negligent drivers, poor road conditions, and visibility challenges.

At Hakakian Law Group, we’ve represented countless riders who were injured through no fault of their own. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents and how liability is determined under California law is the first step in protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve.

🚦 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in California

1. Left-Turn Collisions

One of the most frequent and dangerous types of motorcycle accidents happens when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. These collisions often occur because drivers misjudge a rider’s speed or fail to notice them entirely.

  • Common scenario: A car turns left at an intersection while a motorcyclist is going straight through.

  • Liability: The turning driver is typically at fault for failing to yield the right of way.

2. Lane Splitting Accidents

California is the only state where lane splitting—riding between lanes of slow or stopped traffic—is legal. However, it remains a controversial and risky maneuver.

  • Causes: Sudden lane changes, distracted drivers, or motorists opening doors without checking mirrors.

  • Liability: Even though lane splitting is legal, liability depends on whether the rider was operating safely and if the driver acted negligently.

At Hakakian Law Group, we’ve helped riders prove that lane splitting did not cause or contribute to the crash—and that inattentive drivers are often the true culprits.

3. Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers pose a serious threat to motorcyclists. Texting, eating, or using GPS behind the wheel means a driver’s eyes are off the road—sometimes for seconds that make the difference between life and death.

  • Liability: A distracted driver who fails to notice a motorcycle and causes an accident can be held fully responsible for injuries and damages.

Hakakian Law Group uses cell phone records, dashcam footage, and witness statements to build strong evidence in distracted driving cases.

4. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact in any collision. For motorcyclists—who lack the protection of a vehicle frame—the consequences can be catastrophic.

  • Liability: Speeding drivers or those engaging in aggressive behaviors (like tailgating or unsafe lane changes) are usually found at fault.

Our firm works with accident reconstruction experts to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and traffic camera data to establish the driver’s excessive speed and recklessness.

5. Poor Road Conditions and Hazards

Potholes, loose gravel, and poorly marked construction zones can easily cause a motorcyclist to lose control. In some cases, the city, county, or state responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.

  • Liability: If a government entity fails to maintain safe roads or neglects to warn drivers about hazards, it may be held accountable under California’s dangerous condition of public property law.

Hakakian Law Group has experience handling complex claims involving government agencies and municipal liability, navigating strict filing deadlines and procedural rules.

⚖️ Understanding California’s Comparative Negligence Rule

California follows a comparative negligence system. This means multiple parties can share fault for an accident—including the motorcyclist.

For example:

  • If you are found 20% at fault for lane splitting too fast, and the other driver is 80% at fault for texting while driving, your total compensation is reduced by 20%.

Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover significant damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Hakakian Law Group, our attorneys fight to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your recovery, ensuring insurance companies don’t unfairly shift blame onto injured riders.

🔍 How Hakakian Law Group Builds Strong Motorcycle Accident Cases

Our West Hollywood motorcycle accident lawyers take a proactive, evidence-driven approach to prove liability and win full compensation for our clients.

We:

  • Conduct on-site accident investigations and document physical evidence.

  • Obtain police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.

  • Work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts.

  • Review insurance policies to uncover all sources of compensation.

  • Aggressively negotiate with insurers—or take your case to court if necessary.

Our mission is simple: to protect motorcyclists’ rights and hold negligent drivers accountable.

🏍️ Get Help From a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in West Hollywood

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t face insurance companies alone. Let Hakakian Law Group fight for you.

Our firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis — you don’t pay unless we win your case.

📞 Call (310) 759-9663 or visit www.hakakianlaw.com to schedule your consultation today.