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Glendale and its surrounding communities in the San Fernando Valley are home to a strong motorcycle culture. Riders enjoy scenic stretches like the Angeles Crest Highway and the freedom of maneuvering through LA’s dense traffic. Whether commuting daily or riding for recreation, motorcyclists are a familiar sight along the 134 and surface streets like Brand Boulevard and Glenoaks.
Unlike drivers in cars or trucks, motorcyclists lack the protective barrier of a steel frame, airbags, and seat belts. When an accident occurs, even at low speeds, the consequences can be life-altering. Riders face a significantly higher risk of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and fatal outcomes. Even when wearing proper gear, a biker’s body bears the brunt of any impact with another vehicle or the pavement.
In many cases, these crashes aren’t caused by the rider, but by drivers who fail to check their blind spots, make unsafe turns, or drive distracted. When someone else’s negligence causes a motorcycle crash, California law provides the injured rider with the right to pursue compensation for their losses.
One of the most frequent reasons motorcyclists are hit is simply because a driver “didn’t see them.” Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, and inattentive drivers often fail to check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes or merging. Glendale’s congested streets and frequent lane changes make this oversight especially dangerous.
Motorcyclists have just as much right to the road as anyone else. When a driver’s failure to stay aware causes a crash, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries and damages.
Intersections are hotspots for motorcycle accidents, particularly when vehicles make unsafe left turns in front of oncoming riders. Whether it's due to misjudging the motorcyclist's speed or failing to yield, these types of collisions are often severe—and preventable.
Streets like Colorado Boulevard and Central Avenue see high volumes of intersection traffic where left-turn crashes are unfortunately common.
Speeding is a major contributor to the severity of motorcycle crashes. When drivers exceed the speed limit or weave through traffic aggressively, they reduce their ability to react in time to avoid a collision. For motorcyclists, the results can be catastrophic.
Even minor impacts at high speeds can throw a rider from their bike, leading to devastating injuries like road rash, broken bones, or worse.
While all drivers face risks from potholes, debris, or poorly marked construction zones, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to these hazards. Glendale’s aging infrastructure and occasional lack of maintenance can create dangerous conditions—especially for two-wheeled vehicles.
Loose gravel, cracked pavement, and puddles from poor drainage can cause a motorcycle to lose traction or stability. In some cases, government entities responsible for maintaining safe roads may be held liable for resulting accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and texting while driving are two of the most reckless behaviors on the road. Motorcyclists stand little chance when struck by an impaired or distracted driver. Glendale sees its share of DUI-related crashes, and the impact on riders is often devastating.
If your motorcycle crash involved a driver who was under the influence or distracted, their negligence could strengthen your claim and lead to additional compensation through punitive damages.
Your first priority should be getting to a safe location if you’re able. Move away from traffic to avoid further danger. Once you’re safe, call 911 immediately, even if the crash seems minor. Emergency responders can help assess injuries, secure the scene, and document the incident—all of which can later support your claim.
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional. Motorcycle crashes often result in internal injuries, concussions, or fractures that may not be obvious right away. Delaying medical care can harm your health—and weaken your personal injury case, as insurance companies may argue your injuries weren’t serious.
If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the crash scene, including:
Also, try to gather the names and contact information of any witnesses, as well as the insurance and license plate info of all involved parties. This evidence can be critical for proving liability.
Always file an official report with local law enforcement. In Glendale, the Glendale Police Department will respond to most traffic collisions, and the officer will generate a detailed report. This document will serve as an important piece of evidence when you pursue your injury claim.
If law enforcement does not arrive at the scene, you should file a report as soon as possible at the nearest police station.
It’s natural to want to explain what happened, but avoid discussing fault at the scene or with any insurance adjusters afterward. What you say could be used against you. Even statements made out of politeness—like “I’m sorry”—can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault.
Never give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without speaking to an attorney first.
Before dealing with insurance companies or trying to navigate the legal system alone, consult a lawyer with experience in motorcycle accident claims. At Tim Wright Law, we help injured riders in Glendale and throughout Southern California recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward. From handling paperwork to negotiating with insurers, we fight for your rights so you can focus on recovery.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
However, if your crash involved a government entity—such as an accident caused by a hazardous city-maintained road or a public vehicle—you must file a government claim within six months. Time is of the essence, which is why contacting an attorney early is essential.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for a crash and your total damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate the motorcyclist’s share of the blame to reduce payouts, which is why skilled legal representation is so important.
To successfully file a motorcycle accident claim, you’ll need strong, detailed evidence that proves:
Important types of evidence include:
Collecting and organizing this evidence can be overwhelming—especially if you’re recovering from serious injuries. That’s where experienced legal counsel becomes invaluable.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Glendale, every decision you make in the days and weeks that follow matters. From getting proper medical care to securing legal representation, taking quick and informed action is key to protecting both your health and your rights.
Motorcycle accidents often leave victims with more than just physical pain—they bring financial burdens, emotional stress, and ongoing recovery challenges. The insurance company isn’t on your side—but Tim Wright Law is. We know what it takes to stand up for injured riders and hold negligent drivers accountable.
The sooner you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. At Tim Wright Law, we offer personalized, aggressive representation for motorcycle accident victims throughout Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Information:
📍 Tim Wright Law – Personal Injury Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 (323) 379-9995 📧 firm@timwrightlaw.com 🌐 www.timwrightlaw.com
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