Glendale’s busy streets and nearby freeways—like the 134, I-5, and 2—are no strangers to motorcycle traffic. Unfortunately, they’re also home to a growing number of motorcycle accidents. With congested intersections, fast-moving traffic, and frequent lane changes, riders face serious risks every time they hit the road.
According to California crash data, motorcyclists remain overrepresented in fatal and injury collisions, particularly in urban centers like Glendale. Whether you're navigating city streets or merging onto the freeway, a single moment of negligence from another driver can lead to devastating consequences for a rider.
Unlike passengers in enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists have little protection in a collision. As a result, motorcycle crashes often result in life-altering injuries—from traumatic brain injuries and broken bones to spinal cord damage and permanent scarring. These injuries can require months or even years of recovery, often keeping victims out of work and causing intense emotional stress.
Beyond the physical toll, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, income disappears, and insurance companies frequently delay or deny rightful claims. In many cases, the motorcyclist is unfairly blamed—despite being the victim of someone else’s reckless behavior.
In California, personal injury cases are built on the principle of negligence. To prove someone else is liable for your motorcycle crash, your attorney must establish the following:
Negligence can include behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, illegal turns, or failing to check blind spots before merging—all common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Crashes involving Uber, Lyft, or delivery drivers require a deeper investigation. If the driver was “on the clock” at the time of the accident, their employer’s insurance policy may apply—and that could mean significantly higher coverage limits.
Similarly, accidents with trucking companies or commercial vehicles may involve violations of federal safety regulations, improper maintenance, or fatigued driving. In these cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to the company that hired or trained them.
We have the experience and resources to navigate these complex claims, ensuring no responsible party escapes accountability.
Sometimes, it’s not another driver that causes a motorcycle crash—it’s the road itself. Motorcycles are more sensitive to hazards like:
When these conditions are caused by negligent maintenance, the city of Glendale or Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) may be legally responsible for your injuries.
However, filing a claim against a government agency is not the same as filing against a private party. You must file a government claim within 6 months of the accident. These cases require a detailed investigation and prompt legal action—two areas where Tim Wright Law excels.
In some cases, a crash occurs not because of road or driver error, but due to a mechanical failure. Defective parts that can cause loss of control include:
If a manufacturer, distributor, or repair shop supplied or installed a dangerous product, they may be liable under California’s product liability laws. These cases require expert analysis, access to engineering records, and sometimes, coordination with federal recall databases.
At Tim Wright Law, we work with industry experts to hold manufacturers accountable and pursue full compensation for riders injured by preventable mechanical defects.
In some motorcycle accident cases, more than one party may share blame—including the injured rider. Fortunately, California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation for your injuries—your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
Let’s say your total damages are valued at $100,000, but you were found to be 25% at fault for the crash (perhaps for speeding slightly or making an unsafe maneuver). Under comparative negligence, you would still receive $75,000.
This law is especially important in motorcycle cases, where insurance companies often try to unfairly shift blame onto the rider. They may claim you were lane-splitting recklessly, not visible enough, or not wearing protective gear—even when the other driver clearly caused the crash.
Your safety is the top priority. Even if you feel “okay,” motorcycle injuries—especially head trauma, internal bleeding, or fractures—can go unnoticed at first. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Prompt medical attention also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for any legal claim.
California law requires you to report accidents that cause injuries or significant property damage. Contact the Glendale Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP), depending on where the crash occurred. A formal police report provides a third-party account of the incident and can be used as key evidence when filing your injury claim.
If you’re physically able, use your phone to photograph:
Don’t throw away your gear—it can serve as crucial evidence. A cracked helmet or shredded jacket can help show the severity of impact, protect you from false claims of exaggeration, and support your claim for damages related to protective equipment loss.
Insurance companies may seem helpful at first—but their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without first talking to a qualified attorney. At Tim Wright Law, we’ll handle all communications with insurance companies and work to protect your rights from the very beginning.
Motorcycle crash victims often require:
Injuries can keep you out of work for days, months, or permanently. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Motorcycle accidents can lead to more than physical injuries—they can cause emotional trauma, including:
If your motorcycle was damaged or totaled, you have the right to seek recovery for:
In cases involving egregious or reckless behavior—such as DUI, street racing, or intentional harm—you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, no amount of money can make it right. However, a wrongful death claim can help provide:
Motorcycle accidents are not just physically devastating—they are legally complex. From severe injuries to biased assumptions about rider fault, these cases require skilled legal representation and fast action. Time-sensitive evidence, conflicting insurance reports, and strict legal deadlines can all work against you if you try to handle things on your own.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand what you’re going through—and we know how to fight for your rights. Whether you’re recovering from a serious injury or mourning the loss of a loved one, we’re here to make sure the legal system works for you, not against you.
You don’t have to deal with insurance companies or legal red tape alone. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and pursue the compensation you deserve.
📍 Office Address:
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Call: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
