West Covina Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Little Room for Error.

Motorcycle crashes can cause serious injuries and difficult liability questions.

Motorcyclists face risks that occupants of enclosed vehicles do not. A rider has no vehicle frame, seat belt, or surrounding structure to absorb the force of a collision, which means even a relatively low-speed crash can result in serious injuries.

The Law Firm of Oscar A. Ischiu represents injured motorcyclists in West Covina, throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and across Los Angeles County. Motorcycle cases often involve disputes about visibility, lane changes, speed, lane splitting, road conditions, and what each driver could reasonably see before the crash. A careful investigation is often necessary to determine how the collision happened and who was responsible.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes can happen in many different ways. Some of the most common involve drivers who fail to recognize a motorcycle in traffic until it is too late.

• Drivers turning left across a motorcyclist’s path
• Unsafe lane changes or merging into an occupied lane
• Following a motorcycle too closely
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for traffic conditions
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Opening a vehicle door into a rider’s path
• Road hazards such as debris, uneven pavement, or potholes
• Defective motorcycle parts or equipment

Determining fault requires looking at the entire sequence of events, including vehicle positions, traffic conditions, witness accounts, photographs, video, physical damage, and any available electronic or roadway evidence.

Lane Splitting and Motorcycle Accident Claims in California

California Vehicle Code section 21658.1 defines lane splitting as operating a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. The fact that a rider was lane splitting does not automatically determine who caused a crash.

Instead, liability depends on the circumstances. Relevant questions may include the speed of the motorcycle, surrounding traffic speed, available space, lane changes by other vehicles, visibility, and whether either party acted without reasonable care.

California follows comparative-fault principles. That means a rider can still pursue a claim even if the rider is found partly responsible, although any recovery may be reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned to the rider. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle collisions can produce serious injuries because riders may be struck directly by another vehicle, thrown from the motorcycle, or make forceful contact with the pavement or surrounding objects.

Common injuries include:

• Road rash and deep abrasions
• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Shoulder, knee, and joint injuries
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Scarring or disfigurement

Some injuries are immediately obvious while others may become more noticeable after the initial shock and adrenaline of the collision wear off. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify injuries and create a contemporaneous record of the rider’s condition.

Does Wearing a Helmet Affect a Motorcycle Accident Case?

California law generally requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a compliant safety helmet while riding on public highways. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Helmet use can become relevant in an injury claim, particularly when a rider suffers a head injury. However, it does not determine who caused the collision itself. Liability for the crash and the nature of the resulting injuries are separate issues that must be evaluated based on the evidence.

Evidence That Can Matter in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Because motorcycle crashes frequently involve conflicting accounts of what happened, preserving evidence can be especially important.

Useful evidence may include:

• Photographs of the motorcycle and other vehicles
• Damage patterns and debris locations
• Helmet and riding gear
• Dash-camera, surveillance, or traffic-camera footage
• Witness names and statements
• Police collision reports
• Roadway conditions and lane markings
• Medical records documenting the rider’s injuries

The motorcycle itself can also be important physical evidence. When possible, it should not be repaired, dismantled, or disposed of before relevant damage has been documented.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

• Move to a safe location if you can do so without putting yourself at greater risk.
• Call 911 when anyone is injured or emergency assistance is needed.
• Seek appropriate medical evaluation, particularly after a significant impact.
• Exchange identifying and insurance information with the other driver.
• Photograph the motorcycle, other vehicles, roadway, debris, and surrounding conditions if it is safe to do so.
• Identify witnesses and obtain their contact information when possible.
• Preserve damaged riding gear and the motorcycle.
• Be cautious about giving detailed or recorded statements before you understand your rights and the full extent of your injuries.

Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcyclist injured because of another person’s negligence may be able to seek compensation for losses such as:

• Medical expenses
• Future treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost income
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

The value of a motorcycle accident claim depends on the severity of the injuries, available evidence, responsibility for the crash, insurance coverage, and the effect the injuries have on the rider’s work and daily life.

Get Help After a Motorcycle Accident in West Covina

The Law Firm of Oscar A. Ischiu represents injured motorcyclists from its West Covina office and serves clients throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County. If another driver caused your motorcycle crash, the firm can review the evidence, identify potential sources of compensation, and explain the next steps available to you.

English and Spanish assistance is available. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis, meaning attorney fees are not charged unless compensation is recovered for you.