Suing for Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles County

Suing for motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles County starts with a question that sounds simple but rarely is: who was actually at fault? California is home to nearly 800,000 motorcyclists — the largest riding population in the nation, which is no surprise given the year-round weather and picturesque roads. But that density comes with a grim corollary: per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are roughly 22 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the California Office of Traffic Safety records more than 500 rider deaths statewide in a typical year.

Two recent Los Angeles-area crashes — and a major manufacturer recall — illustrate just how differently fault can shake out from one motorcycle case to the next.

Horrific Motorcycle Pileup Leaves Three Dead in Azusa

On October 4th, authorities reported that three people lost their lives in a shocking motorcycle pileup in Azusa, California. Five vehicles entered an intersection at approximately the same time; two were motorcycles reportedly traveling at a “high rate of speed,” according to authorities. The riders collided with several vehicles passing through the intersection.

The impacts ejected the motorcyclists and sent at least one motorcycle spinning wildly off course — eventually flying through the air and striking a pedestrian who was seated on a nearby grassy area. That rider and the pedestrian were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. A third victim was transported to a nearby hospital but died during treatment; police indicated none of the other vehicle occupants were injured, suggesting the third victim was the other motorcyclist.

When rider speed contributes to a crash, insurers treat it as case-closed. It isn’t. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975), even an at-fault rider — or their surviving family in a wrongful death claim — can recover the portion of damages attributable to other parties’ negligence.

One Motorcyclist Killed After Impact With Truck Parked in the Middle of the Road

On October 8, 2023, a motorcyclist died after slamming into the back of a pickup truck parked in the middle of the I-5; a second motorcyclist was also hit but survived with unspecified injuries. At first glance, the fault might seem to lie with the riders — but the pickup was stopped in a live freeway lane for unknown reasons. Police noted that drugs and alcohol were not factors and did not confirm whether the riders were speeding. Notably, police had received complaints about the truck blocking the number-two lane of the I-5 before the crash occurred.

This matters legally. The general rule says a driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault — but an unlawfully stopped vehicle is one of the recognized exceptions. A truck sitting in a freeway travel lane, whether due to mechanical failure, a medical emergency, or driver choice, creates exactly the kind of hazard that shifts liability. The crash remains under investigation, but cases like this often turn on evidence that disappears fast: 911 call logs, camera footage, and witness accounts.

Motorcycle Crashes May Be Caused by Product Defects

There’s a third source of liability many riders never consider: the motorcycle itself. Manufacturers regularly issue recalls for defective parts, and a defect that causes or worsens a crash can support a strict product liability claim — no proof of carelessness required.

The most prominent recent example: in September 2023, Harley-Davidson recalled roughly 65,000 motorcycles over a fastener securing the rear shock absorber on certain Softail models. The company warned the fastener could break unexpectedly, leading to a loss of tire pressure and — in Harley-Davidson’s own words — an “increased risk of a crash.” Whether crashes actually occurred before the recall or the company acted proactively isn’t clear, but the lesson for riders is: if your bike failed before or during a crash, preserve it unrepaired so experts can inspect it.

Who Can You Sue — and When?

Depending on the facts, a Los Angeles County motorcycle case may involve claims against:

• The at-fault driver and their insurer — the most common path
• An employer, if the driver was working at the time (including commercial truck operators)
• A manufacturer, for defective brakes, shocks, tires, or other components
• A government entity, for dangerous road conditions — with a six-month government claim deadline

For most claims, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you two years from the crash to file suit. And remember that lane splitting has been legal in California since 2017 under AB 51 — riding between lanes does not automatically make you at fault, no matter what an adjuster implies. For a deeper look at building fault evidence, see our guide to proving liability in California motorcycle cases.

Talk to a Former Insurance Defense Attorney — Free

Miracle Law, APC founder Tamar Miot spent years defending insurance companies before switching sides — she knows precisely how insurers build the “reckless biker” narrative and how to take it apart. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Los Angeles County, the consultation is free, and there’s no fee unless we win. Call (888) 843-5290.