5 Ways to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle this Summer
Summer’s coming, and with the rising temperatures and long days of sunlight, many LA residents are eager to enjoy some time outside. This can look like walks, trips to the beach, or riding their motorcycles along PCH and other roads.
However, motorcycles, impatient drivers, and daily traffic can be the recipe for a motorcycle accident with serious consequences. Motorcyclists are often the ones paying the price in an accident with painful injuries and a mountain of expenses.
Eager to ride your motorcycle this summer, but want to practice safe habits on the road? Keep reading to learn more about safety tips, and why BD&J is the motorcycle accident law firm you should call!
Key Takeaways
- Hot summer days means many Californians are eager to get out of the house for a ride on their motorcycle, especially considering California has the highest number of registered motorcycles in the country (IIHS)
- Staying safe on a motorcycle can include proper motorcycle maintenance, wearing helmets and protective gear, and more
- A motorcycle accident can often be caused by drivers failing to see motorcyclists in their blind spots, defective bikes, and speeding
- Working with a motorcycle attorney in Los Angeles, such as from the BD&J team, can make the claims process much easier to navigate after a motorcycle accident caused by negligence
How Can I Stay Safe on a Motorcycle this Summer?
Staying safe doesn’t mean you have to put your motorcycle away for the season. In fact, there are certain safety tips that can actively work to prevent a motorcycle accident from happening.
Considering motorcyclists account for more than 16% of traffic fatalities nationwide, safety is key. Stay safe on your motorcycle this summer by:
- Keeping Your Ride Well-Maintained
The first step to safe motorcycle rides comes before you even leave your driveway. Ensure that your motorcycle is properly maintained, checking your tires and wheels, oil, stands, headlights, controls, and chain lubrication.
- Wearing a DOT Approved Helmet and Protective Gear
A DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet is essential for any rider whose goal is to enjoy a summer day out. DOT approved helmets meet government safety standards, ensuring they can withstand road rash and impact during an accident.
Other protective gear can include jackets, gloves, boots, goggles, chest/arm protectors, and reflective gear.
- Checking that You and Your Bike Are Visible on the Road
Drivers failing to see motorcyclists on the road is a common factor in accidents. Make sure you and your bike are in plain view by using reflective decals on your clothes and bike, wearing bright clothing, making sure your headlights are on and powerful (even during the day), and using your horn to alert other drivers of your presence.
- Avoiding Lane-Splitting in Certain Situations
Yes, lane-splitting is legal in California, but there are certain situations where you want to avoid riding lane dividers while on the road. Avoid lane-splitting around big vehicles like trucks and delivery vans, on unfamiliar roads where you’re not sure of the layout, and during high-speed traffic when unexpected lane changes can happen.
- Keeping an Eye on the Road – Not Just Other Vehicles
It’s important to keep an eye on sudden movements from other vehicles, but it’s crucial to be aware of the road and your environment. This includes keeping an eye out for the sudden appearance of pedestrians, debris on the road, uneven road surfaces, and even smaller side streets that open up to the main road you’re on.
Top Mistakes to Avoid While Motorcycle Riding
One small error can lead to a big accident. While practicing safety on the road, you always want to avoid these common mistakes:
- Failing to check your own blind spots
- Going too fast in slow traffic
- Rounding curves in a street to quickly
- Being distracted on your motorcycle, such as listening to music or checking your phone
- Riding too close to vehicles on the road
Stats Show California Motorcycle Accidents Are on the Rise
Motorcycle accidents have been on the rise in Los Angeles and throughout the state. Data shows:
- In 2024, over 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in accidents, one of the highest numbers of motorcyclist fatalities recorded since 1975 (NHTSA)
- Los Angeles County ranks as the highest county in California for motorcycle accidents, with an average 911.6 accidents every year (TIMS)
- The city of Los Angeles had 428 motorcycle accidents resulting in fatal or serious injuries in 2025 (TIMS)
- Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 69% (saferoads.org)
Can a Motorcycle Attorney in Los Angeles Help Me After an Accident?
Definitely! While you’re attending to your injuries and costly vehicle repairs, a motorcycle injury attorney can help:
- Present the initial claim
- Collect evidence
- Negotiate a fair amount of compensation for your case
- Interview expert witnesses
- Communicate with the other parties
- Keep you up to date on the progression of your claim
Don’t pay for a motorcycle accident caused by someone else out of your own pocket. Contact BD&J to get started on your claim!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
You have 2 years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a claim for compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations.
Can I File a Claim Past the Statute of Limitations?
Unfortunately, no. Once the 2 years have passed, you forfeit your right to seek damages for an accident.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet During My Accident?
Absolutely! Many people think that having some fault in an accident will mean they can no longer obtain compensation, but this is far from the truth.
California is a comparative negligence state, which means that you can still seek compensation for injuries in an accident you had some amount of fault in. Your compensation amount is simply reduced by the percentage of fault you’re found to have.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
Some of the compensation typically obtained in a claim after a motorcycle accident is awarded for current and future medical costs, physical rehabilitation, bike repairs or the loss of a bike, and loss of income if your injuries prevent you from working.
What if I Can’t Afford to Pay for a Lawyer Because I’m Unable to Work After My Accident?
When you work with a law firm like BD&J, you’re working with a firm that operates on a contingency fee basis, which means all case costs are advanced, and you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
We retain the final attorney fees from the compensation amount after your case settles, which means no stress for you and no fees until we win your case*!
How Serious Can Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident Be?
Extremely serious. Mostly because motorcyclists are exposed more in an accident compared to a driver in their car. Typical serious injuries from motorcycle accidents can include head injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, lacerations, and burns.
Why Should I Work with BD&J?
BD&J is a reputable Los Angeles personal injury law firm completely dedicated to representing clients in their legal battles for compensation.
We’ve been fighting for injured Californians and their families for more than 20 years and have recovered more than $3 billion* in compensation for clients!
Is the BD&J Firm Located in Los Angeles?
Yes, you can find our main headquarters in Los Angeles, at 11175 Santa Monica Boulevard right next to the 405!
How To Boost Your Recovery Process After a Motorcycle Accident
Injuries from a motorcycle accident require serious care and attention. Boost your recovery process with the following steps.
- Follow medical advice and treatments from your provider. – People underestimate going to the hospital after an accident and then following through with treatment plans and care instructions provided by a provider. Following medical advice and treatment plans are a vital part to your recovery.
- Don’t overexert yourself. – The need to get out and do something can be big, especially if you’ve been recovering in a hospital bed or ordered on bedrest. Remember, you want to avoid physical strain or too much activity while you’re recovering to allow your body to rest.
- Avoid unnecessary stressors. – Poor sleep, financial stress, and overexertion can take a toll on your body. Don’t be consumed by unnecessary stressors, particularly when you’re going through an injury claim.
- Let a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles represent your claim. – You’re in the stages of recovery, so don’t strain yourself by figuring out the legal landscape of a motorcycle accident claim. Let a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney handle your claim, so you can rest and recover with peace of mind.
Dedicated Motorcycle Attorneys Representing Los Angeles for Justice
Stay safe this summer by following key motorcycle safety tips like wearing protective gear, maintaining your bike, and avoiding distractions on the road.
However, even when you do everything right for motorcycle safety, a distracted or aggressive driver can still cause an accident where you’re seriously injured. If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, call the motorcycle attorneys in Los Angeles from BD&J!
Let us handle your claim with dedication and rigor. Call us at 855-906-3699 or complete our form to connect with a team member 24/7! Your free initial consultation with one of our attorneys is just a few steps away.
Call BD&J Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorneys to get started today!