Los Angeles Motorcycle Accidents: 4 Kinds of Injuries Motorcyclists Face
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Last Updated: June 2025
Los Angeles County enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round and also has one of the highest numbers of registered motorcycles in the country. With so many bikes on city streets, zipping by on the 101, or taking a leisurely trip up the coast on Highway 5, and especially along the accident-prone Pacific Coast Highway, it’s not uncommon for them to be involved in a traffic collision. Los Angeles experiences more motorcycle accidents compared to other areas, largely due to its busy streets and highways. Motorcycle collisions in Los Angeles occur frequently due to high traffic volumes, challenging road conditions, and local factors such as heavy congestion and complex intersections. The typical causes of motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles occur because of these unique city conditions.
Unfortunately, motorcycle drivers and their passengers often come off much worse for the wear after a collision with a car. Serious, sometimes life-changing injuries are common, even if the driver takes precautions like wearing a California-mandated helmet and leathers.
Before you fire up the bike, you should understand some of the possible injuries that can happen from a collision so you can take steps to drive more defensively.
1. Brain and Head Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Even with a helmet, the chances of suffering a concussion after a wreck are high. When your head hits the ground or another hard surface, the brain collides with the inside of the skull, causing swelling, bleeding, and tearing of the tissue. Prompt medical attention can help alleviate the swelling or reduce the bleeding. While wearing a California-mandated helmet is crucial, helmet laws play a significant role in reducing head injuries and improving overall motorcycle safety.
Concussions range from mild, with some confusion and lasting headaches, to severe, which may cause temporary or permanent vision loss, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or even personality changes.
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and there isn’t really a cure. In the worst cases, the victim may be unable to live independently or may experience cognitive decline and require care in a special facility. Severe head trauma in motorcycle accidents can also result in fatal injuries, underscoring the importance of prevention and safety measures.
2. Broken Bones and Fractures
The same impact that damages the brain also damages your bones. Cracked ribs, broken legs or arms, or even crushed extremities are common after a motorcycle wreck. Hairline fractures may not be readily apparent and need an X-ray to diagnose, which is why a trip to the emergency room is so important after a collision.
Bad breaks, especially compound fractures, could require surgery to correct. Such severe fractures can be considered catastrophic injuries due to their long-term impact on a victim’s life.Recovery often takes weeks or months, and some people may require physical therapy after the bone heals to regain their capabilities or range of motion.
3. Road Rash
Road rash is a colorful name for an avulsion, an injury where several layers of skin are peeled away. Exposed skin scrapes along the rough concrete or asphalt, removing multiple dermal layers.
Avulsions are rated by severity from mild, with just the top layer or two removed, to severe, where the skin and fat are scraped away, leaving exposed muscle or even bone.
Although the name is cute, the look of road rash is anything but. The more of your dermal layers involved and the larger the area they are peeled away from, the greater the chance of an infection. You may require a hospital stay, rounds of antibiotics, including IV antibiotics, and painful skin graft surgeries.
4. Internal Organ Damage
Motorcycle riders aren’t protected by airbags, so whatever part of their body is hit gets the full force of the impact. Liver and spleen damage are common; you may have to have part or the entire spleen removed or part of the liver.
A cracked rib could cause a punctured lung. Internal organ damage also causes internal bleeding, which could be dangerous or even deadly if you become septic.
Internal organ damage treatment often means surgery to repair the damage, and many people have long recovery times. You may permanently damage the organs, which could impact how you eat or what kinds of physical activity you can engage in.
Additional Serious Injury: Soft Tissue
Soft tissue injuries are another common consequence of motorcycle accidents, particularly when riders are not fully protected by appropriate gear. These injuries can include bruises, sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. While some soft tissue injuries may seem minor at first, they can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and even long-term disabilities if not properly treated.
It is crucial for anyone involved in a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles to seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Motorcycle accident lawyers can assist victims in pursuing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to soft tissue injuries. Public awareness campaigns and ongoing education about motorcycle safety and the importance of protective gear can help reduce the frequency and severity of such injuries, making Los Angeles roads safer for everyone.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles are often the result of a combination of factors. Reckless driving and distracted driving by both motorcyclists and other drivers are leading causes of motorcycle crashes, especially in areas with heavy traffic congestion. Lane splitting, while legal in California, can increase the risk of accidents if riders are not vigilant about surrounding traffic or if other drivers fail to check their blind spots. Poor visibility, whether due to weather conditions or inadequate lighting, also contributes to more serious injuries in motorcycle accidents. Failing to wear protective gear, such as helmets and reinforced clothing, can make the consequences of a crash much worse. During peak traffic hours, the risk of a motorcycle accident rises significantly, making it crucial for riders to exercise extra caution. When motorcycle accident claims arise, the legal process can be complex, so consulting experienced motorcycle accident lawyers is vital to ensure victims receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Motorcycle Wreck Injuries Are Often Serious
If you or a loved one has been hit while riding a motorcycle, you already know just how painful and damaging collision injuries are.
If you didn’t cause the accident, you may be able to have the other driver pay for your extensive medical care by seeking representation from experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Saeedian Law Group, who have expertise in motorcycle accident cases. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover damages, especially if helmet use is being questioned, as it may impact the outcome of your claim. The legal battle to secure fair compensation after a motorcycle accident can be complex and challenging, making skilled legal support essential. Get in touch with our experienced team today for a free consultation to discuss your case with no upfront cost.