Motorcycle crashes can leave you hurt, confused, and unsure of what to do next. If you’ve been injured in Glendale, California, or a nearby city, we’re here to help you get answers and take the pressure off your shoulders.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our Glendale personal injury lawyers serve riders throughout Glendale from our Burbank office, just minutes away on the 134. We work to recover what you’ve lost: your income, your ability to work, and your sense of control. We know what you’re up against and can help you through it.
Call (626) 793-8607 for a free consultation with a Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer today. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Injured in a motorcycle crash? Speak with a Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer. Get a free consultation.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Glendale
If you’ve been in a Glendale motorcycle accident, what you do right after can make a big difference. It can affect your recovery and what you’re able to claim later. These steps aren’t just suggestions; they’re simple actions that help protect motorcycle accident victims.
Even if you feel okay, you could still be hurt. Some injuries take time to show up, and waiting to get medical attention can hurt your case. It’s important to stay calm and take things one step at a time.
- Move to a safe area away from traffic, if possible.
- Call 911 and report the accident to create an official crash record.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you “feel fine.”
- Exchange insurance and license details with the other driver.
- Take photos of the scene, your motorcycle, your helmet and gear, skid marks, and injuries.
- Get names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize; it can be used against you later.
- Inform your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements.
- Keep your damaged helmet and riding gear. Don’t repair or throw them away.
- Save all medical records, repair bills, and receipts.
- Contact a Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer before signing anything from an insurer.
Many injured riders aren’t sure what to do right after a crash. These steps help you stay protected and avoid problems later. If you’re ever unsure, reach out before speaking with the insurance company. A Glendale motorcycle accident lawyer can explain what to expect and help you avoid mistakes.
Glendale Motorcycle Crash Data and High-Risk Roads
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2023 crash rankings, 27 motorcyclists were killed or injured in Glendale traffic collisions (OTS). The city also recorded 74 speed-related injury collisions and 51 nighttime injury collisions that year, both conditions that put riders at higher risk.
Many Glendale motorcycle crashes happen on busy surface streets like Brand Boulevard, Glendale Avenue, Colorado Street, and Glenoaks Boulevard, where cars turn left across traffic and pull out of driveways and parking structures. Riders also face fast merges on the Ventura Freeway (SR-134), the Glendale Freeway (SR-2), and I-5, and many pass through Glendale on the 2 heading to the Angeles Crest Highway.
Crashes on Glendale city streets are usually handled by the Glendale Police Department, while freeway crashes are handled by the California Highway Patrol. Getting a copy of the report early helps your lawyer confirm what was recorded and correct any errors.
California Motorcycle Laws That Can Affect Your Claim
Insurance companies often try to blame riders. Knowing how California law treats motorcyclists helps you push back.
Lane Splitting Is Legal in California
California law recognizes lane splitting: riding between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic (Vehicle Code 21658.1). Lane splitting by itself does not make you at fault. Insurers may still argue that you were going too fast or split lanes unsafely, so evidence like video, witness statements, and the crash scene matters. Learn more in our guide: Is Lane Splitting Legal in California and Can It Affect a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
California’s Helmet Law
California requires every motorcycle rider and passenger to wear a DOT-compliant helmet (Vehicle Code 27803). If you weren’t wearing one, you may still have a claim. The insurer may argue that a helmet would have reduced a head injury, but that does not affect compensation for injuries a helmet would not have prevented, like broken bones or road rash.
Pure Comparative Fault
California follows a pure comparative fault rule. If you were partly at fault, you can still recover compensation; it is reduced by your share of the blame. This matters in motorcycle cases, where insurers often try to shift blame onto the rider.
Looking for a Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer near me? Call (626) 793-8607.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Glendale
Most motorcycle accidents happen because someone wasn’t being careful. Whether it’s a quick turn or looking down at a phone, simple mistakes often lead to serious injuries.
Many motorcycle crash cases we handle involve drivers not paying attention or misjudging the rider’s speed. Other times, dangerous road conditions cause the problem.
Below are common reasons motorcycle accidents happen in and around Glendale:
- Unsafe left turns in front of motorcycles
- Failure to yield at intersections and driveways
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS, etc.)
- Tailgating or rear-ending motorcyclists
- Unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots
- Drivers closing the gap on riders who are legally lane splitting
- “Dooring” incidents (driver opens car door into rider’s path)
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Hazardous road conditions (gravel, potholes, uneven pavement)
- Low visibility due to weather or night-time riding
- Inexperienced or unlicensed drivers misjudging motorcycle speeds
- Mechanical defects or faulty motorcycle parts
If your motorcycle crash was caused by driver negligence or bad roads, you may be able to recover more than you think. Understanding what caused the collision is one of the first steps in building your case.
Common Injuries in Glendale Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle riders face more serious injuries because there’s little to protect them in a crash. Even a low-speed collision can lead to lasting pain or long recovery time. The damage can affect your daily life, your work, and your future.
Many of these injuries can take weeks, months, or longer to fully heal. Some never go away. Getting proper treatment early on is important, not just for your health but also for your claim. Injured riders in Glendale are often treated at Adventist Health Glendale, Glendale Memorial Hospital, or USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.
- Road rash and deep skin abrasions
- Broken bones (arms, legs, ribs, pelvis)
- Head trauma, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Facial disfigurement and dental trauma
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains and ligament tears
- Psychological injuries including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
Serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries can change how you live day to day. For the most severe cases, see our Glendale catastrophic injury lawyer page.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Glendale Motorcycle Crash?
After a crash, people often assume it’s just one driver’s fault. But motorcycle accidents can involve more than one party. Figuring out who’s legally responsible is key to building a strong case.
- Negligent passenger vehicle drivers
- Commercial drivers or companies (if the driver was working)
- Government entities or contractors (in cases of unsafe road conditions)
- Motorcycle or parts manufacturers (if defects caused the crash)
If a city or other public agency is responsible, for example, for a dangerous road condition, a government claim generally must be filed within six months of the crash.
What Our Clients Say
“Had a great experience with the Facchetti team, I was rear ended and was left with severe back and neck pain. The team made sure I get the help I needed and took really good care of me. Adrianos is very responsive and his staff is incredibly helpful and kind. I strongly recommend this team”
“All I can really say is sensational. From the beginning of my case they have been nothing but helpful. This is a firm that genuinely cares about the people they are representing. They would always promptly respond to any questions I had, talked me through all of the process so I had a detailed description of what would be happening throughout the case, always kind and make you feel welcome when you call. Something that is very big to me is quality of customer service and throughout my experience with everyone in the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti this quality has been top notch. Every discussion makes you feel like you have people that care and are seriously working to help you.”
“Adriano Facchetti is incredibly trustworthy, honest, and reliable. He truly goes out of his way to help and makes sure you feel supported every step of the process. Adriano takes the time to walk you through everything, explains details clearly, and is always available to answer questions. His dedication and professionalism make the entire experience smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend working with Adriano.”
Testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
Why You Need to Hire a Glendale Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a crash, it’s easy to feel lost, especially when the insurance company starts asking questions. A motorcycle accident attorney can step in and deal with them directly, so you don’t have to.
With legal assistance, you’re not guessing what to do next. We know how to collect the right evidence, protect your rights, and make sure nothing is missed. Getting legal advice early helps you avoid mistakes that could cost you later.
Your injuries might affect your ability to work or take care of your family. We help calculate what your case is really worth, including long-term effects and the financial compensation you’ll need to recover fully.
From handling the paperwork to preparing for trial if needed, our team handles the legal work while you focus on getting better.
What Sets Us Apart from Other Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Glendale
We focus on helping injured riders and their families in Glendale and the surrounding area. We know the local roads, intersections, and traffic issues that often lead to crashes.
We have helped riders recover six- and seven-figure settlements in tough situations, including cases where the insurance limits seemed too low at first.
Every case matters to us. That’s why we take time to talk with our clients, answer questions, and stay available throughout the process. We serve clients in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Questions about your Glendale motorcycle accident claim? Contact our team today.
Compensation You May Recover After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle crash, you might be dealing with more than just physical pain. You could be missing work, losing income, or facing changes to your daily routine. That’s why it’s important to understand what compensation you may be able to recover.
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehab, ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Damage to your motorcycle, helmet and riding gear
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in rare cases of extreme negligence)
A motorcycle accident attorney can look at the full picture. At our law firm, we help make sure nothing gets left out when calculating your claim.
Glendale Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Can I still recover compensation if I was lane splitting?
Yes, in many cases. Lane splitting is legal in California, so it doesn’t automatically make you at fault. If the insurer argues you split lanes unsafely, pure comparative fault may reduce your recovery, but it does not bar it.
What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
You may still have a claim. The other side may argue that a helmet would have reduced a head injury, but that does not erase compensation for other injuries the crash caused.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. If a city or other government agency is involved, a claim generally must be filed within six months.
What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?
You may be able to recover through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. Report the crash to police right away and notify your insurer promptly.
Do I need to come to your Burbank office if I live in Glendale?
No. Our Burbank office is a short drive via the 134, but we can also talk by phone or video, and much of your case can be handled remotely.
Get a Free Consultation With a Glendale, CA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Time matters after a crash. California gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting too long can make it harder to prove what happened. If a government vehicle was involved, your time may be even shorter.
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti has helped many riders in Glendale and surrounding areas. We know how to handle motorcycle accident cases and are here to help you understand your legal options.
Call (626) 793-8607, text, or fill out our contact form today to schedule your free consultation. There’s no cost to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in Glendale, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Discuss your next steps with a Glendale motorcycle accident attorney. Call (626) 793-8607 today.
