Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney Narbeh Shirvanian explains how motorcycle accident cases are different from other motor vehicle accident cases. In motorcycle accident cases, distinctions arise in terms of liability or damages compared to standard vehicle accidents. Concerning liability, motorcycle accidents often feature instances of lane-splitting and occasional speeding. Despite the majority of motorcycle operators adhering to safe riding practices, incidents of lane-splitting are prevalent in Los Angeles and California. While lane-splitting is legally permissible, it necessitates careful execution. Determining whether someone was engaging in safe lane-splitting is a fact-specific argument, often complicated by evidence such as dashcam footage.

The uniqueness of motorcycle accident cases extends to the vulnerability of motorcycles and their operators. Lacking the protective exoskeleton of a vehicle, motorcycle riders face susceptibility to injuries even in low-speed impacts. The absence of protective gear, including helmets, can magnify injuries. In low-speed vehicle accidents involving motorcycles, injuries may be less severe, commonly termed as “missed cases” or “minor injury soft tissue” cases. Nevertheless, even a minor impact on a motorcycle or bicycle can result in significant injuries if the rider lacks adequate protective gear.

Analyzing motorcycle and bicycle accidents introduces different considerations, encompassing arguments related to comparative fault and damages. The speaker emphasizes the early involvement in these cases to proactively mitigate potential arguments surrounding comparative fault right from the beginning.