Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle crashes on the I-405, including near the Roscoe Boulevard and Sherman Way exits, may involve sudden lane changes, merging vehicles, and disputes over lane splitting. On surface streets such as Van Nuys Boulevard, riders may face drivers making left turns or entering traffic from side streets. These conditions can make it difficult to determine who caused a collision.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, California law allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Liability may extend beyond the driver to an employer, vehicle owner, manufacturer, or public entity, depending on the circumstances.
Arash Law’s Van Nuys motorcycle accident attorneys represent injured riders and families throughout the San Fernando Valley. In Van Nuys, we investigate collisions, review insurance coverage, and pursue claims against responsible parties. Our firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured clients across California.
Call: (888) 488-1391 (24-hour line)
Reviewed by: Arash Khorsandi, Esq., California State Bar #249405, admitted 2007, last reviewed October 2026.
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Why Motorcycle Accident Claims in Van Nuys Are Different
Van Nuys has busy intersections, commercial traffic, and access to the I-405. These conditions affect how motorcycle crashes happen, who may be liable, and what evidence supports a claim.
Left-Turn Disputes at Van Nuys Boulevard and Vanowen Street
At this signal-controlled intersection, drivers making left turns must yield to approaching vehicles that present a hazard under California Vehicle Code (CVC) §21801. A rider may have little time to react when a driver turns without yielding.
When fault is disputed, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) signal records, witness statements, and available camera footage may help establish what happened.
Lane-Splitting and Lane-Change Collisions on the I-405
The I-405, also called the San Diego Freeway, passes through western Van Nuys near the Sherman Way and Victory Boulevard interchanges. Merging vehicles, sudden braking, and lane changes create potential hazards for motorcyclists.
Lane splitting is legal under CVC §21658.1. However, a rider’s compensation may be reduced if unsafe lane splitting contributed to the crash. Drivers who change lanes without checking for motorcycles may also share fault.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) generally investigates collisions on I-405. CHP reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements may help establish responsibility.
Commercial Vehicle and Cross-Traffic Collisions on Roscoe Boulevard
Roscoe Boulevard connects Van Nuys with nearby communities, including North Hills and Panorama City. Intersections along this corridor, including those at Sepulveda Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard, involve turning vehicles, cross-traffic, and commercial driveways.
These collisions may involve a disputed right-of-way or visibility issues. When a delivery truck or company vehicle is involved, employment records, delivery assignments, and vehicle ownership information may help determine whether an employer shares liability or commercial insurance applies.
Emergency Care and Trauma Centers Outside Van Nuys
Van Nuys does not have a designated trauma center. Valley Presbyterian Hospital at 15107 Vanowen Street provides emergency care, while riders with severe injuries may be transported to designated trauma centers outside Van Nuys.
Nearby Level II trauma centers include:
- Northridge Hospital Medical Center: 18300 Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge. Provides adult and pediatric trauma care.
- Providence Holy Cross Medical Center: 15031 Rinaldi Street, Mission Hills. Provides Level II trauma care.
Emergency responders select hospitals based on patients’ conditions and transport protocols. Medical records from each treating facility can help document injuries, treatment costs, and future care needs.
Where Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits May Be Filed
Motorcycle injury lawsuits arising in Van Nuys generally fall under the Los Angeles Superior Court, which lists civil services at Van Nuys Courthouse East, located at 6230 Sylmar Avenue.
Under Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3, the accident location helps determine the appropriate judicial district. The court’s Filing Court Locator can help identify the proper courthouse.
Who Can File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Van Nuys?
Anyone who suffers injuries or other legally recognized losses because of a motorcycle crash may have grounds to file a claim. The right to seek compensation is not limited to the person operating the motorcycle.
Depending on the circumstances, the following people may qualify:
The rider can file against any at-fault driver, vehicle owner, government entity, or product manufacturer for their losses.
An injured passenger may have a claim against another motorist, the motorcycle operator, or both if their negligence caused the crash.
Pedestrians, drivers, and vehicle passengers harmed in the same collision may also pursue claims against responsible parties. A cyclist hurt in a crash involving a motorcycle may have a separate claim, and our Van Nuys bicycle accident attorneys can review those cases.
A parent or legal guardian may bring a claim on behalf of an injured child. California generally requires court approval of settlements involving minors.
When a rider suffers serious injuries, their spouse or registered domestic partner may file a loss of consortium claim for harm to the relationship caused by the rider’s injuries.
If a motorcycle crash causes a death, qualifying relatives may pursue a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §377.60.
These individuals may pursue a survival action under CCP §377.30 for certain losses the deceased suffered before death.
Motorcycle riders injured while working may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Under Labor Code §5400, employees generally must notify their employers of a work injury within 30 days. A delivery rider may also have a separate personal injury claim against a negligent third party under Labor Code §3852. Some workplace accidents may involve both types of claims.
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Injuries Common to Van Nuys Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle cabin, so a crash can cause serious injuries even at lower speeds. Some riders need emergency treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation.
Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
A blow or jolt to the head may cause a concussion, bleeding, or lasting problems with memory and concentration. Helmets reduce certain risks but cannot prevent every brain injury.
Damage to the spinal cord may cause weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis. Severe injuries can require long-term medical care and mobility equipment.
Riders may suffer fractures to their arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or shoulders. Some fractures require surgery, physical therapy, or extended recovery.
Sliding across pavement may cause deep abrasions, infections, permanent scarring, or injuries requiring skin grafts.
Blunt-force impacts can injure the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Symptoms may not appear immediately after the crash.
Contact with hot engine components, leaking fuel, or other hazards may cause burns requiring medical treatment.
Severe collisions can damage limbs and surrounding tissue, sometimes causing permanent loss of function.
Medical records, imaging results, therapy notes, work restrictions, and future care recommendations can help link injuries to the crash and support claims for ongoing treatment costs and lost income.
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Damages You Can Recover from a Motorcycle Accident in Van Nuys
If someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle crash, you may seek compensation for financial losses, physical pain, and other harm. The amount depends on your injuries, supporting evidence, and the share of fault.
Economic damages cover financial losses caused by the crash, including:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and other necessary treatment.
- Future Medical and Care Costs: Rehabilitation, therapy, mobility equipment, home modifications, and assistance with daily activities.
- Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Future income losses if your injuries limit your ability to work.
- Lost Household Services: The reasonable value of household tasks you can no longer perform because of your injuries.
- Damaged Property: Repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle, helmet, and other damaged personal property.
Non-economic damages compensate you for personal harm, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and ongoing discomfort.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Difficulty returning to hobbies, daily activities, and routines.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scars or physical changes caused by the crash.
Other damages may apply depending on the circumstances:
- Loss of Consortium: A spouse or registered domestic partner may seek compensation for harm to their relationship caused by the rider’s injuries.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Qualifying family members may seek funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship under CCP §§377.60–377.61.
- Survival Action Damages: The deceased rider’s personal representative or successor in interest may seek damages for losses the rider incurred before death, such as medical expenses and lost earnings. Under CCP §377.34, pre-death pain and suffering generally cannot be recovered in survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, although certain earlier actions qualify for an exception.
- Punitive Damages: Courts may award these damages when the defendant’s conduct meets the requirements of Civil Code §3294, including malice, oppression, or fraud.
California generally does not cap damages in ordinary motorcycle accident claims, but evidence, comparative fault, and applicable legal limits affect recovery.
How Insurance Coverage Works in Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident Claims
Insurance coverage for motorcycle accidents depends on who caused the crash and which policies apply. California’s minimum liability limits are $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. These limits took effect in 2025 and may not cover serious motorcycle injuries.
The following insurance policies may apply to a Van Nuys motorcycle crash:
- At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance: This policy generally covers injuries and property damage caused by the at-fault driver, up to its limits. Additional coverage may be available if other parties share responsibility.
- Commercial and Rideshare Insurance: Commercial policies may apply when a truck or company driver causes a crash while on the job. Coverage for rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft depends on the driver’s app status. California generally requires $1 million in liability coverage from ride acceptance through trip completion. Since January 1, 2026, rideshare companies must also provide $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident in UM/UIM coverage during passenger-occupied trips.
- Medical Payments and Collision Coverage: If purchased, medical payments coverage may help pay treatment costs regardless of fault. Collision coverage may pay for motorcycle repairs or replacement, subject to the policy’s terms and deductible.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: UM coverage may apply when the responsible driver has no insurance. UIM coverage may provide additional compensation when the driver’s liability limits are lower than the injured rider’s UIM limits. UIM benefits generally require the at-fault liability limits to be exhausted first.
Motorcycle riders should review the UM/UIM limits and exclusions in their applicable policies. California allows insureds to reject or reduce certain UM/UIM coverage in writing. A household auto policy also may not cover injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle that is not insured under that policy.
Injured riders may use health insurance or optional medical payments coverage to pay for treatment before settlement. Medicare or Medi-Cal may also cover eligible medical expenses. Some insurers and medical providers may seek repayment from the eventual recovery. An attorney can review medical bills, liens, and reimbursement claims before settlement.
Special Rules for Hit-and-Run Accidents
If an unidentified driver hits a motorcycle on the I-405 or Van Nuys Boulevard and flees, UM coverage may apply. Under Insurance Code §11580.2, these claims generally require:
- Physical contact with the unidentified vehicle.
- A police report within 24 hours.
- A sworn statement to the insurer within 30 days.
Separate deadlines apply to preserving UM claims, generally requiring specified action within two years.
How Proposition 213 Affects Uninsured Riders
Civil Code §3333.4 may prevent uninsured motorcycle owners or operators from recovering non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
They may still recover economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages. An exception may apply to an uninsured owner injured by a driver convicted of DUI.
Before accepting a settlement, injured riders should review all available policies, unpaid medical bills, and future treatment needs. A signed release may prevent further recovery for the same claim.
What to Expect During a Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident Claim
A motorcycle accident claim involves gathering evidence, reviewing liability, documenting losses, and negotiating with insurers. If the parties cannot settle, the case may proceed to court.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Under CVC §20008, drivers involved in injury or fatal collisions generally must submit a written report to law enforcement within 24 hours. Separately, the DMV requires an SR-1 accident report within 10 days if someone is injured or killed, or property damage exceeds $1,000. A police or insurance report does not replace the SR-1.
- Get Medical Care and Obtain the Collision Report: Seek emergency treatment when needed. Identify which agency investigated the crash. You can request an LAPD traffic collision report or request a CHP crash report, depending on the location. An attorney can help obtain these records.
- Preserve Accident Evidence: The motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, photographs, and witness information may help establish what happened. An attorney can request available business footage, traffic signal records, and commercial vehicle data before they are lost.
- Document Injuries and Losses: Medical records from facilities such as Valley Presbyterian Hospital, along with other treatment records, help establish the injuries. Treatment costs, lost wages, work restrictions, and future care needs help support the compensation claim.
- Investigate Fault and Insurance Coverage: The attorney reviews each party’s conduct and available insurance. A crash on Van Nuys Boulevard may involve a negligent driver, an employer, or a dangerous road condition. Claims involving public entities may require action within six months.
- Negotiate or File a Lawsuit: The attorney prepares a demand package outlining liability, injuries, and claimed losses. If negotiations fail, the attorney can file a lawsuit before the applicable deadline.
How Fault Is Established in a Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident
Fault depends on whether a driver or another party failed to use reasonable care and caused the injuries. More than one person or business may share responsibility for a Van Nuys motorcycle crash.
Civil Code §1714 establishes California’s general duty of care. To prove negligence, an injured person generally must establish four elements:
- Duty: The responsible party owed the injured person a duty of reasonable care.
- Breach: That party failed to use reasonable care. Examples include an unsafe turn, speeding, driving impaired, or a contractor leaving a roadwork hazard unmarked.
- Causation: The negligent conduct was a substantial factor in causing the injuries.
- Damages: The injured person suffered medical expenses, lost income, pain, or other losses.
California traffic laws can help establish fault in a Van Nuys motorcycle accident. Relevant laws include:
- Lane Splitting (CVC §21658.1): Permits lane splitting, but riders must exercise reasonable care.
- Unsafe Turns and Lane Changes (CVC §22107): Prohibits turning or changing lanes when unsafe.
- Left-Turn Right-of-Way (CVC §21801): Requires drivers turning left to yield to approaching vehicles that present a hazard.
- Basic Speed Law (CVC §22350): Requires speeds reasonable for traffic, weather, visibility, and road conditions.
California’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule
California follows pure comparative negligence under Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975). California generally reduces an injured person’s compensation by their share of fault.
A rider lane-splitting on the I-405 near the Sherman Way interchange, who is found 25% at fault, may still recover 75% of proven damages. A passenger does not automatically share the rider’s fault. Police reports, witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage, and available video footage can help establish each party’s responsibility.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident?
Responsibility is not limited to the drivers involved. Depending on the cause of the crash, potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent Drivers and Motorcycle Operators: Motorists or riders who speed, fail to yield, run red lights, or make unsafe turns or lane changes.
- Other Road Users: Pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicle passengers whose negligent actions contribute to a collision.
- Employers: Businesses whose employees cause crashes while performing job duties, including commercial drivers operating along Roscoe Boulevard.
- Vehicle Owners: Under CVC §17150, owners may be liable for negligent operation of a vehicle with their permission, subject to applicable limits under §17151.
- Rideshare Companies: A rideshare company may face liability when a valid legal basis exists. Its responsibility is not automatic merely because a driver was using the app.
- Government Entities: The City of Los Angeles or Caltrans may be liable for dangerous road conditions under Government Code §835 when the required legal elements are established.
- Roadwork Contractors and Property Owners: Contractors involved in roadwork zone accidents may be liable when negligent construction or missing warnings contribute to a collision. Property owners may also share responsibility for roadway hazards they create.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: Companies responsible for defective tires, brakes, or other components that cause or worsen injuries.
An injured person does not always need to have been struck directly by the responsible party. A no-contact collision may still support a negligence claim if the evidence establishes causation.
For cases involving possible roadway defects, maintenance records, earlier complaints, and repair reports may help establish responsibility. Claims against government entities have separate requirements, as explained in the Filing Deadlines section.
Filing Deadlines for Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident Claims
California sets different filing deadlines for motorcycle injury, property damage, and government claims. Missing a deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation.
| Claim Type | Filing Deadline | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | Generally, two years from the injury date. | File a lawsuit against the responsible private party. |
| Property Damage | Generally, three years from the date of damage. | File a lawsuit for motorcycle, helmet, or riding gear damage. |
| Government Claim | Generally, six months from the injury, death, or personal property damage. | Present a written claim to the responsible public entity. |
| Claims Involving Minors | Generally, two years after turning 18 for personal injury lawsuits against private parties. | A parent or legal guardian may file on the child’s behalf before adulthood. |
| Wrongful Death | Generally, two years from the date of death. | Qualifying survivors may file a wrongful death lawsuit. |
| Survival Action | Generally, the later of the remaining injury lawsuit period or six months after death, when CCP §366.1 applies. | The deceased person’s personal representative or successor in interest may pursue the surviving claim. |
Legal Basis: CCP §335.1 (personal injury and wrongful death); CCP §338 (property damage); Government Code §911.2 (government claims); CCP §352 (minors); and CCP §§366.1 and 377.30 (survival actions).
The six-month government deadline is for submitting a claim, not filing a lawsuit. Separate lawsuit deadlines apply after the government acts on the claim. Certain exceptions may also change these deadlines.
Claims involving minors have special rules. The ordinary personal injury lawsuit deadline generally pauses until the injured child turns 18. However, the six-month government claim deadline still applies to minors. Certain late-claim procedures may provide relief under Government Code §§911.4 and 911.6.
Wrongful death and survival actions are separate claims. Wrongful death addresses qualifying survivors’ losses, while survival actions continue the deceased rider’s legal claim. Different deadlines may apply to each, including shorter government claim requirements.
A government claim may apply if a dangerous road condition contributed to your crash. For example, a defective traffic signal on Vanowen Street may involve the City of Los Angeles. A dangerous condition on the I-405 may involve Caltrans.
If your crash involved a dangerous city-maintained street, follow the City of Los Angeles claim-filing instructions. Claims involving state-maintained highways follow different procedures. For injury or personal property claims of $12,500 or less, use the Caltrans damage-claim process. Larger claims generally go to the California Department of General Services’ Government Claims Program.
After submitting a government claim, additional deadlines apply:
- Written Rejection: You generally have six months to sue after the public entity mails or delivers a proper written rejection notice.
- No Proper Written Rejection: You generally have two years from the injury date to sue, even if the claim was automatically rejected after 45 days.
- Missed Six-Month Deadline: Government Code §911.4 allows certain late-claim applications within a reasonable time, generally no later than one year after the injury.
Uninsured motorist claims also have separate requirements under Insurance Code §11580.2.
Preserve evidence before these deadlines expire. Nearby businesses may overwrite surveillance footage, and road crews may repair dangerous conditions. Early photographs, witness information, and roadway records can help establish what caused the crash.
Motorcycle Accident Case Results From Arash Law
Arash Law has represented injured motorcyclists in cases involving disputed fault, rideshare vehicles, and dangerous road conditions.
The police report initially placed our injured client at fault, citing alleged speeding and impairment. Our investigation showed that the truck driver made a dangerous turn that violated company training and policies. The case resulted in a $5 million recovery.
Our client suffered spinal and wrist injuries in a motorcycle collision involving a rideshare vehicle. Arash Law obtained a $1.55 million settlement in July 2021.
Our client suffered fractured ribs and head trauma after encountering uneven pavement in a construction area. The city and contractors disputed liability. The case settled for $1.45 million after the first day of trial.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
Why Riders in Van Nuys Choose Arash Law
Arash Law helps injured motorcyclists in Van Nuys navigate insurance disputes, protect their legal rights, and pursue compensation. Our attorneys handle the legal process so clients can focus on medical treatment and recovery.
We can help you by:
- Handling Insurance Communications: We communicate with insurers, respond to settlement offers, and address disputed fault allegations so you do not have to manage these negotiations alone.
- Managing Local Evidence Requests: We coordinate requests for available LAPD Valley Traffic Division reports, CHP collision records, and relevant footage from businesses along Van Nuys Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard.
- Evaluating Your Claim’s Value: We review medical expenses, lost earnings, future treatment needs, and other losses to assess the compensation supported by your case.
- Pursuing Compensation From Responsible Parties: We handle claims involving negligent drivers, employers, vehicle owners, and other potentially liable parties, including public entities when applicable.
- Preparing for Litigation When Necessary: We handle required filings, court procedures, and litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Arash Law handles qualifying motorcycle accident claims on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fees and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Our written agreement explains the fees and case-related costs.
Talk to Arash Law About Your Van Nuys Motorcycle Claim
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Van Nuys, whether on the I-405, Van Nuys Boulevard, Roscoe Boulevard, or another local road, Arash Law can review your situation. Our Van Nuys motorcycle accident attorneys can explain your legal options and discuss potential sources of compensation.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7. Hablamos español.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Van Nuys
What If the Insurance Company Says the Crash Was My Fault?
You can challenge the insurer’s fault assessment. California allows injured motorcyclists to recover compensation even when they share responsibility for a crash. However, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
An attorney can review police reports, witness statements, and available footage to challenge claims that you were speeding or lane splitting unsafely on the I-405.
What If the Driver Says They Didn't See My Motorcycle?
A driver may still be liable even if they claim they did not see your motorcycle. Drivers must use reasonable care when turning, changing lanes, or entering traffic.
For example, a driver turning left at Van Nuys Boulevard and Vanowen Street must yield to approaching vehicles that present a hazard. Witness accounts, vehicle damage, and available footage may help show whether the driver failed to look or yield.
What If I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?
Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from filing a motorcycle accident claim.
California Vehicle Code §27803 generally requires motorcyclists to wear compliant helmets. The defense may seek to reduce your compensation if evidence shows that wearing a helmet would have prevented or reduced specific injuries.
However, not wearing a helmet does not automatically mean you caused the collision.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
There is no fixed fee, and you may not need to pay anything up front. Many motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you generally pay no upfront attorney fees. The lawyer receives an agreed percentage of your recovery if you obtain compensation. The written agreement explains the fee and case costs.
Arash Law offers free case evaluations and handles qualifying motorcycle accident claims on this basis.
Request a Free Evaluation From Van Nuys Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you suffered injuries in a Van Nuys motorcycle crash, Arash Law can review your claim and explain your options.
Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7.
No attorney fees unless we recover compensation. The written agreement explains case-related costs. Hablamos español.
