Motorcycle Safety Month: The Deadliest Threats to California Motorcyclists

What California Riders Need to Know About Left-Turn Crashes, Lane Splitting, and Legal Rights

As California marks Motorcycle Safety Month this June, a recent deadly crash in Fullerton is serving as another tragic reminder of how vulnerable motorcyclists are when drivers fail to see them — especially at intersections.

On May 22, a motorcyclist riding a Honda Navi was killed after colliding with a Tesla Cybertruck at Orangethorpe Avenue and Gilbert Street in Fullerton. According to police, the rider was traveling eastbound when the westbound Cybertruck driver attempted to make a left turn, crossing directly into the motorcyclist’s path. Unable to avoid the collision, the rider struck the large vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. — READ MORE

“Sadly, this type of crash is far from rare,” explains Attorney James Johnson, adding that these motorcycle collisions tend to be the deadliest here in California.

For motorcycle riders, few scenarios are more dangerous than a vehicle turning left across traffic. And for California drivers, understanding how to safely share the road with motorcycles can save lives. Our state has more registered motorcycles than any other state except for New York, with roughly 751,138 bikes, according to estimates in 2024 by Statista.

One example of how dangerous bikes are is a 2024 report from the CHP Santa Ana station that there were 11 deaths and 218 injuries to motorcyclists that year in its jurisdiction.

Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous for Motorcyclists

One of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes involves another vehicle turning left in front of an oncoming rider.

These crashes often happen because drivers:

• Misjudge a motorcycle’s speed
• Fail to notice a smaller vehicle approaching
• Assume they have enough time to turn
• Become distracted at intersections

Motorcycles are smaller and less visually prominent than passenger vehicles, which can lead drivers to overlook them entirely — even in broad daylight. They are also outnumbered by larger vehicles as they account for just 3.5-percent of all vehicles on the road. Conversely, motorcyclists account for nearly 14 percent of all traffic deaths in California.

In many left-turn crashes, riders have little or no time to react. Unlike occupants in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists do not have airbags, steel frames, or substantial crash protection. Even relatively low-speed collisions can result in catastrophic injuries or death.

Intersections remain among the most dangerous locations for riders, especially during busy commuting hours and weekend traffic. If you are injured in a motorcycle collision,

California’s Unique Lane Splitting Laws

California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal.

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. While legal, it must be done safely.

The California Highway Patrol encourages riders to:

• Avoid excessive speeds while splitting lanes
• Use caution near large vehicles with blind spots
• Stay alert for sudden lane changes
• Avoid splitting when traffic is moving quickly

Drivers also play an important role. California motorists may not intentionally block, crowd, or impede a motorcycle attempting to lane split.

Many crashes occur because drivers suddenly merge, drift into another lane, or fail to check mirrors before changing lanes.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in California

While motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed after crashes, many collisions are caused by negligent drivers.

Common causes include:

Left-Turn Collisions

Drivers turn across a rider’s path at intersections, often claiming they “didn’t see” the motorcycle.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Vehicles merge into riders due to blind spots or distraction.

Distracted Driving

Texting, navigation systems, and in-vehicle technology divert attention from the road.

Speeding

Higher speeds reduce reaction time for both riders and drivers.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol or drug impairment continues to play a major role in severe and fatal crashes.

Road Hazards

Potholes, gravel, debris, and poor road maintenance pose greater risks for motorcycles than passenger vehicles.

Why Motorcycle Injury Claims Are Often Disputed

Motorcycle accident victims frequently face an uphill battle with insurance companies.

There is often an unfair stereotype that riders are inherently reckless, even when evidence shows another driver caused the crash. Insurance adjusters may attempt to argue that the rider:

• Was speeding
• Was lane splitting unsafely
• Failed to react in time
• Was partially responsible for the collision

In left-turn crashes specifically, fault often becomes contested despite California traffic laws generally requiring turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic.

Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, crash reconstruction, and vehicle data can become critical in proving liability.

Helmet Laws and Comparative Fault in California

California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear federally compliant helmets.

Helmet use can dramatically reduce the severity of traumatic brain injuries, but not wearing one does not automatically prevent an injured rider from recovering compensation.

California follows a comparative fault system. That means an injured rider may still recover damages even if they were partially responsible for their injuries.

For example, if another driver caused a collision but a rider was not wearing a helmet, insurance companies may argue the rider contributed to the severity of certain injuries. However, that does not necessarily eliminate the driver’s liability for causing the crash itself.

Motorcycle Safety Month Is a Reminder for Everyone

For riders, June is an opportunity to review safety habits, wear proper gear, and stay vigilant at intersections.

For drivers, Motorcycle Safety Month is a reminder to slow down, double-check blind spots, and look twice before turning left.

The tragic Fullerton collision underscores a painful reality: when a driver turns into the path of a motorcycle, the rider often pays the highest price.

A few extra seconds of caution behind the wheel can mean the difference between a close call and a devastating loss.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident or have lost a loved one in a collision, Attorney James Johnson, founder of Johnson Attorneys Group, offers a free case evaluation at 1-800-208-3538.