Who Is Liable for a Motorcycle Accident in Sherman Oaks?

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

Local Sherman Oaks Injury Attorney · UCLA Law

Arya Firoozmand is the founding partner at L&F Brown. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and has spent his career representing injured clients across the Valley — including Sherman Oaks and the 405 corridor.

After a motorcycle accident in Sherman Oaks, determining who is legally responsible is critical to recovering fair compensation. In many cases, more than one party is liable, and identifying all of them is the key to maximizing your recovery. Here is a breakdown of who may owe you compensation after a motorcycle crash.

The At-Fault Driver

In most motorcycle accidents in Sherman Oaks, a negligent automobile or truck driver is the primary responsible party. Common driver behaviors that cause motorcycle crashes include:

• Failing to yield when making a left turn across a motorcyclist's path on Ventura Blvd or Van Nuys Blvd
• Changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots on the I-405 or US-101
• Rear-ending a motorcycle stopped in traffic on Sepulveda Blvd
• Opening a car door into a rider's lane near commercial areas
• Distracted driving, including phone use, while traveling through Sherman Oaks surface streets
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Police reports from LAPD Van Nuys Division or CHP documenting citations, witness accounts, and officer observations are strong evidence of driver liability.

Government Entities for Road Defects

Sometimes the road itself is responsible for the crash. Motorcycles are more sensitive to road surface conditions than cars. Potholes, uneven pavement, missing lane markings, defective traffic signals, or poorly designed road sections on Ventura Blvd, Van Nuys Blvd, or the 101/405 corridor can cause a motorcycle to lose control. If a road defect contributed to your crash, LA County or another government entity may be liable.

Claims against government entities require a government tort claim within six months of the incident, making prompt action essential.

Vehicle Manufacturers

If a defective motorcycle component contributed to your crash, such as defective brakes, a faulty throttle, or tire failure, the manufacturer may bear product liability responsibility. Similarly, if a defective car component caused the other driver's vehicle to malfunction and strike you, the car manufacturer may be a defendant.

Employers of At-Fault Drivers

If the driver who struck you was operating their vehicle in the course of employment at the time of the crash, their employer may be vicariously liable under the respondeat superior doctrine. Delivery drivers, commercial vehicle operators, and employees running work errands are all examples where employer liability may apply.

How Comparative Fault Affects Motorcycle Claims

Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently try to blame the motorcycle rider for crashes. Common arguments include claiming the rider was speeding, lane splitting unsafely, or riding without proper gear. California's comparative fault rules allow these arguments to reduce your recovery proportionally.

An experienced Sherman Oaks motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to anticipate and counter these arguments with evidence, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony to maximize what you recover.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Sherman Oaks, contact L&F Brown serving Sherman Oaks for a free case evaluation. We investigate every angle of liability and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable.