Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Encino? Attorney Anthony Girgis Can Help.
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users on the streets of Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, and throughout the San Fernando Valley. When a car, truck, or other vehicle strikes a motorcycle on the US-101 Freeway, Ventura Boulevard, or any of the Valley’s busy corridors the results are often catastrophic. Attorney Anthony Girgis is based in Encino near the 101 Freeway corridor — one of the most dangerous stretches for motorcycle riders in Los Angeles County — and has recovered millions of dollars for motorcycle accident victims throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles for over 16 years. If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident you deserve experienced legal representation that fights for every dollar of compensation you are owed.
There are no upfront fees and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation available 24/7.
Why Motorcycle Accident Cases Are Different
Motorcycle accident cases are more complex than standard car accident claims for several reasons. Motorcyclists face serious bias from insurance adjusters who often assume the rider was at fault or riding recklessly regardless of what actually happened. Injuries in motorcycle accidents are typically far more severe than in car accidents because motorcyclists have no protective shell around them. Medical bills are often significantly higher, lost income periods are longer, and pain and suffering damages are greater. Insurance companies know this and work harder to minimize motorcycle accident claims.
Attorney Anthony Girgis understands these dynamics and builds motorcycle accident cases that counter insurance company bias with solid evidence, medical documentation, and aggressive negotiation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Encino
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Encino and the San Fernando Valley include drivers failing to see motorcyclists when changing lanes or turning left, distracted drivers running red lights or stop signs, drivers opening car doors into the path of motorcyclists, road hazards including potholes, debris, and uneven pavement, rear-end collisions at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic on the 101 Freeway, and drunk or impaired drivers who have reduced reaction time and awareness.
Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists in the San Fernando Valley
Motorcycle accidents in the San Fernando Valley tend to cluster around high-speed freeway corridors and busy surface streets where driver inattention and lane change conflicts are most common:
The US-101 Freeway through Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, and Woodland Hills is one of the most dangerous motorcycle corridors in Los Angeles County. High speeds, frequent lane changes, and merging traffic create significant risks for motorcyclists — particularly near the Sepulveda Pass and the interchange with the 405 Freeway.
The SR-118 Ronald Reagan Freeway through Chatsworth and Northridge sees frequent motorcycle accidents near freeway on-ramps and off-ramps where drivers merge without checking for motorcyclists in adjacent lanes.
The I-405 Freeway through the Valley carries heavy truck and commercial vehicle traffic that creates dangerous blind spots and lane change hazards for motorcycle riders.
Ventura Boulevard through Encino and Sherman Oaks is a high-risk surface street for motorcyclists — with frequent left-turn conflicts at intersections, doors opening from parked vehicles, and drivers making sudden stops for rideshare pickups and dropoffs.
Sepulveda Boulevard through Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks carries heavy commercial traffic and has been the site of numerous serious motorcycle accidents at major intersections and freeway ramps.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Mulholland Drive are popular motorcycle riding routes in the hills above the Valley but feature sharp curves, limited visibility, and occasional gravel or debris that create serious accident risks.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident on any of these roads attorney Anthony Girgis is ready to help. Call (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle
Girgis Law Firm, APC handles all types of motorcycle accident claims throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County including:
Left-turn accidents — the most common type of motorcycle accident, occurring when a driver making a left turn fails to see an oncoming motorcycle. These accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries because the motorcycle strikes the side of the turning vehicle at speed.
Lane change accidents — when a driver changes lanes without checking for motorcyclists in adjacent lanes or blind spots. These accidents are extremely common on the 101 and 405 Freeways through the San Fernando Valley.
Rear-end motorcycle accidents — when a distracted or tailgating driver strikes a motorcycle from behind. Because motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars rear-end collisions are a constant risk in stop-and-go freeway traffic.
Dooring accidents — when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a motorcycle. These accidents frequently cause the motorcyclist to be thrown over the handlebars or swerve into oncoming traffic.
Road hazard accidents — when potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, debris, or defective road design causes a motorcycle to lose control. In these cases the city or county responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
Drunk driving motorcycle accidents — when an impaired driver strikes a motorcycle. These cases often support claims for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Hit and run motorcycle accidents — when a driver strikes a motorcyclist and flees the scene. California law allows hit and run motorcycle accident victims to pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents frequently cause severe and life-altering injuries including road rash and deep lacerations from contact with the pavement, broken bones and fractures including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, traumatic brain injuries even when wearing a helmet, spinal cord injuries including partial or complete paralysis, shoulder and knee injuries from impact or being thrown from the motorcycle, and internal organ damage from the force of collision.
Even lower-speed motorcycle accidents can result in injuries requiring months of treatment and rehabilitation. Attorney Anthony Girgis works with trusted medical providers throughout the San Fernando Valley who treat motorcycle accident victims on a lien basis — meaning you can receive treatment without health insurance or upfront payment.
California Motorcycle Laws and Your Claim
California has specific laws that affect motorcycle accident claims. California is one of the only states that allows lane splitting under Vehicle Code Section 21658.1. While legal, insurance companies often try to use lane splitting against motorcycle accident victims even when it did not contribute to the accident. California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly preserves evidence and protects your rights.
Lane Splitting and Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
California is the only state in the United States that expressly permits motorcycle lane splitting under Vehicle Code Section 21658.1. Lane splitting allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic — a practice that is common throughout the San Fernando Valley during rush hour on the 101 and 405 Freeways.
Despite being legal insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently attempt to use lane splitting against motorcycle accident victims — arguing that the practice was unsafe or contributed to the accident even when it had nothing to do with how the accident occurred.
Attorney Anthony Girgis knows how to counter this argument. California law sets specific guidelines for safe lane splitting and your right to compensation should not be diminished simply because you were exercising a legal riding practice at the time of the accident. If you were lane splitting legally and were struck by a driver who made a sudden lane change without signaling your right to full compensation remains intact.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Encino, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment, lost wages and lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working, pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries, property damage to your motorcycle and gear, and punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Encino
Call 911 and get a police report. Seek medical attention immediately even if you feel able to ride away — adrenaline masks pain and symptoms can appear days later. Photograph all vehicles, road conditions, your injuries, and your motorcycle damage. Get contact information from all witnesses. Do not remove your helmet or gear until examined by a medical professional — they may be evidence. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first. Call Girgis Law Firm at (818) 986-5000 for a free same-day consultation.
Why Choose Girgis Law Firm for Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
Over 16 years of personal injury experience in Encino and the San Fernando Valley. Millions recovered for motorcycle accident victims throughout Los Angeles County. You work directly with attorney Anthony Girgis — not case managers or assistants. No fees unless we win — 100% contingency fee basis. Free consultation available 24/7. Access to trusted medical providers who treat on a lien basis — no health insurance needed. Conveniently located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino near the US-101 corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in California
Do I have a case if I was lane splitting when the accident happened?
Yes — lane splitting is legal in California under Vehicle Code Section 21658.1. Being lane splitting at the time of an accident does not automatically reduce or eliminate your right to compensation. Attorney Anthony Girgis has extensive experience defending motorcycle accident victims against insurance company arguments that lane splitting caused or contributed to the accident.
What if I was not wearing a helmet when I was injured?
California requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets under Vehicle Code Section 27803. If you were not wearing a helmet insurance companies will argue that your injuries were made worse by your failure to wear one. However not wearing a helmet does not bar you from recovering compensation — it may reduce your recovery under California’s comparative negligence system. Attorney Anthony Girgis knows how to minimize this reduction and maximize your overall recovery.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If a government entity is involved — such as a city or county vehicle — you must file a government tort claim within six months. Do not wait — evidence disappears quickly and attorney Anthony Girgis can begin preserving critical evidence immediately.
What if the driver who hit me claims they didn’t see me?
“I didn’t see the motorcycle” is one of the most common defenses in motorcycle accident cases — and one that attorney Anthony Girgis regularly defeats. Drivers have a legal duty to look carefully for all road users including motorcyclists before changing lanes or making turns. Failing to see a motorcycle that was clearly visible is not a defense — it is evidence of negligence.
Can I recover compensation for damage to my motorcycle and gear?
Yes — property damage to your motorcycle, helmet, riding gear, and accessories is fully recoverable as part of your personal injury claim. Keep all damaged equipment as evidence and document replacement costs with receipts or estimates.
Request a Free Consultation
Injured in a motorcycle accident in Encino? Call attorney Anthony Girgis at (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation — available 24/7. No fees unless we win.
Girgis Law Firm, APC 16055 Ventura Blvd., Suite 810, Encino, CA 91436 Phone: (818) 986-5000 Email: anthony@girgislawfirm.com