Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Isn’t Just for Riders — It’s a Wake-Up Call for Drivers
Drivers Hold the Power to Save Lives on California Roads
Every May, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month brings attention to the dangers motorcyclists face. But here’s the truth: the responsibility for preventing motorcycle accidents doesn’t fall solely on riders. Drivers in Los Angeles and across the San Fernando Valley must recognize how their decisions behind the wheel can be the difference between life and death.
At Oaks Law Firm, we represent motorcyclists who were severely injured because another driver wasn’t paying attention. These aren’t rare cases—they happen every day on Ventura Boulevard, the 405, and countless intersections where riders are simply trying to get home safely.
Why Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Matters More Than Ever
Motorcycles account for just 3% of vehicles on the road but are involved in 14% of all traffic fatalities, according to the NHTSA. In Los Angeles County alone, hundreds of riders are injured or killed each year. Despite these numbers, motorcycle accident victims are still too often blamed or ignored by insurance companies.
Attorney Matthew Nezhad and his dedicated legal team have seen how devastating these accidents are. In one case, we secured a $745,000 settlement for a client who suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent driver. The outcome helped cover extensive medical bills and allowed our client to move forward. But that recovery never should have been necessary—because the crash never should have happened.
Common Driver Behaviors That Put Motorcyclists at Risk
Motorcycle Awareness Month should prompt all drivers to look inward and consider how their habits affect others. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Unsafe left turns across a rider’s path.
- Lane changes without checking blind spots.
- Tailgating or failing to stop in time—even a low-speed rear-end collision can be catastrophic for a rider.
- Distracted driving, especially phone use, which reduces awareness of smaller vehicles like motorcycles.
- Opening car doors without checking, a frequent issue in places like Sherman Oaks and Studio City.
These aren’t “accidents.” They’re preventable failures to follow the law and share the road.
What Drivers Can Do Today to Prevent the Next Crash
If you’re a driver in Los Angeles or anywhere in California, you don’t need a motorcycle to participate in Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. You just need to commit to safer behavior:
- Double-check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Assume motorcycles are closer than they appear, especially at intersections.
- Give riders extra space, especially when stopping behind them.
- Never open your car door without checking for approaching traffic, including bikers.
Motorcyclists Have Rights on the Road
California law gives motorcyclists the same rights as every other driver. Yet too many people act as if bikers are reckless by default. At Oaks Law Firm, we know the truth—most riders are responsible and follow the rules. It’s the drivers who don’t see them, who don’t yield, who don’t care… until it’s too late.
That’s why Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month isn’t just a PSA. It’s a wake-up call to change that mindset. Because when someone gets injured or killed on a motorcycle, they don’t just become a statistic—they leave behind families, careers, and futures that never had a chance.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Crash, We’re Here to Help
Attorney Matthew Nezhad and the team at Oaks Law Firm stand with injured riders across the San Fernando Valley and throughout California. If a careless driver caused your crash, we’ll fight to hold them accountable and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and pain.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we win. Contact us today to see how an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer can help you move forward after a crash.
Why Us? Because We Listen!™
"I had an amazing experience with Oaks Law Firm. Matthew and his team were incredibly professional, kept me informed throughout the process, and fought hard to get me the settlement I deserved. They were professional, compassionate, and truly fought for my best interests. Their compassion and dedication made a stressful situation much easier. Thanks to their hard work, I received a settlement that covered my expenses and gave me a piece of mind. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney!" - Anna A.,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐