Encino sits at the doorstep of some of LA’s most popular riding — Mulholland Drive and the Santa Monica Mountains canyons — while daily riders navigate the congested US-101 and Ventura Boulevard. Those same roads are where motorcyclists get hurt: left-turning cars that “didn’t see” the rider, unsafe lane changes on the 101, and gravel or debris on canyon curves. Because riders have little protection, even a low-speed crash can cause serious injuries.
Common Encino-area motorcycle crash causes
- Left-turn collisions at Ventura Blvd and arterial intersections
- Unsafe lane changes and merging on the US-101
- Debris, gravel and blind curves on Mulholland and canyon roads
- Distracted and speeding drivers
Know your rights as a California rider
Lane splitting is legal in California when done safely, and being a motorcyclist does not make you automatically at fault. California’s pure comparative negligence rule means you can recover even if you were partly responsible, with your award reduced by your share. The general filing deadline is two years from the crash.
What to do after a motorcycle crash in Encino
- Call 911 and get medical care — Encino Hospital Medical Center is nearby.
- Keep your helmet and gear; they can be evidence of the impact.
- Photograph the scene, the vehicles and road conditions, and get witness contacts.
- Be cautious about statements to the driver’s insurer, which may try to blame the rider.
How Krash Lawyers helps riders
We connect Encino-area riders with attorneys who understand motorcycle cases and the bias riders often face — free to get matched, typically no fee unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does not wearing a helmet hurt my claim? California requires helmets; not wearing one can affect certain damages but does not automatically bar recovery.
The driver says I was splitting lanes — am I at fault? Not necessarily; lane splitting is legal, and fault depends on the circumstances.
My injuries seem minor — should I still get checked? Yes; internal and soft-tissue injuries often show up later.
Talk to a top California accident attorney — free
No fee unless you win. Available 24/7. We connect you in minutes.
Krash Lawyers is an attorney marketing and referral service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This article is general information only. We connect accident victims with independent, licensed California attorneys.
Injured riding near Encino? Call (818) 471-7709 for a free review and we’ll connect you with a local attorney.
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