Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Why Choose Thompson Law As Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

After a bike accident, you need the right lawyer on your side to get the compensation you deserve. Thompson Law fights for cyclists with experience, grit and a client-focused approach. Here’s why riders choose us:

• No out-of-pocket costs:   You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Proven track record:   Over $1.9 billion recovered for injury victims.
• Fast and easy:   Call or text us anytime. Sign up online, and we get started on your case today.
• 24/7 availability:   Accidents don’t wait and neither do we. Our team is always here to help.
• Personal attention:   We keep you informed and guide you through the whole process.
• Bilingual staff:   Our Spanish-speaking team ensures language is never a barrier to justice.

We take care of the legal process so you can focus on healing.

Don’t wait. California law limits the time to file a claim. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Long Beach

Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can save your health and make your case stronger. Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Check for injuries and call 911:  Check yourself for injuries and get medical help right away. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show up for days.
2. Move to a safe location:  If you can, get out of traffic while waiting for help, but don’t leave the scene.
3. Report the accident:  Call the police and make sure an official report is filed. This can be key to your case.
4. Exchange information:  Get the driver’s contact info, insurance info and license plate number.
5. Document the scene:  Take clear pics of your bike, vehicle damage, injuries and any hazards on the road that may have caused the crash.
6. Get witness info:  If there were bystanders, get their contact info. Their statement can help your case.
7. Get medical help:  Some injuries like concussions or internal trauma may not show up right away. A doctor’s visit creates a medical record that helps your case.
8. Be careful with insurance companies:  Don’t talk to adjusters or accept quick settlements before talking to an attorney. Insurers want to downplay your claim.
9. Consult a bicycle accident attorney:  An attorney can protect your rights, negotiate with insurers and get you the compensation you deserve.

Do these steps fast and it can make a big difference in your recovery and case outcome. Contact our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Long Beach Bicycle Accident Statistics

In 2021, California reported 125 bicyclist fatalities, representing 2.9% of all motor vehicle-related deaths statewide. Urban areas like Long Beach were the site of 90% of deadly bicycle accidents, with major roads and intersections being the most frequent crash locations.

Bike Accident Risk Factors:

• Speed (17.5%):  Drivers going too fast for conditions is a leading cause of crashes.
• Turning (17.1%):  Many crashes happen when drivers don’t check for cyclists before turning.
• Right-of-way violations (15.8%):  Intersections are the most dangerous as drivers fail to yield to cyclists.

Who is Most at Risk?

• Men make up 88% of fatal bike accidents and 80% of serious injuries.
• 55-64 year olds have the most fatalities.
• Fridays, 9 pm-midnight are the most deadly, and Saturdays have the highest injury rate.

Long Beach’s crowded streets and frequent cyclist-vehicle interactions make rider safety a top priority. Better infrastructure, driver awareness and strong legal representation is key to preventing accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident call our Long Beach bike accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION and protect your rights.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Long Beach

Most bicycle accidents in Long Beach are caused by driver negligence, distracted driving and poor road conditions. Knowing what to look out for can help cyclists be more aware and reduce their risk on the road.

• Right Hook Collisions:  Right hook accidents happen when a driver making a right turn cuts off a cyclist going the same direction. Often drivers don’t see the blind spot or misjudge a cyclist’s speed. This is common along busier streets like Ocean Boulevard, where bike lanes run adjacent to heavy traffic.
• Left Cross Collisions:  Left cross accidents happen when a driver turning left at an intersection doesn’t yield to a cyclist coming from the other direction. In Long Beach, intersections can be particularly dangerous due to high traffic and poor visibility, increasing the chance of serious injury.
• Dooring Crashes:  Cyclists are at risk of crashing when a parked car’s door opens suddenly. To minimize this risk, riders should give parked cars at least 3 feet of space. This is especially true in areas with lots of street parking like Downtown.
• Drunk Driving Incidents:  Impaired drivers are more likely to speed, swerve and not pay attention to their surroundings putting cyclists in danger. Drunk driving is still a problem in Long Beach, especially in nightlife hotspots like Belmont Shore, where more drunk drivers may be on the road late at night.
• Distracted Driving:  Drivers distracted by their phones, GPS or other in-car activities often fail to see cyclists. This is especially dangerous on high-traffic streets with bike lanes like Pacific Coast Highway.

If you are aware of these risks and riding defensively, you can be safer on Long Beach roads. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, contact our team for a FREE CONSULTATION

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident in Long Beach?

Bicycle accident liability can be tricky. The city’s busy streets, heavy traffic and constant construction increase the risks that cyclists face every day. In these cases, determining liability depends on a thorough review of each party’s actions and level of negligence.

• Motor Vehicle Operators:  Reckless behavior – speeding, distracted driving, not yielding, or carelessly opening a car door into a cyclist’s path – can make drivers liable for the injuries.
• Employers of Drivers:  If an accident involves a driver on the job – like a rideshare driver, delivery person or commercial truck operator – their employer may also be liable under vicarious liability.
• Government and Public Agencies:  If poor road conditions, malfunctioning traffic signals or poorly marked bike lanes contributed to the accident, the City of Long Beach could be liable for not providing a safe cycling environment.
• Pedestrians:  Sometimes pedestrians who jaywalk, step into a bike lane or otherwise block a cyclist’s path can be part of the accident.
• Other Cyclists:  If another cyclist ignores traffic laws or rides unpredictably, there can be shared liability for the crash.
• Construction Companies or Contractors:  Construction zones with hazardous conditions – whether due to debris, missing signage or poorly designated detours – can be liable for the company in charge of the site.

Determining fault in a bicycle accident is a complex process that requires evidence collection, witness interviews and expert analysis. Our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers will identify every liable party and fight for your compensation.

What Compensation is Available After a Bicycle Accident in Long Beach?

Bicycle accidents can lead to severe injuries, enormous medical bills and lost wages. Knowing what you might be entitled to can ease the financial burden and get you back on track. Our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers will help you get the following types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses:  Cover emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and any ongoing rehabilitation after your accident.
• Lost Wages:  Cover wages you missed during recovery and may also cover future earnings if your injuries prevent you from going back to work.
• Property Damage:  Reimburse you for repairs or replacement of your bicycle, helmet, clothing and other personal items damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering:  Cover physical discomfort, emotional distress and the overall impact the accident has on your daily life.
• Reduced Earning Capacity:  If your injuries result in permanent disability or limit your work capabilities, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
• Punitive Damages:  In cases of gross negligence like a driver under the influence or reckless behavior extra damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

Each bicycle accident is different and the compensation available will depend on your specific situation. Our Long Beach bicycle accident attorneys will review your case, protect your right for justice and fight for the financial relief you deserve. Get your FREE CONSULTATION today.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Long Beach

Cyclists face unique dangers on the city streets, steep hills and heavy traffic. With no protection whatsoever compared to drivers, riders are more likely to get severely hurt in an accident. Some common injuries in bike accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):  Head injuries from impacts with vehicles, pavement or objects can cause brain contusions, concussions or even penetrating injuries. These can lead to long-term cognitive problems, so wearing a helmet and getting medical help right away is crucial.
• Fractures and Broken Bones:  Studies reveal that almost 40% of cyclists in crashes suffer from fractures, with arms, wrists, collarbones and shoulders being the most common. In high-impact accidents, leg and hip fractures are also common and may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord and Back Injuries:  The collision can also damage the spine, especially in the cervical region. Injuries can cause chronic pain, nerve damage, herniated discs or even paralysis in extreme cases.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries:  When cyclists are thrown off their bikes and slide across the asphalt, it can cause painful abrasions, deep lacerations and puncture wounds. These can cause scarring, infection and may require skin grafts for severe cases.
• Internal Injuries and Organ Damage:  Blunt force impacts can also cause life-threatening internal injuries, damaging organs like the lungs, liver or spleen. These may not be apparent immediately so get medical help right away.

If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident, our Long Beach bike accident attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

We Charge No Upfront Fees

Our Long Beach bike accident lawyers work on a contingency basis – no upfront costs. We only get paid if we win, so if we don’t win, you don’t owe anything.

24/7 availability to give you legal advice and support. You can talk to one of our lawyers by phone and get your case started before insurance companies can lower or deny your claim.

Plus, our bilingual staff speaks Spanish and English, so every cyclist in Long Beach can get the legal help they need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, call us today for your FREE CONSULTATION.

FAQs About Long Beach Bicycle Accidents

What to do if I get hit by a car and they drive away?

If you get hit by a car that speeds away, call the police and file a report. If you can, note any details about the car – make, model, color, license plate. Even if you feel okay, get medical attention because injuries can show up later. Our team can help you explore your options for compensation including uninsured motorist coverage or other avenues.

Can I file a claim if I was hit while using a rental or shared bike?

Yes, you can still have a valid claim if you were hit while using a rental or bike-share in Long Beach. Liability will depend on factors like a defect in the bike, another party’s negligence or lack of maintenance. Our attorneys will help you figure out who’s at fault and get you the compensation you deserve.

What if the road was hazardous?

Poor road conditions like potholes, uneven surface or debris can cause accidents. In these cases, liability will be with the city of Long Beach or another government entity responsible for road maintenance. Since claims against government entities have strict time limits, get an attorney asap.

Can I still get compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes, you can still get compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. In California, only cyclists under 18 are required by law to wear helmets so not wearing one doesn’t automatically make you liable. But if you have a head injury, insurance companies will argue that a helmet could have reduced the severity of the injury. Our attorneys will assess your situation and advocate for you.

What if the bike was defective or a bike part failed?

If your crash was caused by a malfunction or defect like brake failure, tire blowout, structural issue in the frame – you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor or retailer. Preserve the bike and any evidence of the defect. Contact us asap to discuss your options and protect your rights.