Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles

A bicycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and legal rights. Los Angeles is known for its busy streets, high traffic volume, and limited bike-friendly infrastructure, making it essential for cyclists to be prepared if an accident happens.

If you have been injured in a bicycle crash, here’s what you should do:

1. Call 911 and Get Medical Help:  Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away.
2. Move to a Safe Area:  If possible, get out of the roadway to prevent further harm but remain at the scene until help arrives.
3. Report the Crash to the Police:  A police report provides an official record of the incident, which can be critical for insurance and legal claims.
4. Exchange Information with the Driver:  Get the driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
5. Take Photos and Video:  Document everything, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, your bicycle, and any visible injuries.
6. Speak to Witnesses:  If others saw what happened, ask for their contact information in case their statements are needed later.
7. Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Alone:  Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. Speak with an attorney before making any statements.
8. Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer:  A legal professional can help you navigate the claims process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Time is important after an accident. The sooner you seek legal guidance, the better your chances of securing full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

What Compensation is Available After a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles?

Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles can lead to severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income. Understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to can help you recover financially and move forward.

Our Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys can assist you in pursuing the following:

• Medical Expenses:  Covers the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation required due to the accident.
• Lost Wages:  Provides compensation for income lost while recovering, as well as future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
• Property Damage:  Reimburses you for repairs or replacement of your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and any other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
• Pain and Suffering:  Accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your daily life.
• Reduced Earning Potential:  If your injuries result in a permanent disability or limit your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished future earnings.
• Punitive Damages:  In cases involving extreme negligence—such as a driver operating under the influence or engaging in reckless behavior—additional damages may be awarded to hold the responsible party accountable.

Every bicycle accident is unique, and the amount of compensation you may receive depends on the details of your case. Our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys can evaluate your situation, protect your rights, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Risks and Statistics

Cycling in Los Angeles is growing in popularity, but it comes with significant risks due to the city’s heavy traffic, lack of dedicated bike lanes, and distracted drivers.

California continues to have some of the highest bicyclist fatality rates in the country. In 2021, 125 cyclists lost their lives in crashes statewide. Most of these accidents occurred in urban areas like Los Angeles, where crowded streets and major intersections pose constant dangers to riders.

Factors Contributing to Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

• Speeding Drivers:  Many crashes happen when motorists fail to slow down near cyclists, making collisions more severe.
• Unsafe Lane Changes:  Drivers often merge or turn without checking for bicyclists in their blind spots.
• Failure to Yield:  Many accidents occur when cars do not give cyclists the right of way at intersections or driveways.
• Distracted Driving:  Texting, adjusting navigation systems, and other distractions put cyclists at serious risk.
• Poor Road Conditions:  Potholes, debris, and a lack of bike-friendly infrastructure make Los Angeles roads dangerous for cyclists.

Who is Most Affected by Bicycle Crashes?

• Men represent the majority of fatalities and severe injuries in bicycle accidents.
• The 55-64 age group has the highest number of cycling-related deaths.
• Friday nights and Saturday afternoons are peak times for serious and fatal crashes.

Bicycle safety in Los Angeles is a growing concern, and holding negligent drivers accountable is one way to make the streets safer. If you were injured while riding, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Biking Laws and Safety Guidelines in Los Angeles

Cyclists in Los Angeles have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and must follow traffic laws to stay safe. With high traffic volume, wide roads, and frequent intersections, staying alert and cautious is essential.

• Right to the Road:  Cyclists are permitted to ride in traffic lanes unless posted signs indicate otherwise. They must stay as far to the right as practical unless passing, turning, or avoiding hazards. On one-way streets with multiple lanes, cyclists may ride near the left curb.
• Bike Lanes:  Riders must use designated bike lanes when available but can exit them to turn, pass, or avoid obstacles. Los Angeles’ protected bike lanes function similarly to standard bike lanes but offer additional separation from traffic.
• Helmet Requirements:  Cyclists under 18 are required to wear a properly fitted helmet while riding.
• Night Riding:  Bicycles must be equipped with a white front light visible from 300 feet, a red rear reflector or light visible from 500 feet, and side reflectors. Wearing bright or reflective clothing is highly recommended.
• Hand Signals:  Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns or stops, helping alert nearby drivers and pedestrians.
• Passing Rules:  Motorists must leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist. Riders should also use caution when passing vehicles, particularly near parked cars where doors may suddenly open.
• Prohibited Actions:  Cyclists cannot ride under the influence, carry more passengers than the bike is designed for, or operate a bike without working brakes.

Safety Tips for Los Angeles Cyclists

• Stay Visible and Alert:  Use bike lights, reflectors, and bright clothing, especially when riding at night or in areas with heavy traffic. Be extra cautious at intersections and driveways, where many accidents occur.
• Keep Your Bike in Good Condition:  Regularly check brakes, tires, and gears to ensure your bike is safe to ride.
• Follow Traffic Laws:  Stop at red lights and stop signs, yield when necessary, and avoid running yellow lights if you cannot safely cross.
• Watch for Road Hazards:  Be aware of potholes, train tracks, and parked car doors that may open suddenly. Keep a safe distance from vehicles and obstacles.
• Ride Defensively:  Expect sudden movements from vehicles and pedestrians. Stay prepared to stop or change direction if needed.

Los Angeles continues to expand bike lanes and improve infrastructure, but accidents still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle crash, contact our bicycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Los Angeles

Bicycle accidents are often more severe than other crashes because cyclists have little protection when sharing the road with cars. The size, weight, and speed difference between a bike and a vehicle means even a low-speed collision can cause serious harm. While cars have airbags and crumple zones to absorb impact, cyclists rely only on helmets and protective gear, which provide limited protection.

This lack of protection, combined with the risk of high-impact crashes, makes injuries from bike accidents especially severe. Here are some of the most common injuries our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers see:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmet protection, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in paralysis and other significant mobility issues, drastically affecting the victim’s quality of life.
• Fractured Bones: Fractures, often occurring in the arms and legs, may demand comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: High-impact collisions can lead to internal bleeding and organ damage, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Road Rash: This can cause painful skin abrasions, which occur when skin is scraped off, potentially exposing tissue, and without proper cleaning and protection, can lead to infection.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions can have lasting effects, particularly if not managed appropriately.

Our lawyers are experienced in handling these types of injuries, which is essential for the success of a bike accident victim’s case. If you’ve sustained a serious injury, our LA bicycle accident attorneys are here to assist you. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles often result from driver negligence, distracted driving, and hazardous road conditions. Understanding the most common causes can help cyclists stay alert and reduce their risk of serious injuries.

• Right Hook Accidents:  These occur when a driver makes a right turn and cuts off a cyclist traveling in the same direction. Drivers often fail to check their blind spot or misjudge the cyclist’s speed. This is especially common on high-traffic roads like Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard, where bike lanes run alongside vehicle traffic.
• Left Cross Accidents:  A driver turning left at an intersection may hit a cyclist coming from the opposite direction, often due to failing to yield or underestimating the cyclist’s speed. This can be particularly dangerous at busy intersections like those on Figueroa Street and Wilshire Boulevard, where heavy traffic makes visibility more difficult.
• Dooring Accidents:  A cyclist may crash into a suddenly opened car door or swerve into traffic to avoid it. This is a serious risk in areas with high street parking usage, such as Downtown LA, Venice Beach, and Melrose Avenue. Cyclists should ride at least three feet from parked cars whenever possible.
• Drunk Driving Accidents:  Impaired drivers are more likely to speed, swerve, or fail to notice cyclists. Alcohol-related crashes are a significant concern in nightlife-heavy areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Koreatown, where intoxicated drivers may be on the roads late at night.
• Distracted Driving:  Drivers using their phones, adjusting GPS, or engaging in other distractions are less likely to notice cyclists. This is especially hazardous in bike-heavy areas like Griffith Park, Venice Beach, and the LA River Bike Path, where riders share the road with distracted motorists.

Riding defensively and staying aware of these risks can improve safety on Los Angeles streets. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, contact our legal team to discuss your rights and options for compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles?

Liability in a bicycle accident can involve multiple parties, depending on the cause of the crash. Los Angeles’ high traffic volume, busy intersections, and ongoing construction projects create additional risks for cyclists. Determining fault requires examining each party’s level of responsibility and negligence.

• Motor Vehicle Drivers:  Drivers can be held responsible for reckless or negligent behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, or opening a car door into a cyclist’s path.
• Employers of Drivers:  If a rideshare driver, delivery driver, or commercial vehicle operator caused the crash while on the job, their employer may be liable under vicarious liability laws.
• Government Agencies:  The City of Los Angeles or Caltrans may be responsible if poor road conditions, defective traffic signals, or missing bike lane markings contributed to the accident.
• Pedestrians:  Pedestrians can cause crashes by jaywalking, stepping into bike lanes unexpectedly, or obstructing a cyclist’s path.
• Other Cyclists:  If another cyclist fails to follow traffic laws, rides unpredictably, or causes a collision, they may share responsibility.
• Construction Companies or Contractors:  If a construction site creates unsafe conditions—such as road debris, missing signage, or poorly marked detours—the company responsible for the project may be held accountable.

Determining fault in a bicycle accident can be complex, requiring a thorough investigation of evidence, witness statements, and expert analysis. Our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys can help identify all liable parties and ensure they are held accountable for your injuries.

Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Charge No Upfront Fees

Our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only receive payment if we win your case and secure compensation for you. If we are unable to recover a settlement or verdict, you owe us nothing.

We are available 24/7 to provide legal guidance and start building your case before insurance companies attempt to reduce or deny your rightful compensation. Our bilingual staff speaks Spanish and English, ensuring that all cyclists in Los Angeles receive the legal support they need.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident FAQs

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

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. California law only requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets, so not wearing one does not automatically make you at fault. However, if you suffered a head injury, insurance companies may argue that a helmet could have reduced the severity. Our attorneys can assess your case and fight to secure fair compensation.

What should I do if I was injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident?

If a driver hits you and leaves the scene, call the police immediately and file a report. Try to remember details about the vehicle, such as the make, model, color, or license plate number. Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, as some injuries appear later. Our bicycle accident lawyers can help explore compensation options, including uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues.

What if poor road conditions caused my accident?

Hazards such as potholes, uneven pavement, and road debris are common causes of bicycle crashes. In these cases, the City of Los Angeles or another government agency responsible for road maintenance may be held liable. However, claims against government entities have strict deadlines, so contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is essential.

Can I file a claim if I was injured while riding a rental or shared bike?

Yes, you may still have a claim if you were injured while using a rental or bike-share service in Los Angeles. Liability will depend on whether the bike was defective, another party caused the accident, or improper maintenance was a factor. Our attorneys can determine who is responsible and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What if my accident was caused by a defective bicycle or faulty bike part?

If your crash was caused by a bike malfunction or defective part, you may have a product liability case against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. Common defects include brake failures, tire blowouts, or structural weaknesses in the bike frame. Preserving the bike and gathering evidence is crucial for these cases, so contact a lawyer right away to discuss your options.