Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Unexpected situations may arise while cycling in Los Angeles, even in popular routes like Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Ballona Creek Path, or the LA River Greenway. These beautiful landscapes attract commuters and recreational riders alike, but they are also places in which collisions can occur. Many cases may involve motor vehicle drivers who were distracted, failed to yield, or violated traffic laws. Recognizing these contributing factors can help cyclists ride more safely and know what options are available to pursue if an accident occurs.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers will help you navigate the aftermath as it can be complex to handle on your own. We will defend your rights, collect evidence, establish fault, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

With more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases and over $1.7 billion in settlements recovered, our legal team has a proven track record of delivering client satisfaction. We have the knowledge and expertise needed to handle challenging bicycle accident cases, and are readily available to support you every step of the way.

To set up a FREE case evaluation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.

What Is the Most Common Cyclist Accident?

Los Angeles has experienced cyclist accidents due to inadequate bike infrastructure, poor visibility, and high-speed and multi-lane roads. A majority of bike crashes happened in areas with posted speed limits over 35 mph or roads with three or more lanes in each direction. Most of these cases occurred during the nighttime, and approximately 77% took place where no dedicated bike lanes or infrastructures were provided. This data analyzed about 170 fatal collisions between 2018 to 2022. 

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Bike Accident?

Bike accidents may result in a wide range of bodily harm, involving minor to catastrophic injuries. Some common types that may appear shortly after the incident include the following:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries

Bicycle riders should wear equipment, such as a fitted helmet and bright or reflective clothing, to reduce the severity of physical injuries and make themselves appear more visible on the road.

How Many People Have Died in a LA Bicycle Crash?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a total of 1,155 bicyclists died in the U.S. as a result of a fatal crash with motor vehicles in 2023. This was reported as the highest number ever recorded. Cyclist deaths have risen by 86% since the lowest point back in 2010. Most of these deaths (90%) involved people 20 and older. In addition, it has been a repeated pattern of men being killed in such cases.

A 2023 report shared by the LA Times revealed that 85% of cyclist fatalities took place in areas across Los Angeles County because of insufficient bike lanes. The risk of getting into a collision was more likely on larger roads, with 77% of deadly bike crashes happening on multi-lane streets. Poor visibility was also a contributing factor, with 54% of fatal collisions happening at night due to inadequate lighting.

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death?

In a bike accident, the right to sue for a wrongful death belongs to immediate family members or legal representatives of the deceased. Under California Civil Code of Procedure 377.60, those who may be entitled to do this include the following:

• The spouse or domestic partner
• Children
• Issue of deceased children
• Anyone entitled to the property of the decedent by intestate succession

Medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and loss of companionship are some of the many available damages affected parties may recover. Be sure to consult with a wrongful death attorney to confirm whether you are eligible to pursue legal action.

What Are the Chances of Getting Into a Bike Accident?

The chances of getting into a bike accident will vary depending on certain factors, like location, time of day, and behavior presented by road users. While it can be difficult to determine the exact odds, it is worth noting that urban areas, busy traffic, and poor visibility conditions may increase the likelihood of risk. According to the IIHS, 81% of bicycle fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), also provided data indicating that more than half (56%) of bicycle fatalities happened in dawn, dusk, or nighttime conditions. The highest number of cases took place from 6 pm to 8:59 pm for both weekdays and weekends.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

After a bike accident, you should consider fulfilling the steps sectioned below to protect your safety and preserve your rights.

Contact Local Authorities

Be sure to report the collision, especially if you suffered injuries. Even minor cases can turn out to be serious later on. Paramedics will arrive to check for any notable harm, and a police report will be established once the accident scene has been thoroughly assessed. You can request a copy of it to use for your personal injury lawsuit.

Seek Medical Attention

Serious injuries can develop over time, especially if left untreated. Even if you feel fine, it should not influence you to avoid seeing a doctor. They will evaluate your condition and determine whether you need medical treatment. Your visits, results, prescriptions, and referrals will all be saved on record, and can be used as proof that you sought out care from a medical professional shortly after the crash.

Exchange Information

You should exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with all parties involved in the collision.

Collect Evidence

To develop a strong bicycle accident case, you should gather the following pieces of evidence:

• Photos of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• Surveillance footage
• Witness information
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Consult with a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A bicycle accident claim can involve complex legal aspects and insurance claims. This especially applies if you sustained severe injuries or are dealing with liability disputes. A Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney can help you handle such factors. They will collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and make sure you are protected under California law.

Deadlines are also important to keep note of. Some must be filed within six months, particularly government entity-related cases, whereas personal injury claims will need to be submitted within two years from the date of the bicycle accident. Your attorney will know how and when to submit critical paperwork, allowing you to have the opportunity to pursue compensation.

Notify the Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about what happened. You may have medical coverage or uninsured motorist coverage that may apply. Be cautious, however, about what you share. It is best to have a personal injury lawyer on your side during this process as insurance companies may try to undermine the severity of your injury and provide a lowball offer to minimize payout.

Who Is At Fault in a Bike Accident?

Injured cyclists may be able to hold the at fault party accountable if they were speeding, driving while distracted, or violating traffic laws. In some cases, other bicycle riders, pedestrians, or even a government entity responsible for maintaining safe road conditions may share fault. To determine liability, the state’s comparative negligence rule will apply. This allows accountability to be distributed amongst multiple parties.

For instance, if a driver was speeding, but the cyclist did not use lights at night, both sides could be met with partial responsibility. The injured cyclist may still recover compensation, but it will be adjusted according to their percentage of fault. If they are 30% liable for the bike accident, then they will receive 70% of their total damages.

This legal system is set up to encourage accountability while still allowing affected victims to pursue financial recovery even if they played any part in the crash.

How Much Compensation for a Cycling Accident?

The amount of compensation you are given in a cycling accident will vary depending on the following factors:

• The extent of bodily harm
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity

To learn what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the losses you sustained as a result of the bicycle accident.

Typically, economic and non-economic damages are awarded. Economic damages refer to tangible, measurable losses, like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, is subjective, non-monetary losses that do not have a direct dollar amount but impact your quality of life. This includes the following:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Injured in a Bike Accident? Contact Our Los Angeles Law Firm to Schedule a FREE Consultation

Bicycle accident victims are often met with physical, emotional, and financial burdens in the aftermath of a collision. With Los Angeles having a complex traffic environment, it can be difficult to safely navigate through congested roads, especially in Downtown LA, Koreatown, or even Hollywood. 

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys understand the unique complications riders may encounter, and will effectively manage your case to ensure no mistakes are made. We will simplify the legal process by handling paperwork, meeting filing deadlines, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery with a peace of mind.

To set up a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Bike Accident Claims

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Bicycle Accident?

Recovery time after a bicycle accident will vary depending on the severity of your injury. Minor cases, like bruises or scrapes, may heal within a few days or weeks. However, broken bones or concussions will involve extensive medical treatment to improve conditions. Some forms of bodily harm, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, may lead to permanent effects that will require long-term care.

Physical recovery is only one part of the process. Emotional healing from the trauma of the collision can also take time. Following your doctor’s suggestions, attending therapy, and having a strong support system on your side can help. Speaking to a medical professional early on and documenting your treatment are important for your health and any potential legal claim you are planning on pursuing.

What Happens if I Do Not Hire a Lawyer?

If you choose not to hire a lawyer after a bike accident, you may be putting yourself at a disadvantage. Insurance companies will try to incorporate certain tactics to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you might be settling for an offer that undervalues your personal injury claim.

It is important to also recognize the fact that the defendant may also have the right to hire a lawyer to represent them. The opposing side will try to reduce the amount of compensation their client may have to pay, even if that requires them to shift blame onto you or avoid accountability for the collision altogether. 

Some people, especially those with deep pockets, may try to rely on legal tactics to escape full responsibility. That being said, stepping into such a lawsuit without having a knowledgeable lawyer to protect your interests could put you at risk of losing fair compensation.

How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, most law firms operate under a contingency-fee basis, meaning that they only get paid if you win your case. So, if it does not settle in your favor, you usually do not owe anything for the legal services provided. Before hiring someone, it is important to go over their fee structure just so you know what to expect if you choose to move forward with them as your legal representative.

What Are the Safety Guidelines for Cyclists?

All cyclists should consider following the bicycle safety guidelines to minimize the likelihood of crashes. The following tips can help you ride with confidence while also protecting yourself and others:

• Plan your route to use bike lanes or bike paths whenever possible to ensure safe riding
• Know and comply with local bicycle laws
• Wear protective gear, like a fitted helmet and bright or reflective clothing
• Remain focused and alert of your surroundings
• Always ride with the flow of traffic
• Obey traffic signs and signals