Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles
- California is “bike-friendly”, yet bicycle accidents in Los Angeles remain a serious concern for vulnerable cyclists.
- Bike accident victims deal with more than just injuries. They face potentially extensive long-term impairment, emotional trauma, and financial challenges.
- OakTree Law is here for bicycle accident victims. We help cyclists understand how to pursue a claim for a bicycle accident, and we get them fair compensation.
Do you relish hitting the road for a weekend adventure? Do you get your thrills from biking competitively? Or do you commute by bike so you can save money on gas? Whatever your reason for choosing two wheels over four, there’s a wonderful freedom in unchaining yourself from car culture.
Even though California ranks number four in the League of American Bicyclists’ most recent listing of bike-friendly states, getting around by bike is not without its dangers. Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles and SoCal are an unfortunate reality, and serious injuries often result.
145 bicyclist fatalities were recorded in California in 2023. And those statistics don’t tell the story of accidents without deaths. There’s little doubt about the risks of riding; bicyclists face danger every time their feet hit the pedals.
Bike accidents can have truly devastating consequences. Costly ones, too. If you’ve been the victim of a bicycle accident, a lawsuit offers you the opportunity to receive compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses. Here’s what you need to know about collision concerns and how to claim compensation for a bicycle accident.
Why Are Cyclists So Vulnerable?
There are so many great reasons to take up cycling. Regular exercise is essential for good health, and choosing a bike over a car is better for the planet. And although walking has the same benefits, biking gets you from here to there much faster than on your own two feet.
But every time you get in the saddle, you face risks. When you’re inside a vehicle, you have a certain level of protection. On a bike, you lose that safety.
- There’s nothing between you and the pavement. Bikes aren’t like cars and trucks. There’s just you, a metal frame, and some wheels. There are no crumple zones, airbags, or seatbelts.
- You’re small. Cyclists are harder for drivers to see, especially in intersections or when you’re in a blind spot.
- You’re at the mercy of road hazards. Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces lurk everywhere. That’s why a lot of bicycle accident lawsuits are brought against authorities responsible for road maintenance.
- You’re (relatively) slow. The cars and trucks crowding the lanes are faster and heavier than you are. This difference can make a bicycle accident on Los Angeles roadways more severe than one on an off-road path.
- You’ve got minimal protection. Helmets and padding help you stay safer. But they’re not foolproof.
- You’re sharing the road with unpredictable people. Distraction. Aggression. Risk-taking. Dangerous driving is often cited as the cause in a bicycle accident lawsuit.
Types of Accidents
Understanding how and why collisions occur is key to preventing them, and to bringing a strong bicycle accident lawsuit if an incident happens. Here are five common causes and types of accidents:
1. Rear-Enders
Just like with motor vehicles, rear-end accidents happen to bikes, too. Drivers might follow too closely, drive too fast, or become distracted. As a rear-ended cyclist, you could sustain back and neck injuries, fractures, and road rash. Or worse.
2. Road Rule Violations
Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs can collide with cyclists. Making unsafe or illegal turns and failing to yield are also culprits. California has a 3-foot buffer law to create a safety zone for bikers, but as with all road rules, it’s not always followed.
3. Wrong-Way Collisions
Related to road rule issues are wrong-way incidents. Bicycle accidents on Los Angeles roads happen when either a motorist or a cyclist travels in the opposite direction of traffic. Maybe it was due to entering an on- or off-ramp incorrectly, turning the wrong way down a one-way street, or crossing medians. Whatever the wrong-way situation, the risk of head-on crashes skyrockets.
4. Road Rage
Aggressive driving is a sad fact of modern life. When traffic triggers out-of-control emotional reactions, drivers can go out of their way to inflict harm. If you’ve been a victim of road rage, seeking representation to pursue a bicycle accident lawsuit can help you get back what that driver’s rage stole from you.
5. Pedestrian Collisions
While vehicles pose the most obvious danger to bikers due to their speed and size, pedestrians cause accidents, too. A walker might unexpectedly step into a bike lane or an intersection, leaving you with limited time to react. Just like motorists, cyclists have to be vigilant around pedestrians.
Common Injuries and Damages
A minor bike accident can leave you a bit shaken. But most of the time, you’re none the worse for wear. Unfortunately, serious collisions can cause much more trauma, physically, emotionally, and financially. It’s hard to overstate the full scope of potential harm for victims of bicycle accidents in Los Angeles.
Lawsuits attempt to help victims compensate for the immediate and ongoing injuries and challenges triggered by collisions. Understanding these issues is a key step in learning how to claim for a bicycle accident effectively.
Injury and Recovery Issues
When you’re exposed in the way cyclists are, accidents can be especially severe. You could be dealing with:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), from concussion to lifelong impairment.
- Spinal cord injuries that result in partial loss of mobility or total paralysis.
- Broken bones and amputations, which may require extensive surgeries and long recovery times.
- Internal organ damage, some of which may not be discovered right away.
- Soft tissue injuries, like road rash, which can cause scarring and chronic pain.
- Emotional trauma that is just as injurious as physical trauma. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after bike accidents.
Financial Damages
Los Angeles bicycle accident victims are often dealing with much more than pain and recovery. Your finances can take a significant hit, and not just right after the accident. It takes looking at the long-term impact of a collision to secure maximum compensation in a bicycle accident lawsuit.
- Medical expenses: Care and recovery are shockingly expensive. You need to make sure EVERYTHING is compensated: emergency care, rehabilitation, surgeries, medications, and therapy.
- Lost income: When you’re injured, you could be out of work temporarily or permanently. You might also see your earning potential reduced if you have to take a different job due to injuries or emotional trauma.
- Property damage: It’s not just your body that gets banged up. Your bike, gear, and personal property may all need to be repaired or replaced.
- Pain and suffering: While some aspects of your losses following a collision are measurable, others are not. In a bicycle accident lawsuit, don’t overlook financial compensation for such traumas as physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful death: If it is a loved one who was in an accident and they did not survive, family members can claim damages. These could include funeral cost recovery, as well as compensation for loss of companionship and financial support.
What To Do in a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident
Accidents, of course, are unexpected. But knowing what to do if you get in a crash can help protect both your health and your potential claims in a bicycle accident lawsuit. Here are the basic Do’s and Don’ts:
| DO | DON’T |
| Call 911, and wait for the police so there’s an official report. | Negotiate with the driver, even if they admit fault. |
| Ensure your account is fully recorded as part of the report. | Leave without a copy of the report and/or information about how to access it. |
| Collect details including the driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance info. Ask witnesses for their contact information. | Delay medical care. Even if you aren’t sure about the extent of your injuries, get an examination and follow your treatment plan. |
| Document the scene. Get photos of your bike, the vehicle, the road, your injuries, etc. Note the weather and traffic conditions, too. | Post details on social media. Anything you say could be used against you if you file a bicycle accident lawsuit. |
| Call a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights. | Accept any offers from the driver or their insurance without seeking legal advice. |
How To Claim for Bicycle Accident Injuries and Damages: Why You Should Hire an Attorney
If you have suffered physically, mentally, and/or financially in a bicycle accident, a lawsuit may be your best option. Consulting with an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney can safeguard your rights and maximize your compensation. Having strong representation in your corner helps with a number of aspects of your claim.
1. Thorough Investigation
A successful claim hinges on the facts of your case. Lawyers know exactly how to develop a comprehensive understanding of what transpired, investigating every angle so they can construct a complete picture of your accident and who or what was at fault.
2. Effective Negotiations
Insurance companies are businesses. Profits are their priority. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Figuring out how to claim for your bicycle accident injuries and damages without a pro to guide you is like trying to tear down a mountain with a garden trowel.
A skilled attorney is going to do the tough calculations and go after what’s due. And they’ll be at the ready to take things a step further if the insurance company shows bad faith and you have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit.
3. Determining Liability
To you, the driver who hit you may seem to bear sole responsibility for your accident. But an experienced lawyer will drill deeper to uncover other parties who may have played a role.
The actions of another driver on the road, unsafe road conditions, and other factors may have been part of the situation. By holding every person who shares responsibility to account, you are more likely to secure full compensation.
4. Assistance With Filing a Claim for Your Bicycle Accident in Court
The legal system is overwhelming for the average person. If your compensation negotiations aren’t working out and you pursue a bicycle accident lawsuit, it’s almost impossible to go it alone.
From meeting filing deadlines to navigating complex court proceedings, attorneys possess the knowledge necessary to ensure your case is managed effectively. They’re there to make sure you don’t lose due to technicalities that an expert could avoid.
OakTree Law: Your Advocates in Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
At OakTree Law, our personal injury specialists fight for anyone injured in a Los Angeles bicycle accident. We are here to:
- Hold negligent parties accountable.
- Navigate insurance negotiations and legal complexities.
- Secure maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You are not in this alone. At OakTree, we advocate fiercely for all of our injury clients, whether they were hurt in car, bus, motorcycle. We also help with truck crashes, slip & fall accidents, dog attacks, and other matters of personal injury.
Contact our team today at (888) 428-1613 or fill out our contact form for a FREE consultation, and start building your path to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you understand some of the nuances of Los Angeles bicycle accident lawsuits, we’ve compiled these answers to common questions. For specific advice on how to claim for a bicycle accident, reach out to the 5-star team at OakTree.
1. Do I need an attorney if the driver admits fault?
Yes. Even when a driver admits they caused the crash, they could change their story later. Their insurance company may also dispute liability or attempt to underpay. A lawyer deals with these issues and fights for fair compensation.
2. How quickly do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit?
Most cases must be filed within two years of the accident. But there are exceptions with shorter deadlines. Consulting with an attorney is the best way to ensure you act when necessary.
3. Can I still sue even if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
You can. A skilled Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer can help develop the most successful claim, even if your failure to wear a helmet may have contributed to your injuries.
4. Who else besides the person who hit me could be held accountable for my accident?
Other vehicle operators, passengers, and pedestrians, as well as government entities responsible for the roadways, and even manufacturers of defective bike parts, can be held accountable. You can, too, if you were partially at fault due to your actions. That’s why a thorough investigation is critical; to identify all of the responsible parties and assess accountability accordingly.
5. How much compensation can I receive?
This can vary based on your expenses, losses, and future needs. An experienced attorney knows exactly how to determine the full value of your bicycle accident lawsuit and fight for every dollar you’re entitled to. Get your FREE consultation to learn more.