Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

Even with protected bike lanes along Figueroa Street in Downtown Los Angeles, negligent and reckless drivers can cause severe collisions that leave cyclists contending with life-altering injuries and uncertainties about their recoveries. If you were injured in a bike accident, you have the right to pursue compensation with the help of a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer. Legal representation can ensure that you receive maximum compensation for the harm you endured.

Trusted Legal Representation for Victims of Bicycle Collisions in Los Angeles

Duque & Price represents victims of bike collisions in Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Our team of skilled injury lawyers has brought over 850 injury claims to a conclusion in the past 9 years alone, securing the full compensation our clients needed to recover and move forward. As a dedicated team of bicycle collision advocates, we understand how critical a fair settlement can be following a personal injury along LA’s bike lanes.

What sets our law firm apart is our dedication to serving our clients’ needs. We understand that the people we represent come to us seeking solutions to complex problems. When you meet with our team, you gain the support of a team of trial-ready lawyers who won’t rest until justice is served and you secure the compensation that you are owed.

Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Bicycle accidents remain a serious concern in Los Angeles, where dense traffic and limited infrastructure create daily hazards for cyclists. According to the 2022 California Traffic Safety Survey, 68.2% of drivers believed it is legal for bicyclists to ride on roadways without designated lanes.

The LA Bicycle Safety Report found that 77% of bicycle fatalities in Los Angeles County occurred on multi-lane roads, and 85% occurred on routes without dedicated bike lanes. Neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Downtown Los Angeles see especially high cyclist activity, where heavy traffic and distracted driving combine to raise accident risks.

Common causes of bicycle collisions include speeding, unsafe lane changes, and drivers failing to yield the right of way. Alcohol remains a major contributing factor to bike collisions. Los Angeles County recorded 277 alcohol-related traffic fatalities and 615 serious injuries in 2022.

Many injured cyclists are treated at California Hospital Medical Center, located at 1401 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Common Causes of Bicycle Collisions

Bicycle collisions in Los Angeles often stem from preventable acts of negligence and a lack of awareness among drivers and cyclists alike. One of the leading causes is driver inattention to the road and distracted driving, which is often due to smartphone use, navigation systems, or other distractions.

Even a brief moment of diverted focus can result in a serious crash, especially in congested neighborhoods such as Echo Park, Koreatown, and Downtown Los Angeles, where cyclists share busy corridors with drivers who are not always willing to share the road.

Failure to yield is another major factor, particularly at intersections where motorists turn without checking for approaching bicycles. Speeding and unsafe lane changes also contribute to many collisions, as do vehicles encroaching into bike lanes or passing too closely. Additionally, poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or inadequate lighting, can create dangerous situations that force cyclists into traffic lanes.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant concern for cyclists. When drivers are intoxicated, their slower reaction time and increased likelihood of aggressive or reckless driving behavior can lead to catastrophic injuries that leave cyclists struggling to recover and return to their normal daily activities.

How Shared Liability Could Affect Your Claim

In bicycle accident cases, fault is not always assigned to one party. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible for a collision, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.

Common reasons bicyclists share liability include: 

• Riding outside a bike lane
• Not using lights at night
• Failing to obey traffic signals or stop signs
• Riding against the flow of traffic

This system ensures accountability for all parties but also requires strong evidence. The at-fault party or their insurer may try to falsely cast blame on you in an effort to reduce their liability. Police reports, video footage, and witness statements can help establish who was primarily at fault.

Common Injuries Following a Bicycle Collision

Bicycle collisions often result in severe injuries because cyclists lack the protection that enclosed vehicles provide. Even with helmets and safety gear, a crash can cause lasting physical and emotional harm.

Common injuries include fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, and collarbone, as well as head and brain trauma caused by direct impact or ejection from the bike. Spinal cord injuries and nerve damage can occur in high-speed collisions or when riders are struck by larger vehicles.

Soft-tissue injuries such as whiplash, lacerations, and deep bruising are also common in bicycle collisions.

Beyond the physical setbacks, victims often face psychological effects like anxiety or post-traumatic stress. Many of these injuries require long-term rehabilitation that can lead to significant medical costs.

How the Injury Claims Process Works

Following a bike collision, you’ll have to establish fault before you can pursue compensation. Supporting evidence like photos, medical records, police reports, and other forms of documentation can be used to build your claim and establish fault. Once you can prove that the driver’s negligence or misconduct on the road led to your injury, you can take steps to hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm you endured.

One potential source of compensation could be the negligent driver’s insurance carrier. If they have adequate coverage and the insurer is cooperative, you can receive a settlement that accounts for the hardships you endured. Insurance companies are in the business of making profits, so the process can be more complicated than you may expect. Importantly, you do not have to accept an unfair settlement, although rejecting an offer can extend the timeline of your injury claim.

Pursuing Compensation

If the driver who caused your bicycle collision is uninsured or underinsured, you can pursue compensation by filing a civil claim for both economic and non-economic damages. This process allows you to hold negligent drivers accountable through the court system. After your claim is filed, the at-fault driver must be formally served with notice and given the opportunity to respond.

Once the case moves forward, both sides enter the discovery phase, where evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and traffic footage can be obtained. This stage often reveals crucial details that strengthen your position for a fair settlement. If negotiations fail to produce an acceptable outcome, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury determines liability and awards compensation based on the evidence presented.

Compensation You May Be Owed

A bicycle collision can lead to more than physical setbacks. An injury can lead to financial hardships, including medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, out-of-pocket costs, and other unexpected setbacks. By working with an attorney to file an injury claim, you can be fairly compensated for the harm you endured.

Economic damages can account for the tangible and measurable losses you incurred following a bicycle collision. These commonly compensate injured victims for their medical expenses, upcoming treatment costs, and other financial losses tied to the collision and recovery. If you are left with a physical impairment, a settlement or court verdict can account for that hardship as well.

Non-economic damages provide compensation for emotional harm you endured. A bike collision can be incredibly traumatic and can leave you with PTSD, anxiety, and recurring flashbacks to the day of the accident. When economic and non-economic damages are combined, they can fully account for the setbacks and hardships you endured. If your case goes to trial, a court may award punitive damages to punish the negligent driver for the harm they caused.

Why You Should Hire a Bike Accident Lawyer

If you suffered an injury due to the negligent or wrongful acts of a driver, your top priority should be to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer. Legal representation from a Fullerton drunk driving accident attorney allows you to navigate your drunk driving accident claim with confidence.

California’s drunk driving accident laws provide a pathway for injured victims to reclaim what was taken from them, but only when they have strong legal representation. An attorney can review your claim, gather evidence, and take decisive action to protect your rights and interests.

Lawyers play a key role in maximizing the compensation their clients receive. If there are obstacles during the claims process, your lawyer can address those challenges before they become significant setbacks. During a stressful ordeal, having strong legal representation can ensure that you receive the high-quality legal representation that you are owed.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Claim a Bike Accident?

The time it takes to resolve a bicycle accident claim depends on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the at-fault party to accept responsibility for causing the collision. Straightforward cases involving minor injuries can settle quickly, while more serious or disputed claims that go to court may take longer. An attorney can take steps to address any challenges before they become significant obstacles.

Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Drivers are often at fault for causing a bicycle collision. Drivers who fail to yield, make unsafe turns, or drive while distracted can cause serious injuries to cyclists. However, bicyclists can share liability in certain cases if they violate traffic laws. California’s comparative negligence law allows injured parties to seek compensation even if they share fault, though their settlement or court verdict may be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Bike Accident?

The compensation you can receive after a bike accident depends on the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of the crash, among other factors. Victims may recover damages for pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and long-term care when they have strong legal representation. Severe injuries that result in permanent disability or loss of earning capacity generally lead to higher settlements.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles?

After a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, call 911 to report the collision and seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Gather information from the driver and any potential witnesses, take photos of the scene and your bike, and request a copy of the police report following the collision. Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Once you are safe, contact a personal injury lawyer to help protect your rights and begin building your claim.

How Can I Maximize Compensation Following a Bicycle Collision?

sYou can maximize the compensation that you are owed by hiring an injury lawyer who is familiar with the state’s traffic and personal injury laws. Insurance companies often try to minimize their financial liability. You can take decisive action to protect your claim to compensation by gathering evidence to support your claim and allowing an injury lawyer to handle negotiations on your behalf.

Securing legal representation sends the message that you take your right to fair compensation seriously.

Secure Representation From a Seasoned Team of Bicycle Injury Litigators

Trying to hold a negligent driver accountable for the harm you endured without legal representation could prove a costly mistake. Insurance carriers are in the business of making profits, and the at-fault party may dispute liability. A bicycle accident lawyer with Duque & Price can guide you through the complex process of filing a claim, dealing with insurers, and gathering the evidence needed to prove fault.

Our team of seasoned litigators understands the challenges injured cyclists face after a serious crash. We are committed to helping you recover full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs. Contact Duque & Price today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward recovery with support from a proven team of litigators.

Serving Los Angels, CA and Nearby Areas

Los Angeles, CA, is a world-renowned city where culture, innovation, and community converge. Adjacent to areas such as Santa Monica, Pasadena, Long Beach, Glendale, and Beverly Hills, it is a bustling hub of activity and growth. Our Southern California personal injury law firm proudly serves Los Angeles and its neighboring cities, ensuring clients receive justice and fair compensation.

Duque & Price – Los Angeles Office, CA Office

3415 South Sepulveda Blvd,
Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Call: (323) 400-4411