Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

It should be an enjoyable experience when you ride your bike. However, severe accidents can occur when careless drivers are also on the road. We understand the pain and frustration you feel when you are injured, have to pay medical bills, and lose out on riding time.

That is why you should know that we are here to help. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages for medical expenses and other accident-related costs. Your Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer with our firm is available 24/7 and passionate about helping you in any way we can.

How Our Law Firm Can Help After a Los Angeles Bike Accident

If you have been involved in an L.A. bicycle accident, our experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. There are some specific ways a law firm can help after a Los Angeles bike accident. Some examples include:

• Investigation: Our law firm will investigate your accident to interview witnesses, determine liability, and assess damages you may have incurred.
• Gather evidence: As part of our investigation, we will also help gather evidence to support your claim. This can include obtaining police reports, medical records, and other documentation to support your case. We will detail your severe injuries, take witness testimonies, and capture photos and videos of the accident scene.
• Legal advice: Our personal injury law firm provides legal advice and guidance throughout the process, including explaining your rights and options, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary.
• Settlement negotiations: Your bike accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
• Trial representation: If your case goes to trial, an experienced attorney from our firm will represent you in court and present a strong case to the judge or jury.
• Emotional support: Our bicycle accident attorney provides emotional support and compassion during what can be a difficult and stressful time. They will answer your questions, address your concerns, and keep you informed throughout the process.

Our legal team is experienced in representing bicycle riders and fighting for a fair settlement. We will help you understand your legal options and work to secure financial compensation. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, some partially at fault for their accidents. Therefore, if you think you were partially at fault for your injuries, you can still file a claim for damages.

Negligent Parties You Could Hold Accountable for Your Injuries

When you sustain injuries in a bike collision, our bicycle accident law firm is ready to determine the liable parties that caused your injuries. You may think only the vehicle that hit you is liable for your damages, but depending on how the crash occurred, multiple parties could share financial responsibility for your damages. Common at-fault parties in bike crashes include:

Another Driver

The most frequent at-fault party in bicycle accidents is another driver on the road. Due to their small size, many drivers do not respect cyclists’ space, which can lead to severe accidents. People who drive cars frequently cut cyclists off or ride into their lane shortly after they’ve passed. To avoid cyclist accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises motorists to:

• Yield to bicyclists and be aware of their speed when turning on the road or sidewalk.
• Check their surroundings for bicycles when in parking lots or at stop signs.
• Look right and behind before turning right on red to avoid hitting a bicyclist.
• Obey the speed limit and drive defensively to avoid a cycling accident.
• Give cyclists enough space and only pass when moving into an adjacent lane is safe.

Motorists have a duty to drive safely around other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. When drivers are impaired, distracted, or do not drive with due care, they can be found negligent for their actions. If another driver performed one or more of these actions and you were injured, you could hold them accountable.

Bike Manufacturer

Bicycle accident victims could also hold the manufacturer responsible if their bike has a defect. Manufacturers should test their products to ensure they do not impose a risk on consumers. Common bike defects include:

• Faulty tires
• Worn brakes
• Loose or rusted chains
• Damaged or bent handlebars
• Broken or malfunctioning pedals
• Loose or missing bolts or screws
• Malfunctioning gears or derailleur
• Flat or damaged inner tubes
• Cracked or damaged frame
• Worn or damaged bearings in wheels, pedals, or headset
• Inadequate reflectors or lack of reflectors 

Any of these defects can cause an accident for bicyclists or cyclists. If you were injured due to a manufacturer defect, our bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles could hold the bike manufacturer accountable.

City or Private Road Owner

As a cyclist, you have the right to a safe riding experience. If the road you were riding on lacked safety features such as guardrails, significant potholes, or a faded bike lane marking, you could sue the city or county government for faulty road maintenance. You could also sue a private road owner in Los Angeles if the road wasn’t properly maintained or lacked traffic lights, markings, or signs.

How Could a Cyclist Be at Fault in a Bicycle Crash?

Even if a motor vehicle operator injured you, there is a possibility you could still be at fault due to California’s comparative negligence rule. Under California Civil Code 1714, this rule states that you can still recover compensation even if you’re 99% responsible for the accident. Your Los Angeles eBike accident lawyer can help minimize the amount of blame you are responsible for. 

For example, if you were cited for violating applicable bicycle laws, such as not riding with a helmet, not having reflective markings on your clothing, or riding against traffic, the driver’s insurance company will likely blame you for the crash. This may result in your settlement being reduced by your percentage of fault. We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

How Much Time Do You Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Los Angeles?

After you are injured, you will have a short time to file a personal injury claim, and it’s best to file as early as possible to have the highest chance of receiving the maximum compensation. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years, as described under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Certain circumstances can pause or toll the statute of limitations. 

The state has a delayed discovery rule that states if you don’t know about an injury immediately and develop symptoms later, you have one year to file your claim from the date you discovered your injury. If you wait too long to file, you could lose out on the ability to recover compensation. We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.

What Damages Can a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help You Recover?

When you experience losses after a bike crash in Los Angeles, it can be challenging to carry on with life. You may be stressed out about affording upcoming hospital bills and other costs you have to pay. Our bicycle accident attorney can help you recover economic and non-economic damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Loss of future earnings
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You may be eligible for additional personal injury damages if you’ve suffered significant bicycle accident injuries such as internal organ damage, spinal cord injury, or a traumatic brain injury. Your Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney can review your case and tell you what damages you qualify for.

Punitive Damages

It is also possible that punitive or exemplary damages may be awarded in your bicycle accident case. However, in personal injury lawsuits as a whole, punitive damages are rare. This is because they are generally only applicable if the defendant intended to cause catastrophic injury or made a decision that could be considered grossly negligent, as described under California Civil Code §3294.

Our team will closely evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine whether punitive damages are likely to be awarded. The judge may impose punitive damages as a means of punishing the defendant for their egregious behavior. However, due to the strict requirements surrounding exemplary damages awards, you should never plan on them being included as part of your settlement.

Bicycle Accident Insurance Claims 

After being involved in a bike accident, you may be able to recover a portion of your damages by filing a claim with the insurance company. If the driver who hit you has auto insurance as mandated by the California Department of Insurance, filing a claim against their insurance policy will be essential. We will be dealing with the liable party’s insurance policy, as California is a fault insurance state according to California Insurance Code – INS §11580.1.

The insurance company may push back after you file your claim. This is because they are going to lose money by settling your case. However, we do not need to accept their initial settlement offer.

We can continue negotiating settlement terms until they are held accountable for the total value of their financial responsibilities. However, this may still not be enough to cover your damages. If this happens, we will be ready to move forward with a bicycle accident lawsuit in civil court.

Are Bicycle Laws in Los Angeles County and Orange County Different Depending on What City I Am In?

Yes. Bicycle laws can differ depending on your specific city, within Los Angeles County or Orange County. While the California Vehicle Code establishes general rules and regulations for all vehicles, including bicycles, individual cities and counties have ordinances and regulations that apply specifically to bicyclists. These local laws can address helmet requirements, bicycle parking, and specific rules for riding on sidewalks or bike lanes.

It is important to note that while some bicycle laws may vary between cities, all California bicyclists are required to follow the state’s basic traffic laws. These include stopping at stop signs and red lights, riding with traffic flow, and using hand signals to indicate turns and stops.

The California lane-splitting law permits motorcycles to travel between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic but does not apply to bicyclists.

It is always a good idea to check the specific laws and regulations for the city you will be riding in to ensure that you comply and ride safely. You can usually find this information on the city’s website or by contacting the local police department. Our experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand these rules and regulations when you meet with us. You are not just a case number – you are our top priority.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident FAQ

What Types of Injuries Are Most Common in Bicycle Accidents?

Far too many bicycle accident victims fail to take action on their lawsuits because they are worried their injuries are not severe enough. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that your grounds for a claim are based on negligence, not the type of injury you are diagnosed with. With that being said, we do see some types of injuries more often at Venerable Injury Law, including:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Third-degree burns
• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Compound fractures and bone breaks
• Paralysis
• Internal injuries, including damage to the organs
• Neck and back injuries
• Concussion

How Does the Bicycle Accident Claim Process Work?

We want you to feel empowered and ready to hold the liable party accountable for your damages. Helping you understand what to expect from the claims process can boost your confidence and help you prepare accordingly. It is essential to keep in mind that every case is different, but here is a basic overview of how your bicycle accident claim might unfold:

• You hire a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer
• We begin our investigation into the cause of your bike wreck
• We hire experts to analyze the evidence and recreate the accident scene
• Your legal advocate reviews the various ways you have been affected by the injuries you suffered to determine how much compensation you should be awarded
• We determine liability and prepare to file your claim with the insurance company
• After the insurance claim is filed, we may need to renegotiate settlement terms
• Your case goes to trial if your insurance settlement is not enough or the at-fault party does not have insurance coverage

What Does It Cost to Hire a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney?

We do not believe the cost of hiring a legal representative should hold you back from getting the support you need after suffering a catastrophic personal injury. For this reason, we work for our clients on contingency as described by Rule 1.5 Fees for Legal Services of the State Bar of California. We never require upfront payment for our services and only get paid if we win.

That is our no-win, no-fee guarantee. If your bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles successfully recovers compensation for your bicycle accident damages, a percentage of your award will cover our attorney’s fees. If we lose, you pay nothing.

What Is the Burden of Proof in Personal Injury Lawsuits?

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, the burden of proof is different than it would be if your case were being heard in criminal court. There, the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt as described by the California courts. However, the burden of proof in civil claims is based on a preponderance of the evidence per California’s Civil Jury Instructions Resource Center’s Civil Plain English Comparison under BAJI 2.60.

This makes it easier for our team to establish the defendant’s liability for your damages. The evidence we present should be clear and convincing. It should convince the jury that the defendant is more likely than not responsible for causing your accident and subsequent injuries.

Which Types of Evidence Do We Need to Win? 

Any type of evidence that can help prove the defendant is responsible for causing the bicycle accident you were involved in can benefit your case. Some types of evidence you may be able to collect at the accident scene, such as photos of the injuries you sustained and damage to surrounding property and vehicles. Other types of evidence will need to be collected by expert witnesses and analyzed by forensic specialists.

We may hire accident reconstructionists to recreate the scene and gain insight into how the collision occurred. We may also need to subpoena the liable party’s driving records, criminal history, cell phone records, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results to ascertain whether drunk or distracted driving contributed to your collision. We will also need to include relevant medical information that can help establish the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Contact Us to See if You Qualify for Compensation After a Bike Accident

At Venerable Injury Law, our bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles is passionate about winning sufficient settlements for our clients. Being injured as a bicyclist or biker can affect your whole life, and we are ready to help you turn your life around. We will advocate for you so you can get back to doing what you love without worrying about paying for your injuries. Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule an in-depth case evaluation and discuss your personal injury accident for free.