Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents Attorney
Millions of cyclists enjoy California's scenic roads and bike lanes, and many communities are making great efforts to provide safe places for them to ride. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can happen in an instant, often leaving riders with serious injuries.
Our dedicated team of Los Angeles bike accident attorneys is committed to assisting bikers who have been injured in bicycle crashes and bike-related accidents. With hundreds of cyclists losing their lives in traffic accidents every year, we understand the importance of securing fair compensation for accident victims and their families.
Common causes of California bike accidents include poor weather and road conditions, drivers not yielding the right of way, and motorists not following traffic laws. Serious bike accidents can result in head and brain injuries, broken bones, and lacerations.
Our bicycle accident attorneys can file a bike accident lawsuit on behalf of injured cyclists.
We typically file these suits against negligent drivers, bike manufacturers (product liability), property owners (premises liability), and governmental entities when they are responsible for poorly maintained roads, bike paths, or lanes.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers are adept at helping bike accident victims. We are well-versed in California bicycle laws and can manage their medical care and treatment.
We excel in gathering evidence to identify all liable parties and are skilled in filing a bicycle accident claim with an at-fault party's insurance company.
Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else's negligence or fault. In that case, California law provides legal avenues for you to seek compensation for those injuries.
At Injury Justice Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the legal process, making it less daunting, and fight for the justice you deserve.
What are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles often occur due to the negligence of others, whether it's a careless driver, unsafe road conditions, or even faulty bicycle components. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents are discussed below.
Driver Negligence
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is negligent behavior by drivers of motor vehicles. Drivers may fail to notice cyclists, or they might not share the road appropriately. Common examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio can distract a driver from the road.
- Failure to yield: Drivers may fail to yield the right of way at intersections or when making turns, leading to collisions with cyclists.
- Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds can make it harder for motorists to stop in time to avoid hitting a cyclist.
- Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them a major danger to cyclists.
- Dooring: Opening the door of a parked car in the direct path of a cyclist can cause serious injuries because the cyclist has no time or space to avoid hitting the door.
- Aggressive driving: Drivers who are impatient or engage in road rage may tailgate, honk, or otherwise intimidate cyclists, increasing the risk of an accident.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Unsafe road conditions can also lead to serious bicycle accidents. Poorly maintained streets, bike lanes, or traffic signals can pose significant dangers to cyclists. Examples of hazardous road conditions include:
- Potholes and cracks: Cyclists may lose control or crash when they encounter deep potholes or large cracks in the pavement.
- Debris on the road: Loose gravel, broken glass, or other debris can cause cyclists to skid and fall.
- Inadequate signage: Poorly marked bike lanes or intersections without proper traffic signals can lead to confusion and accidents.
- Construction zones: Road construction areas often create dangerous detours or expose cyclists to heavy machinery and other hazards.
Manufacturer Defects
In some cases, accidents are caused by faulty or defective bicycles. Defects in the manufacturing or design of a bicycle can make it dangerous for the rider. Common examples of defective equipment include:
- Faulty brakes: Brakes that fail or do not engage properly can prevent cyclists from stopping in time to avoid a collision.
- Handlebar failures: A handlebar that comes loose or breaks can lead to loss of control.
- Defective tires: Tires that blow out or become worn prematurely can cause crashes.
In cases involving defective products, it may be possible to hold the manufacturer or retailer liable for the injuries caused.
What are the Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions. Since cyclists are more exposed than car occupants, they are especially vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of a collision. Some of the more serious injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:
- Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life.
- Broken Bones: Fractures and broken bones are common in bicycle accidents, particularly in the arms, wrists, shoulders, and legs. Some breaks may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Collisions can cause severe damage to the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often have lifelong consequences, affecting mobility, independence, and overall health.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest can result in internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but are potentially life-threatening.
Determining Fault and Comparative Negligence
After a bicycle accident, establishing fault is a crucial step in the legal process. In California, the comparative negligence rule applies, which means that even if you bear some responsibility for the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation.
However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. Proving liability involves a thorough investigation of the accident circumstances, including collecting evidence, witness testimonies, and any available surveillance footage.
However, the compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Establishing liability requires a detailed investigation of the accident circumstances, including collecting evidence, witness testimonies, and any available surveillance footage.
An experienced attorney can help navigate this complex process, advocating for a thorough evaluation of the incident to ensure that fault is accurately assessed and that you are treated fairly under the law.
Who are Common Defendants in Bike Accident Cases?
Our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers can file a lawsuit on behalf of bike accident victims against the following:
- Negligent drivers,
- Bike manufacturers,
- Property owners,
- Government entities.
Negligence is a legal term for when a driver fails to act reasonably under the circumstances or violates a California traffic law. If successful in bringing a suit, injured cyclists can receive compensation for the following:
- Medical bills and medical expenses,
- lost wages,
- lost earning capacity,
- property damage,
- pain and suffering.
If a biker was killed in a cycling-related accident, the party's surviving family members could file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible for causing the accident.
Damages can include burial and funeral expenses, income the deceased would have earned, and compensation for the loss of the deceased's companionship and support.
What is the Role of a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Our experienced attorneys can help injured bikers in many different ways. For example, we can interview injury victims to learn the facts of a case and assess their medical needs.
In serious bicycle accidents, we can help a victim manage their ongoing medical care and treatment. We can also help clients gather evidence to learn about all negligent and liable parties.
Notably, at-fault parties in these cases are typically insured. Our bike injury lawyers can help the injured biker file an injury claim with the insurance company and negotiate the claim on the victim's behalf.
Our lawyers can help victims maximize their compensation following bike crashes and bicycle-related accidents. We know how much cases are worth and can hold liable parties to pay their fair share of a victim's damages.
Our personal injury law firm will manage the case from start to finish so that the victim can focus on healing from their injuries.
We offer a free case evaluation and work on contingency, meaning victims pay nothing unless we win the case. For additional information, contact the Injury Justice Law Firm based in Los Angeles, CA.
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