Speak With a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Cycling has become increasingly popular in Los Angeles as residents seek healthier, more environmentally friendly ways to travel. From dedicated bike lanes to scenic coastal routes, more cyclists are sharing the road with motor vehicles than ever before. Unfortunately, this increase in cycling has also led to a rise in bicycle accidents—many of which result in serious or life-threatening injuries.
Unlike drivers, cyclists have little protection during a collision. When a car, truck, or rideshare vehicle strikes a cyclist, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, working with an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer is essential to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to injured cyclists throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team understands the unique risks cyclists face and aggressively advocates for victims of negligent drivers.
Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts, cyclists are directly exposed to impact forces.
Bicycle accidents are particularly dangerous because:
- Cyclists can be thrown from their bikes upon impact
- There is little protection against head and spinal injuries
- Secondary impacts with pavement or other vehicles often occur
- Drivers may not see cyclists in traffic
Even low-speed collisions can result in serious injuries.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Most bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence rather than cyclist error.
Failure to Yield
Drivers often fail to yield to cyclists at intersections or when turning.
Distracted Driving
Drivers using phones or in-car technology may fail to notice cyclists.
Unsafe Passing
California law requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing cyclists.
Dooring Accidents
A parked driver opening a car door into a cyclist’s path can cause serious crashes.
Speeding
Higher speeds increase the severity of injuries in bicycle accidents.
Where Bicycle Accidents Commonly Occur
Certain areas in Los Angeles present higher risks for cyclists.
High-risk locations include:
- Busy intersections
- Downtown Los Angeles streets
- Coastal routes such as Pacific Coast Highway
- Areas with limited or poorly marked bike lanes
- Residential neighborhoods with parked cars
Urban congestion and limited infrastructure often contribute to accidents.
California Bicycle Laws
California law provides specific protections for cyclists.
Key laws include:
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers
- Drivers must maintain at least three feet of distance when passing cyclists
- Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic
- Helmets are required for riders under 18
Even if a cyclist violates a traffic rule, they may still recover compensation under California’s comparative negligence laws.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Bicycle Accidents
Because cyclists lack protection, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe road rash
- Internal organ damage
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Many cyclists require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
Determining Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases
Determining who is responsible for a bicycle accident requires careful investigation.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial vehicle operators
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions
- Manufacturers of defective bicycle parts
A skilled Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer can analyze evidence and determine liability.
Evidence Used in Bicycle Accident Claims
Strong evidence is critical in bicycle accident cases.
Important evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Surveillance video
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Bicycle damage analysis
- Accident reconstruction reports
Prompt legal action helps ensure evidence is preserved.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident.
For example, a driver who fails to yield may be primarily at fault, but a cyclist who was not using proper lighting at night may share partial responsibility.
Even if a cyclist is partially at fault, they may still recover compensation—though it may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
Victims injured in bicycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.
Economic Damages
These damages cover financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital bills and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Bicycle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate victims for personal losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal bicycle accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death compensation.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Bicycle Accident Claims
Insurance companies often challenge bicycle accident claims by attempting to shift blame onto the cyclist.
They may argue that the cyclist:
- Was not visible
- Failed to follow traffic laws
- Was riding outside of a designated bike lane
An experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer can counter these arguments and advocate for fair compensation.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Bicycle Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the serious impact bicycle accidents can have on victims and their families. Our legal team works diligently to investigate accidents and pursue maximum compensation.
We focus on:
- Conducting thorough accident investigations
- Gathering medical and crash evidence
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating full and future damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims
In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may require filing within six months.
Because evidence can disappear quickly, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges cyclists face.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- League of American Bicyclists – Bicycle Safety and Laws
https://bikeleague.org - California Bicycle Coalition – Cycling Safety Resources
https://calbike.org - SafeTREC (UC Berkeley) – Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Research
https://safetrec.berkeley.edu
