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Los Angeles Bike Accident Lawyer

Bicycle enthusiasts are common throughout Los Angeles and the entire region, and it is the duty of motorists everywhere to be on the lookout for them and to take precautions to avoid collisions. Unfortunately, it is all too common for those driving cars and trucks to neglect this responsibility, resulting in accidents which can permanently harm and even kill those on bicycles.

Los Angeles is one of the leading cities in the United States for bike accidents. The sheer volume of traffic, combined with distracted drivers and inadequate cycling infrastructure, leads to frequent and often severe accidents.

In 2022 alone, over 1,000 bicycle-involved accidents were reported. That same year, 26 bicyclists lost their lives on Los Angeles County roads (Los Angeles Department of Transportation). To better understand the risks cyclists face in Los Angeles, take a look at the accident statistics that reveal just how common and severe these incidents can be.

Cyclists who are seriously harmed by the negligence of others on the road owe it to themselves and their families to enlist the help of a dedicated Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney. Attorney Sean Salamati is ready, willing, and able to aggressively pursue their rights and seek accountability from those responsible.

Why Do I Need a Los Angeles Bike Accident Lawyer from Salamati Law?

A person riding a bicycle on a bike path in the park

Insurance companies are in the business of saving money, not spending it. They have teams of lawyers, and their job is to minimize your payout. At Salamati Law, we are not intimidated by big insurance; we are prepared to take them on. We negotiate from a position of strength, aiming for maximum compensation and nothing less for our clients.

In bike injury cases, proving negligence and understanding bicycle accident liability is essential. We will demonstrate how the responsible party’s actions—or lack thereof—breached their duty of care, directly leading to your injuries. This means that we meticulously gather all necessary evidence, consult with experts, and build a robust case to ensure your injuries and losses are fully accounted for. 

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

Helmet next to a bicycle on the road after an accident

If you are hit by a car while riding your bike, the moments that follow are critical. Amidst the shock and adrenaline, it is essential to take decisive actions to protect yourself physically and legally. Here is what to do after a bike accident:

  • Move to a Safe Location: First and foremost, get yourself to safety. If you can, move to the side of the road or a safe spot away from traffic. But if you are too injured to move, stay where you are and wait for help.
  • Call 911 Immediately: No matter how minor you think your injuries might be, dial 911 right away. Insist on having the police and medical responders come to the scene. A police report is vital, not just for your insurance claim but also for any legal actions you may need to pursue. EMTs can assess your condition, and it is better to be safe and have a medical evaluation on record.
  • Gather Evidence Like Your Case Depends on It—Because It Does: If you are able, start documenting everything immediately. Take photos of your bike, the car that hit you, the license plate, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. This evidence could be the difference between a successful claim and a frustrating battle with insurance companies.
  • Contact a Lawyer ASAP: After handling the immediate aftermath, reach out to an experienced bike accident lawyer at Salamati Law. The sooner you get professional legal advice, the better. We can guide you on the next steps, protect your rights, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

A distracted teenager driver looking at his phone while driving

Cyclists navigate a challenging road environment, often sharing space with larger, faster vehicles. This situation creates several risks for bike accidents. Among the various hazards, the following are frequent contributors to bike accidents:

  • Right Hook – This happens when a vehicle overtakes a cyclist and then makes a sudden right turn, cutting off the cyclist’s path. This is common at intersections when drivers don’t check their blind spots properly.
  • Left Cross – Occurs when a driver making a left turn at an intersection collides with a cyclist traveling straight from the opposite direction. Drivers may not notice the cyclist, especially if they’re focused on oncoming cars.
  • Dooring – This occurs when a parked car door is suddenly opened into the path of a cyclist. It’s a common hazard in areas with on-street parking, as drivers or passengers often forget to check for cyclists before opening their doors.
  • Rear-End Collisions – These accidents happen when a vehicle strikes a cyclist from behind. They are often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely, and can result in serious injuries due to the high impact.
  • Failure to Yield – Failure to Yield accidents occur when drivers or cyclists do not give the right-of-way at intersections or crosswalks. Miscommunication or misunderstanding of traffic rules often leads to these collisions.

Injuries from Bicycle Accidents Can Be Severe

Unlike cars, bicycles offer no external protection, leaving riders vulnerable to the full brunt of a crash. Even minor collisions can lead to severe injuries. Here are some of the serious injuries that can result:

  • Head Injuries: Head injuries are among the most critical and can include concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s).
  • Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine or spinal cord can lead to life-changing consequences, including paralysis.
  • Fractures: Common fractures include:
  • Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, including bleeding or damage to vital organs, might not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.

In the unfortunate event of a fatal bicycle accident, the focus shifts to a wrongful death claim. Sean Salamati offers compassionate and experienced legal representation for families who have lost a loved one due to a bicycle accident.

Average Settlement for a Bike Accident in California

Those injured in bicycle accidents regularly face an uphill battle marked by a painful recovery process, lengthy medical treatments, and mounting expenses. While it is challenging to pinpoint an exact average settlement due to the wide range of variables involved, it is helpful to explore the types of compensation you might be entitled to following a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, California.

Here are the common types of bicycle accident compensation we can pursue on your behalf:

  • Past, present and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of familial relationships
  • Funeral expenses

Time Limits on Filing a Bike Accident Lawsuit in Los Angeles

If you have been in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might sound like a lot of time, but the process can be complicated and lengthy.

If your accident involved a government vehicle or happened on government property, you only have six months to file a claim. Missing this deadline can mean losing your chance to get compensation. In some cases, like if you were a minor or incapacitated, the timeframe might be extended. But it’s best not to wait—contact a lawyer as soon as you can to make sure your case is handled properly and within the legal deadlines.

Turn to the Bicycle Accident Lawyer that Los Angeles Trusts

Silhouette of cyclist riding a bike with a sunset in the background

When you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a bicycle accident, or if you have tragically lost a family member in such a crash, you need a trusted advocate in your corner. Do not let insurance companies minimize your suffering or undervalue your claim.

Contact our office today at 213-817-8888 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced bike accident attorney in Los Angeles. During this meeting, we will carefully review the details of your case, answer all your questions, and outline every legal option available to you.

Bicycle Accident Injury Resources:

  1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Traffic Safety Facts 2022 Data – Bicyclists and Other Cyclists, http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812018.pdf
  2. Los Angeles Times, L.A. Drivers have high rate of fatal pedestrian, cyclist crashes, http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/02/business/la-fi-mo-auto-traffic-deaths-20121001
  3. KTLA, Gov. Brown Signs Law Requiring Cars Give Bikes 3 Feet of Clearance, http://ktla.com/2013/09/23/gov-brown-signs-law-requiring-cars-give-bikes-3-feet-of-clearance/#axzz2tnYSMzzj
No Obligation, No Fees Guaranteed, Unless We Win

We are committed to negotiate your case aggressively, strategically and creatively. Personal injury lawsuits are retained on a contingency fee agreement, and plaintiffs will pay no legal fees unless the firm is able to recover damages on your behalf.

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