Injured in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles? Our bicycle accident specialists can help.
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Did you get hit on your bicycle and suffer serious injuries? Do you need to know what to do after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles? The Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Jacobson & Associates are here to help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
What To Do If My Bicycle Is Crashed In Los Angeles?
If you have just had a bicycle accident, here are the immediate steps you should take:
First: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Call 911 even if you feel fine
- Many serious injuries do not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records are crucial for your legal claim
Second: Document Everything
- Take photographs of the accident scene
- Get driver information (license, insurance, contact)
- Identifies witnesses and takes their data
- Do not admit guilt or sign documents
Third: Contact a Specialized Lawyer
- Do not talk to insurance companies without legal representation.
- At Jacobson & Associates, the consultation is free of charge.
- We will protect your rights from day one
How to Claim a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles
Claiming compensation after a bicycle accident requires specialized legal expertise. In California, you are entitled to full compensation when another driver is negligent and causes your injuries.
The Claim Process Step by Step
1. Thorough Investigation Our team will immediately investigate your accident to determine liability. This includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
2. Complete Medical Evaluation We work with specialized physicians to fully document the extent of your injuries, including the long-term impact on your quality of life and ability to work.
3. Damage Calculation We calculate all your economic and non-economic damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (your bicycle and equipment)
4. Aggressive Negotiation We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to obtain the maximum settlement possible. If they do not offer fair compensation, we are prepared to go to trial.
My Bike Was Crashed and I’m Injured: What Should I Do?
If you have been injured in a Los Angeles bicycle accident, it is crucial that you act quickly to protect your legal rights.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles frequently result in serious injuries due to a lack of protection for the bicyclist:
Head and Brain Injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- Permanent neurological damage
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Chronic back pain
Fractures and Broken Bones
- Arm and leg fractures
- Hip and pelvis fractures
- Broken ribs
- Complex fractures requiring surgery
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Severe pavement abrasions
- Permanent scars
- Ligament and tendon injuries
- Disfiguration
Fatal Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t Talk to Insurers Without a Lawyer Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working immediately to minimize your compensation. You need equally experienced legal representation.
❌ Don’t Accept the First Offer Insurers often offer quick, low settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. Many serious injuries do not show full symptoms until weeks or months later.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Seek Legal Help California has strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights.
Alarming Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Statistics
Official data reveal the magnitude of the cycling safety problem in our city:
- 543 bicyclists were injured or killed in Los Angeles traffic accidents in 2021 alone
- 24 victims were 14 years old or younger
- 1,780 total bicycle crashes throughout Los Angeles County in 2021
- 90% of accidents result in serious injury to the cyclist
- The most dangerous areas include Downtown LA and Hollywood.
Specific Laws Protecting Bicyclists in California
As a bicyclist in Los Angeles, you have specific rights that drivers must respect:
Three-Foot Rule
Drivers should maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. If they cannot safely maintain this distance, they should slow down and wait.
Right-of-Way on Bicycle Lanes
Bicyclists have full right-of-way in designated bicycle lanes. Drivers may not encroach on these spaces.
Intersection Protection
Drivers must yield to bicyclists at intersections when bicyclists are following traffic laws.
Types of Compensation Available in Your Case
When another driver negligently causes your bicycle accident, you are entitled to full compensation for all your damages:
Economic Damages (Calculable)
- Medical expenses: Ambulance, hospital, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy
- Lost wages: Time off work due to your injuries
- Loss of earning capacity: If the injuries affect your future earning capacity
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your bicycle and equipment
- Medical devices: wheelchairs, crutches, prosthesis if needed
Non Economic Damages (Subjective)
- Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for the pain you have experienced.
- Emotional Distress: Psychological Impact of Accident Trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can no longer engage in activities you used to enjoy, you may lose your enjoyment of life.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium: Impact on your family relationships
Special Cases We Handle
Dooring” Accidents When a driver or passenger opens the vehicle door without checking to see if a bicyclist is coming. Very common in areas such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Downtown LA.
Drunk Driving Accidents In DUI cases, in addition to regular compensation, significant punitive damages may apply to punish the driver and deter similar behavior.
Hit and Run Accidents Even if the driver flees, you can obtain compensation through your own auto insurance (uninsured motorist coverage) or California’s crime victims program.
Governmental Entity Liability If dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident (potholes, poor signage, debris), you may have a claim against the City of Los Angeles, the County, or Caltrans.
Areas of Los Angeles Where We Represent Injured Bicyclists
Our bicycle accident attorneys represent victims throughout the greater Los Angeles area:
- Venice Beach and Santa Monica: Complex accidents with tourists and heavy traffic
- Downtown Los Angeles: Dangerous Intersections and Commercial Traffic
- Hollywood and West Hollywood: High traffic and nightlife areas
- Griffith Park: Accidents in recreational areas
- Beverly Hills: Accidents due to dooring and distracted drivers
- Long Beach and San Pedro: Coastal routes and harbors
- Pasadena and Glendale: Suburban and School Accidents
- Burbank and Santa Clarita: Dangerous commercial corridors
The Most Dangerous Streets for Bicyclists in Los Angeles
Based on recent data and official reports, these are some of the most dangerous areas for bicyclists in Los Angeles:
High Risk Intersections in Downtown LA
- Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Figueroa Street A hotspot for accidents due to heavy traffic, high speed limits (around 35 mph), and insufficient infrastructure for cyclists.
- Main Street and E 1st Street: One of the most dangerous intersections in the city.
- Olive and W 7th Street: Complex intersection with multiple lanes
- Hill and W 5th Street: High commercial traffic area
- Wall and E 4th Street: Industrial area with truck traffic
- Los Angeles Street and W 7th Street: Dangerous Commercial Corridor
- Washington Blvd between Figueroa and Main Street: Particularly dangerous stretch.
Coastal High Risk Areas
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): Accounts for approximately 21% of all bicycle collisions near the coast, especially in the Santa Monica and surrounding beach areas.
- Santa Monica Blvd and Sepulveda Blvd: Poor lighting and unclear bike lane markings make these corridors especially risky for bicyclists.
Other Hazardous Zones Identified by the Community
- Florence Ave: High-traffic corridor with limited cycling infrastructure
- Rosecrans: Industrial zone with heavy truck traffic
- Parts of Inglewood Ave: Residential areas with fast-moving traffic
Why Are These Streets So Dangerous?
Factors Contributing to Accidents:
- High speed limits combined with heavy traffic
- Insufficient or poorly maintained cycling infrastructure
- Poor lighting, especially during nighttime hours
- Complex intersections with multiple lanes
- Heavy commercial and industrial traffic
- Lack of physical separation between cyclists and vehicles
If your accident occurred in any of these dangerous areas, it is even more important that you contact a specialized attorney immediately. Accidents in these areas often involve negligence on the part of local authorities in maintaining safe conditions for bicyclists.
Why Choose Jacobson & Associates?
Proven Experience in Bicycle Accidents
- More than 30 years representing bicycle accident victims in Los Angeles
- More than $500 million recovered for our clients
- In-depth knowledge of the laws specific to bicyclists in California.
Successful Results
We have achieved significant resolutions in cases similar to yours:
- Serious Injuries: $500,000 – $2.5 million
- Multiple fractures: $750,000 – $1.8 million
- Traumatic brain injuries: $1.2 – $4.5 million
- Spinal cord injuries: $2.8 – $7.2 million
Past results do not guarantee future results. Each case is unique.
No Financial Risk to You
- Free and completely confidential consultation
- We do not charge unless we win your case.
- We advance all case costs during the process.
Personalized Attention in Spanish
- Direct communication in Spanish for your convenience
- Available 24/7 for legal emergencies
- Personal attention from the lawyer assigned to your case
Dirty Insurance Company Tactics You Need to Know About
Insurance companies use specific strategies to reduce your compensation:
Blaming the Victim They will try to argue that you caused the accident, even without evidence. Our lawyers fight back with thorough investigation and accident reconstruction experts.
Premature Lowball Offers You will be offered quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. We reject these insulting offers and fight for full compensation.
Deliberate Delay They delay the process hoping that you will despair and accept less money. We apply constant legal pressure to resolve your case efficiently.
Minimize Injuries They will argue that your injuries are not as serious as you report. We work with medical specialists to fully document your condition.
How to Start Your Claim Today
Step 1: Call Now for a Free Consultation Speak directly with a bicycle accident attorney. We will evaluate your case free of charge and explain all your legal options.
Step 2: Immediate Investigation We begin investigating your accident the same day you contact us. Time is crucial to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Step 3: Priority Medical Care We connect you with specialized doctors who understand bicycle accident injuries and can provide the treatment you need.
Step 4: Complete Case Management We handle all communication with insurance companies, legal documentation, and negotiations so you can focus on your recovery.
Additional Resources on Bicycle Accidents
For more information on your rights as an injured cyclist, visit our detailed article: Did You Crash Your Bike? Are You Seriously Injured?
We also represent victims of other types of accidents:
Don’t wait any longer. With each passing day, insurers are working to reduce your compensation. Protect your rights now.
Available 24/7 – Call Now: 1-800-529-7910
Location: 3580 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1600 Los Angeles, CA 90010
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Free Consultation – No Obligation – Available 24/7
Frequently Asked Questions about Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles
The value of your case depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact on your life. Cases with minor injuries can be worth thousands of dollars, while serious injuries can be worth millions. During your free consultation, we will specifically evaluate your situation.
f the driver flees, you still have options for compensation. First, immediately report the incident to the Los Angeles police. Your own auto insurance may cover your injuries through uninsured motorist coverage. We also investigate traffic cameras, witnesses, and other means to identify the hit-and-run driver.
In California, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions. If the accident involves a governmental entity (such as dangerous road conditions), you only have 6 months to file an administrative notice. It is crucial to contact us immediately.
Yes, you can claim compensation even if you were not wearing a helmet. In California, only children under the age of 18 are required by law to wear helmets. However, failure to wear a helmet can affect the amount of your compensation under the comparative negligence law. Even so, if the driver was negligent, you are still entitled to significant compensation.
Your health insurance should cover emergency treatment. If you do not have insurance, many providers in Los Angeles accept accident cases with a medical “lien,” where they wait for payment until your case is resolved. Your attorney can coordinate this necessary medical treatment without immediate out-of-pocket payments.
Insurers often try to blame bicyclists to reduce compensation. California follows the pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover reduced compensation for your percentage of fault. Our attorneys aggressively fight these blame-the-victim tactics.
Yes, damage to your bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other damaged equipment is recoverable on your claim. Obtain repair or replacement estimates from reputable stores. If your bike was especially valuable (racing, electric, etc.), document its value with receipts and professional appraisals.
California requires a minimum of only $15,000 in liability coverage. If your damages exceed this limit, we explore other sources: your own underinsured motorist coverage, the driver’s personal assets, or liability from third parties such as employers if you were working.
Simple cases with minor injuries may resolve in 3-6 months. Complex cases with serious injuries can take 1-3 years. Factors affecting time include: severity of injuries, fault disputes, amount of medical treatment needed, and whether the case goes to trial. We work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible without compromising your compensation.
Bring any documentation you have: police report, medical records, photographs of the accident, other driver’s insurance information, medical bills, and documentation of lost wages. If you don’t have some documents, don’t worry – we can obtain them.
Yes, you can sue for accidents on private property such as shopping center parking lots. However, the rules may be different than on public streets. Important factors include proper signage, whether the driver followed the parking lot rules, and whether the property owner has any liability for dangerous conditions.
A pre-existing injury does not disqualify you from receiving compensation. Under the “fragile skull rule,” defendants are liable for all consequences of their actions, even if the victim was more vulnerable due to a pre-existing condition. If the accident aggravated or accelerated your pre-existing condition, you deserve compensation for that worsening.
Never accept the first offer without consulting with an attorney. First offers are typically very low and are designed to settle quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. Many serious injuries do not show full symptoms until weeks or months after the accident.
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