When you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Dordick Law Corporation represents bicycle accident victims throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. Our personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges of bicycle accident cases and work to recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs. Contact Dordick Law Corporation today for a free consultation to discuss your bicycle accident claim.
Why Bicycle Accident Victims Need Legal Representation
Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries. Cyclists lack the protective shell of a vehicle, making them vulnerable to severe trauma when struck by cars, trucks, or other vehicles. Even accidents at relatively low speeds can cause significant harm.
Insurance companies often underestimate bicycle accident claims. They may argue that cyclists are partly at fault or that injuries are less serious than they actually are. An attorney can counter these arguments with evidence and expert opinions.
Dordick Law Corporation has experience handling bicycle accident cases. We understand the liability issues that arise when vehicles strike cyclists, the medical evidence needed to document injuries, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles often result from driver negligence. Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to see cyclists or misjudging their speed and distance.
- Drivers turning left across a cyclist’s path without checking for traffic.
- Drivers opening car doors into the path of cyclists.
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way to cyclists.
- Drivers operating vehicles while distracted by phones or other devices.
- Drivers operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Drivers exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions.
- Drivers failing to stop at red lights or stop signs.
- Defective road conditions, such as potholes or debris, that cause cyclists to lose control.
- Poorly maintained bicycle paths or inadequate signage.
Each accident is unique, and liability may depend on the specific facts and applicable traffic laws. Our attorneys investigate each case thoroughly to identify the cause and the responsible parties.
Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic harm.
- Head injuries are common in bicycle accidents. Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures. These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and personality.
- Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. Cyclists may suffer injuries to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, each with different consequences for mobility and function.
- Fractures are common in bicycle accidents. Cyclists may break arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, or pelvis. Some fractures require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
- Road rash, or abrasion injuries, can be painful and may result in permanent scarring. Severe abrasions may require skin grafts.
- Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. Prompt medical evaluation is essential.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, can cause chronic pain and limit function.
How Dordick Law Corporation Handles Your Bicycle Accident Case
Our approach to bicycle accident cases is thorough and systematic. We begin with a free consultation to understand what happened and review your medical records.
We then investigate the accident. This may include visiting the scene, documenting road conditions, collecting photographs, reviewing traffic camera footage if available, and interviewing witnesses. We obtain police reports and medical records that document your injuries.
Our lawyers work with medical experts to evaluate the nature and extent of your injuries and to provide opinions about your prognosis and future care needs. We also consult with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary to establish how the accident occurred and who bears responsibility.
Then, we present your claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. We prepare a detailed demand letter that explains the facts, establishes liability, documents your damages, and requests appropriate compensation. We negotiate with the insurance adjuster to seek a fair settlement.
If the insurance company does not offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. We handle discovery, expert reports, witness preparation, and courtroom advocacy. We are prepared to litigate your case if necessary to achieve a fair result.
Damages You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident Case
California law allows bicycle accident victims to recover several categories of damages.
- Economic damages compensate you for quantifiable financial losses. These include past and future medical expenses, lost wages from time away from work, rehabilitation costs, and expenses for ongoing care or medical equipment.
- Non-economic damages address the non-financial impact of your injury. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Punitive damages may be available in limited cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as hit-and-run accidents or driving under the influence.
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of treatment required, your lost wages, the clarity of liability, and the available insurance coverage.
Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases
Establishing liability in a bicycle accident case requires showing that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and to avoid hitting cyclists. When a driver strikes a cyclist, the driver has typically breached that duty. The question then becomes whether the driver’s conduct was negligent or reckless.
California traffic laws provide guidance on driver responsibilities. Drivers must yield the right of way to cyclists, maintain safe distances, and avoid distractions. Violations of these laws can establish negligence.
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. For example, a city may be liable for failing to maintain safe road conditions or provide adequate signage. A vehicle manufacturer may be liable if a defect contributed to the accident.
Our attorneys investigate all potentially liable parties and pursue compensation from all available sources.
Comparative Negligence in Bicycle Accident Cases
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to cyclists. They may argue that you were not wearing a helmet, were riding at night without lights, or were not paying attention. Our attorneys counter these arguments with evidence and expert testimony.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims
California generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accident cases. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar your claim.
Acting promptly can help preserve evidence. Witness memories fade, and physical evidence can be lost or altered. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin investigating your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel fine. Some injuries develop gradually. Document the scene with photos if it is safe to do so. Collect witness contact information. Report the accident to the police if a vehicle was involved. Preserve your damaged bicycle and clothing as evidence. Contact Dordick Law Corporation as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
Dordick Law Corporation represents clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney fees. We only receive compensation if we recover money for you through a settlement or a trial verdict.
How long does a bicycle accident case take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Many cases resolve within 6 to 12 months through settlement. More complex cases may take longer.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are serious crimes. Report the accident to the police immediately. If the driver is identified, you may have a claim against their insurance. If the driver is not identified, you may have coverage under your own uninsured motorist policy.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the at-fault driver does not have insurance?
You may have coverage under your own uninsured motorist policy. We investigate all available sources of recovery and pursue compensation where possible.
How much compensation can I expect?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the treatment required, your lost wages, the clarity of liability, and available insurance coverage. During your free consultation, we can discuss the potential value of your specific claim.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation for Your Free Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Consultation
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, do not face the insurance company alone. Dordick Law Corporation represents bicycle accident victims throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. We offer a free, confidential consultation to evaluate your claim and explain your legal options.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case. Call (310) 551-0949 today to schedule your free consultation. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. Review our case results to see examples of substantial recoveries we have achieved.
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- Comparative Negligence in California
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