You’re likely feeling hurt, stressed, and unsure of what to do after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles. Medical bills and lost wages can accumulate quickly, and the insurance companies may pressure you to settle before you fully understand your injuries. Not getting legal help after an accident can impede your recovery and keep you from finding justice.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we help injured cyclists recover the compensation they need. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers understand the unique risks cyclists face on busy city streets. Our team can investigate the crash, gather evidence to support your legal case, and fight for every dollar your claim is worth. We have decades of combined experience and have achieved some of the largest personal injury verdicts in California legal history. We’ll deal with the insurance companies and the legal process while you focus on getting better. Your initial consultation is free, and we only get paid if you win.
Call (310) 551-0949 or complete our contact form to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles. If you’re planning a visit, find the quickest route to our Los Angeles office on Google Maps.
What Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Do for You
You risk getting underpaid or blamed for a crash that wasn’t your fault if you don’t get legal help after a bicycle accident. The insurance companies count on that to avoid paying you your claim’s full value.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we know what you’re up against, and we’re here to protect your rights from the start. We’ll begin by investigating the collision, gathering evidence, and identifying everyone who may be responsible. We’ll investigate other drivers, their employers, even government agencies to see if they contributed to the crash.
Next, we’ll collect police reports, witness statements, camera footage, and expert opinions to build a strong case. We’ll also calculate all your losses, including your medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, and emotional suffering.
While we handle your claim, you can focus on healing. We’ll deal with the insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and fight for the highest possible payout. If the responsible parties refuse to offer a fair deal, we’re ready to take your case to court.
Finally, we keep you up to date about all the latest developments. We’ll explain every step of the legal process, answer your questions, and make sure you stay informed.
Common Causes of Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents
Cyclists are rarely responsible for their injuries in an accident. Instead, drivers or others who don’t take proper precautions often bear the blame for these incidents. Common causes of Los Angeles bicycle accidents include:
- Failing to yield – Motorists often fail to yield at intersections or when turning, which puts cyclists directly in harm’s way.
- Distracted driving – A driver who’s texting, eating, or adjusting the radio may not see a cyclist until it’s too late to avoid a crash.
- Unsafe lane changes – Drivers often merge into bike lanes or change lanes without checking for cyclists nearby, causing an accident.
- Dooring accidents – Parked drivers may open their doors into a cyclist’s path without checking for oncoming bikes.
- Running red lights or stop signs – Drivers can collide with cyclists when they ignore traffic signals and proceed into busy intersections.
- Speeding – Excessive speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to dangers while increasing the severity of a crash with a cyclist.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired drivers often fail to notice cyclists or misjudge their speed and distance, making a collision more likely.
- Poor road maintenance – Potholes, loose gravel, or broken pavement can cause crashes when cities fail to fix dangerous roads.
- Lack of bike infrastructure – Roads without bike lanes or safe shoulders often leave cyclists vulnerable to close passes and collisions.
- Improper passing – Drivers may pass too closely, crowding cyclists or striking them with a mirror or side panel. Under California law, drivers must move over to the next lane whenever possible before passing cyclists.
What To Do After a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident
Your actions after a bicycle accident can substantially affect the result of your personal injury claim. For one thing, it’s vital to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend every medical appointment. The insurance companies will use any gaps in your care to minimize your injuries and compensation. Furthermore, keep copies of your medical records, bills, and receipts for later reference. It’s also smart to save proof of any missed work, out-of-pocket expenses, and damaged personal property.
Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without first seeking legal advice. The insurer may try to get you to say something that hurts your claim. Similarly, don’t post about the crash or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies often monitor your online activity to look for ways to deny or reduce your claim.
Get a copy of the police report and check it for errors once your condition is stable. We also recommend you write down everything you remember about the crash, including the time, location, and any witnesses. You can refer to these notes later to keep the collision details fresh in your mind.
Finally, contact a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can explain your rights, guide you through your next steps, and begin building your case. Acting early helps protect your claim and puts you in the best position to recover fair compensation.
Compensation in Bicycle Accident Claims
Your compensation in a bicycle accident claim can include money for your economic and non-economic losses. With proper legal support, your claim can include compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings
- Current and future medical expenses related to the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property (e.g., your bicycle)
Who’s Liable for a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident?
One key job of a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney is to identify who’s legally responsible for your injuries. Depending on how the crash happened, the party or parties who may owe you compensation could include:
- A careless driver – A driver may be liable for a collision if they were speeding, failing to yield, or not watching for cyclists in traffic.
- A commercial vehicle company – If someone driving a work vehicle hit you, the company that owns the vehicle or employs the driver may be liable.
- A government agency – Cities or counties may be liable for an accident if poor road design or neglect contributed to a crash.
- A property owner – Property owners can be liable for accidents resulting from dangerous conditions on the premises.
- A bike or vehicle manufacturer – Manufacturers of defective bike or vehicle parts may be liable for accidents resulting from their carelessness.
- A mechanic or repair shop – Bike mechanics and repair shops can be liable if sloppy repairs cause or contribute to a collision.
- Multiple parties – In some cases, more than one party shares fault for an accident, meaning each party may owe you compensation.
Deadline to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
You usually have two years after a Los Angeles bicycle accident to sue anyone responsible for your injuries. However, waiting too long to hire a lawyer can cause vital evidence to disappear, preventing you from recovering the money you need. Call a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation.
Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help
Trust Dordick Law Corporation to guide you through the aftermath of a bicycle accident. Call (310) 551-0949 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
