Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation in Los Angeles, thanks to the city’s temperate climate and scenic routes. However, sharing the road with motor vehicles can sometimes lead to accidents, causing serious injuries to cyclists. In many cases, these injuries leave cyclists with significant losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering – through no fault of their own.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex legal process. Guardian Injury Law is here to provide dedicated assistance and guide you toward the compensation you deserve.
What Causes LA Bicycle Accidents?
Several factors contribute to bicycle accidents in Los Angeles, making it essential to be aware of potential risks when cycling in the city. Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted Drivers – Distracted driving is a significant issue on Los Angeles roads. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions may fail to notice cyclists, leading to collisions.
- Reckless Driving – Aggressive and reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, running red lights, and making sudden lane changes, can put cyclists at risk.
- Dooring – Dooring occurs when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This sudden obstruction can result in a collision.
- Poor Road Conditions – Uneven road surfaces, potholes, and inadequate road maintenance can make cycling dangerous, causing cyclists to lose control and crash.
- Lack of Bike Lanes – Inadequate infrastructure, such as a lack of designated bike lanes or poorly designed intersections, can increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of accidents. Impaired drivers may have impaired judgment and reaction times, making them a danger to cyclists.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects on a cyclist’s health and well-being. Common injuries associated with bicycle accidents include:
- Head Injuries – Head injuries are a significant concern in bicycle accidents. Even when cyclists wear helmets, the force of impact can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with potentially severe consequences.
- Fractures – Bicycle accidents can cause fractures or broken bones, which may require surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.
- Road Rash – Cyclists often suffer from road rash, a type of abrasion that occurs when the skin comes into contact with the road surface during a fall. Road rash can lead to infections and scarring.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Damage to soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can result in pain and impaired mobility.
- Internal Injuries – The force of a collision can cause internal injuries, which may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences.
- Emotional Trauma – Bicycle accidents can also cause emotional distress, which can have a lasting impact on a cyclist’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What to Do after a Bicycle Accident
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be a confusing time, especially if you have never dealt with a personal injury claim before. If you’ve been involved in a crash, it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect your well-being and preserve your legal rights:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately after the accident, and your well-being depends on getting your injuries identified and treated as soon as possible. In addition, seeing a doctor will ensure that your injuries are documented.
Gather Information
Collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes the driver’s contact and insurance information, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene and your injuries.
Report the Accident
Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all evidence related to the accident, including medical records, bills, receipts, and repair estimates for your bicycle.
Consult with an Attorney
It’s advisable to consult with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on how to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim, and navigating the legal process on your own can be challenging. Some of the ways in which insurance companies try to get victims like you to settle for less include:
- Making a settlement offer before victims realize the extent of their losses or have had a chance to talk to an attorney
- Making an unreasonably low initial settlement offer
- Stretching out the claims process so that victims feel financial pressure to settle
- Pressuring victims to provide a recorded statement
- Misrepresenting victims’ legal rights
The best way to even the playing field is to retain an attorney as soon as you can after a bicycle accident. When you retain the lawyers at Guardian Injury Law, we will protect your rights and stand up to the insurance company on your behalf. We will evaluate all of your losses and demand that the insurance company makes a reasonable and fair settlement offer. If they do not, we will not hesitate to take them to court in pursuit of the compensation you are owed.
Call a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, Guardian Injury Law is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. Your well-being and financial security are our top priorities, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t let the challenges of a bicycle accident overwhelm you—let Guardian Injury Law be your trusted advocate. We work with clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in Los Angeles will review your case for free and will only collect legal fees if we win your case. To schedule your no-obligation case evaluation, call our office today or contact us online.