Victim of a bicycle accident?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you have specific rights under California law to pursue payment for your injuries and losses. 

But knowing you have rights and actually securing fair compensation are two different things. You’re likely facing a sudden onslaught of medical bills and lost income, all while trying to recover from your injuries.

How do you hold the responsible driver accountable? What is your claim actually worth?

You don’t have to find these answers on your own. At Sweet James Accident Attorneys, we understand the pressures you are facing. We can give you clear, direct answers about your situation. 

For a free review of your case, call us at (800) 900-0000.

Key Takeaways for Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Claims

1. California’s laws provide a path for recovery, even if you were partially at fault. The state’s pure comparative fault rule means you can be compensated for your injuries, but your final award is reduced by your percentage of blame.
2. Insurance companies are businesses, and their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They will look for any reason to argue you were more at fault or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
3. Strict deadlines apply to your claim, and they are much shorter if a government entity is involved. While you generally have two years to file a lawsuit, claims against the city for dangerous roads have a deadline as short as six months.

Why Choose Sweet James Accident Attorneys?

At Sweet James Accident Attorneys, we have dedicated our practice to helping people who have been harmed by the carelessness of others.

• Proven Results: Our firm has a 98% success rate, securing over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. This includes a landmark $17.4 million jury verdict in a case involving catastrophic injuries.
• Deep Experience: Our personal injury attorneys, including founder James Bergener, have spent years handling difficult accident cases. Our past experience defending insurance carriers gives us firsthand knowledge of their tactics.
• Client-Centered Approach: We have earned hundreds of five-star reviews because we provide personalized attention during difficult times. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Recognized Leaders: Our attorneys are recognized by organizations like Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
• Easily Accessible: Our Los Angeles office is located at 16133 Ventura Blvd Suite 700, near Downtown LA in the Financial District.

We take over all communication with insurance companies, manage the legal paperwork, and build a powerful case for you. This allows you to direct your energy toward your recovery.

What Does It Take to Prove a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Negligence boils down to four key elements, all of which must be demonstrated for your claim to succeed.

1. Duty: The driver had a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and share the road. This is a given for anyone with a driver’s license. Drivers have a duty to watch for cyclists, give them adequate space, and obey traffic laws.
2. Breach: The driver failed in that duty. This is the “what they did wrong” part. A breach could be anything from texting while driving, speeding, making an unsafe lane change, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
3. Causation: The driver’s failure directly caused your injuries. It’s not enough that the driver was careless; that carelessness must be the reason you got hurt. For example, if a driver ran a stop sign and hit you in the intersection, causation is clear.
4. Damages: You suffered actual harm as a result. This includes all the measurable and immeasurable losses you’ve endured, from medical bills and lost wages to physical pain and emotional distress.

Our job is to gather the evidence needed to build a strong argument for each of these four points. We investigate the accident scene, talk to witnesses, review police reports, and (in some cases) work with experts to establish exactly how the driver’s actions led to your injuries.

How Much Is Your Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

The purpose of a personal injury claim is to provide financial recovery for every loss the accident caused. This compensation falls into two main categories.

Economic Damages: The Tangible Costs

This covers all your medical expenses, from the initial emergency room visit to any future physical therapy or long-term care you might need. It also includes lost wages from being unable to work and any reduction in your ability to earn income in the future. The cost to repair or replace your bicycle and any other damaged property is also included here.

Non-Economic Damages: The Intangible Impacts

This category addresses the non-financial toll of the accident. It is compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life. For instance, if your injuries keep you from participating in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed, that loss has a value we will pursue.

How California’s Comparative Fault Rule Changes Things

California operates under a legal rule called “pure comparative negligence.” Simply put, this means you can still recover money even if you were partly at fault for the accident. 

However, your total compensation will be reduced by whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you. Insurance companies conduct thorough investigations and look for any piece of evidence to argue that you share a larger portion of the blame. Our role is to build a case that ensures no amount of fault is unfairly placed on you.

Where Do Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles County has one of the highest rates of bicyclist injuries and deaths in California. While accident numbers have declined slightly in recent years, the danger remains very real.

Dangerous Intersections and Accident Hotspots

A large number of collisions happen in Downtown Los Angeles because of high traffic density. Some of the most hazardous areas include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Figueroa Street: High traffic volume and speed make this intersection a known trouble spot.
• East Anaheim Street in Long Beach: This street has been the site of multiple fatalities, partly due to a lack of sufficient bike lanes.
• Washington Boulevard (between Figueroa and Main): The poor separation between bike and vehicle lanes makes this corridor a high-risk area for cyclists.
• Other high-risk intersections include Olive Street & W 7th Street and Hill Street & W 5th Street.

The Role of Infrastructure and Road Conditions

How our roads are designed plays a huge part in cyclist safety. One recent study found that a shocking 85% of bicycle fatalities occurred on roads with no bike lanes. This lack of protected infrastructure forces cyclists to share space with multi-ton vehicles. 

High-speed roads are another major factor; nearly 38% of fatal accidents happen on streets where the speed limit is over 35 mph. Poorly maintained roads with potholes or cracked pavement, especially on major thoroughfares like Pico Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard, present another layer of risk.

When Accidents Are Most Common

Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles are more frequent between May and October. More than half of all fatal bicycle accidents occur at night, which shows how important visibility is for both cyclists and drivers.

Understanding Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Claims

To build a solid claim, it is helpful to understand the common ways these accidents happen and the laws designed to protect cyclists.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

• Intersection Collisions: These frequently occur when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way, particularly while making a left turn.
• “Dooring” Accidents: This happens when someone in a parked car opens their door directly into an oncoming cyclist’s path.
• Sideswipes and Rear-End Collisions: These are typically the result of a distracted driver or a driver who fails to give a cyclist the legally required safe passing distance.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

With very little physical protection, cyclists may suffer severe injuries in a crash. These include:

• Head Injuries: Even with a helmet, concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries are common.
• Broken Bones: Cyclists often use their hands to brace for a fall, leading to frequent fractures of the clavicle (collarbone), arms, and legs.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes severe road rash, sprains, and deep muscle bruising that can cause lasting pain.
• Spinal Cord and Pelvic Injuries: These are among the most serious injuries and can rewrite every aspect of a person’s life.

Key California Bicycle Laws You Should Know

Knowing your rights and responsibilities is the first step toward protecting them. Here are a few important laws:

• Same Rights and Responsibilities: In California, bicyclists have the same rights and must follow the same rules as drivers of motor vehicles.
• Riding Position: You are required to ride as far to the right side of the road as is practical. However, you are permitted to “take the lane” if it’s too narrow to share safely with a car or to avoid hazards and a car accident lawyer can help explain how these rules may affect your claim.
• Helmet Law: Under California Vehicle Code 21212, cyclists under 18 years of age must wear a helmet.
• Equipment: Your bicycle must have at least one brake, a front lamp visible from 300 feet, and various reflectors for riding at night.

Dealing with the Insurance Company’s Playbook

The at-fault driver’s insurance company has one primary goal: to protect its financial interests. Their adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to resolve claims for the lowest possible amount. This puts their objective in direct conflict with your need for fair compensation.

Here are some of the common tactics they use:

• Offering a Quick, Low Settlement: They may offer you a fast payout before you know the full extent of your injuries. Accepting this offer may seem like a relief, but it requires you to waive your right to any future compensation, even if you later need surgery or more extensive treatment.
• Requesting a Recorded Statement: They will ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. This is often an attempt to get you to say something that can be used against you later, like downplaying your injuries or unintentionally admitting partial fault. You are not required to give one.
• Delaying the Process: Sometimes, they will drag out the claims process with endless paperwork and requests for more information. The goal is to make you so frustrated and financially strapped that you will accept a lower offer just to be done with it.
• Using Your Social Media Against You: Investigators will look at your social media profiles for photos or posts that contradict your injury claims. A photo of you at a family barbecue could be used to argue your back injury isn’t as debilitating as you say.

You do not have to face this alone. When you hire our firm, we take over all these communications. We build a comprehensive claim that documents every one of your losses, countering their tactics with facts and legal precedent. We handle the pushback so you can concentrate on getting better.

What Should You Do Now to Protect Your Claim?

While your attorney handles the legal work, there are steps you can take from home to strengthen your position.

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Attend all medical appointments and complete your prescribed treatment plan. This creates a clear medical record that connects your injuries to the accident and shows your commitment to recovery.
2. Keep a Journal: Each day, write down a few notes about your pain levels, any physical limitations you experience, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This documentation can be powerful for demonstrating your pain and suffering.
3. Track Your Expenses: Hold on to all receipts for medical co-pays, prescriptions, and any other costs you incur because of the accident.
4. Stay off Social Media: Do not post anything online about the accident, your recovery, or your activities. Insurance companies will use your posts out of context to argue that your injuries are exaggerated.

Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: You are not obligated to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Simply refer them to your attorney.

Don’t Let This Accident Define Your Future

You are asking for what is fair under the law—compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the personal toll this accident has taken on your life. The biggest mistake you can make is thinking you have to bear this burden alone or that the insurance company has your best interests at heart.

The next step is simple: get clear, honest answers about your options. Call Sweet James Accident Attorneys for a no-obligation conversation about your case. We are here to provide clarity and guide you forward. 

Contact us now at (800) 900-0000.