Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
Cyclists in Los Angeles often face extremely frightening and dangerous risks on the road. Even seemingly low-impact accidents can result in serious injuries. At Shaffer Law, our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer understands the specific challenges cyclists encounter and is dedicated to representing those injured in bicycle accidents.
Our legal team is aware of the risks cyclists face and is dedicated to representing people injured in bicycle accidents of all types. This can include collisions with negligent drivers, dangerous road conditions, and any other types of cases.
About Shaffer Law: Los Angeles, CA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Shaffer Law is committed to protecting the rights of cyclists throughout Los Angeles, CA. Our team understands the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face, from navigating medical bills to handling insurance disputes. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized legal services. We are committed to providing every case with the attention and care it deserves.
With a firm understanding of California’s traffic laws and a track record of success, Shaffer Law is a trusted ally for those injured in bicycle accidents. When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer from Shaffer Law, we strive for justice and fair compensation for your case. We provide support and guidance through every stage of the legal process.
Bicycle Accidents in the United States
Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences. When a vehicle collides with a bicycle, it can easily cause severe injuries or death to the cyclist. According to the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center at UC Berkeley, 1,166 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle collisions in 2023, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. In California, there were 145 bicyclist deaths, representing a 20.8% decrease from the previous year.
Civil personal injury cases involving bicycle accidents in Los Angeles are heard in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Stanley Mosk Courthouse serves as the central hub for these cases. However, some are handled at the Spring Street Courthouse.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles, CA
Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles, CA, are frequently caused by a mix of driver error, poor road conditions, and environmental variables. Cyclists are vulnerable to a variety of risks that can result in catastrophic injury. Understanding the common causes of these incidents can help you develop a strong legal case. Some of the most common causes are listed below:
- Drivers failing to yield to cyclists
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Speeding or reckless driving near bicycle lanes
- “Dooring,” when drivers or passengers open car doors into bicycle lanes
- Poorly maintained roads or hazardous conditions, like potholes or debris
Types of Injuries Commonly Suffered in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Common injuries include fractured bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe road rash. Head injuries are especially alarming. Even wearing a helmet cannot always prevent concussions or brain trauma in high-impact crashes.
Cyclists may also suffer from internal injuries that are not immediately evident. Thus, it is critical to get medical assistance immediately. At Shaffer Law, we recognize the long-term effects these injuries can have on a cyclist’s life and seek full compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and long-term care.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you should seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Once you are safely able, you should take photos of the scene and gather information from witnesses and vehicle information from the driver. Remember to report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
Contact a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney to discuss your legal rights. These steps are complex, but here at Shaffer Law, we’ll manage your claim from beginning to end. We can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Types of Evidence Needed in a Bicycle Accident Claim
Knowing what evidence is most influential when building your bicycle accident claim can help you prioritize what actions to take following the accident. If you are physically able, taking the time to complete a few steps at the scene can help your case later. Important types of evidence to collect are listed below:
- Accident documents. Thoroughly documenting the accident is key to receiving full compensation from the at-fault party. You should collect the police report, photos or video of the damage, injury photos, surveillance video, personal information of any witnesses, driver information, and notes of any adverse weather or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
- Medical documents. See a medical professional after the accident, even if you feel fine. Keep detailed notes of any diagnoses and treatments, both short- and long-term, that are required. If your injuries require ongoing care, get documentation of your future medical needs.
- Financial documents. Keep track of all financial expenses you have accrued due to the accident. Before you can claim damages related to the incident, you have to have proof that you have suffered damages as a direct result of the accident. These documents could be pay stubs, medical bills, repair costs, or any other bills related to the accident.
- Personal impact statement. Following the accident, keep a journal of how the accident has affected your day-to-day life. The hardships you face while recovering can be used to demonstrate the non-economic damages you have suffered.
Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist in California
In California, bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers. This means bicyclists are expected to follow all traffic laws and signals. When passing a cyclist, drivers must use the same level of care and attention as when passing any other vehicle, including stopping when signaled and keeping a safe distance.
Tragically, many drivers are unaware of bicyclists’ rights, which can result in harmful collisions. If you are a cyclist who has been hurt because of a driver’s carelessness or criminal behavior, Shaffer Law can help. Knowing your rights is the first step to properly protecting them. We are available to assist you in safeguarding your rights during the legal proceedings.
How California’s Bicycle Helmet Law Affects Accident Claims
If you ride a bicycle in California and you are under 18 years old, you are required by California law to wear a helmet. There is no mandate for adults, but not wearing a helmet can impact your personal injury claim if you suffer a head injury. The defense may argue that you contributed to your injuries by not using proper safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet.
At Shaffer Law, we understand that when a helmet or a lack of helmet use contributes to a case, it can make things more complicated. We work to prove that the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence, not by your choice to not wear a helmet.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Bicycle Accident
Money cannot undo how terrible it is to lose a spouse, parent, child, or friend in a bicycle accident. No amount of financial compensation could ever adequately compensate someone for the loss of a loved one. Still, including wrongful death claims in a case against a negligent driver can help to pay for essential expenses, such as the funeral, make up for lost financial support, and compensate for some of the emotional harm survivors endure.
In California, the surviving spouse or children of the deceased can make a wrongful death claim if a loved one’s life is taken because of someone else’s negligence. Surviving family members, such as parents or siblings, may also be eligible to file a claim if they were financially dependent on the deceased.
Reasons You Should Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
There are many ways a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer can help you after an accident. Bicycle accident claims can be challenging to complete without the help of experienced legal counsel. Your lawyer can provide you with assistance in the ways listed below:
- Negotiating for a fair settlement offer
- Speaking with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting your rights, and advocating for your compensation
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Determining liability
- Working within comparative negligence laws to seek compensation
- Calculating your total damages
- Filing paperwork with the court on your behalf and within the appropriate deadlines
- Securing expert testimony
- Allowing you to focus on recovery
FAQs
Who Is Usually at Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?
The conditions surrounding a bicycle collision determine who is at fault. Liability can be placed on the cyclist, the motorist, or even a third party, depending on the specifics of the accident. For example, a driver may be at fault for failing to yield, whereas a cyclist may be liable if they break traffic rules. At Shaffer Law, we meticulously investigate accidents to determine responsibility and hold the right party accountable.
What Is the First Aid Process for a Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, the first priority is to check for serious injuries like head trauma, fractures, or severe bleeding. If you’re injured, call for medical assistance immediately. Apply pressure to any wounds to stop bleeding, and try to keep the injured person still until help arrives. Once you’re stabilized, it’s essential to document the accident scene and seek medical care to assess potential injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
What Happens If I Get Hit on My Bicycle in Los Angeles, CA?
If you are hit while riding your bicycle in Los Angeles, CA, the first thing you should do is check that everyone, including yourself, is safe. Seek medical assistance for any injuries. Call the police to report the accident, and if possible, gather contact information from the driver and witnesses, as well as images of the scene. After getting medical attention, it is important to speak with a seasoned bicycle accident attorney. Shaffer Law can help you seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
Following a bicycle accident, you may be able to claim compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, property damage, and pain and suffering. If the driver was exceptionally careless, you may also seek punitive damages. Shaffer Law meticulously evaluates your case to help you receive the highest possible compensation for all accident-related damages.
Do Cyclists Have the Same Rights as Drivers in Los Angeles, CA?
Yes, cyclists in Los Angeles, CA, have the same rights and obligations as drivers. This encompasses both the right to use the road and the obligation to obey traffic laws. Cyclists also have some additional protections, such as the Three Feet for Safety Act. This mandates that automobiles must maintain a three-foot space when passing a bicycle. Shaffer Law assists injured cyclists in defending their rights and pursuing reasonable compensation after an accident.
Contact a Los Angeles, CA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a bicycle accident, Shaffer Law can help you navigate the complexities that may come along during the process of filing and seeking compensation for your case. We understand these obstacles and have the legal knowledge and acumen to develop a case that holds negligent parties accountable. No matter how challenging the case may seem, our clients can trust us to look out for their interests.
With our extensive experience handling bicycle accident claims, we are well-prepared to seek the compensation you deserve. We can help you seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. At Shaffer Law, we believe every client deserves empathetic, results-driven representation tailored to their unique situation.
Do not face this problem alone. Contact our experienced Los Angeles, CA bicycle accident lawyer for a consultation. Let us assist you in protecting your rights and receiving the full justice and compensation you deserve. With our legal support, you can trust that you are getting the quality legal representation you need for your case.
Shaffer Law – Manhattan Beach, CA Office
317 Rosecrans Ave Suite 1010,
Manhattan Beach,
CA 90266, United States
Client Testimonials
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“While cycling along the beach, I was struck by a distracted driver, resulting in multiple injuries. A fellow cyclist spoke highly of Shaffer Law’s expertise with similar cases. He meticulously gathered evidence, consulted medical experts, and built a compelling case on my behalf. The open communication and regular updates kept me reassured. Ultimately, Doug secured a settlement that addressed my medical bills and future rehabilitation needs.”
— Jay Shah
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“I can’t recommend Doug enough! If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer who genuinely cares and fights for you, he is the one!”
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