Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Advocating for Injured Bicyclists Against Carelessness
In the United States, bicycle safety remains a huge issue regarding motor vehicle drivers' willingness to share the road. Awareness initiatives, safety campaigns, and the implementation of bicycle lanes in some high-traffic areas are great steps forward, yet 854 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2018.
If you were injured in a Los Angeles bicycle accident, or if you lost a family member in a bicycle crash, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Our attorneys at Wisner Baum can help you take legal action; we will fight to maximize your claim and prevent the same negligence from hurting others.
Call Wisner Baum today at (855) 948-5098 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles!
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Some of the most common examples of negligence committed by motor vehicle drivers include:
- Failing to provide cyclists with adequate space to maneuver
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Not looking when making a turn
- Failing to yield
- Running a stop sign or a red light
Many other scenarios can lead to an accident, which is why it is critical for drivers to be aware of bicyclists on the road.
Am I Eligible to File a Claim for My Bicycle Accident Injury?
If the negligence of another caused your injury, your injury likely qualifies for a legal claim.
Injuries that bicyclists frequently file a claim for include:
- Road rash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
- Lost limbs
- Internal organ damage or hemorrhaging
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Partial or full paralysis
In the worst scenarios, a bicycle accident may result in death. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roughly 2% of fatal crashes each year involve bicyclists. While child bicycle accident fatalities have declined over the years, deaths among cyclists aged 20 and older have tripled since the 1970s.
If your spouse, child, family member, or another loved one was killed due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a claim for wrongful death to seek justice. We understand that this cannot make up for your loss, but it can help you find closure by holding them legally responsible and preventing them from harming others.
Bicyclist Rights and Legal Responsibilities in California
In Los Angeles and the rest of California, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, per the law. As such, cyclists are entitled to the same level of care as other drivers on the road.
California law also allows for bicycle accident lawsuits to be pursued even if the cyclist may have been partially at fault for the accident. The courts may consider these cases based on “comparative negligence.” This simply means that those partially at fault can file a compensation claim, although any awarded compensation may be reduced according to their percentage of responsibility.
Helmet Laws and Safety Recommendations for Bicyclists in California
California Vehicle Code 21212 requires all bicyclists under 18 to wear helmets. While adults are not required by law to wear helmets, it is still highly recommended that they do so. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 90% of bicyclist deaths involve riders who were not wearing helmets.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Los Angeles for Bicyclists
Although bicycle accident rates in Los Angeles County have been on a steady decline since 2017, there were still more than 1,800 bicycle collisions across the area in 2021, resulting in 27 fatalities. Los Angeles County typically sees more than triple the amount of bicycle accidents as neighboring counties like Orange County, San Diego County, and Riverside County.
The most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles for bicyclists include:
- Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way
- Manchester Avenue and Figueroa Street
- Main Street and E 1st Street
- Sepulveda and Burbank Boulevard
- Olive Street and W 7th Street
- Hill Street and W 5th Street
- Wall Street and E 4th Street
- Los Angeles Street and W 7th Street
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles for Bicyclists
According to recent traffic collision data from the LAPD, Downtown Los Angeles is overwhelmingly the most dangerous place in the city for bicyclists, far outpacing all other neighborhoods in Los Angeles for the greatest number of bicycle accidents each year.
Behind DTLA, neighborhoods with the highest number of bicycle accidents include:
- Historic South Central
- Koreatown
- Van Nuys
- Venice
- Hollywood
- Westlake
- Pico Union
- North Hollywood
- Boyle Heights
Why Los Angeles Is a Hotspot for Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents are common in Los Angeles. The reasons for this are multifaceted, but some contributing factors include the sheer volume of cars and bicycles on the road, the lack of designated bike lanes, and unsafe cycling infrastructure. Additionally, Los Angeles drivers are notorious for reckless driving and inattention, which can lead to dangerous collisions.
Experts suggest that increased education and awareness about bicycle safety, as well as more investment in bike-friendly infrastructure, could help reduce the number of accidents and create a safer environment for all road users. According to a study analyzing a dozen major cities in the U.S., cities with protected and separated bicycle lanes had 44% fewer bicycle fatalities than an average city.
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims in Los Angeles, CA
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles?
After a bicycle accident, you should:
- Call 911 if there are injuries.
- Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the report.
- Exchange information with the driver (name, contact, insurance).
- Take photos of the scene, bike, injuries, and any damage.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Avoid making statements about fault.
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney in LA as soon as possible.
Who can be held liable for a bicycle accident in Los Angeles?
Liable parties may include:
- The driver of a motor vehicle.
- A municipality or government agency (e.g., for unsafe road conditions).
- A manufacturer (if a defective bicycle part contributed to the crash).
- A construction company or property owner (for hazards in bike lanes or sidewalks).
What types of compensation can I recover after a bicycle accident?
You may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (bike repairs or replacement)
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm)
What is the time limit to file a bicycle accident claim in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the claim is against a government entity (e.g., for poor road maintenance), you must file an administrative claim within six months of the accident.
What if I were partially at fault for the bicycle accident?
California follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if I was hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver?
If the driver fled or had no insurance, you may still be covered through your own auto insurance policy under uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—if you have it. A lawyer can help you explore all possible sources of compensation.
Are drivers always at fault when a bicyclist is hit in Los Angeles?
Not necessarily. Fault depends on the specific circumstances. Both drivers and bicyclists must obey traffic laws. If a cyclist ran a red light, for example, they may be partially or fully at fault. An attorney can help investigate and determine liability.
Can I file a claim if I was doored by a parked car?
Yes. “Dooring” accidents, where a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a bicyclist, are common in urban areas like LA. California Vehicle Code § 22517 prohibits this behavior, and you may be entitled to compensation if injured.
How long does a bicycle accident claim take to settle in Los Angeles?
It depends on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether liability is disputed. Some claims settle in a few months, while others can take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit is filed.
Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim in Los Angeles?
While it’s not legally required, having our Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney on your side can significantly improve your chances of recovering full compensation—especially when dealing with insurance companies, complex liability issues, or serious injuries.
Contact Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
At Wisner Baum, we are passionate bicycle safety advocates with a track record of success litigating cases on behalf of victims and their families. If you sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident involving a car, bus, or truck, you must speak with an experienced bike accident attorney as soon as possible.
Our lawyers are recognized nationwide by multiple industry organizations, from the Elite Trial Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers to U.S. News — Best Lawyers® and the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Put experienced lawyers on your side.
Contact Wisner Baum today to meet with our bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles!
11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 1750
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Call: (855) 948-5098
Our Case Results
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$2.0 Billion Verdict Personal Injury
In May of 2019, the jury in the case of Pilliod et al. v, Monsanto Company ordered the agrochemical giant to pay $2.055 billion in damages to the plaintiffs, Alva and Alberta Pilliod, a Bay Area couple in their 70s.
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$289.2 Million Verdict Personal Injury
On Aug. 10, 2018, a San Francisco jury ordered Monsanto to pay $39.25 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages to Mr. Johnson, a former groundskeeper who alleged exposure to Monsanto’s herbicides caused him to develop terminal non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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$265 Million Settlement Fatal Train Crash
In 2016, Wisner Baum attorney Timothy A. Loranger and six other attorneys in the Plaintiffs’ Management Committee were able to secure a $265 million settlement for victims of the 2015 Amtrak 188 derailment in Philadelphia, one of the largest in the U.S. for 2016.
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$105 Million Settlement Pharmaceutical Settlement
Wisner Baum obtained $105 million on behalf of multiple clients involved in a pharmaceutical negligence case.
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$80 Million Verdict Personal Injury
Wisner Baum attorneys served on the trial team in the case of Hardeman v. Monsanto Company, which resulted in an $80 million jury verdict for the plaintiff, Edwin Hardeman.
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$63 Million Settlement Paxil Pediatric Class Action
$63 million pediatric class action re false promotion of Paxil. Judge approves final terms of improved national pediatric paxil class action settlement – consumers get a better deal.
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