I was 12 years old when a car hit my bicycle. I was riding on the sidewalk of Third Street when a white Toyota ran a stop sign and struck me. As a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, I remember that day vividly. The impact threw me onto the street, and I lost consciousness. When I woke up, the driver had already fled. This experience is why I dedicated my life to helping victims as a specialized injury attorney.
Support for Los Angeles Cyclists
You may feel overwhelmed after a bicycle crash in Los Angeles. As a lawyer and a hit-and-run victim, I understand your fear. One minute you are enjoying a ride in Brentwood or Westwood. The next minute, a reckless driver hits your wheel. You lose control and hit the pavement hard.
This post explains the steps you should take after an accident. These tips help protect your rights. They also increase your chances of a successful legal claim. Following this advice helps you avoid common mistakes during a difficult time.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents?
Many factors cause bicycle accidents in Los Angeles. Most cases involve collisions with reckless car and truck drivers. Much like car accidents, I often see drivers fail to yield the right-of-way. Other motorists follow too closely or look at their phones while driving.
Crowded streets often lead to dangerous sideswipes and rear-end crashes. Negligent people also open car doors without looking for riders. Intersections are high-risk areas for “right hook” crashes. These happen when a car turns right directly in front of a cyclist. These collisions often cause catastrophic injuries.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents cause a wide range of physical damage. Some lucky riders suffer only minor scrapes or bruises. These superficial wounds happen during a fall. Soft tissue injuries affect muscles and ligaments. Most riders heal from these in three to six months with therapy.
Serious accidents cause life-altering harm. I frequently represent victims with traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage. Some clients face partial or complete paralysis. Other common injuries include broken bones, internal organ damage, and facial disfigurement.
These severe injuries require long hospital stays. Many victims never make a full recovery. Just like victims of motorcycle accidents, they often live with permanent physical handicaps. My goal is to secure the compensation you need for long-term care.
Steps to Take After a Crash
You must get medical attention immediately after an accident. See a doctor even if you feel fine. Adrenaline often masks serious pain or internal bleeding. Call 911 so emergency responders can evaluate you right away.
Tell the ER doctors exactly how the accident happened. Ensure they note every symptom in your medical chart. You should document all diagnoses and treatments carefully. Follow every instruction given by the medical staff. Schedule follow-up visits with your primary doctor to support your injury claim.
Protect Your Legal Rights
Stay calm after a crash. If you can walk, move to a safe area off the road. Call the police immediately to report the incident. Try to get the driver’s licence plate number if they stop. Collect their name, address, and insurance information if possible.
Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and skid marks. These images serve as vital evidence for your claim. Look for witnesses who saw the crash and get their contact details. Their testimony can greatly help your case later.
Compensation for Your Losses
Clients often ask about the value of their bicycle accident case. Every case in Los Angeles is unique. We look at the severity of your injuries and their lasting effects. We also consider permanent disabilities and emotional trauma.
You can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include quantifiable costs like medical bills and lost wages. We also seek money for future earning capacity and property damage. This includes the cost of your bicycle and personal items.
You can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include quantifiable costs like medical bills and lost wages. This is especially true in complex truck accidents where medical costs are high. We also seek money for future earning capacity and property damage.
Why You Need a Bicycle Injury Lawyer
Many people try to handle insurance companies alone to save on fees. This is a major mistake. Insurance adjusters often try to settle for the lowest amount possible. An experienced attorney knows how to fight for a fair settlement. Contact a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer right away. California has strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. An attorney will investigate the crash and preserve key evidence. We handle the legal paperwork so you can focus on healing. Hiring a professional usually results in a much larger recovery for you.
