Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you may have suffered serious injuries. Be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible. Then, reach out to an experienced attorney to discuss filing a bicycle accident claim.At Lerner Law Injury & Accident Firm, we fight for every bicycle accident victim with a personal injury claim. We have seen firsthand how serious bike accidents can be. Learn more about our services below, and give us a call to schedule a free case review.

How an Experienced Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Change Your Outcome

How an Experienced Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Change Your Outcome

Working with an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney will significantly improve your chance of a positive outcome. They offer invaluable support in several ways:

  1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: A seasoned attorney starts by understanding your situation. This includes assessing the merits of your case and guiding you through the process.
  2. Gathering Evidence and Conducting Investigations: This includes assembling all essential documents. This includes photos, witness testimonies, and accident reports to support your claim.
  3. Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Experienced lawyers know how to handle insurance adjusters. An attorney can help you avoid the pitfalls of initial settlement offers and advocate for your rightful compensation.
  4. Representing Clients in Settlement Negotiations: Your lawyer will strategize the negotiation process if settlement is an option. This is crucial to maximizing your compensation.
  5. Trial Representation and Courtroom Advocacy: If your case goes to court, an aggressive attorney will defend your rights and interests.

Statistics and Trends of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles have been rising. This highlights the importance of taking safety measures and understanding your rights as a bicycle rider. There are countless bike accidents in LA annually; in 2022 alone, 26 people died. These numbers underscore the critical role of a competent attorney in helping victims seek justice and compensation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

As a cyclist on the bustling streets of Los Angeles, it's essential to understand the myriad risks that can lead to accidents. Awareness is a crucial first step in mitigating potential harm. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

  1. Driver Inattention or Negligence: This is one of the most prevalent reasons for accidents. Drivers often fail to notice cyclists due to distractions, leading to collisions.
  2. Traffic Law Violations: Failure to adhere to traffic rules, such as not stopping at stop signs or red lights, can cause accidents.
  3. Speeding: Drivers moving at high speeds often have less time to react, resulting in serious accidents.
  4. Drunk or Drugged Driving: Impaired driving increases the risk of a collision. The driver's reaction times and judgment are compromised.
  5. Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained roads can force cyclists into the path of motor vehicles.
  6. Dooring: This happens when someone in a parked car opens a door without checking for oncoming cyclists, causing a collision.

By understanding and staying alert to these common accident causes, cyclists can adopt preventative measures to enhance their safety. However, despite the most diligent precautions, accidents can still happen due to the actions of others. In such cases, remember that legal remedies are available to help you recover and seek justice for your ordeal.

Potential Injuries and Damages Sustained by Cyclists

Bicycling, while being a great form of transportation and exercise, carries certain risks, especially in busy city environments like Los Angeles. In the unfortunate event of a bicycle accident, cyclists may suffer a variety of severe injuries. Common bicycle accident injuries include:

  1. Broken Bones: Impact from an accident can fracture or break bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries often require significant medical intervention and recovery time.
  2. Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even with a helmet, a cyclist can sustain serious brain injuries from an accident, potentially leading to long-term cognitive issues.
  3. Spinal Cord Damage: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life.
  4. Internal Injuries: The force of an accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which can be life-threatening.
  5. Severe Cuts and Bruises: These can lead to significant blood loss and may leave lasting scars.
  6. Death: In the most tragic cases, the injuries sustained in a bicycle accident can be fatal.

Beyond physical injuries, a bicycle accident can also lead to substantial financial and emotional burdens. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and the income lost from time off work can add to the financial strain. The emotional trauma associated with such an incident can also have long-lasting effects on mental health.

Additionally, the bicycle and any personal belongings involved may be damaged, requiring repair or replacement. It's important to remember that victims have rights and can seek compensation to help offset these costs and hardships. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance. This enables you to navigate the legal process.

Importance of Preserving Evidence After an Accident

Importance of Preserving Evidence After an Accident

Preserving evidence after a bicycle accident is vital to building a strong case. This includes photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle. Also, keep medical records and receipts related to the accident, and jot down any memories of the event while they're still fresh. Memories can fade over time, so be sure to have hard evidence and photographs you can use to back up your claim.

Steps To Take After a Bicycle Accident

There are several steps you should take after a bike accident, and a few crucial ones include:

A. Immediate Actions for Safety and Legal Protection

Your safety is the top priority after an accident. If you are capable, try to move out of traffic to a safer location to avoid further harm. Immediately dial 911 to report the accident and summon medical assistance if necessary. Even if you feel okay, shock and adrenaline can mask injury symptoms, and a record of the accident is important for future claims. Remember to stay at the scene until help arrives to ensure all pertinent details are correctly recorded.

B. Gathering Evidence at the Scene of the Accident

Gathering evidence is a crucial step that could significantly impact your potential compensation. If possible, take clear photos of the accident scene, the vehicle involved, any damage to your bicycle, and your visible injuries. This visual evidence can powerfully illustrate the severity of the collision. Moreover, get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident unfold. Their statements could corroborate your account and strengthen your case. Lastly, ensure that a police report is filed. This official document often serves as a critical piece of evidence when proving fault.

C. Seeking Medical Attention and Documenting Injuries

Always seek medical attention after an accident, even if your injuries seem minor initially. Some injuries might not show immediate symptoms. But they could have severe consequences if left untreated. This includes concussions and internal bleeding.

A prompt medical examination can uncover such issues and provide necessary treatment, reducing the likelihood of complications. Moreover, medical records are valuable evidence of your injuries and the treatments you received. They link your injuries directly to the accident. Make sure to document all treatments, medications, prescriptions, and follow-ups. This comprehensive medical record can justify your claim for medical expenses.

D. Reporting the Accident to Authorities and Insurance Companies

Reporting the accident promptly to the authorities is crucial in the post-accident process. This ensures that the incident is officially recorded. It also initiates your potential claim process with the insurer. However, be cautious while making statements, especially to the other party's insurance company.

It's wise to limit your conversation to basic facts about the accident and avoid commenting on fault or the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies may use your statements against you to minimize their payout. Therefore, consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney before making detailed statements. It would help if you talk to your attorney before agreeing to any settlements. Your attorney can guide you on what to say and help prevent you from unknowingly undermining your claim.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payout. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf, preventing you from accepting less than you deserve.

Establishing Liability After Your Los Angeles Bicycle Accident

Establishing liability is central to your case. A skilled attorney can help demonstrate that the other party breached their duty of care and caused your injuries.

Comparative Negligence in California

Under California law, you can still recover damages even if you're partly at fault for an accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations Following a Bike Accident in Los Angeles

In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, makes timely legal action crucial. However, under certain circumstances, such as a claim against a government or government entity, you may have as little as six months to file a claim.

Types of Compensation Available to Bicycle Accident Victims

Types of Compensation Available to Bicycle Accident Victims

Medical Expenses and Treatment Costs

Victims can seek compensation for current and future medical expenses related to the accident. This includes surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.

Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

If your injuries cause you to miss work or limit your ability to earn in the future, you can claim these losses.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident is also available.

Property Damage and Bike Replacement

You're entitled to compensation for your damaged bicycle and other personal property.

Get a Free Consultation From Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Lerner Law Injury & Accident Firm

Get a Free Consultation From Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Lerner Law Injury & Accident Firm

If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident, don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney at Lerner Law Injury & Accident Firm will evaluate your case. We will pursue your rights and guide you through the steps toward getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.

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