Bicycle Accident Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles

With year-round sun and warm weather as well as clogged interstates and environmental concerns, it comes as no surprise to most that bicycles are one of the most popular means of transportation in the Los Angeles area. However, with an increase of bicycles on the road also comes an increase in the number of bicycle accidents with larger vehicles. The results of a bicycle accident with a car, truck, or motorcycle can be devastating, but you do not need to manage both a legal case and your recovery on your own. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in the Los Angeles area, call or contact the GP Law Group today to schedule a free consultation of your case.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents involving other vehicles on the roadway happen in many different situations and caused by a number of factors. Inattentive or distracted driving by larger vehicles, speeding, and failure to obey traffic signs and signals contribute to the majority of all accidents with bicycles on the roads. Many drivers simply are not looking for smaller modes of transportation, like a bicycle, when they are on the roadway.

Intersections are particularly dangerous places for cyclists on the road. Cars and trucks will often make a right-hand turn without checking first for bicycles, often striking them in the turn or causing a broadside collision with the cyclist. The same applies to left-hand turns when larger vehicles fail to check if a cyclist is coming in the opposite direction before making the turn. In addition, “dooring” is another common cause of bicycle accidents, when a driver or passenger of a larger vehicle fails to check for a bicycle before throwing open his or her door into a bike lane. These common types of bicycle accidents can cause traumatic injuries for victims that require years of recovery or become a permanent disability.

Injuries Caused in Bicycle Accidents

Given the lack of protection that a bicycle provides compared to the larger vehicles on the road in addition to the force that a car or truck makes during impact, the injuries sustained by cyclists in bicycle accidents can be severe. Even if a cyclist is wearing the proper safety equipment, the results of a crash can be devastating for the victim and their loved ones. Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in bicycle accidents includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial injuries
• Neck injuries
• Broken or missing teeth
• Broken jawbone
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Road rash or lacerations
• Amputated body parts
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal organ damage
• Burns
• Paralysis
• Death

Some of these injuries require months or years of recovery and can cause significant financial strain on a victim. You need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the intricacies of a bicycle accident case to get you the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries

Compensation for the victims of bicycle accidents includes payment for economic and noneconomic damages caused by the crash. Economic damages refers to all out-of-pocket expenses incurred from the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and lost future income and benefits. Noneconomic expenses refer to all intangible harms caused by the crash, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life.

In the worst bicycle accidents, in which the victim dies as a result of his or her injuries, the family of the victim can also seek additional compensation for wrongful death. Damages for wrongful death include payment for final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and compensation for the loss of love, security, and companionship.

It is important to note that in California, bicycle accident cases follow the pure comparative negligence rule. For all cases involving personal injury, the court will look at the facts of the case and determine the degree of fault for each party involved and reduce the overall compensation by that percentage. For example, if a bicycle accident victim had $100,000 in damages and was found 10% at fault, the total award would be reduced to $90,000. This is why you need a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney handling your case.

Call or Contact Our Office Now

To learn more about your legal options following a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, call the office or contact us at the GP Law Group to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys today.