Bicycle Accident Lawyers In Southern California
A bicycle accident can have serious consequences for both the victim and the victim’s family. Bicyclists may sustain severe injuries on the streets of Los Angeles each year. They and their loved ones may experience physical, emotional, and financial hardship following an accident. Recovering from physical injuries or the trauma of losing a loved one can take months or even years, and the financial effects may last even longer.
Our bicycle accident lawyers may be able to assist you if you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident. Our attorneys have represented bicycle accident victims and their families for many years and can help explain the legal options that may be available.
If you were in a bicycle accident and suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence, you may want to speak with a lawyer to understand your rights and options. The bicycle accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker can review your situation and discuss possible next steps.
We can assist with evaluating complex legal issues that sometimes arise after an accident. Call 800-333-0000 to request a free consultation.
Why Consult a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Compensation for injuries caused in a bicycle accident can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Victims may find it challenging to communicate with insurance companies while dealing with medical bills and missed income. In some cases, insurance coverage may not fully address the costs associated with serious injury or death, or insurers may dispute payment.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help clients evaluate these issues. After a bicycle accident, victims and their families may benefit from speaking with a lawyer to better understand potential claims. Filing deadlines may apply, and evidence supporting a claim may become harder to obtain over time.
What are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Causes?
According to an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) study, 843 bicyclists were killed in collisions with motor vehicles in 2019. Many riders report that drivers sometimes fail to adequately account for cyclists while sharing the road.
Drivers may become distracted, travel at unsafe speeds, or fail to leave adequate space for bicyclists.
Cyclists should remain attentive and aware of their surroundings when riding.
According to a 2016 NHTSA analysis, common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Poorly designed crossing points
- Inadequate visibility
- Infractions of traffic laws
- Distracted or reckless driving
- Unsafe driving conditions
- Inadequate separation between drivers and bicyclists
Alcohol or drug use can also increase the likelihood of a collision.
We are available to answer questions about your legal rights and options. Call 800-333-0000 to request a free case consultation.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Injuries Caused By Bicycle Accidents?
Serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), can occur in bicycle crashes. Some common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Bone fractures or broken bones
- Injuries to the neck, back, or spinal cord
- Paralysis (quadriplegia/paraplegia)
- Wrongful death
- Injuries to the face, mouth, or jaw
- Lacerations
- Road rash
Regardless of the injuries sustained in a traffic collision, a cyclist may require medical attention. Treatment costs can increase quickly, particularly when long-term care is necessary.
One safety measure many riders take is wearing a helmet while cycling.
When Do The Majority Of Fatal Bicycle Accidents Happen?
The NHTSA’s traffic data reveals patterns in bicycle accidents. There is no single time of day when someone is most likely to be injured or killed in a bicycle collision. Fatal bicycle and vehicle incidents occur throughout the day and night.
- Fatalities occur throughout the day: approximately 50% occur during the day, 46% during the night, 2% at dawn, and 2% at sunset.
- On weekends, cyclists are more likely to be involved in fatal traffic accidents
- Between 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., 19% of weekday and 23% of weekend fatalities occurred.
- Between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. on weekdays, approximately 18% of bicycle deaths occurred.
- Between 9 p.m. and 11:59 p.m., about 20% of weekend bike fatalities occurred.
How Can Bicyclists Avoid Bicycle Collisions?
Staying safe while riding a bicycle often requires awareness and preparation. Bicyclists who want to reduce the risk of accidents may consider the following precautions:
- Wear a Helmet – One commonly recommended safety practice is wearing appropriate head protection.
- Use Safety Equipment – Mirrors, spoke lights, reflective gear, and other equipment may increase visibility to drivers and help reduce accident risk.
- Communicate – Use hand signals to indicate your intentions to drivers and other road users.
- Know the Rules of the Road – Unless making a left turn, passing, or avoiding a hazard, ride in the same direction as traffic and follow traffic laws.
- Stay Alert – Headphones and cell phones can distract bicyclists. Avoid using devices that may reduce awareness while riding.
What Should You Do If You Get in a Bicycle Accident?
A bicycle accident can leave a rider injured or unable to move. Depending on your condition, consider taking the following steps to protect your health and document the incident.
Examine For Injuries
Even minor injuries may require medical attention. Seeking medical evaluation after an accident can help determine the extent of injuries that may not be immediately visible.
Notify Emergency Services
If anyone is injured, call 911 and request assistance. Law enforcement may prepare a police report, which may be helpful when documenting the incident.
Take Pictures or Document the Accident
Collect the driver’s contact and insurance information, along with contact information for any witnesses. If possible, record details about the accident such as the time, location, road conditions, and other relevant factors. Photographs of the scene may also be helpful.
Be Careful About Statements
Avoid apologizing or admitting fault at the scene. Provide factual information to law enforcement and seek legal guidance if you have questions about your rights or next steps.
A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Assist You In Avoiding Mistakes That Could Affect Your Claim
Attempting to handle a bicycle accident injury claim on your own can sometimes create difficulties. Individuals may make errors in the preparation of their case or in their interactions with the insurance company that may affect how the claim is evaluated. For example, you could:
- Inadvertently confess fault for the accident.
- Assume your injuries are insignificant enough to warrant pursuing a claim.
- Forget that you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Fail to include possible future medical expenses when evaluating damages.
- Accept an early settlement offer without fully understanding the potential value of the claim.
A bicycle accident lawyer can review the circumstances of the accident, help organize documentation, and explain the legal options that may be available.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, although certain factors may affect this timeline.
For example, if a government agency or public organization is involved, a bicycle accident victim may only have 180 days from the accident date to file a claim under applicable notice requirements.
Because deadlines and legal procedures can vary depending on the circumstances, speaking with a personal injury lawyer early may help you better understand the time limits that may apply to your case and the steps available to protect your claim.
Insurance companies may begin evaluating claims soon after an accident, so it can be helpful to understand your rights and options before making decisions about a claim.
Why Choose Our Law Firm
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have represented clients for over 50 years. We aim to put our clients first by helping them access the care and treatment they may need and by providing legal guidance throughout the process. We also handle insurance-related paperwork and negotiations so that our clients can focus on their recovery.
Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at 800-333-0000 or fill out our online contact form to request a free case consultation.
