Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

You are just out for a leisurely bike ride, enjoying the beautiful Southern California weather. Then, in the blink of an eye, your world is turned upside down by a negligent driver. The screeching tires, the shattering impact, the searing pain – it all happens so fast. Now, you are left picking up the pieces, facing mounting medical bills and an uncertain future.

You are not alone. Bicycle accidents are alarmingly common, with over 857 cyclist fatalities and 476,000 injuries nationwide in recent years. But you don’t have to face this ordeal alone. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our dedicated Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys understand what you are going through.

We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life – let us help you get back on track!

Why Choose Our Lawyers for Your Bicycle Accident Case?

When it comes to bicycle accident cases, the bicycle attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers have seen it all. We’ve represented cyclists who were struck by negligent drivers, those who fell victim to hazardous road conditions, and everything in between. No matter the circumstances, we approach every case with the same unwavering commitment and tenacity.

Our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers understand the unique challenges cyclists face on the road. We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take.

That’s why we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients. From investigating the accident scene and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and taking cases to trial if necessary, we will do whatever it takes to maximize your compensation.

What sets us apart is our steadfast dedication to each client. We treat you like family, not just another case number. Your story matters to us, and we will take the time to truly understand your situation and tailor our approach accordingly.

With El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers in your corner, you can rest assured that your rights and best interests will always come first.

Do I Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?

At the core of most bicycle accident claims lies the concept of negligence. To have a valid claim, you will typically need to establish that another party failed to exercise reasonable care, ultimately causing your injuries. You must prove that:

• Duty of care: The first step is demonstrating that the other party owes you a duty of care. All road users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, have a legal obligation to act responsibly and avoid putting others at unreasonable risk of harm.
• Breach of duty: Next, you must show that the other party breached this duty through their actions (or inactions). Common examples include distracted driving, running stop signs or red lights, failing to yield the right of way, or driving under the influence.
• Causation: It is not enough to prove negligence; you must also establish that this negligent conduct directly caused your accident and resulting injuries. There must be a clear link between the other party’s breach of duty and the harm you suffered.
• Damages: Finally, you will need to demonstrate that you incurred actual damages like physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or emotional distress. Without quantifiable harm, there are no grounds for compensation.

If you can satisfy these four elements, you likely have a valid bicycle accident claim. However, these cases can be complex, and the defendant’s insurance company may challenge your claim. That’s why it is crucial to have an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney evaluate your case and protect your rights.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

While cycling offers many health and environmental benefits, it also carries inherent risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. For that reason, it is prudent for cyclists to understand the leading causes of bicycle accidents to promote safety.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the top contributors to bicycle crashes include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise not fully focused pose a major threat to cyclists’ safety.
• Failing to yield right-of-way: Many accidents occur when motorists neglect to yield properly at intersections, driveways, or when turning.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use severely impair judgment, reaction time, and overall driving ability, increasing crash risks.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s control and makes crashes more likely and more severe.
• Unsafe lane changes/passing: Not checking blind spots or misjudging a cyclist’s speed can lead to devastating sideswipe collisions.
• Poor visibility: Low light conditions, obstructed views, and lack of reflective gear make it harder to see cyclists.
• Road hazards: Potholes, debris, lack of bike lanes, and other hazardous conditions can easily cause cycling crashes.

Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims

The vulnerable nature of bicycles means cyclists often suffer severe, life-altering injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, fractures, and other catastrophic harm are all too common. These injuries can leave victims facing staggering medical costs, lost wages from missed work, and a long, difficult recovery process.

When pursuing a bicycle accident claim in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
• Costs for home accommodations or vehicle modifications
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries

Non-economic damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium for spouses

In some cases, multiple parties may share fault, like a negligent driver and a company that failed to properly maintain the road. Our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your financial recovery.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?

The moments after a bicycle crash can be disorienting and overwhelming, but the steps you take are crucial for protecting your health, rights, and ability to seek compensation. If conscious and able, try to follow these important guidelines:

• Check for injuries: Even if you think you have only suffered minor bumps and bruises, you should get a full medical evaluation. Some severe internal injuries can initially present with subtle symptoms that worsen over time if left untreated.
• Call emergency services: If anyone is hurt, contact 911 immediately for emergency medical care and police response. Obtain an official police report, as this documentation can significantly strengthen your accident claim later on.
• Document the scene: If possible, collect contact and insurance information from the driver involved and any eyewitness accounts. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, visible injuries, property damage, road conditions, and any other relevant details.
• Avoid admitting fault: Exercise caution when making statements, as anything you say could potentially be used to undermine your case later. Stick to providing clear, factual details to the police, but don’t apologize or accept blame.
• Seek legal guidance: As soon as you are able, consult with our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer. We can advise you on protecting your rights, dealing with the insurance companies, gathering additional evidence, and building a strong claim for maximum compensation.

How Should You Handle Los Angeles Traffic Signs and Signals?

As a bicyclist in Los Angeles, you are required by law to obey all traffic signals and signs, just like motorists. This means coming to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs – rolling through is illegal and extremely dangerous.

While you may be tempted to beat a yellow light, it’s advisable to treat it as a red and make a full stop. Misjudging the timing could easily lead to being caught in an intersection as cross traffic gets the green.

Following the rules of the road is essential for your safety and avoiding devastating bicycle accidents. Failure to do so jeopardizes your legal standing if a crash occurs.

How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Claim?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim. However, this window can be shorter or longer depending on specific circumstances. For example, if a government entity was involved, you may only have 180 days to provide notice of your claim. Failing to take legal action within the statute of limitations can prevent you from recovering compensation. Therefore, you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney to advise you on the steps to take and represent your interests to avoid inconveniences.

Contact the Bicycle Accident Lawyers at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers Today

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t face this traumatic ordeal alone. The dedicated Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers have the experience to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Protect your rights and future by contacting us for your free, no-obligation consultation today. Your path to justice and recovery starts with our firm.

For any legal battles, you may be facing as a bicycle accident victim, contact our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers today by calling 213-985-1120.