Associated Injuries
with bike accidents
Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney
Biking in Los Angeles is exciting, with beautiful trails by the sea and exciting routes downtown. Each trip shares its tale. Yet, if a bike crash happens, it’s crucial to have a Los Angeles bike crash attorney with you who knows the different areas of the city well.
If you like riding along Santa Monica’s special bike paths, taking in the old charm of Pasadena, or experiencing the lively atmosphere of Boyle Heights, TraumaLaw is here to support you. If you’re ever in a bike crash, we’ll fight for your rights and help you get the money that’s fair for you.
Choose TraumaLaw for Your Bike Accident Case in Los Angeles
At TraumaLaw, we’re changing the game in lawyer services. Our injury attorneys put you first, helping you get the care you need and changing your life with top-notch legal help. We take care of all the insurance forms and talks, so you can focus on getting better. For top-tier service without cutting corners, pick TraumaLaw. You’ll notice the big difference we bring to your bike crash case.
Can I File a Claim for My Bike Accident?
Being careless is often at the heart of many bike crash cases because it means not being careful enough, which can hurt people. This is the main point in most bike crash cases. To prove someone was careless, four main parts must be shown.
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Duty of Care: The first step is to prove that the person you're suing is responsible for being careful not to hurt you. For a bike crash, you must show they were legally supposed to be cautious around other people using the street.
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Breach of Duty: The next part shows that the person being sued didn't act as they should have toward the one suing. This might mean they acted without thinking, didn't follow driving rules, or did something a careful person wouldn't do under the same conditions..
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Causation: To prove the defendant's fault, it has to be shown that their actions were the reason the plaintiff got hurt. Simply put, the harm the plaintiff suffered should be something that could be predicted from what the defendant did.
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Damages: To win a carelessness case, the person suing needs to show they were hurt or had a loss because the other person didn't do their duty. This might mean bodily harm, broken things, doctor bills, missed pay, or deep aches.
What Usually Leads to Bike Accidents?
Based on a report from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), last year saw 961 bike riders die in accidents involving cars. Many people who ride bikes say car drivers don’t give them the space they should. They’re busy texting, calling, or driving too fast instead of safely sharing the street with bike riders.
Drivers often focus on their safety, so bike riders must always stay sharp and watchful, as it could save their lives.
Per a safety agency report, the usual reasons for bike accidents include the following:
- Driving too fast
- Badly planned intersections
- Hard-to-see areas
- Not following road rules
- Not paying attention or driving carelessly
- Dangerous streets
- Not enough space between people driving cars and people riding bikes.
About 35% of deadly bike crashes involve alcohol or drugs, making accidents much more likely. Drivers and cyclists should stay clear of these substances and follow the NHTSA’s road rules to stay safe.
What Usually Leads to Getting Hurt in a Bike Accident?
In the last 10 years, bike riders have been in about 30% more road accidents. Even though bike riders may use roads like car drivers, problems with how drivers act and the setup of the streets are causing more bike crashes in California. This is becoming a bigger worry for keeping people safe on the road.
Sadly, bad injuries like brain damage often happen in bicycle crashes. Head injuries are some of the usual ones people get from bike accidents.
- Wrongful death
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck/back or spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis (paraplegia/quadriplegia)
- Broken bones/bone fractures
- Facial/dental/jaw injuries
- Lacerations
- Road rash.
When a bike rider gets hurt in a car crash, they often have to get help from a doctor. Paying for this help may become expensive fast, and it may be too much for someone if they need to keep getting care for a long time.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get from a Bike Accident in Los Angeles?
Bikes don't shield riders much, so when a bike and a car crash, the rider may get hurt, even severely, like with a damaged brain, spine, or broken bones. These injuries may cost a lot to fix. People hurt in bike crashes often can't work for a while, making money worries worse.
After a bike crash, individuals can file a claim to get compensation for these losses:
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Specific financial losses include past and future health care costs, missed income, reduced ability to earn money, changes needed for your home or car, and services you must pay for like child care or fixing your house and car.
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General non-financial losses cover bodily pain, suffering, harm to family relationships, and emotional upset.
If more than one person is to blame for the crash. It's essential to find out who they are by looking into it carefully before you make your insurance claim.
Who May Be Responsible for a Bike Accident Lawsuit?
Based on what happened in a bike crash, who is at fault may include different people. Some people who might be responsible are:
Motor Vehicle Drivers
Car, truck, or other vehicle operators may be responsible for a bike crash if careless behavior, like going too fast, ignoring a red light, or not giving way, leads to an accident.
Government Bodies
When a bicycle crash is caused by a road in bad shape or dangerous problems like a big hole or missing signs, the government group in charge of the road might have to answer for it.
Pedestrians
At times, pedestrians may play a role in causing bicycle crashes, like when they cross the street carelessly or step out in front of a bike rider. Who is at fault may depend on what the walker did.
Manufacturers
Should a faulty bike or part cause a crash, the maker or seller might be responsible due to product safety rules.
Employers
Should an employee have a bike accident while working, their employer could be responsible due to vicarious liability, mainly if it happens while doing their job.
Landowners
If a bike crash happens due to a dangerous spot on a person’s land, like a poorly kept path, the landowner may be responsible for being careless.
Steps to Take Following a Bike Accident
If a bike accident leaves you dazed or immobile, act according to your capacity to safeguard your well-being and legal rights. Here’s what you can do:
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Check Your Injuries: Treating even minor wounds is crucial to prevent serious health issues. Bikers should get medical help right away after a crash because only a professional check can reveal how bad the injuries are.
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Contact Emergency Services: If someone is injured, call 911 right away for help. Have the police write a report; it could be crucial for your situation.
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Document the Incident: Collect the driver's insurance details and any witnesses' information. Note all you recall, like when and where the mishap happened and the road status. Take pictures with your phone or camera of where the accident occurred.
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Be Mindful of Your Words: Avoid saying sorry or accepting blame for the bicycle accident. Tell the officers the facts briefly, and afterward, contact TraumaLaw to ensure the best outcome for your legal matter.
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Get a Lawyer: Reach out to an attorney quickly following your mishap to guarantee your rights stay safe and to get back all your losses. Should the insurance agency extend an offer, seek a lawyer's advice; they often don't propose settlements that fully cover your losses.
Time Limit for Filing a Claim After an Injury
Generally, you have a two-year window to make a legal claim if you’re hurt in an accident. However, various circumstances might give you more time to do so. Conversely, if your injury involves a government body or a public organization, you’re usually given six months to file your claim from the accident date.
To protect your interests, engaging a personal injury attorney is crucial. Insurance providers aim to minimize what they pay; you deserve a legal team that stands firm for your total compensation
How Can an Attorney Assist When I'm Hurt from a Bike Accident?
Suffering a bike crash can shake you up. If you get hurt from a bike accident, getting help from a good lawyer is helpful. A bicycle accident lawyer at TraumaLaw can be there for you.
Legal Advice
An attorney specializing in bicycle accidents can clearly outline your legal entitlements and choices. They will clarify the pertinent laws and rules, making the personal injury claims process clearer.
Exploring the Accident and Collecting Proof
Our attorneys meticulously explore the details of your bike crash to determine who is at fault. They collect essential proof like testimonies from people who saw it, reports of the collision, and videos from security or road cameras if they exist.
Figuring Out Who’s at Fault
Determining who is to blame for your harm is critical to a strong personal injury case. Our attorneys can look at the facts to figure out who is responsible.
Talking to Insurance Companies
Talking to insurance companies might need clarification and be more challenging. Your attorney can speak to the insurance company for you to get a reasonable agreement.
Bargaining and Agreement
Our attorneys are good at bargaining and will stand up for what you deserve. They’ll work hard to get a proper settlement, looking to get you the most for your injuries, medical costs, and other losses.
Support During Court
If you and the other party can’t agree, your lawyer will take your case to court. They’ll get everything ready and stand up for you, making sure your rights are looked after all through the court stuff.
Help from Doctors
Our lawyers work with doctors who know their stuff. These doctors can figure out how badly you’re hurt, talk about your health, and guess how much money you might need for future doctor visits.
Figuring Out What You're Owed
Your lawyer will help you determine what you should get paid back for. This includes your medical costs, the money you didn’t earn because you couldn’t work, the stuff of yours that got wrecked, and the tough times you’ve had because of your injuries.
Feeling at Ease
Having a lawyer in your corner to care for the court things means you can concentrate on getting better and feeling okay again.
Payment-Only-If-You-Win Plan
Our personal injury attorneys work with a pay-if-you-succeed structure (contingency fee), so they only earn a fee if you are awarded damages. This method makes sure that anyone can afford a lawyer when necessary.
Seek Immediate Assistance from TraumaLaw for Bicycle Accidents
Bike accidents may change lives, causing hurt, costly medical bills, and stress. If a bike crash in Los Angeles has affected you, standing up for your rights and going after the money you should get are critical.
Need help and money for what you’ve gone through? Contact TraumaLaw at 800-977-1111 or visit our website to fill out a free form and talk to our bike crash lawyers in Los Angeles for free.
Bike Accidents
Over 130,000 bicyclists are injured every year in crashes that occur on roads in the U.S. Bicycle accidents may be catastrophic and the majority of them involve motor vehicles. Many people don’t understand that bicyclists have just as much of a right to use public roads as they do, and this may cause serious injury or death.
We are here to secure a fair financial recovery and manage the legal battle, while you focus on improving. We’ll also assist in arranging your medical care to ensure you’re supported throughout your recovery.
Speeding
Speeding is a major contributing factor to road accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they reduce their ability to react quickly and safely. High speeds increase stopping distances and make collisions more severe, posing a significant risk to everyone on the road. Adhering to speed limits and adjusting speed according to traffic and weather conditions are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road today. When drivers divert their attention from the task of driving—whether by texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or attending to passengers—they significantly increase the risk of collisions. This lack of focus reduces their ability to react promptly to changes in traffic conditions, potentially causing severe accidents and injuries to themselves and others. Maintaining full attention while driving is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.
Worn Out Tires
Worn out tires on buses pose a serious risk on the road, compromising traction and stability. These preventable failures can lead to devastating accidents, endangering passengers and others nearby. Proper maintenance and timely replacements are crucial to prevent such incidents.
Brake Malfunctions
When brake systems fail on vehicles, such as buses or cars, the consequences can be devastating, especially in collisions involving bicycles. Brakes are crucial safety components that enable vehicles to stop safely and prevent accidents. Whether caused by negligence in maintenance or mechanical defects, brake malfunctions can lead to serious collisions, posing significant risks to cyclists and others sharing the road.
Sleep
Sleep deprivation among drivers is a serious issue that significantly increases the risk of accidents on the road. Fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and can lead to devastating collisions. The consequences of drowsy driving can be severe, affecting not only the driver but also passengers and others sharing the road.
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Erica Chavez
Her journey, fueled by a personal experience with loss, drives her to lead one of the top law firms committed to championing client rights with unwavering devotion.
Erica’s approach is intimate, investing an extraordinary amount of personal time with each client, setting her apart as a visionary attorney who touches lives beyond the Rising to the esteemed role of Chair for the Brain Injury Association of California, Erica indeed cements her status as a leader, founding the world’s largest brain injury conference, TBI Med Legal. Her influence extends through her mentorship to young lawyers at major industry events, empowering the next generation with her vast expertise in brain injury law. An esteemed alumna of Southwestern Law School – Los Angeles, Erica not only earned top academic awards but continues to inspire as a guest speaker. With her remarkable ability to communicate in fluent Spanish, Erica bridges cultures in her tireless quest for justice.
Most Trusted in Los Angeles
“Erica is very very compassionate and always returns phone calls. when you or someone you love are in an accident, sometimes, all you need is a returned phone call.”
“Erica was not even the attorney at the firm responsible for my case , but cared enough to call on my birthday to tell me happy birthday and she sent me a birthday card.”
“Attorney Erica Chavez, is a great listener, compassionate person, and very knowledgeable. Attorney Chavez is always aware what is happening in your case. When you call her, she is ready to answer your questions”
“ Where do I begin? Erica is absolutely wonderful! I just became her client and wow I’m impressed! #1 attorney with a heart! Thank you Erica for helping me you’re awesome. :)”
“Erica got me $250,000 on my case that 2 other lawyers told me I should only get $15,000 and she always returned my calls the same day, even on the weekend. When you get a lawyer...”
“Hi. My name is Len and I have injury in my head in my crash. Ms. Erica she fighting for me all the time and get me the things like good doctors I needed because I do not have insurance...”
“Erica got us more than 3 times what every lawyer said our case was worth. My son was in a crash broke 4 bones in his body and 2 bones in is back and his brain was bleeding in 2 spots.”
