If you’re looking for a bicycle accident lawyer in California with years of experience and a track record for success, look no further than BD&J Injury Lawyers. While cycling is a great way to stay active and navigate the city, the streets of Los Angeles are full of hazards, with accidents occurring every day. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s good to know you have experienced lawyers on your side. We can help you secure justice and win the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Bike Accidents
Los Angeles has one of the highest number of cyclist fatalities out of all counties in California. From impaired drivers to poorly maintained roads, many circumstances can cause a bike accident — the majority of which are preventable. For example, a driver texting at the wheel may fail to spot a cyclist crossing at an intersection.
Here are some of the most common causes of bike accidents:
- Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield to cyclists
- Dooring incidents: Drivers opening car doors without checking for cyclists
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, or unsafe construction zones
- Violation of bike lane rules: Cars veering into designated bike lanes or obstructing them
Each accident is unique, involving different scenarios, injuries, and outcomes. What remains constant is the dedication of our team to investigate and address the root cause of your accident to build a strong case for your claim.
Types of Car and Bike Collisions
Accidents often happen during seemingly routine situations, such as when drivers fail to yield at a cross-section or misjudge a cyclist’s speed. Common collision types include:
- Side impacts at intersections due to ignored right-of-way rules
- Vehicles turning into a cyclist’s path (commonly referred to as “right hook” or “left turn” accidents)
- Rear-end collisions caused by distracted drivers
Understanding the dynamics of these collisions helps us determine fault and develop an effective legal strategy tailored to your case. We work closely with you to build a case that puts you front and center and aims to win you the highest compensation. Acting as quickly as possible following your accident helps put you in the best position to win the payout you deserve.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bike Accidents
Cyclists lack the protective barriers that drivers have, which often leads to severe injuries in crashes. Head trauma, spinal injuries, and fractures are common. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term effects. Beyond the physical toll, the psychological impact of a crash — such as anxiety about riding again — can profoundly affect a cyclist’s quality of life.
At BD&J, we aim to understand the full scope of your injuries, ensuring every aspect of your suffering is accounted for in your claim.
Determining Liability in Bicycle Accidents
One of the key challenges in a bicycle accident case is identifying who’s responsible. We collect evidence and facts to build the strongest case. Liability can lie with a negligent driver, but in some cases, it may extend to other parties. For example:
- A city or municipality might be at fault for failing to maintain safe road conditions.
- A bicycle manufacturer could bear responsibility for defective equipment.
Determining liability requires thorough investigation. Our attorneys work to uncover every contributing factor to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. We leave no stone unturned when collecting evidence and information and will keep you informed every step of the way.
How Negligence Is Proven
Proving negligence involves demonstrating that the responsible party failed to act reasonably, causing the accident. For example, if a driver runs a red light or fails to check their mirrors before opening a door into a bike lane, these actions breach their duty of care. Evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports, plays a pivotal role in establishing this breach and connecting it to your injuries.
Our expertise lies in gathering and presenting this evidence effectively to strengthen your claim. We call upon our years of experience and our large network of experts to build a robust case.
Compensation You Can Recover
Cyclists involved in accidents may face a long road to recovery — physically, emotionally, and financially. Compensation typically covers:
- Medical expenses, immediate and long term
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
- Replacement costs for damaged bikes or other property
Our team ensures every aspect of your losses is carefully evaluated and included in your claim to help you move forward without undue financial strain. Whether you have experienced a loss of earnings or are worried about medical bills, we help to ease this stress and give you peace of mind.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
The steps you take immediately after a bike accident can significantly affect your ability to seek compensation. First and foremost, seek medical attention, even if injuries aren’t immediately obvious. Injuries such as whiplash may not be apparent until a few days later, so it’s best to document everything in your medical records right away.
It’s also important to report the accident to the police to create an official record. Additionally, documenting the scene — taking photographs of your bike, the vehicle involved and the road conditions — can provide invaluable evidence for your case.
Most importantly, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the complexities of the legal process.
How BD&J Can Help
Bicycle accident cases are often more complex than they appear. We take pride in handling every aspect of your claim, from investigating the accident and collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court.
Our compassionate, results-driven approach has helped countless clients in Los Angeles and all over California secure the compensation they deserve. When you need a bike accident injury attorney to handle your case, there’s only one name to consider.
