Riding a bicycle is a great way to stay physically active while getting around Los Angeles. Many residents of the city prefer cycling as a cost-efficient, eco-friendly, and convenient way to get to your destination without traffic jams.
If you live in California, you know that the Golden State is one of the best states for bicyclists, largely thanks to its year-round warm weather and developed cycling infrastructure. Despite the fact that California is a bike-friendly state, bicycle accidents are not an uncommon occurrence in Los Angeles and other parts of the state.
In fact, bicycle accident deaths are on the rise in California. From 2016 through 2018, more bicyclists died in accidents across the Golden State than during any three-year period in the past 25 years (455 deaths).
When a bicycle accident occurs, the bicyclist is likely to suffer serious injuries because they do not have the benefit of a large metal cage to protect them. If you have sustained injuries in a bicycle collision in Los Angeles, speak with an attorney to determine how you can seek compensation for your damages and losses.
Contact our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer at Titan Law Firm to discuss your specific situation.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
California Vehicle Code § 21200 provides that bicyclists riding on public roads and highways have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists. The vast majority of all bicycle accidents could be prevented if all drivers and cyclists followed all traffic laws and remained vigilant at all times.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in California include:
| Speeding | Failure to yield the right of way |
| Disregarding traffic signals and road signs | Road rage |
| Dooring accidents | Distracted driving |
| Drunk driving | Poor road conditions |
| Adverse weather conditions | Unsafe lane changes |
| Turning without looking | Lingering in blind spots |
Even when a bicyclist takes all the safety precautions such as wearing reflective clothing to stay visible and follows all safety rules, they may be hit by other drivers who are not paying attention to the road or are otherwise negligent when operating their vehicles. As a result, a bicycle accident can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
The sheer difference between the size and weight of a motor vehicle and a bicycle makes any collision with a bicyclist a life-threatening experience. In addition, bicycle riders are far more exposed to the impact than car drivers.
For this reason, the following injuries are common in bicycle accidents:
| Broken bones | Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) |
| Spinal cord injuries | Fractures |
| Road rash | Back and neck injuries |
| Lacerations | Scarring |
| Disfigurement | Paralysis |
| Internal bleeding |
It is not uncommon for bicyclists to suffer permanent and life-altering injuries after being hit by motor vehicles. Many cyclists are left disabled for the rest of their life.
Can You Recover Damages if You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet?
A common question that our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer at Titan Law Firm hears from injured bicyclists is, “Can I seek compensation for my injury if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash?”Under California law, wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle is not mandatory. The only exception exists for bicyclists under the age of 18 (California Vehicle Code § 21212). While helmet use is not mandatory for adult bicyclists in California, wearing a helmet can make a huge difference in the prevention of serious injuries.If you sustained a head or brain injury in a bicycle accident, the insurance company might argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your injury. If the insurer can prove that helmet use could have prevented or reduced the severity of your head or brain injury, your monetary compensation may be reduced according to your percentage of fault.Since California is a pure comparative negligence state, an injured party’s negligence can affect their recoverable damages. For example, if you did not wear a helmet at the time of your accident and were deemed 20% responsible for your traumatic brain injury, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
How to Prove Negligence in a Bicycle Accident in Beverly Hills?
Like with any other negligence-based personal injury claim, a person injured in a bicycle accident must establish the following three elements of negligence to be entitled to compensation:
- The other party (e.g., a car driver) owed you a duty of care;
- The duty was breached because of the driver’s negligence; and
- You suffered injuries and damages due to the driver’s negligent conduct.
Your attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence in your California bicycle accident.
What Types of Evidence Do You Need After a Bicycle Accident?
A skilled attorney will investigate the scene of your bicycle crash and gather all the available pieces of evidence that may be necessary to prove the other party’s fault. Common types of evidence that may be used in a bicycle accident case to prove negligence include:
- Photos at the accident scene, including pictures of vehicle and bike damage, skid marks, road conditions, and others
- Surveillance footage from video cameras
- The police report
- Witness testimony
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
There may be other types of evidence depending on the circumstances of your bicycle accident. Evidence can be destroyed or tampered with following a crash. That is why it is critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
What Compensation Can You Seek After a Bicycle Accident?
Our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers at Titan Law Firm are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. The types of damages that are available to injured victims of bicycle accidents vary from one case to another. Recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages (if the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious)
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Beverly Hills Bicycle Accident Attorney
At Titan Law Firm, our results-driven bicycle accident lawyers assist injured cyclists in Los Angeles and throughout California. We provide each client with unmatched legal representation and the personalized attention they deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation with our attorneys by calling 888.848.2656.
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