Commuter Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycling has become a popular mode of transportation in Los Angeles, with the city embracing a bike-friendly environment. As more individuals choose cycling as a means to commute, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks that come with sharing the road with distracted motorists. 

Every day, countless cyclists navigate the bustling streets of downtown Los Angeles, Cambridge, and the surrounding areas, often mere inches away from vehicles. Unfortunately, commuter bicycle accidents occur all too frequently, resulting in severe injuries or even tragic fatalities.

If you find yourself a victim of a bicycle accident and require legal guidance on pursuing a claim, the dedicated Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers at the Pacific Attorney Group are ready to assist you. 

Common Causes of Commuter Bicycle Accidents

Commuter bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors. Here are some common causes of such accidents:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of commuter bicycle accidents is drivers being distracted behind the wheel. This includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies, which divert their attention from the road and increase the risk of colliding with cyclists.
• Dooring Accidents: “Dooring” occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for approaching cyclists. This sudden obstacle in the cyclist’s path can lead to serious crashes and injuries.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who change lanes without properly checking their blind spots or signaling can collide with cyclists who may be riding in adjacent lanes or passing on the left.
• Right Hook Accidents: These accidents happen when a driver makes a right turn without noticing a cyclist going in the same direction. The driver may misjudge the speed or proximity of the cyclist, resulting in a collision.
• Left Turn Accidents: When a driver makes a left turn without yielding to an oncoming cyclist or misjudges the cyclist’s speed, collisions can occur. These accidents often happen at intersections and can result in severe injuries.
• Speeding: Drivers exceeding the speed limit or traveling at excessive speeds in congested areas pose a significant risk to cyclists. High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.
• Impaired Driving: Drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications put themselves and others at risk. Impaired judgment, decreased coordination, and slower reaction times can lead to serious accidents involving cyclists.
• Poor Road Conditions: Infrastructure issues such as potholes, uneven surfaces, inadequate signage, or lack of designated cycling lanes can contribute to bicycle accidents. These conditions may make it difficult for cyclists to maneuver safely, leading to collisions with vehicles or other hazards.
• Door Zone Bike Lanes: Bike lanes located within the “door zone” of parked cars can be hazardous. If a parked vehicle’s door unexpectedly opens, it can strike a passing cyclist, causing an accident.

Proving Negligence in a Commuter Bicycle Accident Case

Proving negligence in a commuter bicycle accident case requires demonstrating that the responsible party breached their duty of care towards the cyclist, resulting in the accident and the cyclist’s injuries. Here are key elements involved in proving negligence:

• Duty of Care: The first step is establishing that the responsible party owed a duty of care to the cyclist. In the context of commuter bicycle accidents, this duty typically applies to all motorists sharing the road with cyclists. It means they are obligated to operate their vehicles in a reasonable and safe manner, considering the presence of cyclists.
• Breach of Duty: It must be shown that the responsible party breached their duty of care. This can be established by demonstrating that they failed to exercise reasonable caution or violated traffic laws. For example, if a driver was distracted, speeding, or failed to yield to a cyclist’s right-of-way, it could be considered a breach of duty.
• Causation: It is necessary to establish a causal connection between the responsible party’s breach of duty and the cyclist’s injuries. This requires demonstrating that the accident and resulting injuries would not have occurred if the responsible party had not acted negligently.
• Damages: To succeed in a negligence claim, the cyclist must have suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. These damages can include physical injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related losses.

Damages Recoverable in a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

In a bicycle accident lawsuit, various types of damages may be recoverable, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some common types of damages that can be pursued:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other related medical expenses. It covers both the current and anticipated future medical expenses resulting from the accident.
• Lost Wages: If the injured cyclist is unable to work due to their injuries, they may get compensation for the income they have lost. If the injuries have long-term effects that impact their ability to work in the future, they may seek compensation for the loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Bicycle accidents often result in physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide financial redress for the physical and emotional anguish endured by the injured cyclist.
• Property Damage: If the bicycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, the cyclist may seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
• Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices: In cases where the cyclist requires ongoing rehabilitation therapy or the use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics, the cost of these necessary aids can be included in the damages.
• Disfigurement and Disability: If the bicycle accident causes permanent disfigurement or disability, the injured cyclist may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional impact of these conditions.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries sustained in the bicycle accident prevent the cyclist from participating in activities or hobbies they previously enjoyed, they may be able to seek damages for the loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a bicycle accident results in the death of the cyclist, the surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages in such cases may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma.

Discuss Your Commuter Bicycle Accident with a Los Angeles Attorney

If you have been involved in a commuter bicycle accident in Los Angeles, it is crucial to discuss your case with a skilled attorney from Pacific Attorney Group who specializes in personal injury law. 

• Legal Expertise: A Los Angeles attorney experienced in personal injury law will have a deep understanding of the local legal system, including relevant laws, regulations, and court procedures. They can assess the specifics of your case and provide you with accurate advice on your rights and legal options.
• Case Evaluation: During your consultation, an attorney will carefully review the details of your commuter bicycle accident, including the circumstances, evidence, witness statements, and medical records. They will evaluate the strength of your case, identify potential legal issues, and provide an honest assessment of the merits of your claim.
• Liability Determination: Establishing liability is crucial in personal injury cases. An attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who may be held responsible for your injuries. This identification of liable parties is essential for pursuing a claim or lawsuit effectively.
• Insurance Negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and overwhelming. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or offer a settlement that does not fully compensate you for your injuries and damages. An attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, advocating for your rights and seeking a fair settlement.
• Evidence Collection: Building a strong case requires comprehensive evidence. An attorney will have the resources and knowledge to gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions. They will also work to preserve any necessary evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
• Legal Proceedings: If you can’t reach a fair settlement through out-of-the-court negotiations, our attorney will guide you through the legal procedings. They will handle all legal procedures, paperwork, and court filings, ensuring that deadlines are met and your interests are protected. If your case goes to trial, they will provide skilled representation and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
• Maximizing Compensation: A Los Angeles attorney will work tirelessly to help you obtain the maximum compensation available for your commuter bicycle accident. They will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other applicable damages. They will fight for your rights and seek fair and just compensation on your behalf.

Book a consultation with our experienced attorneys at the Pacific Attorney Group to reap all the benefits of commuter bicycle accident compensation.