Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Biking is a great way to get around Los Angeles since riders have an alternative option to driving in traffic. Unfortunately, despite following bicycle safety laws, bicyclists can still get seriously hurt in an accident. Without much protection besides a helmet, bicyclists can suffer from serious or life-threatening injuries. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you will need an experienced bicycle attorney by your side. The Los Angeles bicycle attorneys at Mesriani Law Group have helped many clients obtain maximum compensation for their injuries. We have successfully obtained millions in damages for our clients and will represent you in court as necessary. We’re confident that we will win your case and accept clients on a contingency basis. That means that if we don’t win your bicycle accident case, you don’t pay us anything. Contact our law firm today and speak with a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer about your legal options.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, taking immediate and deliberate steps is essential to protect your health and your legal rights. To preserve your ability to pursue compensation, we recommend the following:

1. Report the Incident: Call the police to ensure an official accident report is filed. Be sure to obtain the report number for your records.

2. Exchange Information: Collect the names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers of all parties involved. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information as well.

3. Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident site, your bicycle, any vehicle involved, and your visible injuries.

4. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor or emergency room immediately. Many injuries, such as internal trauma or concussions, may not show symptoms until days or weeks later.

5. Consult Legal Counsel: Before speaking with insurance adjusters, contact an experienced bicycle attorney from Mesriani Law Group to discuss your claim.

Common Causes and Liability

Bicycle accidents are frequently caused by motorist negligence, but they can also result from hazardous infrastructure. Common factors include:

• Motorist Errors: Speeding, distracted driving (texting), driving under the influence, and “dooring” (opening a car door into the path of a cyclist).

• Infrastructure Hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or debris on the roadway.

• Product Defects: Failure of critical bicycle components or safety gear like helmets.

Proving Negligence

To win a claim, you must prove that the responsible party—whether a driver, a municipality, or a manufacturer—acted negligently. In California, this involves showing a failure to exercise a “duty of care.” Our firm has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the correct party is held liable.

Bicycle Safety and State Laws

California’s Vehicle Code outlines specific rights and responsibilities for cyclists. Staying updated on these laws is crucial for both safety and legal standing:

• Equipment Standards: Bicycles must have functional brakes and be equipped with lamps and reflectors if operated in the dark.

• The “Three Feet for Safety Act”: Motorists are legally required to provide a minimum of three feet of space when overtaking or passing a cyclist.

• Lane Usage: Cyclists are generally required to use dedicated bike lanes where available and must ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic.

• Impaired Riding: It is illegal to operate a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Compensation for Your Injuries

Bicycle accidents often lead to severe, long-lasting injuries, including spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and significant “road rash.” Victims may be entitled to:

• Economic Damages: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and lost wages/earning capacity.

• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

In California, the time limit for bringing a legal action is strict. Missing a deadline can permanently bar you from seeking recovery:

• Claims Against Private Parties: Generally two years from the date of the accident.

• Claims Against Government Agencies: Typically only six months from the date of the accident.

• Exceptions exist for minors or injuries discovered at a later date.

Contact Mesriani Law Group Today

At Mesriani Law Group, we have recovered millions of dollars for injured cyclists throughout California. We are dedicated to handling the complexities of your legal claim so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.

Call us today at (866) 500-7070 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.