Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents Attorneys

Dedicated Bicycle Accident Lawyers Representing Injured Cyclists in Los Angeles, California

Southern California is known for its mild climate, beautiful coastlines, and active lifestyles. With an increasing number of residents and tourists using bicycles to commute, exercise, or explore their communities, cycling has become a common part of daily life across the state. Unfortunately, alongside the benefits of biking comes an undeniable risk. Despite greater public awareness and efforts to make roads safer, bicycle accidents are a serious problem on California's congested streets.

When a motor vehicle collides with a cyclist, the outcome is almost always worse for the person on the bike. Without the protection offered by a vehicle's frame, airbags, or seat belts, bicyclists are vulnerable to devastating injuries. Even collisions at low speeds can result in permanent damage. If you have been injured in a bicycle crash, you may be facing expensive medical treatment, lost wages, and a long road to recovery.

At Zarabi Law, we are here to help. Our attorneys advocate for injured cyclists across California. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and, when necessary, file personal injury lawsuits to secure full and fair compensation for the harm you have suffered.

Bicycle Accidents In California

California consistently ranks among the top states for bicycle accidents, both in terms of overall numbers and severity of injuries. Part of the issue stems from California's dense and ever-growing traffic. While some cities have invested in dedicated bike lanes, many roads remain unsafe for cyclists. Even in areas with bicycle infrastructure, negligent or inattentive drivers pose a serious threat. Bicycles often go unnoticed until it is too late, and even a brief moment of driver distraction can result in catastrophe.

California law grants bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, yet drivers frequently fail to share the road appropriately. When a cyclist is hit, the consequences can be profound—and often preventable.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Many bicycle accidents are the direct result of driver negligence. Motorists have a duty to drive responsibly and remain aware of their surroundings. When they fail in that duty, it can lead to life-changing injuries for others. At Zarabi Law, we represent clients injured in accidents caused by:

• Improper Lane Changes: A driver who swerves or changes lanes without checking their blind spots may strike a bicyclist who is legally riding along the edge of the road or within a designated lane.
• Failure to Yield: Many bicycle accidents happen at intersections or crosswalks where drivers do not yield the right of way to cyclists.
• Running Stop Signs or Red Lights: Motorists who disregard traffic control devices often strike cyclists crossing legally through intersections.
• Opening Car Doors ("Dooring"): A common urban hazard, this occurs when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens a vehicle door directly in the path of a cyclist.
• Distracted Driving: Phone calls, text messages, GPS devices, eating, or other distractions can take a driver's focus away from the road long enough to cause a serious accident.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Drivers traveling at high speeds have less time to react, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries in the event of a crash.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment can affect a driver in many ways, including limiting their vision, prolonging their reaction times, and making it more difficult to maintain control of a vehicle. These issues can make it harder for a driver to avoid a collision with a cyclist.
• Inadequate Visibility: Poor lighting conditions or a failure to use headlights at night can lead to accidents, particularly when cyclists are not easily visible.

In addition to driver-related causes, road conditions and infrastructure also play a role. Potholes, debris, unclear lane markings, and lack of signage can all contribute to dangerous conditions for cyclists. In these cases, municipalities or contractors may bear some responsibility.

Serious Injuries Resulting from Bicycle Accidents

Because bicycles provide no external protection, even minor collisions can lead to significant physical harm. Riders are often thrown from their bicycles, hit the pavement or other vehicles, or become pinned under cars. The result is often a combination of traumatic injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer concussions or more severe brain injuries due to impact with the ground or a vehicle.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and nerve damage are common and may cause long-term pain and mobility issues.
• Fractured or Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are frequently broken during a fall or collision.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding can be harmful, and these issues could potentially put a person's life at risk.
• Facial Injuries: Lacerations, dental injuries, and facial fractures can result from being thrown from the bicycle.
• Severe Road Rash: When cyclists slide across the pavement, they can suffer painful abrasions that require skin grafts or lead to permanent scarring.

Recovering from a bicycle accident injury can involve weeks, months, or even years of treatment. Some injuries may never fully heal, affecting your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy the activities you once loved.

Contact Our Los Angeles, CA Bike Accident Lawyers

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, do not wait to get legal help. Time is of the essence when gathering evidence, identifying responsible parties, and filing a claim within California's statute of limitations. At Zarabi Law, we will provide a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Our firm handles all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact our Los Angeles bicycle accident injury attorneys at 213-786-4055 to schedule your free case review.