Bicycle Accidents

BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE COUNTY

California leads the nation in bicycle accidents. It is no surprise our busy streets coupled with our year-round temperate climate create dangerous conditions for cyclists. In recent years, cyclist deaths have soared in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Too often, this is a result of motorists who do not understand that public roads, based on the conditions, must be shared with cyclists. To remind motorists, some beach cities including Corona Del Mar and Newport Beach have painted Sharrows on the roads to remind the general population that cyclists, as granted by law, are permitted to share the road with motorists.

As the rate of cyclist injuries rise, so too does the medical costs for injuries sustained by cyclists. Cyclists are not protected against the enormous forces generated by motor vehicles in a collision and suffer from severe injuries and sometimes even death. In addition to common contusions, lesions and scrapes, some of the injuries suffered by cyclists include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury – Often caused by heavy forces to the head or body that leads to brain dysfunction. According to the Mayo Clinic, even mild traumatic brain injuries can causes temporary dysfunction of brain cells.
• Nerve Damage – Damage could occur to nerves in your brain and spinal cord and also to peripheral nerves throughout your body.
• Fractured Clavicle – A common fracture in cyclist accidents known as a broken collarbone. A fractured clavicle is often the result of a cyclist landing on the pavement, shoulder-first, at a high rate of speed with extreme force.
• Amputation – Typically caused by accidents with motor vehicles, cyclists suffer from amputations due to the severe force of impact absorbed by their bodies.
• Dental Injuries – As the impact with the pavement is made, dental injuries including chipped teeth and broken jaws can result.

Serious injuries require extensive medical treatment and it’s in your best interest to retain an experienced bicycle accident attorney to represent you against large and powerful insurance companies. At Sky Law Group APC, our bicycle accident attorneys work to protect your legal rights while pursuing fair compensation for pain and suffering in your case, recovering lost wages and negotiating medical liens and bills on your behalf.

If a friend or family member has been killed in a cyclist accident, Sky Law Group APC will represent the estate with a wrongful death claim.

CONTACT OUR LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE COUNTY BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS TODAY

If you or a loved one has suffered from a bicycle injury or want to pursue a wrongful death claim, you need experienced representation against the negligent party. Time is of the essence to protect the value of your claim. Sky Law Group specializes in catastrophic injuries suffered by cyclists on open roads. We have helped families recover millions of dollars and we will fight tirelessly to obtain maximum results in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Orange County

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Orange County?

After a bicycle accident, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos, get the driver’s insurance and contact information, and gather witness details. Do not admit fault or give recorded statements to insurance companies. Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during my bicycle accident?

Yes, California does not require adult cyclists (18 and older) to wear helmets. Even if you were not wearing a helmet, you can still pursue a claim against the negligent driver. However, the defense may argue comparative negligence to reduce your compensation if head injuries were involved. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments effectively.

How much is my Orange County bicycle accident case worth?

The value of a bicycle accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on your quality of life. Bicycle accident injuries are often severe due to the lack of protection, so settlements can be significant. Sky Law Group evaluates each case individually during a free consultation.

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?

Under California’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved (such as a dangerous road condition maintained by the city or county), you must file an administrative claim within six months. Contact a lawyer promptly to ensure you do not miss critical deadlines.

What if the driver who hit me on my bicycle fled the scene?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common. You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or by working with law enforcement to identify the driver. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can investigate the crash, review traffic cameras, and locate witnesses to help identify the responsible party.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.

Hurt While Riding a Bike in Orange County?

Orange County has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, and many riders share roads with fast traffic. When a driver causes a crash, riders often face serious injuries and an insurer that tries to blame the cyclist. We help injured riders understand their rights and build a claim.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

• Drivers turning right or left across a bike lane (the “right hook” and “left cross”).
• Dooring by a parked car.
• Drivers passing too closely. California’s Three Feet for Safety Act (Vehicle Code 21760) requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet when passing.
• Distracted or impaired driving.
• Dangerous road conditions such as potholes, debris or poorly marked lanes, which may involve a city or county.
• E-bike and scooter crashes, which raise their own insurance and liability questions.

California Rules That Matter

Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers under Vehicle Code 21200. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet (Vehicle Code 21212). Not wearing one can be raised by an insurer, but fault is shared under California’s comparative negligence rule, so you may still recover. Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years (CCP 335.1), and claims against a public entity can require notice within six months.

Damages

A claim may include medical expenses, lost wages, bicycle and gear replacement, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages for eligible family members. Outcomes depend on the facts, and no result is guaranteed.

After a Bicycle Accident

1. Get medical care and call the police so there is a report.
2. Photograph the scene, the damage and your injuries. Do not repair or discard the bike or helmet.
3. Collect witness and driver information.
4. Avoid recorded statements to insurers.
5. Call (844) 475-9529 for a free consultation.

Bicycle Accident FAQ

What if the driver left the scene?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may help, and we can work with police and nearby video to identify the driver.

Do I need to have been in a bike lane?

No. Cyclists may use the road. Position matters to fault but does not erase a driver’s duty of care.

What does it cost to hire us?

Our personal injury cases are on contingency: no attorney fee unless we recover for you.

Related Guides

Car accidents · Motorcycle accidents · Dog bites · Wrongful death

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Hablamos Español.