Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the busiest traffic cities in the country, and cyclists often find themselves navigating congested roads alongside impatient drivers. While every accident is unique, some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Right-Turn Collisions: Motorists making right turns often fail to check for cyclists riding alongside them, causing devastating crashes.
• Left Cross Accidents: When a driver turns left across an intersection without noticing a cyclist traveling straight through, the results can be catastrophic.
• Stop Sign Violations: Many drivers run stop signs or roll through intersections without yielding to cyclists who have the right of way.
• Dooring Accidents: Under California law, drivers must check for cyclists before opening a car door. Unfortunately, many fail to do so, causing cyclists to crash into suddenly opened doors.
• Rear-End Collisions: Even at low speeds, a rear-end collision can throw a cyclist off their bike, leading to severe injuries.

No matter the cause, if a driver’s negligence led to your injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable through a personal injury claim.

Serious Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists have little protection when struck by a motor vehicle, making them vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries we see in Los Angeles bicycle accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe road rash and lacerations
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long recovery times, and in some cases, lifelong care. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we fight for full and fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

The steps you take after a bicycle accident can make a significant difference in protecting your health and your legal rights. If you are able, try to:

1. Call 911 and request medical attention and a police report.
2. Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
3. Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and property damage.
4. Collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
5. Seek medical treatment immediately—even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t appear right away.
6. Avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements to insurance companies before speaking to a lawyer.
7. Contact a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Proving Liability in Bicycle Accident Cases

Establishing the at-fault party is vital to a successful recovery. Cyclists must follow traffic laws—but most often, fault lies with inattentive or reckless motorists. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly, using:

• Scene and damage photographs
• Surveillance or dashcam footage, when available
• Eyewitness statements
• Police and collision reports
• Certified accident reconstruction
• Medical records that detail the extent and cause of your injuries

We prepare every case as if it is going to court, ensuring you are in the strongest position to negotiate for full compensation.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

If you were injured in a Los Angeles bicycle accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future care)
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage (bike repairs or replacement)

In some cases, courts may also award punitive damages if the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially reckless, such as in DUI accidents.

Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman?

When it comes to bicycle accident cases, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we stand out because:

• Nearly 30 years of experience representing injury victims.
• Proven results, with over $2 billion recovered.
• Trial-tested lawyers who prepare every case for court.
• No fees unless we win—you only pay when we secure compensation for you.
• Compassionate representation, with attorneys who understand the physical and emotional toll of bicycle accidents.

Our Los Angeles attorneys don’t back down from tough cases. We fight aggressively against insurance companies that try to minimize payouts, and we are prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to achieve justice.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we believe cyclists deserve safe streets and justice when careless drivers cause harm. With nearly 30 years of experience and a proven record of success, our Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for you.