Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Take action NOW to protect your rights!
We Handle Your Bicycle Accident Claim so You Can Focus on Your Life!
“Made me feel like the future is bright!” – Anna S.
Whether you ride because it’s affordable, better for the environment, or just a lot of fun, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in Los Angeles just like you bike to work, to the store, to the park, or just around the neighborhood every day. And the Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help protect LA area cyclists with experienced legal representation and hassle-free claims resolution.
If you’ve been seriously injured by a distracted or negligent driver we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve so you can get your life back on two wheels fast.
Make Sure You Find the Best Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer!
The experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers know that proving your case to an insurance company, judge or jury can be difficult and we’re here to help. If you’ve suffered major injuries that required ER visits, ambulance transportation, hospitalization and/or surgery we may be able to get the financial compensation you deserve.
In fact, if we take on your case, you’ll enjoy our hassle-free claims resolution process. We do all the work, deal with all the parties (including police departments, medical providers and insurance companies), and file all the paperwork. All you have to do is concentrate on recovering from your bike accident and getting back to your work, your family and your life.
If you’ve been in a serious bicycle accident and have suffered:
- BROKEN BONES
- INJURIES REQUIRING SURGERY
- OVERNIGHT HOSPITALIZATION
- TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
- WRONGFUL DEATH
Then speaking with a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers – or completing our FREE online case evaluation – is the first step on the road to recovery.
LA has a Disproportionate Amount of Bicycle Accidents
Biking in LA isn’t for the faint of heart. Every year there are roughly 2,000 bicycle accidents in Los Angeles (with another 3,000 in LA County) accounting for nearly 6% of all traffic accidents. That’s shocking considering the 2014 census reports that only 1% of daily commuting in LA was by bike.
But a few of the city’s “danger zones” may be responsible for skewing those numbers so dramatically. The truth is that a vast majority of bicycle accidents in Los Angeles happen on just a handful of streets. MIT’s Media Lab created an interactive map using crash data to pinpoint these “danger zones” (stretches of roadway on which cyclists are statistically at much greater risk).
The Most Dangerous Streets in Los Angeles for Bicyclists
Not surprisingly three of the most dangerous streets are also three of the city’s busiest and most “touristy:”
- Olympic Boulevard
- Venice Boulevard
- Sunset Boulevard
Combined traffic data from these streets shows a dangerous blend of high density auto traffic flow, increased pedestrian activity, and higher levels of “distraction.” This creates a sort of perfect storm for bicycle accidents in Los Angeles, resulting in a much higher percentage of crashes, injuries and deaths than in other California cities.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles?
Nationwide statistics show that in bike crashes involving automobiles the driver is at fault in the vast majority of cases. However, in LA the story is different. In fact, motorists involved in bicycle accidents in Los Angeles are only at fault roughly 1/3 of the time. However, it’s important to note that 42% of drivers found to be at fault for bicycle crashes are deemed to have been careless or inattentive at the time.
Sadly, unsafe cyclists (many of which are caught riding on the wrong side of the street) cause the majority of these crashes. This is bad news if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, because it may make proving your case more difficult. With this skewed percentage, the cards are stacked against cyclists. This bias is bad in all of California, but even worse when dealing with the LAPD, ambulance personnel and even medical professionals.
If you were in an accident caused by another individual in California, they or their insurance carrier could be financial liable for your injuries. And that’s where Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers comes in.
Why You Need a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Hiring an attorney after a bike accident is the best (and perhaps only) way to get the fair compensation you deserve from the person or company that caused you physical injuries, pain, suffering and financial damages. If the motorist caused part or all of the accident, you have a legal right to hold them responsible for their share of the fault by bringing a bicycle accident claim.
You may not think you need a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer after a crash. Maybe you opened an insurance claim on your own. And, the at fault party (or their insurance company) offered to pay out for your medical expenses. Your injuries may be healing well. It’s tempting to just move on and leave the pain and fear in the past.
But without a lawyer on your side, you may be doing yourself more harm than good! You should at least consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents in the greater LA area.
Insurance adjusters often will quickly offer lowball amounts in order to get injured parties to “take the bait.” You can’t tell now how your injuries may affect you in the future—chronic pain can be debilitating. Can you really afford to “get on with your life” with unresolved medical payments and days, weeks, or months of income missing from your paycheck?
Don’t settle for what other people tell you you’re owed. Get the compensation you deserve with the backing of an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer.But hiring a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney can be confusing (and maybe even a little scary).
Do you really need a lawyer? What can a bicycle accident lawyer do that I can’t do myself? If I hire a lawyer, won’t that mean my case will go to court? All of these questions and more keep seriously injured cyclists from seeking the legal help they so badly need.
But, as an experienced bicycle injury law firm in the greater LA area with over 20 years of helping innocent California cyclists like you, we can assure you that your recovery process and getting the financial settlement you deserve will go much smoother with a qualified bike accident lawyer on your side.
Daniel H.
“I was hit by a car while on my bike and they helped me put my life back together.”
Not ready to make a decision about your Los Angeles bicycle accident representation yet?
If you still need to do more research about hiring the best bike accident lawyer for you, there are some things you should do to help your legal case in the meantime. We’ve created a list of 10 steps you can take NOW – while you decide on a lawyer – to avoid ruining your chances to have a rock-solid bicycle accident case.
You’ve been in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles. It’s traumatic. It’s painful. It’s scary. All you want is for things to go back to how they were a few minutes ago before your crash. Sadly, that’s not going to happen. However, there is action you can take now to help your situation.
Remember, what you do immediately after your bicycle accident will have a direct impact on your physical recovery, not to mention the value of any bicycle accident claim or case you bring in California.
Here is our list of things you should do (or should have done) at the scene of your bicycle accident.
#1. Call 911
This is pretty obvious, but if you don’t call 911, your bike accident won’t be treated the same by LAPD investigators and first responders. If you call 911, they will be on the scene within minutes and will take the matter more seriously than if you report it after the fact. That’s vital when you’re injured because these professionals can:
- Stabilize your health;
- Prevent injuries from getting worse; and
- Transport you to the hospital and/or recommend necessary medical care
Plus, if you’ve been hit on your bike by a car in LA, police reports are a crucial piece of evidence against an at fault driver. We already discussed the bias against LA cyclists. Calling 911 will help you be able to tell your side of the story to tip the scales in your favor.
#2. Seek Medical Attention
Don’t be a hero after your bicycle accident. Get into that ambulance or go to the hospital. If you’ve already left the scene but feel worse than you should, get to the ER immediately! This is crucial to your health and well-being. It will also help solidify any personal injury claim you may bring as a result of the accident.
Don’t think about the cost of treatment when your health is in danger. ER visits, doctor exams, and diagnostic testing are all expenses that an at-fault driver’s auto insurance will cover should to make a successful bicycle accident claim against them.
#3. Collect Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
If you’re able when you are still at the scene of the accident:
- Snap photos (use your cellphone if handy) of the accident scene
- Photograph the car that hit you (including license plate and any damage to the vehicle)
- Get the driver’s name and contact info (snap a pic of their car registration and insurance if possible.)
- Ask for the driver’s insurance information (take a picture!)
- Record the name and badge number of the responding LAPD officer. This will help you get the police report later
Having this evidence makes getting an adequate insurance settlement much easier. It can even be crucial for a successful personal injury lawsuit, should your case need to go to court. You can’t always rely on the police to get all the information you and your Los Angeles bike accident attorney may need for your case.
#4. Open an Insurance Claim
In California, you need to contact the at fault driver’s auto insurance company and open a claim. They’ll want you to explain the accident in your own words, but anything you say will be used against you. Get advice from an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer before giving the insurance company anything more than your name and contact info. Make sure you do NOT give them your Social Security Number, or they’ll just add you to (or look you up on) their insurance database and make your case more difficult.
#5. STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT YOUR BICYCLE ACCIDENT!
Sure. A serious bicycle accident is an important event in your life. You want your friends’ and family’s support, but you should NOT post about your bike accident on social media! It will do nothing but damage your case.
In an age when everything that happens to us goes online immediately, it’s hard not to post, tweet, or snap about your accident. People often do it right from the scene of their accident! But when you do so, you’re giving the other side ammunition. At fault parties, their insurance companies, and their lawyers will troll your social media looking for anything that paints you in a negative light or could possibly share the blame. Do NOT post anything about your accident or injuries on social media until you consult with a qualified bike accident lawyer first.
Didn’t Do Any of Those Things?
Maybe you’re lying in a bed at the ER or resting on your couch at home reading this thinking: “Oh man, I didn’t do any of that!” You’re not out of luck yet. However, building your case will be much more difficult. And, depending on the amount of time that has passed since your bike accident, getting the full amount you’re entitled to may be impossible. (Insurance claims and payouts decrease dramatically over time.)
#6. Hold Onto Your Bike
Don’t scrap, sell, or repair your bike until your case has been settled. Your ride can provide forensic evidence and make an impactful visual statement. Plus, the expense of repairing/replacing it can be covered in your accident claim. If you absolutely need your bike back, hold onto any receipts associated with its repair.
#7. Take Photos of Your Injuries Right Away and as They Heal
Documenting your injuries with vivid photographs as soon as possible and also during the recovery process is key. This evidence helps insurance adjusters (and judges or juries) understand just how severe your injuries were. That goes a long way toward proving your need for compensation and calculating the real cost of your injuries.
#8. Keep Accurate Records
Tracking all of your expenses during your recovery from your Los Angeles bicycle accident is essential for securing adequate compensation. So save all your receipts. You may even want to go one step further and create a spreadsheet of all your expenses in order to have an itemized list readily available should it become necessary. This won’t only help you maximize your bike accident case value, but it will be super helpful to your lawyer should you hire one. You will want to keep records of:
- All co-pays and co-insurance you paid related to your injuries
- Lost wages from extended periods away from work
- Prescription and medical costs
- Household chores you once did that had to be taken over by family members or paid personnel
#9. Never Let Insurance Adjusters Record Your Conversations
These companies will use every trick in the book to get you to admit fault, share the blame, and minimize your own potential payout. You need to protect yourself from these predatory practices.
- Don’t speak with any insurance adjusters before talking to a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney.
- Don’t let any conversations be recorded.
- Don’t admit blame or even say you’re sorry.
- Don’t downplay your injuries by saying things like “I’m doing fine.” (They will do this enough without your help.)
#10. Contact a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney
You’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle crash in the LA area and hiring a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney to represent you is the furthest thing from your mind. But, as the recovery process drags on, you’ll see why it’s a good idea to have someone on your side.
- Insurance companies are maddening. They either don’t return your calls, or they won’t stop calling you.
- The paperwork is overwhelming! (If you get an LA bike accident lawyer, you can just forward everything to them.)
- What happens if the driver doesn’t have insurance? (Your uninsured motorist insurance may pay your expenses.)
- Does your case need to go to court? (Having a bike crash lawyer evaluate your case will give the answer to this question.)
- Do you have to accept the insurance carrier’s offer? (Don’t make any decision until you know what your injuries are really worth.
But most importantly, a good LA bike injury lawyer can help you answer all those questions and decide what the right next step is for you.
Need the Best Los Angeles Bike Accident Lawyer?
The difficulty of handling your own insurance claim can quickly become disheartening. But don’t be taken advantage of in your weakened or incapacitated state. The Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers have been helping innocent victims of bike accidents in LA and all across California for over twenty years. They’ve settled large insurance claims without having to go to court and have successfully litigated bicycle accident cases in California for over two decades.
Get a FREE online case evaluation now to find out if we’re the right match for you, or give Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers: Los Angeles a call at (323) 283-8211.
If at any time within the first 30 days of signing with Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers you are not 100% satisfied with the quality and care of service you receive from our attorneys, we will cancel your contract at no cost so that you can seek different representation. No questions asked.
We’re the Difference You Deserve
How do you know who to pick when it’s time to find the right Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer for you?
The bike accident team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers isn’t like any other group of bicycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles. Sally has hand-picked her team of honest, enthusiastic, and dedicated legal experts she knows will represent their clients to the fullest.
Kyle B.
“Personal injury lawyers conjure up images of tacky billboards of a guy with greasy hair and an 800 number. Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers couldn’t be any more different and is a breath of fresh air for an experience with any type of attorney.”
Full Service Legal Representation
The LA bike accident lawyers at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers go out of their way to get you the compensation you deserve by:
- Pushing back against devious insurance adjusters who try to trick you.
- Negotiating reductions on your medical bills (letting you keep more of the money you’re awarded).
- Dealing directly with all parties involved to get your settlement faster.
- Obtaining a solid and fair settlement for you.
Careful Client Selection
How can we invest so much time and effort to do all this in each individual bicycle accident case?
We are very selective. We don’t accept every case presented to us. We chose to only work with honest individuals—hard-working folks—suffering from major injuries. These aren’t folks looking for a quick insurance “paycheck.” These are people just like you who deserve financial compensation but don’t know where to turn after their bike accident.
These victims need a reliable ally who can help them cover financial expenses related to their LA bicycle accident so they can concentrate on more important things like getting back to work, keeping their family fed, and putting their injuries in the past.
And we never leave these people out of the loop. All of our lawyers will keep victims informed through every step of the claims recovery process, answer questions, calls, and emails in a timely fashion, and give clients the information they need to make the right choices for them.
You Need a Friend Who has Been Down this Road
Sally and her team of experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer specialists have helped bicycle accident clients get the compensation they deserve in and out of court in California for over 20 years. Sally is so successful because she and her team concentrate solely on traffic accidents – not a wide variety of personal injury cases. By maintaining this narrow focus Sally and her team have become experts at navigating the specific legal avenues available in such cases and know what to expect from the other side of the argument.
Don’t waste any more time, contact Sally and her California bike accident team now!
The team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers prides itself on providing unparalleled customer-service. You can see in our reviews that:
- We won’t make over-inflated promises just to get your business.
- We stay in touch—answering our phones and returning your emails ASAP.
- We discuss every major decision with you and give you all the information you need to make a good choice.
- We push back against aggressive insurance adjusters to get the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
- We negotiate with medical service providers to decrease your liability, letting you keep more of your settlement.
- We ensure you get your FULL financial recovery as fast as possible
