Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Bicycle accidents can cause devastating injuries, which can often burden victims and their families with medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other potential challenges for recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, working with a personal injury attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Led by Attorney Andrew Antaramian, Antaramian Law, APC helps California cyclists who have been injured in collisions or accidents.  

Having worked as a defense attorney for insurance companies, Mr. Antaramian has invaluable insights into the strategies and tactics that insurers use to deny or minimize claims. Now, he uses his knowledge to advocate for victims throughout California.  

If your injury was caused by a distracted driver or occurred due to hazardous road conditions, Antaramian Law, APC can guide you through your legal options. 

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents are often caused by carelessness or disregard for safety. While cyclists understand the risks of sharing the road with vehicles, many accidents occur due to situations beyond their control. Some common causes of bicycle accidents in California include:

• Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield at intersections, and running red lights often lead to preventable collisions with cyclists.  

• Door accidents: Drivers or passengers opening doors in the path of an oncoming cyclist can lead to serious injuries.  

• Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement create hazards, especially for cyclists who need stable surfaces to ride safely.  

• Limited visibility: Low visibility due to time of day, weather conditions, or road design can contribute to accidents.  

• Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers tend to make poor decisions that jeopardize safety on the road, including cyclists.  

Understanding the root cause of your accident can help you and your attorney build a strong case.  

Injuries from Bicycle Accidents 

Cyclists don't have the same protection as a person inside a car. This absence of physical barriers or safety features makes cyclists significantly more vulnerable in the event of an accident. Some common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with a helmet, the impact of a crash can cause serious head injuries or long-term cognitive issues.  

• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, requiring ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.  

• Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, and other extremities are particularly prone to fractures in bike accidents.  

• Internal injuries: These types of injuries may not be immediately visible but can still pose serious health risks.  

• Road rash and soft tissue injuries: Abrasions, cuts, and bruises are common but can still require medical attention if severe.  

Regardless of the severity of your injury, it's important to obtain legal help to explore your options and seek compensation for your pain, suffering, and losses.

California Laws Governing Bicycle Accidents

California laws are designed to protect cyclists and their rights. Below are some of the most important regulations that may impact your bicycle accident case: 

• Bicycle lane use: Cyclists must use designated bike lanes when available and ride in the same direction as traffic. However, they are permitted to merge out of the bike lane to make turns or avoid obstacles.  

• Three-foot passing law: Motor vehicles must maintain a minimum of three feet of distance when passing a cyclist. Failure to do so can often contribute to an accident.  

• Helmet requirements: While all riders under the age of 18 must wear helmets, adults are not required to under current California law. However, wearing a helmet can provide critical protection during a crash.  

• Right of way at intersections: Cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles at intersections. This means that drivers must yield to cyclists when required.  

• Legal recourse for negligence: California is a comparative fault state, meaning you can recover compensation for damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.  

Why You Should Work with a Bicycle Accident Attorney

After a bicycle accident, the stress of dealing with injuries, insurance claims, and medical bills can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney can handle the legal concerns on your behalf so you can focus on what matters most: your healing and recovery. 

Attorney Andrew Antaramian can help you investigate the details of your accident, gather evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. In addition to his extensive knowledge of how insurance companies operate, he’s ready to fight for maximum compensation for your damages.  

Whether you were injured in an urban collision or on a rural roadway, Antaramian Law, APC can help you rebuild and recover after a bicycle accident. The firm also operates on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. If you don’t recover compensation, you won’t be charged.