Biking is one of the most scenic, healthy, and inexpensive ways to get around Los Angeles. However, bicyclists are highly vulnerable to accidents with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles. They are likely to suffer lifelong injuries in these accidents, miss work, and incur significant medical expenses and property damage. When insurance companies offer little help and financial assistance, the aftermath of a severe bicycle accident can feel hopeless.
If you suffered severe injuries in a bike accident due to another’s negligence, you need an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles at Ellis Law to protect your rights. While you focus on healing, we take on the insurance companies, leveraging our experience and resources to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve for your damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
What Do The Numbers Tell Us About Bicycle Accidents?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also digs deeper and examines both the types of vehicles involved in bicycle accident fatalities nationwide and the initial point of impact on each vehicle in these accidents. Here are some noteworthy statistics that stand out in this particular study:
- Out of the 795 bicycle accident fatalities nationwide in 2018, 294 involved a passenger car
- 356 out of the 795 fatalities involved a “light truck,” which is defined as an SUV, pickup, or van
- Among the fatalities involving passenger cars and light trucks, the initial point of contact on the vehicle was the front in over 87 percent of the crashes
- Out of the 71 fatalities involving large trucks, the initial point of contact on the vehicle was the front in only 45 percent of the accidents. It was the right side in 23.9 percent of the crashes, the left side in 7 percent of the fatalities, and the rear of the truck in 12.7 percent of the accidents.
- Out of the 7 bicyclist fatalities involving buses, the initial point of contact on the vehicle was the front in 57.1 percent of the crashes and the right side in 28.6 percent of the accidents.
Verdicts & Settlements
Real Results for Los Angeles Injury Victims
Millions recovered for those injured by negligent motorists across California.
Unsafe Lane Change
The Plaintiff was driving when the Defendant made an unsafe lane change, hitting the rear portion of the Plaintiff’s car.
Read MoreRear-end Collision
Plaintiff was rear-ended by defendant, who was driving for a restaurant at the time of the accident.
Read MoreRear-end Collision
Defendant, driving a County of San Bernardino vehicle, rear-ended plaintiffs in heavy traffic.
Read MoreWhy Choose Ellis Law Corporation If You Were Hit While Cycling In Los Angeles
With over three decades of experience, Ellis Law provides outstanding legal representation to Southern Californians who’ve suffered serious personal injuries due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Our skilled team of trial attorneys has recovered over half a billion in verdicts and settlements.
Our attorneys have:
- Decades of experience fighting for injured bicyclists after car accidents
- An intimate knowledge of both car and bicycle accident claims’ law
- The dedication and determination necessary to take on even the largest insurance companies.
Our premier team of fact-finding investigators, legal talent, and medical experts works together to build the strongest case on your behalf. From getting the necessary expert witnesses for testimony to evaluating case costs, our singular motivation is your best interest.
At Ellis Law, we advance all the costs associated with your legal claim and only charge you fees when we win compensation for you. Contact us today — we’re available 24/7. Hablamos español.
Embarking on litigation can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re recovering from a serious injury. That’s why you hire the best lawyer in the business.
Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports that every year, about 100 bicyclists are killed on California roadways and another 10,000 are injured.
In Los Angeles County, some of the most dangerous areas for cyclists include major arterial roads without bike lanes, particularly in South LA, the San Fernando Valley, and East LA. Highinjury corridors like Figueroa Street, Venice Boulevard, and streets near Downtown consistently rank among the top hotspots for bicycle collisions and fatalities.
Were You Injured By One of These Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles?
Common causes of bike accidents in Los Angeles caused by motorists include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective bike components
- Dooring, or opening a street-side door and hitting a bicyclist
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Failure to yield
- Poor visibility
- Reckless driving
- Sideswiping
- Speeding
- Unsafe roads
Verdicts & Settlements
Real Results for Los Angeles Injury Victims
Millions recovered for those injured by negligent acts across California.
Wood Veneer Falls on Family at Mall
Plaintiff and her family were severely injured after a large wooden veneer fell on them in a mall food court.
Read MorePropane Cylinder Explosion
Plaintiff severely burned after defective propane tank shot fire nearly 15-20 feet from nozzle.
Read MoreTruck Driver Asleep at the Wheel
$3 million was awarded to family of plaintiff after his delivery van was struck by an 18-wheeler, resulting in his death.
Read MoreLos Angeles Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2022, Los Angeles County recorded 38 bicyclist fatalities — nearly twice as many as the next highest county, Orange, which reported 19, followed by 18 in San Bernardino and 14 in Riverside.
That same year, Florida, Texas, and California accounted for 44.5% of all bicycle fatalities. Los Angeles County also led the state in serious bicycle accident injuries, with 239 cases, compared to 102 in Orange County and 55 in San Bernardino County.
One analysis by People Powered Movement lists specific intersections in Los Angeles known for repeated bike crashes, including:
- Main St & E 1st St in Downtown
- Olive St & W 7th St
- Hill St & W 5th St
- Wall St & E 4th St
- Los Angeles St & W 7th St
In Los Angeles County, the dangers for cyclists are stark. In 2022, 85% of bicycle fatalities happened on roads without bike lanes, 77% occurred on wide multi-lane streets, and more than half occurred at night, underscoring the urgency of the city’s Vision Zero goals and the need for safer infrastructure.
When Are Bicycle Accident Fatalities Most Likely to Occur?
Out of concern for their safety, many bicyclists may be interested to know when these fatal accidents are most likely to occur, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration breaks it down in detail:
- The period between 6 pm and 8:59 pm on both weekdays and weekends saw the highest frequency of bicycle accident fatalities
- On weekdays, the second-highest frequency of bicycle crash fatalities occurred between 3 pm and 5:59 pm
- On weekends, the second-highest frequency of these fatalities transpired between 9 pm and 11:59 pm
- The lowest frequency of bicycle crash fatalities on weekdays occurred between the hours of 12 am and 2:59 am
- On weekends, the lowest frequency of bicycle accident fatalities was found during the timeframe between 12 pm and 2:59 pm
California Bicycle Laws That Can Impact Your Compensation
According to the California Bicycle Coalition, state law gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. This means you must ride with the flow of traffic and follow all rules. Starting in 2025, a new law prohibits the use of “sharrows” (shared lane markings for bikes and cars) on streets with speed limits over 30 miles per hour, except at intersections where sharrows already exist.
Lawmakers made this change after studies showed that sharrows on high-speed roads gave cyclists a false sense of security but did little to improve safety, making dedicated bike lanes or other infrastructure a safer option.
Where You Can Legally Ride a Bike
Rules vary by state and city, but here are the basics in California and Los Angeles:
- Streets: You may ride on most streets, but not on freeways, express lanes, or toll roads. If you are moving at the same speed as traffic, you can use any travel lane.
- Lanes: If you’re slower than traffic, you may “take the lane” when it’s too narrow for a bike and a car. Where a bike lane exists, you must use it. Separated bikeways (with posts, curbs, or barriers) are different — you are allowed to ride outside of them.
- Sidewalks: Sidewalk rules depend on local ordinances. In Los Angeles, you can ride on the sidewalk as long as it is done safely, but cities like Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach ban it altogether. Wherever you ride, pedestrians always have the right of way.
In general, cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable. However, the law makes exceptions when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, riding on a one-way street, or when the right side of the road is blocked by construction.
Helmet and Equipment Requirements
Wearing a certified helmet dramatically reduces the risk of head injury. In California, helmets are required for riders under 18, though adults are strongly encouraged to wear them for protection. At night, bikes must have a front white light, a rear red reflector, and reflectors on pedals, shoes, or ankles. Additional reflectors are required: white or yellow on the bike’s front and red or white on the back half, to ensure visibility from all sides.
Rules for Motorists Around Cyclists
Motorists must leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. Cyclists are legally entitled to take the lane when conditions make it unsafe to ride at the far right. Drivers must never interfere with a cyclist’s safe operation of their bicycle.
How An Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Can Help
Our bicycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles take a comprehensive approach to your claim. We can help you by:
- Identifying liable parties: While the driver who struck you may be primarily responsible, other parties could share liability. For example, a defective vehicle component may point to the manufacturer, or a malfunctioning traffic signal could create liability for the city or another public entity.
- Preserving and analyzing evidence: From police reports and surveillance footage to accident reconstruction and witness testimony, we gather the evidence necessary to build a strong case.
- Handling insurance companies: We negotiate directly with insurers, ensuring they do not undervalue your claim or pressure you into an unfair settlement.
- Pursuing full compensation: We evaluate the true value of your claim based on the nature of your injuries, long-term medical needs, lost income, and overall prognosis, so you receive the maximum recovery available.
- Litigating when necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to pursue your case in court and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Liability in a Los Angeles Bike Accident
In most bicycle accidents, the motorist is liable. Your lawyer can review police reports, photos, surveillance footage, and witness statements to uncover other negligent parties. For example, a homeowner may be responsible if a loose dog caused a cyclist to fall into traffic, or the city of Los Angeles may be liable if a pothole led to a crash. Cyclists can also share fault if they ignore traffic signals, ride while distracted, or bike under the influence.
Even if you were partly to blame for a bike accident, you may still recover damages. California is a pure comparative negligence jurisdiction, which means your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of fault, but it is never barred entirely. However, any damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, as determined by a judge or jury. For example, if you are deemed 25 percent at fault for the collision, a $100,000 award is reduced to $75,000.
California’s Deadline to File a Bicycle Injury Claim
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions apply. For example, if the victim is a minor, the two-year period does not begin until their 18th birthday, giving them until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
If the vehicle that struck you belonged to any government agency, the deadline to file a bicycle injury claim is much shorter. A Notice of Claim requires filing within six months of the date of the accident.
Because valuable evidence may vanish unless your claim is investigated promptly, it is vital to consult an attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible. For instance, local surveillance video, which helps substantiate your claim, is usually kept for a period of between 30 and 90 days. Your lawyer begins collecting evidence as soon as they are hired.
Contact a Los Angeles Bike Accident Attorney
If you were injured due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, our experienced injury lawyers in LA at Ellis Law can help. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We serve the greater Los Angeles area, including but not limited to:
- Anaheim
- Bakersfield
- Diamond Bar
- El Segundo
- Irvine
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Oxnard
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
While most personal injury cases are settled, we will take your case to court if the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement amount. Since we work on a contingency basis, you pay no legal fees unless you receive compensation.
Find our office at
2230 E Maple Ave,
El Segundo, CA 90245
Attorney Spotlight
Andrew Ellis, Esq.
Founding Partner
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What to do after an accident: “Take as many pictures as you can. Go to urgent care or a hospital and document your injuries. Then call Ellis Law.”
