Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

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Joshua W. Glotzer, Esq

Managing Partner

Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles

If you have been injured while riding a bike, call Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney Joshua Glotzer at (747) 241-8288 or send a message to request a free case evaluation. The consultation is free and we don’t get paid unless we win.

The state of California is ranked as the seventh most dangerous state in which to ride a bicycle. In fact, As for the city of Los Angeles itself, it did not make the top ten for the most dangerous cities for bicyclists.

However, any busy city can be dangerous for bicyclists.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents

According to the most recent data, there are approximately 4,468 bicycle accidents annually in Los Angeles County.

Between 2010 – 2015, the following L.A. streets led the way in bike accidents:

  • Vermont Ave: 230 accidents
  • Venice Boulevard: 202 accidents
  • Figueroa Street: 200 accidents

Additionally, 30% of the statewide bicycle fatalities occurred in Los Angeles.

How Long You Have To File a Personal Injury Claim After Your Bicycle Accident

After a cycling accident, you should immediately speak with a qualified Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney regarding your potential claim. Under California Civil Code 335.1, you only have two years to bring a lawsuit.

As such, it’s in your best interest to quickly begin the legal process so that your bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles can investigate your claim and determine how to best move forward.

Establishing Liability After Your Los Angeles Bicycle Accident

In the aftermath of any accident, no one is likely to be clamoring to take responsibility. Your bicycle accident is probably no exception.

Therefore you need a Los Angeles attorney who will work hard to prove negligence on the part of the driver by:

  • collecting the necessary evidence, and
  • presenting that evidence in a positive manner.

In many bicycle lawsuits, there are discrepancies in the stories of those involved.

It will be necessary to determine whether:

  • You had the right-of-way or the driver had the right-of-way,
  • the driver breached his or her responsibility to drive with care, and
  • whether traffic laws were violated by the driver of the automobile.

In order for your case to be successful, it must be shown that:

  • The driver failed to act in a reasonable manner;
  • The driver breached the duty of care between motorists;
  • That such a breach was responsible for your accident, and
  • That your injuries were directly caused by the accident.

Just as with car accidents, it could be that your bicycle, or a bicycle part was defectively manufactured and led to your accident. If this is true, you could have a claim against the manufacturer.

It would be necessary to prove that:

  • Your bicycle or bicycle part was “unreasonably dangerous;”
  • You were operating the bicycle in the manner it was intended at the time of the accident, and
  • Your bicycle’s performance has not significantly changed since it was purchased.

A product liability claim regarding your bicycle accident could require a full analysis and expert testimony. If your bicycle or bicycle part was defective and caused your accident, it is extremely important following your bicycle accident that you store your bicycle safely until it can be examined by an expert.

Because a car vs. bicycle accident often yields fewer clues as to the cause of the accident, it is all the more important that you have a skilled Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer by your side.

The Nature of Bicycle Accidents

The vast majority of the bicycle deaths which happen every year occur when the bicyclist collides with a vehicle.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 900 bicyclists died in accidents, while another 494,000 were seen in the ER for moderate to severe injuries in 2013. Head injuries are responsible for about 75% of the fatalities and over half of the serious injuries.

Most bicycle accidents occur in urban areas rather than rural areas and almost half of all bicycle fatalities happen to children under the age of 16.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Los Angeles

When a bicycle/automobile accident occurs, it is likely due to an automobile driver engaging in one of the following behaviors:

  • Improper lane switching
  • Making an illegal turn
  • Running stop signs or traffic lights
  • Opening a car door without checking for bicyclists
  • Reckless, aggressive or distracted driving
  • Failure to obey basic rules of the road
  • Backing out of a driveway or parking space without looking
  • Failure to allow the bicyclist sufficient space

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

As noted, when a vehicle hits a bicyclist, the injuries are likely to be severe.

Some of the more common injuries include:

  • Head injuries and brain trauma (the most common)
  • Injuries to the spinal cord or other back and neck injuries
  • Broken bones, contusions, and bruises
  • Internal injuries

Damages

Those injured while riding a bicycle in Los Angeles may have medical expenses which will continue for months, years, or even for the remainder of their life.

Typically, injured bicyclists may face:

  • medical costs,
  • lost wages,
  • lost earning capacity, and
  • pain and suffering following a bicycling accident.

Further, the families of victims who were killed in a bicycle accident could be left with funeral expenses, medical expenses, and the loss of support and services.

The Complexities of Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents have the potential to become extremely complex. It is important that witness statements and evidence be gathered immediately following the accident before the witnesses have disappeared or their memories have faded.

It is also important to:

  • Have an expert analyze your medical records to successfully prove your injuries;
  • Investigate the driving history of the driver who was responsible for your accident;
  • Inspect—and document—the damages to your bicycle;
  • Have an expert recreate the scene of your accident, and
  • Obtain the official police report and review it carefully.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Infographic

Bicycle Accident FAQs Infographic

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney FAQs

How can a bicycle accident attorney assist me? 

Cyclists are vulnerable to many hazards on the road, so they face an increased risk of getting into an accident, as a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney can tell you. If you have been in a bicycle accident that has left you with serious injuries, you may need a lawyer. When a legal matter such as a personal injury accident comes up that you need assistance with immediately, a lawyer can provide a detailed consultation, give legal advice and prepare your case. Getting in touch with a lawyer early on is key if you hope to boost your chances of getting your deserved compensation. If you have any questions or need advice regarding a bicycle accident claim, contact an experienced attorney now at Glotzer & Leib, LLP.

What kind of compensation can I get? 

You can get compensated for a number of things if you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident. There are economic and non-economic damages that you can claim, and a Los Angeles bicycle accident can explain each one for you. You can get compensation for things like current and future medical expenses, missed wages, reduced earnings capacity, lost or destroyed property, and pain and suffering. Be sure to save your documents so that you can provide them as evidence and be able to recover the full amount that you deserve. A skilled attorney will fight for you so that you will not have to worry about how you can maximize your claim. 

What type of cases does an attorney work on? 

An experienced attorney will likely have worked with many types of clients. They will be highly familiar with the case process and understand what legal strategies will be best for each particular case. From drunk driving accidents to jaywalking, there are many case scenarios that they can work on. Whether you have been in an accident involving pedestrians, drivers, or other cyclists, a qualified and experienced attorney will have the skills and knowledge to properly build your case. It is important to hire a lawyer who has the specific experience that aligns with your needs and the situation you’re going through. 

What can happen if I choose not to hire an attorney? 

If you choose not to hire a bicycle accident attorney, you could potentially make mistakes that can cause delays to your case, or cause you to obtain a lower compensation amount. In order to complete a personal injury case successfully, it requires special skills and legal knowledge. Without sufficient legal knowledge, you may struggle to understand the process and determine what strategies to use for your case. It is better to hire a lawyer who can boost your chance of success than try to resolve a claim alone. With so many risks, do not make the mistake of not meeting with a lawyer who can give you the advice and support that you need.  

Should I hire a bicycle accident lawyer? 

Do not wait until the last minute to get legal assistance if you have been in a bicycle accident and want to know if you can recover any compensation. If you hope to resolve your unique case and obtain the results that you want and are entitled to obtain, a lawyer can offer their guidance. They will be committed to protecting your legal rights and aggressively pursue the at-fault party so that you can get the results you deserve. You can depend on an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to stand by you and assist you throughout every stage of your case. See what legal services you can access by scheduling a consultation with a trusted and qualified Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney at Glotzer & Leib, LLP.

Call Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney Joshua Glotzer Today

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, speak to an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney at Glotzer & Leib, LLP. Let’s focus on maximizing your award so you can focus on your recovery.

We offer a free consultation and only get paid if you win.

Call (747) 241-8288 or fill out our online contact form today to get started.

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      “Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.

      His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”

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      “Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”

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      “Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”

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      “My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”

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      “I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”

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    Our Location

    Los Angeles Office

    Glotzer & Leib, LLP
    714 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 632
    Los Angeles, California 90015 (213) 309-3050

    Our Los Angeles office is conveniently located at the junction of the 110 and 10 freeways and in the heart of the downtown entertainment district.