Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents can have catastrophic results. Since your body is more exposed than someone inside a vehicle, you are more likely to sustain severe injuries, leading to extensive medical bills and life-altering losses.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand what you are going through. For over 50 years, we have represented injured cyclists across California. Our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers have experience dealing with insurance companies and pursue compensation available under the law based on the facts of each case.

• Over 50 years representing injured Californians
• More than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements*
• Serious injury representation with statewide resources
• Contingency fee representation (fees depend on recovery)

*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Why You Need a Dedicated Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the country, from the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to the urban streets of Downtown. However, riding in LA also comes with risks. With heavy congestion on the 405, distracted drivers on surface streets, and a lack of protected bike lanes in many neighborhoods, cyclists are vulnerable.

When a crash happens, the aftermath is rarely simple. You need a legal team that understands both the rules of the road and the tactics insurance companies use during claims.

• Since 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has represented injury victims throughout California.
• With 14 locations across the state and a focus on serious personal injury cases, we have the resources and experience to handle complex claims.

Request a free consultation with our experienced team to discuss your legal options.

Can I Afford a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

After a bicycle accident, financial stress can set in almost immediately. Medical bills begin to arrive, your bike may be damaged or totaled, and time away from work can disrupt your income.

We represent injured cyclists on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• No upfront costs to begin your case.
• No hourly billing or retainers
• Attorney’s fees depend on recovery.

If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

This fee structure allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal process.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

• Get medical care right away. Even if injuries don’t seem serious at the moment, adrenaline can mask symptoms of head, spinal, or internal injuries. Seek medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations from your doctors.
• Document what happened. If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, your bicycle, and the vehicle involved. Collect contact information from witnesses while details are still fresh.
• Be cautious with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may contact you promptly and request a recorded statement. Depending on the situation, it may be best to wait until you’ve spoken with a lawyer who can explain your options and help protect your interests.
• Preserve critical evidence. Do not repair your bike, helmet, or gear, and avoid washing the clothes you were wearing. These items can provide important evidence about the force and cause of the crash.
• Speak with a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer early. Before accepting any settlement offers or signing paperwork, consulting an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your claim.

Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

Many cyclists assume that if they were partially at fault, perhaps riding outside of a bike lane or not signaling a turn, they cannot recover damages. This is a common misconception. California operates under a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that even if you were 20% or even 50% at fault for the accident, you may still seek compensation for the other party’s share of responsibility. Avoid admitting fault at the scene or to an insurer. Allow a legal professional to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Bicycle accidents remain a serious safety concern across Los Angeles County, particularly in high-traffic corridors and busy urban intersections. Several notable areas of concern from bicycle collisions in 2023 include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd & Figueroa Street — Los Angeles
• Figueroa Street — Downtown Los Angeles
• Avenues H & J — Lancaster

In these and similar areas, crashes often result from a combination of driver behavior, cyclist actions, and unsafe road conditions. According to the Daily Californian, the following factors frequently contribute to bike collisions:

• Failure to yield when turning, especially right turns, or when exiting side streets
• Dooring accidents, when a parked car door opens into a cyclist’s path
• Unsafe passing, with vehicles overtaking cyclists too closely
• Left-turn collisions at intersections, where drivers fail to notice oncoming cyclists
• Ignoring traffic signals, such as running red lights or stop signs
• Sudden or unpredictable movements without proper hand signals
• Riding without protective gear, especially helmets
• Cycling while intoxicated, a factor in many fatal bicycle accidents
• Lack of dedicated bike lanes
• Poor road conditions, including potholes, uneven pavement, and debris
• Inadequate lighting, especially in urban areas
• Poorly designed roadways that fail to account for cyclist safety
• Distracted driving, including phone use, navigation systems, eating, or conversations
• Distracted cycling, such as using smartphones or wearing headphones while riding
• Low visibility at night, especially without lights or reflective gear
• Blind spots around large vehicles such as trucks and buses
• Lack of reflective clothing or bicycle lighting, making cyclists harder to see

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accident Cases

Because cyclists lack the protection of a vehicle chassis, injuries are often severe and life-altering. We frequently represent clients suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and severe brain trauma can occur even when wearing a helmet.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or total paralysis and may require long-term care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to the collarbone, arms, and legs are common upon impact with the ground or a vehicle.
• Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe abrasions can lead to infection and scarring.
• Internal Injuries: Trauma to organs may require emergency surgery.

Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, it’s natural to focus on healing, but understanding who may be responsible is important. Bicycle crashes are rarely simple, and liability is not always limited to a single person. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the injuries and losses a cyclist suffers.

Depending on how the crash occurred, liable parties may include:

• Negligent drivers. Motorists are a common cause of bicycle accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, unsafe turns, failure to yield, or opening a car door into a bike lane can lead to serious injuries.
• Employers and commercial entities. If the driver who struck you was working at the time, such as a delivery driver, rideshare driver, or commercial truck operator, their employer may be legally responsible.
• Government entities. Poorly designed or maintained roads, missing bike lanes, dangerous intersections, potholes, or malfunctioning traffic signals can put cyclists at risk. In these cases, responsibility may rest with a public agency, subject to special legal rules and deadlines.
• Manufacturers of defective products. If a defect in your bicycle, helmet, brakes, or other safety equipment contributed to your injuries, you may have a claim under product liability laws.

Identifying potentially responsible parties is an important step in pursuing compensation supported by the evidence.

Why Bicycle Accident Cases Are Legally Complex

Bicycle accident claims are not handled the same way as routine car accident cases. Cyclists face unique legal and practical challenges.

Some of the most common complexities include:

• Bias against cyclists. Unfortunately, insurers and even juries sometimes assume cyclists were “in the way” or failed to follow the rules of the road. Overcoming this bias requires strong evidence and clear legal advocacy.
• Severe, high-value injuries. Cyclists are largely unprotected in a crash. Serious injuries often require expert medical testimony to explain long-term care needs, rehabilitation, and permanent limitations.
• Hit-and-run crashes. Many drivers flee the scene after striking a cyclist. These cases often require in-depth investigations and careful navigation of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
• Government-related claims. Accidents caused by unsafe road design, missing bike lanes, or poor maintenance may involve claims against government entities, which come with strict deadlines and procedural requirements.
• Shared fault arguments. Insurance companies may use California’s comparative negligence laws to shift blame onto cyclists and reduce payouts, even when the driver was primarily at fault.

These challenges make bicycle accident cases deeply personal and complex, demanding careful preparation, thorough investigation, and the experience of a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer.

Damages You May Be Entitled To After a Bicycle Accident

When we build a bicycle accident case, we look beyond immediate medical bills. Our goal is to account for how the crash has affected your life, now and in the years ahead.

Economic Damages

These damages cover measurable financial losses, including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Future medical care: Ongoing physical therapy, follow-up treatment, or in-home assistance.
• Lost income: Wages lost while you were unable to work during recovery.
• Reduced earning capacity: Compensation if your injuries prevent you from returning to your prior job or working at full capacity.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your bicycle, helmet, and other damaged gear.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages recognize the personal toll of a bicycle accident:

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional anguish caused by the injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries limit your ability to ride, exercise, or participate in daily activities.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation for scarring, loss of mobility, or long-term impairment.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, PTSD, depression, or fear of riding again after the crash.

Hiring an experienced legal team is important in evaluating potential compensation. A skilled bicycle accident attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, including both economic and non-economic losses, and handle communications with insurance companies during the claims process.

California Statute of Limitations

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as a city bus or a pothole on a public road, the deadline is much shorter, typically six months.

Failing to file within these timeframes may result in losing your right to pursue a claim. This is why it is important to consult a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles to preserve evidence, such as traffic camera footage or witness statements, and ensure procedural requirements are properly followed.

Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options

Why Legal Representation Matters After a Bicycle Accident

You might wonder if you can handle the claim yourself. While possible, it is often not in your best interest, especially when serious injuries are involved.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, not advocates for your recovery. Their goal is often to limit settlement amounts, and they may do this by questioning the seriousness of your injuries, shifting blame onto the cyclist, or encouraging early settlement before the full impact of the crash is known.

How a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Helps

• Handles all insurance communications: We deal directly with adjusters, so you don’t have to navigate complex communications.
• Builds a strong, evidence-backed claim: From accident reports to medical records and expert opinions, we assemble the documentation needed to support your case.
• Counters blame and bias against cyclists: We address comparative negligence arguments used to reduce claims.
• Calculates the value of your injuries: We account for medical care, future treatment, lost income, and the personal impact of your injuries based on the evidence.
• Negotiates for fair compensation: Insurers know we prepare cases for trial, which may influence settlement discussions.
• Protects deadlines and legal requirements: We ensure filings are completed accurately and on time, including claims involving government entities.

By hiring Jacoby & Meyers, you level the playing field. We handle procedural complexity, paperwork, and negotiations so you can focus on your recovery.

How Jacoby & Meyers Prepare Serious Bicycle Accident Cases for Settlement or Trial

We prepare every bicycle accident case as if it may be tried in court. This level of preparation can influence how insurance companies evaluate claims.

1. Early preservation of evidence. We act quickly to secure surveillance footage, traffic camera recordings, and physical evidence before it is lost.
2. Expert coordination. We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts who understand cyclist injuries and can explain how the crash occurred and its long-term consequences.
3. Comprehensive damage assessment. We calculate not only what you’ve already lost, but what you may continue to lose, such as medical care, earning capacity, and quality of life.
4. Strategic settlement demands. Every demand we submit is supported by documentation and expert analysis.
5. Trial-ready advocacy. When insurers refuse to resolve claims reasonably, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and present the case in court.

Bicycle accidents often leave riders vulnerable, both physically and legally. Our role is to ensure your injuries are properly documented and your claim is thoroughly prepared.

How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A serious bicycle accident can change your life in seconds. Injuries may limit your ability to work, move freely, or even feel safe riding again. It is important to find a team that understands what’s at stake and has the experience to protect your future.

When selecting a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, consider the following:

Does the lawyer have experience handling bicycle accident cases?

Bicycle accidents involve unique legal and medical challenges. Cyclists are far more vulnerable than drivers, and injuries are often severe. Liability may involve drivers, employers, government entities, or unsafe road conditions. Your lawyer should have experience handling bicycle accident claims arising from traffic collisions, dooring incidents, hit-and-runs, and roadway hazards.

Our firm has decades of experience representing injured cyclists and has recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for injury victims across California.* This reflects our experience handling complex and high-value injury cases.

*Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Is the firm respected within the legal community?

Reputation matters in serious injury cases. Recognition from peer-reviewed legal organizations may reflect professionalism, ethical standards, and legal experience.

Our attorneys have been recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers and TopVerdict, based on their respective selection criteria and methodologies. Recognition does not guarantee case outcomes.

Do they understand Los Angeles–specific cycling risks and legal challenges?

Local knowledge can make a meaningful difference. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer should be familiar with Los Angeles courts, judges, filing requirements, and insurance tactics commonly used in California, especially in cases involving bike lanes, intersections, and government-maintained roadways.

With over 50 years of experience serving Los Angeles and communities statewide, our firm combines local insight with firm-wide resources to handle complex bicycle accident claims.

Are they prepared to take your case to trial if necessary?

Some firms aim for quick settlements, even when the offer does not reflect the full impact of a bicycle accident. Claims are often evaluated differently when insurance companies know a lawyer is prepared to proceed to litigation if appropriate.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we prepare bicycle accident cases thoroughly, whether they resolve through negotiation or trial, to protect our clients’ rights throughout the process.

Qualities to Look for in a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accident cases often involve serious injuries, disputed fault, and insurance tactics that target cyclists. Choosing the right lawyer can influence how your injuries and losses are evaluated. Use this checklist to assess whether a lawyer or firm is equipped to handle a bicycle accident case.

Experience With Bicycle Accident Cases

• Direct experience representing injured cyclists
  Bicycle accidents present unique legal challenges, including driver bias, roadway design issues, and cyclist vulnerability.
• Understanding of cycling-related injuries
  Familiarity with head, spinal, orthopedic, and soft-tissue injuries common in bike crashes.
• Experience with serious and high-value claims
  Severe bicycle injuries often involve long-term care, lost income, and complex damage calculations.

Knowledge of Traffic Laws and Infrastructure Issues

• Strong understanding of cyclist rights under California law
  Including bike-lane rules, right-of-way laws, and comparative negligence standards.
• Experience handling roadway-defect claims
  Bicycle accidents frequently involve potholes, poor signage, or unsafe intersections.
• Ability to identify multiple liable parties
  Responsibility may extend beyond the driver to employers, government agencies, or manufacturers.

Medical and Expert Resources

• Access to qualified medical specialists
  Including neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation providers.
• Use of accident reconstruction experts
  Particularly important in cases involving disputed fault or hit-and-run crashes.
• Ability to document long-term impact
  Lost earning capacity, future care, and reduced quality of life must be fully supported.

Litigation Strength and Legal Strategy

• Trial-ready approach
  Insurance companies are more likely to settle fairly when a trial is a real possibility.
• Experience countering cyclist-blame tactics
  Insurers often argue that cyclists were “in the way” or violated traffic rules.
• Handling of uninsured and hit-and-run cases
  Many bicycle crashes involve drivers who flee or lack adequate insurance.

Communication and Client Care

• Clear, compassionate communication
  You deserve straightforward answers and regular updates.
• Direct access to your legal team
  You should know who is managing your case and how to reach them.
• Respect for the emotional toll of a bike accident
  A strong lawyer understands the fear, trauma, and loss of independence cyclists often experience.

Fees, Reputation and Trust

• Contingency-fee representation
  Fees depend on recovery.
• Documented case results in bicycle or serious injury cases
  Look for a track record of meaningful settlements or verdicts.
• Recognized professional standing
  Peer recognition, awards, and client reviews support credibility.
• Strong knowledge of California deadlines and procedures
  Can be especially important in claims involving government entities or unsafe road conditions.

What Our Clients Say

We are proud of the trust our clients place in us and the lasting partnerships we build together.

“I would definitely give Jacoby and Meyers a five-star review. They are handling everything related to my case, and the process has gone relatively smoothly. A special thanks to Jessica Martinez for her constant updates and for making sure I get everything I need.” – Edwin Furlow from Google Review

Client testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

Results That Help Injured Families Move Forward

When a bicycle accident results in catastrophic injury or the loss of a loved one, the outcome of a legal case can shape what comes next: access to medical care, financial stability, and long-term security. For decades, Jacoby & Meyers has represented injured individuals and families after serious accidents, recovering more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements across California.*

• $17.5 million — Bicycle vs. truck collision resulting in catastrophic paralysis
• $13 million — Wrongful death claim involving a city or municipality
• $11 million — Motorcycle vs. truck crash leading to paraplegia
• $1,850,000 settlement — Pedestrian vs. vehicle

These outcomes reflect experience handling complex, high-value injury cases.

Disclaimer: Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me

Jacoby & Meyers represents injured cyclists throughout California. While our headquarters is in Los Angeles, our legal services extend across Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Santa Monica, Glendale, Santa Clarita, and Pomona, as well as communities statewide.

With 14 offices across California, we provide the reach of a statewide firm while maintaining local knowledge for those searching for a bicycle accident lawyer near me. No matter where your crash occurred, our attorneys bring regional insight and firm-wide resources to each case.

• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• San Diego
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• Oakland
• Sacramento
• San Bernardino
• Ontario
• Bakersfield
• Fresno
• Escondido
• Brea

Wherever you ride and wherever your accident happens, legal representation is available throughout California.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the accident involved a rideshare vehicle?

Rideshare accidents can be complicated because Uber and Lyft have tiered insurance policies. Coverage depends on whether the driver had the app on, was waiting for a ride, or had a passenger. We can evaluate the applicable coverage and explain your legal options.

Who is usually at fault in a bicycle accident?

Fault depends on how the crash occurred. In many cases, negligent drivers are responsible for failing to yield, speeding, driving distracted, or opening car doors into bike lanes. However, liability may also involve employers, government entities, or manufacturers.

What if my symptoms appear later?

It is common for injuries like whiplash or internal trauma to appear days after a crash. You should seek medical care if symptoms develop. An attorney can evaluate whether delayed injuries may be included in your claim.

How much does it cost to hire Jacoby & Meyers?

We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront attorney’s fees, and fees depend on recovery. If there is no recovery, you do not owe attorney’s fees.

Can I still claim damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. While California requires helmets for riders under 18, adults are not legally required to wear them. An insurance company may argue comparative fault depending on the circumstances, but this does not automatically bar you from pursuing compensation.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run accidents can be overwhelming. If the driver is not identified, you may be able to seek compensation under Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, depending on the terms of your policy.

For more information, visit our FAQ page. 

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

We serve the whole of California with 14 satellite offices. You can visit us at our Main Los Angeles Office at Ave of the Stars

Jacoby & Meyers 
2000 Ave of the Stars Suite 1150S,
Los Angeles, CA 90067 
Call us +12132960792 

Fill out a form today for a free case assessment or give us a call to talk to a live legal expert.

Directory

Emergency Rooms

• Los Angeles General Medical Center 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
• Harbor-UCLA Medical Center– 1000 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90509
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center -14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, CA 91342
• Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center– 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – 1300 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Urgent Care Centers

• Care Fast Urgent Care- Burbank – 353 N Pass Ave Ste D Burbank, CA 91505
• First Aid Urgent Care – 7204 Foothill Blvd Tujunga, CA 91042
• Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center – 245 S. Fetterly Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022
• H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center – 2829 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Ladera Urgent Care – 5311 W Centinela Ave Los Angeles, CA 90045

Local Courthouses

• Airport Courthouse – 11701 S. La Cienega Los Angeles, CA 90045
• Central Arraignment Courthouse – 429 Bauchet St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center – 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Disclaimer: We do not endorse these companies or profit from listing them on our website.

Get the Justice You Deserve

You should not have to bear the consequences of someone else’s negligence alone. At Jacoby & Meyers, we represent injured cyclists seeking compensation permitted under California law.

We are available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions. Call us today for a free consultation. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees depend on recovery.

Our Los Angeles Accident Attorneys can also help with the following:

• Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
• What Usually Happens in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
• Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Food Delivery Car Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Head-On Collision Lawyer
• Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Rear-End Collision Lawyer
• Los Angeles Red Light Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Rollover Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Side-Impact Collision Lawyer
• Los Angeles Speeding Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
• Los Angeles Whiplash Injury Lawyer
• Los Angeles Arm & Leg Injury Lawyer
• Los Angeles Amputation Injury Lawyer