Pasadena Bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles, California Attorney

Los Angeles has been expanding its bicycle infrastructure for years — protected lanes on Venice Boulevard, bike paths along the LA River, sharrows painted on residential streets — yet the city remains one of the most dangerous places to ride a bike in the United States. According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, cyclists accounted for roughly 3% of all traffic but over 16% of traffic fatalities in recent years. The numbers tell a story that every LA cyclist already knows: the roads are not safe enough, and when a crash happens, the rider pays the price.

At McNally Law Offices, our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers represent riders who have been hurt by careless drivers, dangerous road conditions, and defective cycling equipment. With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, we understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face — from biased insurance adjusters to medical bills that pile up while you cannot work.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Most bicycle crashes are not the cyclist’s fault. Our investigations consistently show that driver negligence is the primary cause:

• Right-hook collisions — A driver makes a right turn directly into the path of a cyclist riding in the bike lane. This is one of the most common and most preventable crash patterns in Los Angeles.
• Dooring — A parked driver opens their car door without checking for approaching cyclists. Streets like Larchmont Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, and Abbot Kinney in Venice see dooring accidents regularly because of heavy on-street parking next to bike routes.
• Intersection conflicts — Drivers running red lights or failing to yield when a cyclist has the right of way. High-traffic intersections along Figueroa, Western, and Sepulveda are frequent crash sites.
• Distracted and impaired driving — Texting, phone calls, and intoxication reduce a driver’s ability to see and react to cyclists sharing the road.
• Unsafe passing — California’s Three Feet for Safety Act requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. Many drivers either do not know this law or ignore it, especially on narrow streets.
• Road hazards — Potholes, cracked pavement, debris, railroad tracks, and drainage grates can send a cyclist over the handlebars. When a government agency fails to maintain the road, they can be held liable.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cyclists have almost no protection in a collision with a 4,000-pound car. The injuries our clients suffer reflect that reality:

• Traumatic brain injuries — even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeding
• Broken bones — collarbones, wrists, forearms, and pelvises fracture frequently in cycling crashes
• Spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or full paralysis
• Road rash — ranging from surface scrapes to deep, full-thickness wounds requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scars
• Facial injuries — broken jaws, lost teeth, lacerations, and orbital fractures
• Internal injuries — ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, and internal bleeding from handlebar impact or being struck by a vehicle
• Shoulder separations and rotator cuff tears from impact with the ground

Recovery from these injuries often takes months. Many of our clients cannot work during that time, and some face permanent limitations that change their careers and their daily lives.

What Sets Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorneys Apart

We do not treat bicycle cases as minor fender benders. Our approach includes:

Thorough investigation from day one. We visit the crash site, obtain traffic camera and surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts when the facts are disputed. Evidence disappears fast — camera footage gets overwritten, road conditions change, witnesses forget details. Getting involved early makes a measurable difference.

Standing up to insurance company bias. Adjusters frequently try to blame cyclists — “you should have been on the sidewalk,” “you were not wearing high-visibility clothing,” “you ran the stop sign.” We counter this with evidence: GPS data, witness testimony, and California traffic law that gives cyclists the same rights as motor vehicles on the road.

Accurate damage calculation. We work with your medical providers, vocational experts, and economists to calculate the true cost of your injuries — not just current medical bills, but future surgeries, ongoing therapy, lost earning capacity, and the ways your injury affects your daily life.

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims in California

You may be entitled to recover:

• All medical expenses — past, present, and future
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Cost of bicycle repair or replacement, plus damaged gear
• Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from riding or participating in activities you love
• Wrongful death damages if a cyclist was killed

California’s pure comparative negligence system means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from compensation entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have a case if I was not wearing a helmet?

California law only requires helmets for riders under 18. If you are an adult who was not wearing a helmet, it does not automatically bar your claim. However, the defense may argue that a helmet would have reduced your head injuries. We address this with medical evidence showing the actual cause and severity of your injuries.

What if the driver left the scene?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common in LA. You may still have options — your own uninsured motorist coverage can apply, and we work with police and investigators to identify the driver through surveillance footage, witness descriptions, and vehicle debris left at the scene.

Can I sue the city for a road defect that caused my crash?

Yes, but you must file a government claim within six months of the accident. If a pothole, broken pavement, missing signage, or poorly designed intersection contributed to your crash, the responsible agency can be held liable. We handle claims against the City of LA, LA County, Caltrans, and other government entities.

Talk to a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured while riding your bike anywhere in Los Angeles County, McNally Law Offices is here to help. We have offices in Pasadena and Century City and serve cyclists across the greater LA area.

Call (626) 584-5744 for a free consultation, or contact us through our website. There is no fee unless we win.