Bike Accidents
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially when injuries and financial challenges arise.
Bike Accident Cases
After a bicycle accident, seek prompt and professional legal guidance from Orange Law.
Advocates for Cyclists Injured in Accidents
Bicyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. In collisions, cyclists are often thrown from their bikes, landing unprotected. Even with helmets, riders can sustain severe injuries to the head, neck, and back. Sadly, fatalities are common, particularly on streets with high-speed traffic.
Bicycle accident injuries range from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. For some cyclists, recovery is a temporary setback. However, for others, severe injuries lead to permanent physical and emotional challenges. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident in the Los Angeles area, Orange Law’s dedicated attorneys are here to evaluate your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Advocates for Cyclists Injured in Accidents
Bicyclists face significant risks when sharing the road with motor vehicles. In collisions, cyclists are often thrown from their bikes, landing unprotected. Even with helmets, riders can sustain severe injuries to the head, neck, and back. Sadly, fatalities are common, particularly on streets with high-speed traffic.
Bicycle accident injuries range from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. For some cyclists, recovery is a temporary setback. However, for others, severe injuries lead to permanent physical and emotional challenges. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident in the Los Angeles area, Orange Law’s dedicated attorneys are here to evaluate your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Join Over
22,126 Happy Clients
already receiving their
maximum compensation
Get Your Case Review today
How Can a Bike Accident Lawyer Help You?
Bicyclists often suffer severe injuries due to their limited protection in crashes. Common injuries include:
- Head trauma and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and back damage
- Broken bones
Recovering from these injuries is often a lengthy and costly process. In fatal cases, families may face long-term financial and emotional strain, particularly if the victim was a primary provider. Hit-and-run accidents add complexity, but Orange Law’s attorneys will investigate thoroughly to identify the responsible party. If the driver is never found, we can help you pursue compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
How Can a Bike Accident Lawyer Help You?
Bicyclists often suffer severe injuries due to their limited protection in crashes. Common injuries include:
- Head trauma and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and back damage
- Broken bones
Recovering from these injuries is often a lengthy and costly process. In fatal cases, families may face long-term financial and emotional strain, particularly if the victim was a primary provider. Hit-and-run accidents add complexity, but Orange Law’s attorneys will investigate thoroughly to identify the responsible party. If the driver is never found, we can help you pursue compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Our Attorneys Can Assist With:
- Negotiating with insurance companies and involved parties
- Collecting photographic evidence from the accident scene
- Filing legal documents accurately and efficiently
- Connecting you with medical professionals for necessary care
- Calculating damages and future expenses
- Conducting comprehensive investigations using available resources
How Can A Bike Accident Lawyer Help You?
Common injuries among bicycle riders include those involving:
- The head
- The spinal cord
- The neck, shoulder and back
- Broken bones
Specific ways in which an attorney
can help include the following:
- Negotiating and communicating with insurance companies and other parties involved
- Gathering thorough photographic evidence of the car, the accident scene and your bodily injuries
- Processing and filing legal forms
- Connecting you with trusted medical providers as needed
- Assessing damages and calculating all expenses that you will have for the foreseeable future
- Putting resources to work to conduct professional investigations
Here for You, Every Step of the Way
We are relentless in advocating for your rights, whether in negotiations or court.
Common Injuries After a Bike Accident
Concussion and Head Injuries
Head injuries occur in 25% to 50% of bicycle crashes and account for over 60% of cyclist fatalities. Post-concussion symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, and memory issues, often require prolonged treatment.
Spinal Damage
Impacts to the spine can lead to fractures, nerve damage, or disk injuries, potentially resulting in:
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Pain from nerve damage
- Bladder or bowel control issues
- Breathing difficulties
Facial Injuries
Cyclists can suffer facial injuries when colliding with a car, the road, or bike components. These injuries often include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken teeth
- Jaw fractures
Broken Bones
Bone fractures from bicycle accidents can range from minor to severe. Compound fractures, where bones pierce the skin, often require surgical intervention. Commonly fractured areas include:
- Collarbone
- Hands and wrists
- Hips and pelvis
- Arms and legs
Common Injuries After a Bike Accident
Concussion and Head Injuries
Head injuries occur in 25% to 50% of bicycle crashes and account for over 60% of cyclist fatalities. Post-concussion symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, and memory issues, often require prolonged treatment.
Spinal Damage
Impacts to the spine can lead to fractures, nerve damage, or disk injuries, potentially resulting in:
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Pain from nerve damage
- Bladder or bowel control issues
- Breathing difficulties
Facial Injuries
Cyclists can suffer facial injuries when colliding with a car, the road, or bike components. These injuries often include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken teeth
- Jaw fractures
Broken Bones
Bone fractures from bicycle accidents can range from minor to severe. Compound fractures, where bones pierce the skin, often require surgical intervention. Commonly fractured areas include:
- Collarbone
- Hands and wrists
- Hips and pelvis
- Arms and legs
Common Injuries After A Bike Accident
Serious injuries, including those described below, affect many people
who are involved in bicycle accident crashes.
Concussion and
Head Injuries
Statistics vary, but between 25% to 50% of all injured bicyclists suffer concussions or other head injuries. Head injuries are responsible for more than 60% of bicycle accident fatalities.
Post-concussive syndrome can manifest with neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, vertigo, sensitivity to light, or memory problems.
Spinal Damage
A bicyclist who sustains an impact to the spine can suffer fractures in the bone, nerve damage, or damage to the disks in the spine. These injuries often cause permanent changes in a person’s strength, sensation, and body function below the location of the injury.
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Altered sexual function
- Pain from nerve damage
- Breathing problems
Facial Injuries
When a careless motorist crashes into a bicycle or suddenly pulls into a cyclist’s path, the impact can cause a cyclist can strike their face on the stem or headtube of the bicycle, the car, or the pavement. The injured cyclist may suffer facial cuts and bruises and fracture any of the 14 bones in the face.
- Bruises
- Cuts and scrapes
- Damage to teeth
- A broken jaw
Broken Bones
There are five types of bone fractures ranging from a simple fracture that almost always heals completely to a compound fracture in which the bone pierces the skin. Surgery is almost always needed to repair a compound fracture.
- Collarbones
- Hands, wrists, and fingers
- Hips and pelvises
- Femurs
- Arms
- Feet and ankles
What to Look for in a Personal Injury Case
“Pain and suffering” encompasses more than physical injuries. Emotional and psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, can significantly affect your quality of life. Compensation can also cover:
- Diminished quality of life
- Missed professional opportunities
- Emotional distress and anguish
At Orange Law, we’ll fight to ensure your settlement reflects the full scope of your damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Car Accidents
How do the courts determine fault in bike accidents?
Fault in bike accidents is assessed by reviewing several factors, including the police report created at the scene of the accident. The report typically contains statements from involved parties and any witnesses. Courts also consider evidence such as property damage, medical reports, and whether any party’s negligence contributed to the accident. Negligence might include failing to yield, distracted driving, or disregarding traffic laws that protect cyclists.
Is the rear vehicle always liable in rear-end bike accidents?
In most rear-end bike accidents, the vehicle behind the cyclist is considered at fault because they failed to maintain a safe following distance. However, there are exceptions. For instance, if the cyclist made an abrupt or unpredictable movement, such as stopping suddenly without signaling, liability might shift. Courts assess the specific circumstances to determine fault.
Do I have to notify the police if I’m in a bike accident?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to involve the police after a bike accident, especially if injuries or significant property damage occur. The police report provides an official account of the incident, which is critical for insurance claims or legal action. Failure to report an accident within 24 hours may result in fines or penalties, depending on local laws.
What should I do if I encounter an animal while cycling?
If you hit a wild animal while cycling, your actions will depend on the size of the animal and the extent of the situation. For larger animals, such as deer or dogs, it is important to report the incident to authorities. This helps manage the aftermath, such as contacting animal control if necessary. Always document the scene and report any injuries to ensure your safety and preserve evidence for potential claims.
How do criminal consequences of bike accidents relate to potential civil penalties?
Bike accidents may involve both civil and criminal consequences, depending on the situation. For example, if a driver’s negligence or recklessness led to the accident, they could face civil penalties, such as being required to compensate the injured cyclist for medical expenses and other damages. In cases involving criminal behavior, like hit-and-runs or driving under the influence, the driver may also face criminal charges, including fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.
What do I do if I have been in a bike accident?
After a bike accident, remain at the scene and ensure your safety. Call the police and request medical assistance if needed. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved and collect details such as names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and vehicle descriptions. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, your bicycle, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are present, gather their contact information. Once you’ve documented the incident, contact Orange Law to protect your legal rights and begin the claims process.
How long will it take for my case to settle?
The time frame for resolving a bike accident case varies depending on the complexity of the situation. Cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle within a few months. However, cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or complex legal issues can take several years to resolve. Your attorney will provide a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your case.
How much is my case worth?
The value of a bike accident case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the determination of liability, and the available insurance coverage. Compensation may include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, future income loss, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney will evaluate the specifics of your case to estimate its worth and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
What is negligence in a bike accident?
Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. In bike accidents, this might involve a driver failing to yield the right of way, speeding, or driving distracted. Cyclists can also be considered negligent if they disregard traffic laws, such as running a red light. Proving negligence requires showing that the at-fault party breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused the accident and injuries.