Have you been injured in a cycling accident? Do you live or were you injured in Los Angeles? Then here’s what you need to know right now.
Los Angeles may be best known for Hollywood stars and sunny weather, but it is also a very underrated haven for cyclists. Surrounded by a diverse natural landscape and an abundance of roads and trails, Los Angeles riders have no shortage of options, from the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail to the Rose Bowl, Griffith Park and beyond. Add in beautiful weather and you have a true mecca for dedicated cyclists.
Unfortunately, an enjoyable ride can turn into a life-shattering incident in a matter of seconds. All it takes is one collision.
A total of 455 California cyclists were killed in accidents between 2016 and 2018 — a significant increase over previous years. California is dealing with record numbers of cycling fatalities (one in five U.S. cycling deaths occur in the state), which makes Los Angeles one of the more dangerous areas in which to ride.
According to the Los Angeles Times, 21 cyclists were killed by motorists in Los Angeles in 2018. Hundreds more suffer serious injuries every year.
While local and state officials have worked to make cycling safer through their Vision Zero street safety program, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself as well. This means exercising good situational awareness, donning helmets and the required safety gear, using hand signals etc.
The sad truth, however, is that no matter how careful and conscientious you are, one mistake by a car or truck driver can leave you with devastating lifelong complications.
With that in mind, let’s discuss what you need to know if you are involved in a cycling accident.
Cycling accidents are responsible for roughly 900 deaths, 23,000 hospital admissions, 580,000 emergency department visits and more than 1.2 million physician visits per year. This makes them the most common cause of injuries outside of sporting events.
Some of the most common types of cycling-related injuries include the following:
If you are unfortunate enough to be in a collision, it’s imperative you know what to do next. Follow these steps to ensure that you remain safe — and preserve your ability to seek legal redress:
Working with an experienced attorney in the Los Angeles area should also be a top priority. Bicycle accident litigation can be quite complex, so it is important to work with a legal advocate who is dedicated to practicing in this field.
The right attorney can also help ensure that you are not taken advantage of. Navigating the insurance process can be tricky, and claims adjusters are paid to keep costs down. Experienced legal counsel can help ensure that you are fairly treated.
Gary Brustin is one of the most experienced and specialized bicycle lawyers in the Los Angeles region. In fact, he has handled nothing but bicycle injury cases for over twenty years. He’s also an avid cyclist.
If you need help, contact us for a fast, free consultation.