Bicycle Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
Specialized legal representation for injured cyclists struck by negligent drivers, doored by parked vehicles, forced off bike lanes, or hit by motorists who fled the scene. Bicycle accident claims involve California vehicle codes and liability rules that general personal injury lawyers routinely miss.
At Agemian Law Group, our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers have spent 10+ years recovering maximum compensation for injured cyclists throughout Los Angeles County. With $100M+ recovered and a 4.9/5 star rating across 82 reviews, we are the bicycle accident attorney Los Angeles cyclists trust.
- Confidential
- No Obligation
- No Upfront Fees
82 Google reviews as of August 2026
Years Experience
Recovered for injured Clients
No Fee Unless We Win
Key Takeaways for Injured Cyclists in Los Angeles
- You have the same road rights as a driver. California Vehicle Code section 21200 gives cyclists on public roadways the same rights and the same duties as motor vehicle operators.
- Two years to file. A personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the crash under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
- Six months if a public entity is involved. Where a road defect or a city vehicle caused the crash, a written claim must be presented within six months under Government Code section 911.2. Miss it and the claim against that entity is permanently barred.
- Helmets are only required under 18. California Vehicle Code section 21212 applies to riders under 18. An insurer arguing that an adult cyclist’s lack of a helmet defeats the claim is misstating the law.
Legally reviewed
Reviewed by Vazken “Vinny” Agemian, Founding Attorney, Agemian Law Group · State Bar of California #314607 · admitted 2017
Bicycle and cyclist injury claims, Los Angeles County · $3.5M cyclist matters resolved
Last reviewed: August 2026
Avvo profile · LinkedIn · Full biography
Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County recorded 4000 cyclist injuries and around 35 to 40 cyclist deaths in 2022, according to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Distracted drivers, incomplete bike infrastructure and a road culture built around motor vehicles put riders at risk every day, whether they are commuting, training or riding for pleasure.
California law recognizes this vulnerability. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21200, cyclists operating on public roadways have the same rights and bear the same duties as motor vehicle operators. Every driver sharing a Los Angeles road with a cyclist carries a legal duty of care toward that rider. When that duty is breached, the negligent party is liable for the consequences.
Understanding where fault lies is the foundation of every successful bicycle accident claim. Determining fault is not always straightforward, especially when insurance companies dispute liability or claim the cyclist violated traffic laws. That is precisely why working with an experienced pedestrian and cyclist accident attorney from the moment of injury protects your right to fair compensation.
Why Bicycle Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Standard Car Accident Claims
Multiple Liable Parties
Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike a standard car accident, bicycle accident liability can extend to the at-fault driver, the vehicle owner, a rideshare or delivery company, the City of Los Angeles for road defects, or a bicycle manufacturer for faulty components.
Comparative Fault Disputes
Comparative Fault Disputes
Insurance companies routinely claim cyclists violated traffic laws to minimize or deny settlements. Countering this tactic requires documented knowledge of California Vehicle Code provisions that protect cyclists and establish driver duties.
Government Entity Deadlines: Six Months to File Against the City of Los Angeles Under Government Code Section 911.2
Government Entity Deadlines
When a road defect caused your crash, a government claim form must be filed within six months under Government Code Section 911.2. Missing this deadline permanently bars your lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans.
The Most Common Bicycle Accident Types in Los Angeles
Each bicycle accident type involves specific California Vehicle Code violations, different liable parties, and different evidence strategies. Knowing which applies to your case is the first step toward maximum compensation.
Distracted Driver Collisions
CVC Section 23123.5
Drivers texting, using navigation apps, or checking their phone while driving fail to see cyclists until it is too late. Distracted drivers are among the leading causes of serious bicycle accident injuries in Los Angeles County.
Car Door Accidents
CVC Section 22517
A vehicle occupant opens a car door directly into an approaching cyclist’s path. Dooring accidents violate CVC Section 22517 and are among the most preventable and devastating bicycle accidents on Los Angeles streets.
Unsafe Passing Distance
Three Feet for Safety Act
California’s Three Feet for Safety Act under CVC Section 21760 requires drivers to maintain a minimum three-foot clearance when passing cyclists. Drivers who pass closer than three feet violate this statute directly, creating clear evidence of negligence in your claim.
- Minimum Required Distance
-
3 Feet
Bike Lane Violations
CVC Section 21208
Drivers who enter, block, or park in a protected bike lane in violation of CVC Section 21208 force cyclists into traffic lanes. These violations frequently cause serious bicycle accident injuries that are entirely the driver’s fault.
- See Also
-
Bike Lane Accident Lawyer
Hit and Run Accidents
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
When an at-fault driver flees the accident scene, cyclists can still recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage under California Insurance Code Section 11580.2. UM coverage applies to bicycle riders, not just vehicle occupants.
Road Defect Accidents
Government Code Section 911.2
Potholes, broken pavement, absent signage, and inadequate bike path design can make the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans a liable party. These claims require a government claim form filed within six months of the accident.
The risk of missing this: If your attorney does not identify every liable party and every applicable statute, you may settle for far less than your bicycle accident case is actually worth. Our attorneys analyze every aspect of your crash from driver conduct to road conditions to equipment failure before issuing a single demand.
Bicycle Accident Injuries and What They Cost You
Bicycle accident injuries are among the most severe in the personal injury law system. Unlike motor vehicle occupants, bicycle riders have virtually no physical protection in a collision. The result is often injuries far more serious than the same crash would produce inside a car.
Catastrophic Injuries: What They Cost a Cyclist Over a Lifetime
These injuries are life-altering and require extended medical treatment, often for years following the bicycle crash:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even helmeted cyclists suffer TBIs in high-impact crashes. Unhelmeted adult cyclists face significantly greater traumatic brain injury risk. TBI treatment costs can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the cervical or lumbar spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, permanently altering a cyclist's ability to work, earn income, and function independently.
Broken Bones
Fractures of the collarbone, wrist, arm, leg, hip, and pelvis are among the most frequent bicycle accident injuries. Many require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Serious but Frequently Undervalued Injuries
Insurance companies often minimize these injuries. An experienced bicycle accident attorney ensures they are fully valued in your claim:
Road Rash and Deep Lacerations
Severe abrasions often require skin grafting and leave permanent scarring and disfigurement. These injuries are painful and ongoing, requiring extended medical treatment and follow-up care.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from impact with the road or the motor vehicle can cause internal bleeding and organ damage that may not be immediately apparent at the accident scene.
Nerve Damage
Compression or severance of nerves causes chronic pain and loss of function that significantly impairs a cyclist's ability to return to work and normal daily activities.
Psychological and Emotional Impact
Bicycle accident injuries extend well beyond the physical. California personal injury law fully compensates documented psychological harm:
Documented Compensable Conditions
Anxiety, PTSD, fear of cycling, depression, and other mental health issues following a serious bicycle crash are recognized, documented, and compensable injuries under California personal injury law. These losses are included in your non-economic damage calculation alongside pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The full cost of a serious bicycle accident extends far beyond initial medical bills. Medical treatment for traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries frequently continues for years. Lost wages accumulate throughout recovery. These are the losses that make experienced legal representation essential.
What Compensation Bicycle Accident Victims Can Recover Under California Law
California law allows bicycle accident victims to pursue two categories of compensation through a personal injury claim or personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys pursue every available category on your behalf.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are calculable financial losses caused by the bicycle accident, including all medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These are documented through bills, records, and financial statements.
- Medical expenses and medical bills including emergency room, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, specialist visits, medication, and all projected future medical care
- Lost income while you are off the bike and unable to work, whether a cyclist is paid hourly, on salary or self-employed, including shifts turned down and contracts that went elsewhere
- Loss of earning capacity if your bicycle accident injuries permanently limit your ability to work or earn at your prior level
- Property damage for bicycle replacement or repair, cycling gear, electronics, and clothing damaged in the crash
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are compensation for intangible losses. California places no statutory cap on these damages in personal injury cases, meaning their full value must be fought for.
- Pain and suffering with no statutory cap under California law
- Emotional distress including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues caused by the bicycle crash
- Loss of enjoyment of life for inability to cycle, work, or engage with the cycling community as before the injury
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members when a bicycle accident victim does not survive
- Punitive damages in cases involving DUI drivers or deliberate hit-and-run conduct
Typical settlement ranges in Los Angeles bicycle accident cases: Minor injury cases commonly resolve in the $25,000 to $150,000 range. Moderate injuries involving broken bones or surgery frequently reach $150,000 to $750,000. Catastrophic injury cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or permanent disability can reach $1,000,000 or more. We take every case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
How Agemian Law Group Handles Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Our approach reflects the specific challenges cyclists face in the Los Angeles legal and insurance environment. We do not settle bicycle accident cases quickly for less than they are worth. We build them to their maximum value and negotiate from a position of documented strength.
Free Case Evaluation
Call (866) 899-5391 or complete our online form. We review the facts of your bicycle crash, assess liability, and explain your legal options at no cost and with no obligation to retain us. We are up to date on California bicycle accident law and will tell you directly what your case involves.
Investigation and Gathering Critical Evidence
We obtain the police report from LAPD, subpoena traffic camera and surveillance footage, preserve physical evidence from the accident scene, and contact witnesses before the critical evidence window closes. Los Angeles has extensive camera infrastructure and we know how to access it quickly.
Medical Documentation
We coordinate with your healthcare providers to document current bicycle accident injuries and projected future medical treatment, ensuring every cost is captured in your demand, not just the medical bills you have already incurred.
Demand Letter and Insurance Negotiation
We send a comprehensive demand to the negligent driver's insurance company quantifying your injuries, losses, and the full compensation you are owed under California law. We negotiate against insurers using California's actual legal standards, not the version they prefer.
Litigation When Necessary
If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. We prepare every bicycle accident case as if it will go to trial. Insurers know this, and it affects every negotiation and settlement discussion.
Resolution and Recovery
Whether through settlement or verdict, you receive maximum compensation. We handle all communication with insurance companies from the moment you retain us. You focus on returning to normal life while we handle the entire legal process.
California Bicycle Law: Every Rule That Applies to Your Claim
The code sections a Los Angeles cyclist’s claim turns on, with what each one governs, so you can check them against the official text.
| Section | What it governs |
|---|---|
| CVC § 21200 | Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers on public roadways |
| CVC § 21208 | When a cyclist must use a bike lane, and the exceptions that let you leave it |
| CVC § 21760 | The Three Feet for Safety Act - minimum passing clearance |
| CVC § 22517 | Dooring - opening a door into traffic |
| CVC § 23123.5 | Handheld phone use while driving |
| CVC § 21212 | Helmet requirement, riders under 18 only |
| CCP § 335.1 | Two years to file a personal injury lawsuit |
| Government Code § 911.2 | Six months to present a claim against a public entity |
| Civil Code § 1714, as construed by Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804 | Pure comparative negligence - 30% at fault still recovers 70% |
| Insurance Code § 11580.2 | Uninsured and underinsured motorist cover, which reaches a cyclist struck by a driver with no insurance |
These are general rules, not advice on your matter. How they apply depends on the facts of your crash, so confirm yours with a California-licensed attorney.
Evidence That Wins Bicycle Accident Cases in Los Angeles
Strong bicycle accident cases are built in the days immediately following the crash. The most important evidence must be gathered and preserved before it disappears permanently.
Critical Evidence in Bicycle Accident Claims
Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company or your own insurance company before consulting with a bicycle accident attorney. Our law firm handles all communication with insurers from the moment you retain us.
Police Report
The LAPD official record of the accident scene is critical for establishing the initial account of the bicycle crash. We obtain it and analyze it for driver violations and any errors in the reporting officer's assessment.
Traffic and Surveillance Video
LA traffic cameras, Metro cameras, business security footage, Ring and Nest doorbell cameras near the accident scene. Los Angeles has extensive camera infrastructure and we know how to subpoena footage quickly before it is overwritten.
Accident Scene Photographs
Photos of your bicycle, your injuries, the motor vehicle involved, road conditions, traffic controls, and any skid marks or debris taken as close to the time of the accident as possible document conditions before they change.
Witness Statements
Independent accounts corroborating what happened when fault lies in dispute are among the most persuasive evidence in any bicycle accident claim. We contact witnesses immediately before memories fade.
Medical Records
Every ER visit, specialist report, imaging study, physical therapy record, and ongoing treatment note is gathered to build a complete picture of bicycle accident injuries and their economic impact on your life.
GPS and Cell Phone Records
Strava, Garmin, and cycling computer GPS data documents your speed and route. Cell phone records are obtainable through discovery when distracted drivers are suspected of using their phones at the time of impact.
Electric Bikes, and the Two Turns That Cause Most Collisions
Electric bicycle claims
California sorts e-bikes into three classes, and the class changes what rules apply to a rider. Class 1 is pedal-assist to 20 mph. Class 2 adds a throttle, also capped at 20 mph. Class 3 is pedal-assist to 28 mph, carries a minimum age and a helmet requirement regardless of age, and is barred from some bike paths. After a crash the class matters twice over: it affects where the rider was entitled to be, and it is the first thing an insurer will raise on comparative fault. Photograph the class sticker on the frame before the bike is repaired or scrapped.
The right hook
A driver overtakes a cyclist and then turns right across the bike lane. The cyclist is where they are entitled to be and has nowhere to go. Liability normally sits with the turning driver, and the evidence that proves it is usually the vehicle’s position at impact and the damage pattern on the bike’s front wheel.
The left cross
An oncoming driver turns left across a cyclist’s path, most often at an intersection, typically saying they never saw the rider. The turning driver owes the duty to yield. Surveillance from nearby premises, signal timing data and witness accounts are what settle these.
Los Angeles has documented where these collisions concentrate through the LADOT Vision Zero high injury network – a small share of streets carries most of the serious injuries. If your crash happened on one of them, that is worth raising: it goes to notice, and where a road defect contributed it opens a claim against the city, subject to the six-month deadline above.
Why Bicycle Accident Victims in Los Angeles Choose Agemian Law Group
Our clients are members of the Los Angeles cycling community who suffered serious injuries because a driver failed their legal duty. Getting them back toward normal life with the financial security to cover medical expenses and lost wages is the work we do every day.
Deep Knowledge of California Bicycle Law
Our bicycle accident attorneys are up to date on every California Vehicle Code provision protecting cyclists, from the Three Feet for Safety Act to the dooring statute to government entity claim procedures. This knowledge is the foundation of every case we build.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Insurance companies consistently try to minimize bicycle accident settlements. Our attorneys know how to negotiate aggressively for fair compensation that covers all economic damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic losses including pain and suffering.
We Handle All Communication
Our law firm handles all communication with insurance companies from the moment you retain us. You never have to speak to an adjuster alone. We gather critical evidence, build your case, and represent you in court if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.
You Focus on Recovery
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious bicycle accident is overwhelming. By retaining Agemian Law Group, you can focus on your recovery and returning to normal life while our attorneys manage all legal complexities, deadlines, and negotiations on your behalf.
Contingency Fee Basis — No Upfront Costs
Agemian Law Group handles all bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and owe us no legal fees unless we win your case. We also advance all investigation costs and court filing fees. There is no financial risk to calling us.
Our Results for Injured Cyclists
“With 10+ years of experience handling cyclist injury claims throughout Los Angeles County, we have developed a proven process for maximizing compensation in every bicycle accident case we take on.”
$100M+
Total Recovered
4.9/5
Star Rating
10+
Years in LA
Case Result
$1,200,000 Settlement
Traumatic brain injuries and severe fractures following an intersection collision with a distracted driver in Los Angeles County.
Case Result
$875,000 Settlement
Dooring accident causing orthopedic injuries requiring multiple surgeries and extended medical treatment with documented long-term impact.
Case Result
$650,000 Settlement
Bike lane violation resulting in permanent nerve damage and documented loss of earning capacity affecting long-term income.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each bicycle accident case is evaluated on its individual facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims in Los Angeles
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?
California provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under CCP Section 335.1. If the City of Los Angeles or another government entity is responsible, such as for a road defect, you must file a government claim form within six months under Government Code Section 911.2 before any personal injury lawsuit can proceed. Missing that six-month deadline permanently bars your claim against the government entity.
Can I still pursue compensation if I was partly at fault in my bicycle accident?
Can I still pursue compensation if I was partly at fault in my bicycle accident?
Yes. California applies pure comparative negligence, established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804 construing Civil Code section 1714, so an injured cyclist recovers even when partly responsible. Your award is reduced in proportion to your share of fault: a cyclist found 30% at fault still recovers 70% of total damages. Insurers lean hard on comparative fault to cut settlements, which is why we document every driver violation.
What if the driver fled the accident scene or has no insurance?
What if the driver fled the accident scene or has no insurance?
Cyclists injured in hit-and-run accidents or collisions with uninsured drivers can recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage under California Insurance Code Section 11580.2. This coverage applies to bicycle riders, not just motor vehicle occupants. We also examine your own insurance company’s policy for all applicable uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to maximize your total recovery from all available sources.
Do I need to have been wearing a helmet for my bicycle accident claim to be valid?
Do I need to have been wearing a helmet for my bicycle accident claim to be valid?
No. California Vehicle Code Section 21212 requires helmets only for cyclists under 18 years of age. Adult cyclists are not required to wear helmets under California law. An insurer claiming your lack of a helmet eliminates or substantially reduces your personal injury claim is misrepresenting the legal system. Adult cyclists without helmets retain full legal rights to pursue compensation for their bicycle accident injuries.
How much is a bicycle accident settlement worth in Los Angeles?
How much is a bicycle accident settlement worth in Los Angeles?
Settlement values depend on injury severity, available insurance coverage, and strength of liability. Minor injury cases commonly resolve in the $25,000 to $150,000 range. Moderate injuries involving broken bones or surgery frequently reach $150,000 to $750,000. Catastrophic injury cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or permanent disability can reach $1,000,000 or more. Our attorneys provide an honest assessment of your case value during a free consultation.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles?
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles?
Call 911 immediately, seek medical treatment even if injuries appear minor, photograph the accident scene and your bicycle before anything is moved, gather the driver’s insurance information and witness contact details, and preserve any available video footage from the area. Contact a bicycle accident attorney before giving any recorded statement to insurance companies. Statements made in the days following a bicycle crash are routinely used to undervalue claims.
Can I file a personal injury claim if a road defect caused my bicycle crash?
Can I file a personal injury claim if a road defect caused my bicycle crash?
Yes, but time is critical. Claims against the City of Los Angeles or another government entity require a government claim form filed within six months of the accident under Government Code Section 911.2. Missing this deadline bars your lawsuit entirely. Contact our law firm immediately if a road defect, faulty bike path, pothole, or missing signage contributed to your bicycle crash. We handle government entity claims and know exactly how to document and file them correctly.
What types of bicycle accidents does Agemian Law Group handle in Los Angeles?
What types of bicycle accidents does Agemian Law Group handle in Los Angeles?
We represent injured cyclists in all bicycle accident types throughout Los Angeles County, including bike lane accidents, dooring accidents, bicycle vs car collisions, hit and run accidents, road defect crashes, intersection collisions, and wrongful death cases. We also handle cases involving rideshare drivers, commercial vehicles, and defective bicycle components with faulty brakes where liability extends beyond the driver to employers and manufacturers.
Who is at fault if a car hits a bicycle?
Who is at fault if a car hits a bicycle?
Usually the driver, but it is established rather than assumed. Under CVC section 21200 a cyclist has the same rights as a driver, so the ordinary right-of-way rules decide it: a driver who turns across a bike lane, opens a door into traffic under CVC section 22517, or passes inside three feet under CVC section 21760 is normally at fault. Insurers routinely argue the cyclist contributed – no helmet, no lights, riding outside the lane – so what settles fault in practice is evidence: the collision report, surveillance footage, the damage pattern and witness accounts.
What should I not tell an attorney?
What should I not tell an attorney?
Nothing. What harms a claim is the fact you leave out – a prior injury to the same body part, a gap in treatment, an earlier claim, a social media post about the ride. Every one of those is manageable when we know early, and damaging when the other side finds it first. What you tell us is privileged whether or not you go on to hire us.
Where We Represent Injured Cyclists Across Los Angeles County
Our bicycle accident lawyers handle all cyclist injury claim types throughout Los Angeles County. Select your specific accident type below.