Los Angeles, CA, Bicycle Accident Statistics 2024

Bicycles are a popular choice for alternative local transportation in the Los Angeles area, and many people throughout California ride their bikes for exercise and leisure. While most are able to enjoy their time biking without issue, it is possible for a bicycle accident to occur in many ways. Unfortunately, recent accident statistics from Los Angeles show that the area is one of the most dangerous in the country for many reasons, and the number of bicycle accidents reported throughout Los Angeles has steadily increased over the past few years.

If you or a family member has recently suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney is the ideal resource to consult to determine your recovery options. State law views bicycle accidents just like all other vehicle accidents, meaning you likely have grounds to file a claim for compensation against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance, and if this does not fully cover your losses, you can proceed with filing a personal injury claim against them.

Recent Trends in Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents

Reports from the City of Los Angeles and various independent studies conducted by publications such as the LA Times, BikingInLA, and other media outlets state that bicycle accidents are on the rise in the Los Angeles area. In fact, Bicycling.com recently called Los Angeles the most dangerous city in America for bicyclists. Los Angeles County itself has reported more bicycling deaths in just the county limits than many other entire states have reported in similar timeframes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that about 1,000 bicyclists are fatally injured in crashes throughout the country each year, and there are more than 130,000 serious injuries from bicycle accidents reported each year as well. In 2021, in just Los Angeles County, there were 1,813 bicycle accidents reported involving 27 deaths. 2022 reported similar numbers with 26 bicycle accident deaths in the county, and 2024 is proving to remain on track with these numbers, indicating very little has been done to reduce the rate of fatal bicycle accidents in Los Angeles County. Since 2016, there has been an average of 36 bicycle accident deaths per year, with 2019 reporting the highest death toll with 42 deaths.

Knowing the risks you face while biking can help you remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you or a loved one suffers a bicycle accident because of the actions of another party, it is vital that you consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible who can help determine your most viable options for recovery.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles?

A: If you believe another party directly caused your recent bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you have the right to seek accountability and compensation for your damages with a claim against their auto insurance, followed by a personal injury claim if their insurance cannot fully cover your damages. Success with any personal injury case requires proof that the defendant directly caused your claimed damages and proof of the full extent of those damages.

Q: What if a Bicycle Accident Is Fatal?

A: If a motor vehicle driver hits and kills a bicyclist, the victim’s family would have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. This is a type of civil suit similar to a personal injury case, but it focuses on the damages suffered by the victim’s family. The at-fault driver not only faces civil liability for wrongful death and all associated damages, but they could also face criminal charges depending on how they caused the accident.

Q: Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Bicycle Accident?

A: There may not be a strict law requiring you to hire legal representation for your bicycle accident, but the right attorney can help maximize your chances of winning your case and recovering appropriate compensation for your damages. Your attorney can manage all your case proceedings for you so you can recover from your injuries with peace of mind. They are also likely to uncover channels of compensation that you may not have realized were available to you, enhancing your case award far beyond what you could have managed on your own.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Bicycle Accident?

A: There is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in California. This time limit starts on the date an injury occurs, and while two years might seem like enough time in which to file your case, it is always advisable to start the process as soon as possible. It will take time to gather the documentation needed to prove the full extent of your damages, and evidence is most reliable when it is collected as fresh as possible.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles?

A: The majority of personal injury attorneys accept clients on a contingency fee basis. When you have a contingency fee agreement with your attorney, they will only take a fee after they win your case, and their fee will be a percentage of all the compensation they recovered for you. There is no fee if the attorney is unable to recover compensation for your damages, so this billing policy allows you to approach your case without fear of paying your attorney more in legal fees than they are able to recover in compensation for you.

The team at Amendt Law has many years of handling all types of vehicle accident claims in Los Angeles, including bicycle accident claims. We know how damaging these incidents can be and the many questions you are likely to have in the aftermath of this type of accident. The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can explain your options for recovery and the more time we have to build a solid case for you. Contact Amendt Law today to schedule your consultation with our team and learn how we can help you in this challenging situation.