What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles? 2024

Los Angeles is known for many things, and an abundance of people is certainly one of them. Whether on the way to work or just out for an afternoon sightseeing, pedestrians and motor vehicles alike must safely share the road. Unfortunately, crowded streets mean that accidents will inevitably happen. However, what to do after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles is not something that most think about.

Accidents may be more commonly referred to while in a motor vehicle, but knowing what steps you should take after a bicycle accident could help ensure you do not lose the compensation you may be owed.

Steps You Should Take

If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps immediately to ensure that you protect yourself. This begins at the onset of the accident, as any future claim you may need to file will need important information. While you may be full of adrenaline or shock, keeping a cool head and following these steps could impact the compensation you may be entitled to.

Whether you are on your own bicycle or one of the many e-bikes around the city, here are important steps to take after a bicycle accident:

• Contact law enforcement. Just as you would in a car accident, filing a police report can be one of the most important steps. This will document the accident and make note of any injuries you may have received. Police will be able to speak with witnesses, describe the circumstances of the accident, and issue any necessary tickets.
• Do not negotiate. When you are at the scene, the other party may want to try and negotiate a settlement immediately to avoid higher payouts later. They may even attempt to avoid working with insurance companies because damage or injuries seem minor. It is important that you do not negotiate with the other party. Interactions with the other party should be limited to exchanging information.
• Speak up. Contacting law enforcement and documenting the circumstances is important, but ensure that your version of events is accurately reflected by police. In some cases, law enforcement will speak with a driver or witnesses and not with you. Ensure your voice is heard and documented.
• Exchange information. Be sure that you collect driver’s license, insurance, and phone number information with the other party. If possible, also collect information on any witnesses who may be on the scene. This can be important for not only corroboration of what happened but there may be video and photo evidence that you can use.
• Document everything. If possible, collect evidence, including photographs of where the accident occurred, the intersection, the path of travel for you and the driver, even in which direction you were moving, and the weather conditions. Every detail could make a difference should you need to file a claim later.
• Seek medical help. Medical attention should be a priority. Often, injuries could be severe in bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle. However, some injuries may not immediately reveal themselves because your body is still reacting to the accident, or there could be internal damage that needs medical attention. Unless you are medically transported, when you finish at the scene, immediately seek an evaluation from a medical professional.
• Contact an attorney. While you may feel that working with insurance or the other party may be simple, this is not always the case. Even if the other party is cooperative, that can quickly change when you are seeking financial compensation. Their insurance company will want to settle quickly and minimally. A Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney can help you recover the money you are entitled to for injuries, lost wages, and more.

These are the most important steps you should take after a bicycle accident in Los Angeles. Retaining a personal injury attorney not only provides you with legal counsel but also brings a valuable person to your team who can negotiate on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery.

FAQs

Q: Should I Go to the Doctor After a Bike Accident?

A: You should always seek an evaluation from a doctor after a bike accident. While some injuries can be severe and require immediate attention, the shock of the accident and the adrenaline in your body could delay the onset of other noticeable injuries. In addition, you could be suffering from internal injuries. A doctor can provide you with a full medical evaluation to help you understand the extent of your injuries.

Q: What Happens if You Accidentally Hit a Cyclist?

A: If you are the driver of a vehicle that has hit a cyclist, you should take the necessary steps to help you and the cyclist. As with any accident, stay at the scene and stay calm. Contact emergency personnel right away to treat any injuries the cyclist, or you have suffered and to bring law enforcement to the scene.

Collect information from the cyclist and any witnesses. Document the scene and ensure you speak with the police. As with any accident, you should contact an attorney to provide you with legal protection.

Q: What Types of Injuries Are Common in Bicycle Accidents?

A: Injuries in bicycle accidents can be very likely when they involve a motor vehicle. Bicyclists who wear protection are still prone to injury, given the nature of the accident.

Common injuries that cyclists could suffer include traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures or breaks, spinal cord injuries, injuries to the ribs, and much more. These injuries could have an impact on the cyclist’s return to daily life and even impact their potential to work.

Q: Is it Illegal to Bike on the Sidewalk in LA?

A: According to LA Municipal Code 56.15, it is illegal to ride a bicycle or operate any type of device that is exclusively operated by human power on a sidewalk. Because of this, that means cyclists and motorists need to share the road safely. Not all roads have bicycle lanes and while vehicles may be the largest on the road, it is also important that cyclists know the traffic and pedestrian laws to keep themselves safe.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

Whether you or a loved one were recently in a bicycle accident or you are seeking to recover the compensation you are owed from a previous accident, it is important you have the legal knowledge and experience to do so. At Amendt Law, our team is here to not only answer your questions about Los Angeles bicycle accidents but also help you on the road to recovery. Contact us today. Se habla español.