Bicycle Accident
Whether you've been injured in an accident, are dealing with a personal injury claim, or facing another legal issue, Mendez & Sanchez APC is here to fight for you. We handle a wide range of cases and focus on one thing—getting results. Our goal is to win the maximum compensation you deserve and help you get the justice you're owed in California or Nevada. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call Us Now
A serious bicycle accident can result in disabling injuries that affect every aspect of the victim’s life. Getting out of the hospital is often just the first step in the long road to recovery. The cost of lost wages, emergency care, surgeries, and other medical treatment can add up to a small fortune. But if your wreck was caused by another driver’s negligence, you should not have to pay for these losses out of your own pocket.
The California bicycle accident attorneys at our East Los Angeles chambers will evaluate your case for free to determine if you have grounds for a claim. We know what’s at stake for you and your family. Our compassionate lawyers will guide you through every stage of the claims process and will make sure the insurance company doesn’t bully you into accepting an unfair settlement.
Our past claims
Our attorneys handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from bicycle accidents including:
- Bicycle accidents involving distracted or drunk drivers;
- Accidents resulting from defective bicycle or auto parts;
- Bicycle accidents resulting from poorly maintained roads;
- Bicycle accidents at intersections;
- Rideshare accidents involving bicyclists;
- Failure to yield bicycle accidents; and
- Accidents involving multiple bicyclists.
Talk to our bicycle accident attorneys
It can seem impossible to focus on legal concerns in the aftermath of a serious bicycle wreck. But putting off your consultation with an accident attorney could prove costly. Insurance adjusters often use devious strategies to get claimants to admit fault, and one misguided statement could be all it takes to derail your claim.
A California bicycle accident attorney from the East Los Angeles office will handle all correspondence with the insurance adjuster. Having a seasoned litigator by your side from the start will tell the insurance company that you would be willing to take your case to trial if necessary. This often translates into a better settlement offer.
For your injury claim to be successful, it must be shown that the liable party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty of care, and this resulted in your injury or loss. Proving duty of care is fairly straightforward when the defendant is a negligent driver since all motorists in California have a duty to operate their vehicles in such a way that does not put other people at risk. However, proving a breach of duty, or “negligence,” and tying that negligence to your injury can be more complicated.
Proving Damages a Bicycle Accident
Even when liability seems obvious, recovering a fair payout might involve a complex legal battle. You should expect the insurance company or defendant to do everything in their power to reduce their liability and limit the amount of compensation they have to pay.
Our bicycle accident lawyers will make sure your claim includes all potential damages to which you may be entitled, which may include:
- Medical bills (past and future);
- Lost wages;
- Property damage;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Emotional distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement and disability;
- Exemplary damages also called “punitive damages.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If your accident involved a government entity — such as a poorly maintained city road or a county bike lane — you must file a government tort claim within just six months of the incident. Missing either deadline can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation, so it's critical to speak with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Who is liable if a car hit me while I was riding my bike in Los Angeles?
In most cases, the driver who struck you is liable if they were acting negligently — for example, by driving distracted, running a red light, failing to yield, or driving under the influence. Under California's negligence laws, all motorists owe a duty of care to cyclists sharing the road, and a breach of that duty that causes your injury establishes liability. In some accidents, additional parties may also share fault, such as a vehicle manufacturer if defective parts contributed to the crash, or a government agency if a dangerous road condition played a role.
What damages can I recover after a serious bicycle accident in California?
California law allows injured cyclists to recover both economic and non-economic damages, which can include past and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage to your bicycle and gear, and compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and disability. In cases involving especially reckless or malicious conduct — such as a drunk driver — you may also be entitled to punitive damages under California Civil Code Section 3294, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer. The full value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the strength of the evidence, which is why having an experienced attorney document every loss from day one is so important.
What should I do first after a bicycle accident with a car in California?
Your first priority is your health — call 911, get a police report filed, and seek emergency medical care even if you feel okay, since adrenaline can mask serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding. While still at the scene, photograph everything you safely can: road conditions, vehicle positions, your injuries, and any skid marks or traffic signals. Do not apologize or admit any fault to the driver, and avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster before consulting a California bicycle accident attorney — one misstatement can significantly damage your claim.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet during my bike accident?
Yes, you can still recover compensation in California even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your accident. California follows a pure comparative fault rule under California Civil Code Section 1714, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not completely barred from recovery. A defense attorney or insurance company may argue that your injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet, but a skilled bicycle accident lawyer can counter those arguments and fight to maximize your recovery regardless.
Do I really need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim, or can I handle it myself?
While you are legally permitted to handle your own claim, doing so against an experienced insurance defense team puts you at a serious disadvantage — especially when your injuries are significant and long-term costs like future surgeries or lost earning capacity are at stake. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they may use recorded statements, quick lowball settlement offers, or requests for your full medical history to reduce what they owe you. A California bicycle accident attorney handles all communication with the insurer, builds the evidence needed to prove liability and damages, and signals to the insurance company that you are prepared to take the case to trial — which almost always results in a stronger settlement offer.
My bicycle accident happened at a dangerous intersection in East Los Angeles — can the city be held responsible?
Potentially yes — if a dangerous intersection condition, such as a broken traffic signal, missing signage, faded bike lane markings, or a known hazard that the city failed to repair, contributed to your accident, the City of Los Angeles or Los Angeles County may share liability under California Government Code Section 835. However, claims against government entities are governed by the California Government Claims Act, which requires you to file a formal claim with the responsible agency within six months of the accident — a much shorter window than the standard two-year statute of limitations. An attorney can investigate the intersection's maintenance history, identify the responsible agency, and ensure all deadlines are met before your right to sue is lost.