Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney
Cycling is a great way to travel in Los Angeles for both adults and children alike. It’s economic and many people take up cycling as part of following a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, cyclists are very vulnerable to negligent road users.
Statistics show that about 467,000 bicyclists are injured in bicycle-related injuries every year in the United States. Crash-related injuries result in lifetime medical costs and productivity losses of around $10 billion.
Cohen & Marzban helps clients who have been injured in a bicycle accident to receive the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one suffered damages due to the negligence of another, our law firm stands ready to help you.
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week To Schedule an Appointment.
If you’re not able to travel to our office, we can send a bicycle accident attorney to visit you at your home or in the hospital, anywhere in Southern California.
Why Choose Cohen & Marzban Personal Injury Attorneys?
With 45+ years of experience and over $2 billion recovered for our clients, Cohen & Marzban is known as one of the best Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney firms. Our list of accomplishments includes winning The Litigator Award™ – an honor given to only the top 1% of trial attorneys in the United States.
If you need a top bicycle accident attorney, Cohen & Marzban is the place to go.
We offer all new clients a FREE consultation to evaluate the merits of your case and we don’t get paid unless you get paid!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to wear a helmet on a bicycle in Los Angeles?
Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 21212(a) of the California Legislative Information Vehicle Code Section deals with helmets.
Section 21212(a) states that a person under the age of 18 years shall not operate a bicycle nor ride on a bicycle in a public space as a passenger unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
The helmet has to meet the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities.
The above requirement also applies to a person who rides on a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
Is it legal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in California?
It depends on where you are in the State of California. There is no statewide law that prohibits someone from riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. However, under California Vehicle Code Section 21206, local governments can regulate whether riding a bicycle on a public sidewalk is allowed or not.
What’s the best evidence to show that the other party was negligent?
The best evidence you can obtain to support your case is a police report. Always obtain a police report, even if you have no visual injuries after your accident. Remember that symptoms may only appear weeks or months later.
In addition to the above, eyewitness accounts can significantly strengthen your case. If anyone witnessed your bicycle accident, do your best to obtain their contact details. Give their details to your bike accident attorney firm so they can obtain witness statements.
Do bicycles have the right of way in California?
Unlike pedestrians who always have the right of way, motorists and bicycle riders are treated in the same way in the eyes of the law. For example, whoever arrives first at an intersection has the right of way.
The California Vehicle Code applies to both bicyclists and motorists. Bicyclists have to adhere to the same traffic laws that apply to motorists.
What if I am partly to blame for the accident?
The State of California applies the pure comparative fault rule (also referred to as comparative negligence) to all personal injury lawsuits. Under this rule, a person injured in a bicycle accident can recover damages even when they’re partially to blame for the accident.
For example, a person who is only 20% responsible for causing an accident will only be liable to pay 20% of the damages.
Note that some states follow a modified comparative fault rule that prevents a person from recovering damages if they’re 50% or more at fault. However, in California bicycle accident victims can recover some damages even if they’re 99% at fault.
Determining the percentage of responsibility for an accident can be difficult. It’s one of the reasons why accident victims should consult a reputable and experienced bike accident lawyer.
Note: At Cohen & Marzban, our bicycle accident lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you.