How Can a Los Angeles Lawyer Help After Suffering Bicycle Accident Head Injury?

Suffering a bicycle accident head injury can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Your physical and emotional challenges likely extend even further to pressing concerns about medical expenses, lost income, and the complexities of legal proceedings. 

An experienced Los Angeles lawyer can help you immensely after suffering a bike accident head injury. They will take the reins on all aspects of your case, leaving you with the time, energy, and resources you need to recover. 

At Wilshire Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers know all too well the dangers bicyclists face every time they take to the streets on two wheels. Bicycling in LA is as much a popular form of recreation as it is a way of commuting. Scores of cyclists share the road with dense traffic, making cycling a risk.

When motor vehicles and bikes collide on the streets of LA, the bicyclist will always pay the price. Understanding your rights and the avenues available for support is crucial during this difficult time.

START A FREE CASE EVALUATION

The Reality of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, with its sprawling urban landscape and year-round favorable weather, has a vibrant cycling community. However, the city’s infrastructure and heavy traffic can pose significant risks to cyclists. Areas such as Downtown LA, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Venice Beach are particularly known for high bicycle traffic and, consequently, a high incidence of accidents.

According to the California Department of Public Health, bicycle-related injuries and deaths remain a major problem despite city and county wide efforts to make the streets safer for cyclists. In fact, Los Angeles continues to have one of the highest fatal bike collision rates in the U.S., according to a recent bicycle safety report by Bike LA.

Los Angeles authorities reported between 25 and 40 fatal bicycle accidents every year for the last ten years. For every fatality, however, many more cyclists suffer from serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

How Common Are Bike Accident Head Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe consequences of bicycle accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that bicycling leads to the highest number of sport and recreation-related emergency department visits for TBIs in the United States.

Bicycle helmets do offer a lot of protection, but the truth is, when a bike collides with a car or other motor vehicle, the cyclist will bear the brunt of the crash from head to toe. The lack of any barriers between a cyclist and a car or truck make every collision extremely dangerous for bicyclists – even when they occur at low speeds. 

So, Do Bike Helmets Actually Work?

It’s safe to say that without the protection of a bike helmet, even more bicycle injuries and fatalities would be reported in LA. According to the Cleveland Clinic, wearing a helmet while cycling:

• Reduces serious head injuries by 60%.
• Reduces traumatic brain injuries by 53%.
• Reduces the number of bicyclists killed or seriously injured by 34%.

Why LA Bicyclists Are Vulnerable

Several factors contribute to the vulnerability of Los Angeles cyclists:

• High Traffic Density: The city’s congested roads increase the likelihood of collisions between vehicles and bicycles.
• Limited Bike Lanes: Inadequate or poorly maintained bike lanes force cyclists to share lanes with motor vehicles, elevating risk.
• Speeding: The act of driving a vehicle faster than the posted speed limit or too fast for road or traffic conditions. 
• Distracted Driving: The prevalence of distracted drivers poses a significant threat to cyclist safety.
• Urban Sprawl: The expansive nature of Los Angeles means longer commutes, often through areas not designed with cyclist safety in mind.

LA Bicycle Accident Lawyer

What Makes Traumatic Brain Injuries So Serious After a Bike Crash?

Traumatic brain injuries are elusive. Symptoms may not present immediately, and standard imaging techniques might not detect subtle yet significant damage. Their invisibility can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, complicating recovery.

The prognosis for TBIs can be unpredictable in many cases. While some individuals with TBIs may experience a full recovery, others may experience long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. This uncertainty can be distressing, impacting not only the injured individual but also their loved ones. 

Common Head Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in various types of head injuries, including:

• Concussions (Mild TBI): Temporary loss of normal brain function, often without visible injury.
• Skull Fractures: Breaks in the cranial bone, which may or may not involve brain injury.
• Subdural and Epidural Hematomas: Accumulations of blood inside the skull that can compress brain tissue.
• Cerebral Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue, leading to bleeding and swelling.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Widespread injury to brain cells caused by severe rotation or shaking.
• Penetrating Head Trauma: Injuries where an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injuries: Brain injuries occurring at the site of impact and on the opposite side due to the brain moving within the skull.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Persistent symptoms following a concussion, such as headaches and dizziness.
• Secondary Injuries: Complications like swelling or infection that arise after the initial injury.

Anyone who experiences a head injury, no matter how mild or seemingly insignificant, should seek immediate medical attention. TBIs also demonstrate the need to work with an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can fight for the maximum compensation you need and deserve, not just now but potentially for years to come. 

Immediate Steps to Take After a Bicycle Head Injury in LA

After receiving medical care for a traumatic brain injury sustained in a bicycle accident, you may find yourself overwhelmed with concerns about mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the path to recovery. It’s natural to feel uncertain about the next steps. Here’s how you can begin to address these challenges:

Hire a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

Partnering with a personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident cases can significantly ease the burdens you’re facing. A lawyer can:

• Handle Communications: Manage all interactions with insurance companies and at-fault parties, ensuring your rights are protected.
• Investigate the Accident: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene to build a strong case.
• Secure Necessary Evidence: Obtain traffic camera footage, medical records, and expert testimonies to substantiate your claim.
• Coordinate Medical Care: Assist in accessing ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation services.

By entrusting these responsibilities to a skilled attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Preserve Evidence from the Scene

If possible, collect and retain any evidence related to the accident:

• Photographs: Take pictures of the accident scene, your bicycle, injuries, and any relevant road conditions or signage.
• Witness Information: Gather contact details of any witnesses who can provide statements about the incident.
• Personal Belongings: Keep damaged clothing, helmet, and bicycle parts as they may serve as evidence.

Investigate the Cause of the Bike Accident

Determining liability is crucial in bicycle accident cases. Your lawyer will work to uncover exactly what happened and who is responsible. This might include:

• Reviewing traffic camera footage
• Interviewing witnesses
• Inspecting road conditions and signage
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts

By establishing a clear and accurate narrative of the crash, your attorney can protect you from blame and ensure that the liable party is held accountable.

Prove the Extent of Your Traumatic Brain Injury

Because TBIs are often invisible, proving the severity of the injury requires detailed documentation and a strategic legal approach. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will help by:

• Collecting your full medical history and diagnostic imaging
• Working with neurologists or neuropsychologists to evaluate long-term effects
• Showing how the injury impacts your memory, mood, sleep, focus, and ability to work
• Gathering testimony from family, co-workers, and healthcare providers

Your lawyer’s role is to ensure that no detail is missed and that your suffering – past, present, and future – is fully covered in your claim.

Manage Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, especially in cases involving TBIs, where symptoms can be disputed. An attorney can protect you from these tactics by:

• Handling all communication with insurers
• Negotiating for fair compensation
• Preventing you from saying something that might harm your claim
• Fighting against delays, denials, or lowball offers

You shouldn’t have to battle an insurance company while trying to recover. Studies also show that individuals who work with a lawyer recover substantially more compensation than those who don’t.

What Compensation Can You Recover for a Bike Accident Head Injury?

After a traumatic brain injury, compensation can make the difference between financial hardship and a secure recovery. While no amount of money can undo the harm, it can help you regain stability and access the care you need.

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, financial costs tied to your injury, including:

• Medical expenses
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Prescription medications
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Lost income 
• Diminished earning potential
• Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation or home care

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are less visible but just as real. A TBI can upend your entire way of life. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Depression, anxiety, and PTSD
• Strained relationships and emotional withdrawal

Wrongful Death Damages

When a traumatic brain injury results in the death of a loved one, the pain is immeasurable. A wrongful death claim may provide surviving family members with compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and love
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional suffering of survivors

Wrongful death cases are especially sensitive. A compassionate lawyer will handle every detail with care, giving your family the time and space to grieve while ensuring justice is pursued.

Real-Life Locations Where Bike Accidents Happen in LA

Bike accidents can happen anywhere, but some LA locations are known hotspots:

• Griffith Park: Popular among recreational cyclists but prone to high-speed descents and distracted drivers.
• Sunset Boulevard: Busy, narrow, and often without protected bike lanes.
• East Anaheim Street in Long Beach: Two cyclist deaths occurred on a one-mile stretch between Walnut and Obispo in downtown Long Beach in one recent year.
• Downtown LA: Heavy traffic, buses, and aggressive drivers make it risky for cyclists.
• Figueroa Street in Downtown LA: Three bicyclist deaths occurred on a four-block stretch between 3rd Street and 7th Street.
• Venice Beach Boardwalk: Shared spaces between pedestrians, skaters, and bikes often result in collisions.
• Martin Luther King Jr Blvd & Figueroa Street in Los Angeles: Two bike fatalities occurred near this dangerous intersection recently. Located adjacent to Exposition Park and the 110 Harbor Freeway, bicycles and pedestrians must compete with heavy traffic.
• Silver Lake and Echo Park: Hilly terrain and limited bike-friendly infrastructure pose risks.
• Avenues H & J in Lancaster: Bicyclists have dedicated bicycle lanes here, but they must battle high speed limits of 40-60 mph, broken gaps in cycling infrastructure, and lots of turning traffic.

Local knowledge matters. A lawyer familiar with LA’s streets and traffic patterns can strengthen your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About LA Bike Accidents

What if I am partly at fault for the bicycle accident?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means if you were partly at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A lawyer can help defend against unfair blame and maximize the compensation you’re owed.

What is the deadline for filing a claim in California?

The California statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. If a government entity was involved, such as a negligent driver of a city vehicle, you must file a notice of claim within six months. Some exceptions exist. Consult with a local personal injury lawyer right away, as missing these deadlines bars you from pursuing damages.

How much does a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer cost?

Most personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and only owe a fee if your lawyer wins your case. Initial consultations are also typically free and without obligation.

What if the driver left the scene?

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are tragically common in Los Angeles. If the driver fled, your lawyer can help:

• Work with law enforcement to identify the vehicle
• Investigate traffic and surveillance footage
• File a claim using your uninsured motorist coverage if you purchased it

Bike Accident Head Injury

How to Choose the Right Los Angeles Bike Accident Lawyer

Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Here are some things to look for. You want a lawyer with:

• Compassionate communication and a human touch
• Familiarity with Los Angeles roads, traffic, and legal system
• A track record of strong outcomes in similar cases
• Willingness to explain every step of the process
• Availability when you need them 

You need someone who treats you like a person, not a case number. A good lawyer will make you feel heard and supported from day one.

Wilshire Law Firm’s Powerhouse Team of Personal Injury Lawyers Has Your Back

At Wilshire Law Firm, we know that head injuries can take a devastating toll on accident victims, their families, and all aspects of their lives, both now and potentially for years to come. You have too much at stake not to work with the proven top-performing team of personal injury lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm. 

We have helped clients in Los Angeles and throughout California recover the compensation they deserve for life-changing accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. 

We are ready to help you, too. We’ll investigate your accident, connect you with medical experts, fight the insurance companies, and pursue every dollar you deserve so you can focus on healing.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Call Wilshire Law Firm today at (213) 335-2402 for a free consultation, or contact us through our online form. 

START A FREE CASE EVALUATION