Cohen Reid LLP Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorney 2026-09-30T11:07:39Z https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1302247/2026/06/cropped-New_Fav-32x32.png On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[Who pays when a city bus hits a cyclist in California?]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51769 2026-09-30T11:07:39Z 2026-09-30T11:07:39Z Know the rules for government claims Generally, before you can pursue an injury lawsuit against a public entity, you must first present an administrative claim to the appropriate agency. For claims involving personal injury or property damage, California law generally gives you six months from the date the claim arises to do so. If you miss that deadline, state law provides a limited process for seeking permission to present a late claim in certain circumstances. A government claim generally must include information such as:
  • The date, location and circumstances of the crash
  • A description of your injuries or property damage
  • The public employee involved, if known
  • The amount claimed in certain cases
The correct agency depends on which public entity operated the bus, such as LA Metro, SFMTA or OCTA. Missing the deadline can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation.

What if you share fault for the crash?

California follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means you may still recover compensation if you share responsibility for a bicycle crash, although your recovery may decrease based on your percentage of fault. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, photos and records from the transit agency may help establish how the collision occurred.

Understand your options after a bus crash

A collision with a public bus can leave you managing injuries while facing deadlines and procedures that do not apply to an ordinary vehicle crash. You do not have to sort through those requirements without guidance. An attorney familiar with bicycle and government claims can help identify the responsible agency, explain the applicable deadlines and address disputes over fault or compensation.  ]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[What are your rights after a severe pedestrian accident?]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51766 2026-09-29T14:42:45Z 2026-09-29T14:42:45Z Know what drivers owe you California drivers must use reasonable care around people walking and riding bicycles. For example, the state's pedestrian right-of-way law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must also slow down or take other steps when needed to protect a pedestrian. Bicyclists also have legal rights on California roads. Under state law, people riding bicycles generally have the same rights and duties as drivers. A driver may cause a serious crash by speeding, driving while distracted or failing to yield. Evidence such as photos, video, witness statements and police reports can help show what happened. Medical records can also connect the crash to the victim's injuries.

Seek fair payment for losses

Severe fractures and organ injuries can lead to surgery, long hospital stays and months of rehabilitation. Some victims may also lose income or struggle to return to the same type of work. Therefore, a personal injury claim may cover more than the first round of medical bills. California law recognizes economic losses such as medical costs and lost earnings. It also recognizes non-economic harm such as pain, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. Fair compensation should reflect how the crash has affected the injured person's life. This may include future treatment and reduced earning ability when the evidence supports those losses.

Protect your right to accountability

After a severe pedestrian or bicycle crash, insurance companies may question fault or the full value of the injuries. These disputes can make an already difficult recovery more stressful. An injury attorney can review the evidence, identify available insurance coverage and explain what compensation may apply. Legal guidance can also help an injured person understand their options and pursue accountability while focusing on medical care and recovery.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[3 details that matter when bicycle crash liability is disputed]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51764 2026-09-25T15:17:47Z 2026-09-25T15:17:47Z Inconsistencies in the driver's account Contradictions in the driver's account can raise important questions about how the crash happened. For example, the driver might later give a statement that doesn’t match what they previously said about the accident. Their account might also conflict with vehicle damage, witness observations or other known facts. These inconsistencies do not automatically establish fault, but they can matter when you compare the driver's statements with other facts about the collision.

Analysis of the crash and evidence

Physical evidence may show that a crash occurred, but an accident reconstruction expert can interpret that evidence in the context of the driver's actions and the surrounding conditions. They will look into:
  • Vehicle and bicycle damage
  • Positions of physical evidence
  • Sight lines
  • Lane configuration
  • Traffic signals and other roadway features
California follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if another party assigns some responsibility to you, although the amount can decrease by your percentage of fault.

Independent accounts and records

Independent accounts and records can help test whether the driver's version matches what others observed or recorded. Depending on the circumstances, you may need:
  • Eyewitness accounts
  • Police reports
  • Traffic or security camera footage
  • Other records created independently of the parties
When these sources conflict with the driver's account, they can give an insurer or other decision-maker a basis to question specific claims about the collision.

Let the facts address the dispute

A driver's denial does not settle liability by itself. When your claim faces pushback, inconsistencies in the other account, expert analysis and independent records can help establish what happened and why. If liability remains disputed, your attorney can help you understand what steps you can take to address the disagreement.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[Why can the school run pose a risk to cyclists?]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51761 2026-09-24T16:30:37Z 2026-09-24T16:30:37Z If you ride your bicycle to work, you may be on the road at the same time as parents preoccupied with the school run. If you are, it’s important to understand how dangerous that time can be. You might think that parents who are taking their children to or from school will be motivated to drive extra carefully because they want to ensure no harm comes to their kids. Yet the simple fact is that children themselves can present a big distraction to the parent driving them.

What does distraction by child passengers look like?

If you have kids yourself, you likely have some idea of how demanding of your attention they can be at times. The school run can be a boring time for kids, and it often also involves them being up and out when they’d rather be at home in bed. Thus, they can be more demanding of a parent’s attention than normal. For example: A child might pose their parent numerous questions on the way to school, such as what they’ve packed for lunch, or whether they really have to go to math class. Alternatively, they might remember that they have forgotten something they need for school, and implore their parent to turn back so they can get it. Another thing that could distract a parent is their child’s dress or grooming. A parent might catch a glimpse in the mirror of what their teenage daughter is wearing to school, and a heated discussion about whether it is suitable to go to school like that may ensue. Or maybe they just realize that their young child has spilled some of their breakfast on their clothes, or has not brushed their hair properly. Then there is the whole pressure of getting the kids up in the morning and to school on time. Parents often have to nag their children to hurry up. They may have to remind them to check that they have everything. It can mean that the parent’s head is a little all over the place when they get behind the wheel, so they may not be as focused on the road as they should. If you find yourself in a collision with a parent on the school run, it’s important to remember that however apologetic they are, they may have been distracted by their kids, and that might be why the collision happened. With legal guidance to understand how to build a claim, you can increase your chance of getting any compensation due to you.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[How do cyclists become invisible to truck drivers?]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51758 2026-09-12T03:17:18Z 2026-09-12T03:17:18Z A large percentage of incidents where vehicles hit bicyclists can be explained by the driver not knowing the cyclist was there. Distracted driving can be the cause. Drivers may be looking at their phone, chatting to a passenger or fiddling with the vehicle controls rather than checking in their mirrors. But sometimes a driver can glance in their mirror and not see a bicyclist who is actually in their path. If they make a maneuver based on that check alone, there is a chance they will hit the bicyclist. This is a special concern for truck drivers whose vehicles are much larger than those of other drivers.

Trucks have very large blind spots

The blind spots of a truck are far more extensive than those of most other vehicles. So it is relatively easy for a bicyclist to end up in one of those blind spots and think that the driver has seen them when they haven’t. Here are the four blind spots to be aware of:
  • 20 feet in front
  • 200 feet behind
  • One lane to the left extending just past the front of the trailer
  • One lane to the right extending beyond the rear of the trailer
It is best to stay out of these blind spots as much as possible when you are on a bicycle, as even a slight brush from a truck could be enough to result in serious injury or death. If a truck does hit you, it's important to know that you may be entitled to compensation even if you were in one of those blind spots at the time. After all, it is not always possible to avoid them. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help you counter any arguments from insurers that the crash was your fault due to where you were positioned.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[California legislation advances to protect cyclists and pedestrians]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51756 2026-09-02T15:53:27Z 2026-09-02T15:53:27Z lawmakers recently passed Assembly Bill 2168, moving the state one step closer to safer streets for everyone. This important legislation now rests on Governor Gavin Newsom's desk awaiting his final signature. If signed, the bill would provide funding to help support transportation networks that protect your safety whether you walk, ride a bicycle or take public transit. By passing this bill, state leaders have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving daily travel across local communities. This measure specifically targets California's Active Transportation Program to ensure state funds deliver maximum safety benefits. 

What will happen if the bill becomes law?

Although not yet signed in the recently announced list of bills, if Governor Newsom signs this bill, more funding will be available to help support several proposed improvements including:
  • Projects to better connect bicycling and walking paths directly to public transit hubs.
  • Regional infrastructure grants to align more effectively to stretch taxpayer dollars further.
  • Local agencies that repeatedly delay approved safety projects will face strict accountability penalties.
These strategic updates will create smoother connections between infrastructure projects and hold local governments accountable for delivering timely safety upgrades.

What if the bill is not signed?

If the governor signs the bill, communities across California will gain modern bike lanes, protected crosswalks and reliable transit connections and reduce the risk of dangerous bicycle accidents. Conversely, if the governor vetoes the legislation or allows it to expire, California will continue to waste precious resources on fragmented projects. Unconnected bike paths and delayed safety upgrades leave cyclists and pedestrians vulnerable to preventable traffic collisions. Without these legal accountability measures, municipal agencies can continue to delay critical safety improvements without consequence. State leaders deserve praise for recognizing that modern infrastructure must protect vulnerable road users. Now, Governor Newsom must take the final step by signing Assembly Bill 2168 into law to secure safer roadways for every Californian.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[Why are bicycle injury claims rising on California roads?]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51755 2026-08-28T14:24:08Z 2026-08-31T14:21:37Z California has some of the best weather for biking in the country, and that's part of the problem. Good weather means more people bike more often all year long. More riders on the road means more chances for a crash. When you look at bicycle injury claims across the state, a clear picture starts to form: many California roads simply don't consider cyclists. 

Why the cost of crashes keeps climbing

Bicycle accident claims in California often involve serious injuries. Insurance data shows that bicycle claims tend to cost more per case than many other types of vehicle claims. That’s because bikes offer no protection like a car does, so even a low-speed crash can cause broken bones, head trauma or spinal damage. These injuries bring large medical bills, lost wages and long recovery times. 

Where and why these crashes happen

Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego report some of the highest numbers of costly claims, often in areas with missing, narrow or hard-to-see bike lanes. Most bicycle crashes happen at intersections, where drivers turning right or left fail to see a cyclist coming through. Poor lighting, potholes, faded lane markings and roads that don't account for bikes all add to the risk. Rural highways create a different danger: high speeds and no shoulder space at all. When you trace these claims back to their cause, a pattern shows up again and again — infrastructure that ignores cyclist safety. 

What these numbers mean for riders

These claims tell a bigger story than just numbers on a page. They point to real gaps in how California plans and maintains its roads. If you or someone you know got hurt while biking, it can help to talk with an attorney who handles these cases. They can help you understand your options and make sense of medical bills, insurance forms and next steps during a time that's already stressful enough.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[The tech you carry could help your bicycle crash claim]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51753 2026-08-27T20:19:34Z 2026-08-27T20:19:34Z Your phone You can use your phone to call 911 if you’re able to. That allows the police to come and investigate what happened, as well as allowing you to get prompt medical attention if needed. Your cellphone can do plenty of things, but one of its most useful and used features is the camera. If you are involved in a collision, use your phone camera to snap shots and maybe video of the scene, the damage, injuries, the road conditions. You can also get the license plate and images of the vehicle that caused the crash and more. The video function help to give a more complete picture of the scene, as well as perhaps capturing driver and witness statements.

A helmet cam

Helmet cams can prove just as useful as the dashcams the driver or others who witnessed the collision may have. The ability to see the incident in real time can help the police and insurers understand why the collision occurred. If it wasn’t your fault, that can boost your ability to seek compensation. Bicycle crash claims are not always as straightforward as the injured bicyclist might expect. Seeking experienced legal guidance can make a big difference.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[Two important lessons from tragic accident that claimed two college cyclists]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51752 2026-08-27T19:13:57Z 2026-08-27T19:13:57Z recent, tragic loss of two young cyclists and injury to seven others on a winding hilly road during a scheduled training ride with their college team serves as a reminder of the dangers present when vehicles and bicycles share challenging terrain. The tragedy provides an opportunity to remind everyone who uses the roads of the basic expectations that are in place to help avoid these terrible accidents. 

#1: Drivers must exercise heightened caution on winding roads

Hilly, winding roads present unique hazards that demand extra vigilance from motorists. Sharp curves, limited visibility and narrow shoulders create dangerous conditions where even a momentary lapse in attention can prove fatal. California law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists. More specifically, motorists are required to:
  • Move to an adjacent lane when available and safe to do so
  • Slow down and pass only when no danger is present to the cyclist
  • Provide at least three feet of clearance when passing
These requirements become even more important on twisting routes where cyclists have limited escape options. Drivers should reduce speed well before curves, avoid distracted driving and assume cyclists or pedestrians may be present even when not immediately visible. The few seconds saved by aggressive driving are never worth a human life.

#2: Cyclists need comprehensive recovery after serious accidents

If you are involved in a cycling accident on a mountain road, your path to recovery extends far beyond physical healing. Understanding your full range of recovery needs can make the difference between merely surviving and truly reclaiming your life. Your recovery should address multiple dimensions:
  • Seek medical attention even if you believe you are not injured because adrenaline can mask serious trauma
  • Engage with mental health professionals to process the psychological impact and potential PTSD
  • Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and potential compensation
  • Document everything including medical records, accident scene photos and witness information
Do not neglect the emotional toll of a serious cycling accident. Many survivors experience anxiety about returning to cycling or even riding in vehicles. Professional counseling is not a luxury but often a necessity for complete recovery.

Moving forward with purpose

These tragedies remind us that road safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers must recognize that their vehicles are potentially lethal weapons requiring constant respect and attention. Cyclists deserve legal protections and comprehensive support when the worst occurs. By learning these lessons, we create safer roads and honor those we have lost.]]> On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP <![CDATA[When can cyclists move away from the shoulder?]]> https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=51751 2026-08-26T19:01:46Z 2026-08-26T19:01:46Z It is often safest for cyclists to use a dedicated bike lane. Ideally, the city will have established protected bike lanes to give cyclists an extra degree of safety. When these bike lanes are not present, however, the California Vehicle Code states that a cyclist who is riding slower than the speed of traffic around them should generally stay as close as they can to the right-hand side of the road. They do have a right to share the road with traffic, but it is safest for them to be close to the right-hand curb. That said, there are some important exceptions to keep in mind.

Passing, left turns and dangerous conditions

To start with, there are cases when a cyclist may be passing another cyclist or a slower vehicle. If so, they can move to the left to do so. Similarly, when a cyclist needs to make a left turn, they may need to ride on the left-hand side of the lane. On a city street, they may even need to change lanes to use a dedicated left-hand turn lane. Furthermore, dangerous road conditions sometimes mean that the cyclist needs to move to the left. Perhaps the road is in poor condition and riding near the right-hand curb means there are surface hazards like potholes. Cyclists may also need to avoid parked vehicles, pedestrians, animals and many other hazards.

Compensation after a cycling crash

In some cases, cyclists will be struck by negligent motorists while they are legally moving to the left-hand side of the lane and trying to navigate traffic. Those who have been injured due to the mistakes made by these drivers need to know how they can seek financial compensation.  ]]>