Cohen Reid LLPLos Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Personal Injury Attorney2026-07-01T05:41:44Zhttps://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1302247/2026/06/cropped-New_Fav-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[Distracted drivers are a serious risk to cyclists]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516822026-06-25T15:26:43Z2026-06-25T15:26:43ZCyclists face many risks on the road, often created by the drivers around them. All it takes is one mistake for a serious accident to occur. A cyclist could suffer significant injuries that change the course of their life.
One growing type of risk is that coming from distracted drivers. There are those who argue that distracted drivers in California are just as dangerous as drunk or impaired drivers. They make the same types of mistakes and commit a similar type of negligence on the road.For instance, an impaired driver may not see a cyclist in the bike lane and could turn in front of them, causing a serious crash. But the same thing could happen to a sober driver just because they are looking at their cellphone and not the road.
Isn't texting and driving illegal?
Yes, under California law, it is illegal for drivers to text while operating a motor vehicle. They also should not do related tasks like browsing social media, reading an email, taking pictures or videos, or anything else that causes them to use their mobile phone while driving.But this is still a difficult issue to solve. For many people, the temptation to text and drive is always there because they always have their cellphones on them. People who plan carefully to avoid impaired driving on a night out may still be tempted to check their text messages during their daily commute to work.As such, cyclists face a constant level of danger and could suffer serious injuries. Those who have been struck by motor vehicles need to know what legal options they have to seek financial compensation.
]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[E-bike bans around LA: what to expect]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516772026-06-04T07:17:04Z2026-06-07T15:10:17ZE-bikes on outdoor trails
Don’t worry— it’s not a total ban. The proposed ban on e-bikes is mostly confined to hiking trails and outdoor paths shared by hikers and residents alike. E-bike cyclists can still use paved paths, streets and other dedicated bike lanes.
High-powered e-bikes may be a no-go on park trails and you can expect fines or other penalties moving forward. Enthusiasts like yourself can still enjoy outdoor trails using regular bikes!
Enhanced cyclist safety
The new ordinance builds upon previous laws such as AB 1909— which clarifies your legal rights as a cyclist and also gives local agencies authority to prohibit e-bikes on specific recreational trails or bike paths.
With e-bikes faster and more powerful than ever, cyclists have more responsibility for ensuring the safety of themselves and others. Keeping track of new updates to laws can help you avoid new fines.
Other cities to follow
The city of Los Angeles isn’t the only one in LA county looking to limit the use of e-bikes in certain locations. Cities like Long Beach have already voted to ban e-bikes and motorized scooters from its boardwalks and beaches.
With stricter regulations around the use of e-bikes in cities around LA, you might want to exercise caution to avoid penalties. You can easily avoid e-bicycle collisions and accidents by following city laws and ordinances. A local lawyer can assist you in case of any cycling-related incidents that result in legal issues.]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[The chances of a crash with an uninsured driver are on the rise]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516802026-06-07T11:13:49Z2026-06-07T11:13:49ZUninsured drivers endanger everyone
People who drive without insurance might think that the only risk is the chance of getting a ticket. However, if they cause a collision, they have no way to cover collision expenses other than paying out of pocket. Other people may have to file lawsuits to hold drivers accountable when they cause crashes without insurance.
According to recent research, the percentage of uninsured drivers in California has increased noticeably in the last few years. In 2022, California wasn’t even in the top ten states for uninsured drivers. In 2023, California had the eighth-highest rate of uninsured motorists in the nation, which was 20.4%.
Roughly one in five drivers may lack mandatory coverage at any given time. Some people can obtain compensation for crashes by filing lawsuits against uninsured drivers. They may also be able to pursue a third-party claim in scenarios where outside parties, such as a driver's employer or a vehicle manufacturer, may have a degree of collision liability.
Understanding that the chances of a car crash caused by an uninsured driver are higher than they were a few years ago can help everyone make safer choices. Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers are all vulnerable to financial losses after a crash without available liability insurance coverage.]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[Who pays when a driver hits a cyclist in California?]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516782026-06-06T06:24:05Z2026-06-06T06:24:05ZIn California, the driver who caused a crash is responsible for the harm that follows. Knowing who pays and how can help you protect yourself after a collision.
How California's at-fault system works
California requires all drivers to carry auto liability insurance. That policy is the first place compensation comes from when a driver is at fault.UnderCalifornia Vehicle Code § 20001, a driver who injures someone must stop and stay at the scene. Leaving is a felony. The state requires drivers to carry at least $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage.
What happens when coverage runs out
Bike crash injuries can be serious. Bills can pile up fast and go beyond what a driver's policy will cover.If that happens, you still have options. You may be able to go after the driver's personal assets for the rest. Your own auto policy may also help. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can apply even when you were on a bike.
How comparative fault affects your payout
California Civil Code § 1714 sets a pure comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover money even if you share some of the blame. Your payout drops by whatever percentage of fault belongs to you. A few things can raise or lower that percentage:
Riding without lights: Operating a bike at night without proper lighting could increase your share of fault.
Ignoring traffic signals: Running a red light or stop sign may reduce your recovery.
Riding against traffic: California law requires cyclists to travel in the same direction as vehicles.
Your assigned percentage of fault does not eliminate your right to recover.
Other parties who may be liable
The driver's insurer is not always the only responsible party. If the driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer's commercial policy may apply. If a dangerous road condition contributed to the collision, a city or government entity could share liability under California Government Code § 835.
Take stock of your legal options
These cases involve multiple potential sources of recovery and strict deadlines. A lawyer may help you identify every avenue available. Speaking with an attorney can clarify how these rules apply to your situation. ]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[E-moto riders have become increasingly deadly on our streets]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516762026-06-03T17:48:28Z2026-06-03T17:48:28ZLawmakers, prosecutors and even retailing giant Amazon are taking steps to curb the increasingly serious problem of high-speed e-bikes. These bikes, which can go more than twice the speed of traditional e-bikes and in some cases aren’t operated with pedals, have become a growing menace to pedestrians, bicyclists and even drivers in Los Angeles and throughout the state.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the number of injuries caused by them in Southern California has increased some 430% over the past four years.
E-motos vs. e-bikes
In fact, many note that they aren’t actually e-bikes, even though they look like them – at least from a distance. In April, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, "Two-wheeled vehicles that go over 28 miles per hour with pedal assistance or 20 miles per hour with throttle assistance are not e-bikes — under California law, they are mopeds or motorcycles and require additional licensing and age requirements to operate and sell.” They’re often referred to as e-motorcycles or e-motos. Technically, any bike that has over 750 watts of power, can travel faster than 20 mph solely on motor power alone and/or lacks fully operable pedals is considered an e-motorcycle.
What is being done to address the problem?
The majority of those involved in e-moto crashes are between 11 and 14, which is below the minimum age to ride an e-moto in California, which is 16. Because of the young ages of those causing injury and death, prosecutors are charging their parents for crimes as serious as involuntary manslaughter. Some are being charged for their own children’s injuries.Meanwhile, state lawmakers are working on legislation that would provide more regulations around these high-speed two-wheel electric vehicles. Further, Amazon recently announced that it will no longer sell e-bikes in California that can exceed the state’s speed limits. Certainly, those who ride traditional and even e-bikes can be catastrophically injured or killed by someone operating an e-moto. While they and potentially their parents can be held criminally responsible, that may not help compensate their victims for their medical costs and other expenses and damages. That’s why it’s crucial to get sound legal guidance as early as possible if you or a loved one has been the victim of a dangerous e-moto rider. ]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[Los Angeles needs more protected intersections for cyclists]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516742026-05-20T00:29:40Z2026-05-20T00:29:40ZProtected intersections are an effective way to reduce bicycle crashes in dense urban areas. Los Angeles has expanded bike lanes across several corridors, yet intersections remain the most dangerous points for riders.
Many crashes occur where fast turns, wide lanes and long crossing distances create serious visibility problems. Stronger design standards can help reduce severe bike accident injuries on high‑injury streets.
How protected intersections reduce crash risks
Through the use of physical features that guide drivers and riders into safer positions, protected intersections can improve cyclist safety. Features like these help reduce speed and improve visibility:
Corner islands create a tighter turning radius, forcing drivers to slow down.
Forward stop bars place cyclists ahead of vehicles at red lights.
Dedicated bike signals give riders a head start before cars move.
Raised crossings make drivers more aware of approaching cyclists.
Unfortunately, many California cities still have dangerous intersections that put bicyclists and others at risk of serious injury.
Common problems with Los Angeles intersections
Los Angeles intersections often sit on wide multi‑lane corridors that allow fast turns and pose significant crossing distances for cyclists. Protected intersections can address these issues by separating movements and reducing driver confusion. They also support city goals to reduce traffic deaths under Vision Zero and improve safety along high‑injury networks. Several nearby areas have already adopted similar designs with positive results.Unsafe intersections can involve multiple responsible parties. A city may be liable if it failed to maintain safe traffic control or ignored known hazards. A driver may be responsible if they sped through a turn or failed to yield. Injured bicyclists should document the scene, gather witness information, seek prompt medical care and consider working with a knowledgeable representative.]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[What is a John Doe claim and can a cyclist file one?]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516732026-05-18T06:25:36Z2026-05-18T06:25:36ZJohn Doe claims under California law
Under state law, you may designate an unknown defendant by a fictitious name—typically "John Doe" or "Jane Doe." This allows you to proceed with your case while the investigation continues. The purpose of this provision is to keep the statute of limitations from expiring while you are still trying to find the person who caused your injuries.
UM coverage after a hit-and-run
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a type of first-party insurance that pays for your damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be found. California requires insurance companies to automatically include this benefit in all auto policies unless you explicitly reject it in writing.
Most policies define the "insured" as the named policyholder and resident family members, even when they are not in a vehicle at the time of the crash. This means the protection may apply to you if you were riding a bicycle or just a passenger.
For hit-and-run claims, the fleeing vehicle must make physical contact with you or your bicycle. This rule is meant to prevent fraudulent cases based on so-called "phantom vehicles" that were never present.
If there was no direct physical contact, for example, a vehicle forced you off the road without touching you, you cannot file a UM hit-and-run claim, even if you have witnesses. This only pays up to your policy limit, and California's minimum is $30,000 per person, which may not cover the full cost of a serious cycling injury.
Requirements for injured cyclists
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years from the date of the accident. To preserve your case within this window, your original complaint must use the John Doe designation and explicitly state that you do not know the identity of the at-fault driver.
Separate from the lawsuit, UM claims carry their own deadlines. California law generally requires you to report a hit-and-run accident to law enforcement within 24 hours and submit your case to your insurer within 30 days, along with a statement under oath describing the facts.
If you do not carry an auto insurance policy, and do not live with a household member who does, you might have fewer available options. UM coverage applies to the policyholder rather than the bicycle, so without an auto policy this route is generally unavailable. Other avenues, such as the California Victim Compensation Board, may provide limited assistance.]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[Apologizing after a bicycle crash can derail insurance claims]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516722026-05-16T22:52:38Z2026-05-16T22:52:38ZInsurance companies love to reassign fault
To deny a claim or justify paying the least amount possible, insurance adjusters and investigators may try to intimidate those in need of compensation or misrepresent the situation to them. Any indication that a cyclist may be at least partially at fault for a crash may trigger aggressive negotiations and a refusal to provide appropriate compensation.
If a driver tells their insurance company that a cyclist apologized or if a cyclist apologizes to the insurance professional while negotiating a claim, those statements might impact how the insurance company handles the claim. The company may attempt to blame the cyclist hurt by a motorist they insure.
While California state law does explicitly exclude expressions of grief or sympathy from use as evidence of fault in injury-related lawsuits, an apology not related to a loss or injury could look like an admission of fault. Insurance providers might latch on to a cyclist’s attempt to be polite as an indicator that they acknowledged partial responsibility for the crash.
Cyclists hurt due to negligent drivers may need help understanding their rights, communicating with insurance providers and avoiding common compensation claim pitfalls. Working with an attorney when seeking compensation for cycling crash injuries may be the best option for California cyclists, especially when facing manipulative insurance tactics or injuries severe enough to warrant a personal injury lawsuit.]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[Recent study reports alarming increase in bicycle accidents ]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516642026-05-07T18:50:38Z2026-05-07T18:49:09Z recent study released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that bicycle deaths are increasing at alarming rates. The study analyzed data from 1975 through 2023 and found that fatalities are up 86% from their lowest point in 2010. This alarming statistic triggers three important questions:
Why are bicycle fatalities on the rise?
What are authorities doing to address this issue?
What recourse is available to victims of bike accidents?
The following will dive into each of these important questions.
#1: Why are bicycle fatalities on the rise?
Biking advocates point to unsafe streets as a top reason for the increase in serious biking accidents as reported by the IIHS study. A failure to provide a safe place for cyclists to ride puts them in danger’s way. Vehicles are bigger and often driving at higher speeds than ever before. A cyclist cannot deploy airbags or brakes like a passenger car. Small steering choices by a driver can determine whether a close pass becomes a side swipe. As a result, bikers would benefit from an option that does not put them in the same lanes as other vehicles.
#2: What are authorities doing to address this issue?
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) continues to run the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The program provides grants that can help to fund initiatives like bike lanes. Vision Zero – an initiative out of Sweden that aims to eliminate traffic accidents such as these – continues to gain momentum and has helped lawmakers in California to weigh biker safety more heavily when making policy decisions regarding transportation.
#3: What recourse is available to victims of bike accidents?
The law reflects this reality by requiring drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. If a biker is struck and injured by a driver who fails to meet this requirement, the biker may have the option to hold that driver financially accountable for the costs resulting from the accident.
The road ahead: Taking action on bicycle safety
The numbers don't lie — bicycle fatalities have surged in recent years and this crisis demands immediate attention from everyone who shares the road. While programs like SS4A and Vision Zero offer hope through better infrastructure and dedicated bike lanes, real change starts with individual accountability.Drivers hold the power to reverse this deadly trend. Slow down when approaching cyclists. Give them space — a wide berth can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Stay alert, minimize distractions, and remember that the person on that bike is someone's family member, friend or neighbor.Those injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, do not have to face the aftermath alone. The law recognizes the right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Taking legal action not only helps you recover but also sends a clear message that careless driving has consequences.Together, through safer streets, smarter policies and greater driver awareness, this trend can stop. ]]>On Behalf of Cohen Reid LLP<![CDATA[Can cyclists ride two abreast in Los Angeles?]]>https://www.losangelesbicycleattorney.com/?p=516632026-05-05T18:00:56Z2026-05-05T18:00:56ZCyclists often enjoy riding two abreast, or side-by-side, rather than riding in single file. Some who are riding together may do this for social reasons, as it makes it easier to talk and spend time together. Others may do it for safety-related reasons, feeling that it makes them more visible to the traffic around them.
As a general rule, California law does not prohibit riding two abreast, so it is legal. This can sometimes be controversial, as motorists and even some police officers may believe that it is not permitted. But there is no law stopping cyclists from riding two abreast, as long as they are doing so responsibly and following traffic rules.
Do they need to ride as far to the right as possible?
Yes, the law does state that vehicles traveling below the speed of other traffic should try to stay as far to the right side of the road as possible. But this is still satisfied if cyclists are riding two abreast. The cyclist on the right should be as close to the right-hand edge of the lane as they can be, and the cyclist on the left cannot be any closer because the other bike is already there, occupying that space. Thus, both cyclists are still as far to the right as possible.
Why do motorists disagree?
The biggest reason why motorists do not like when cyclists ride side-by-side is because it can make it harder for them to pass. They may want to travel at a significantly faster rate of speed, and they do not want to slow down and wait to pass safely. This can sometimes lead to dangerous or aggressive driving behavior, and may even result in an accident.For cyclists who have been injured due to the actions of a negligent driver, it is important to know how to seek appropriate financial compensation. That driver may be liable for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, lost future earnings and much more.
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