Experienced Bike Accident Attorneys Protecting Victims’ Rights

Fighting for Injured Cyclists Across Los Angeles

Los Angeles has seen a growing number of cyclists on its roads—but it hasn’t kept pace when it comes to safety. From reckless drivers to poorly maintained infrastructure, cyclists in LA face serious risks every time they ride. When a crash happens, the consequences are often severe, and the path to recovery can be long and complicated.

At Shakhnis Law, we help injured bicyclists hold negligent drivers and entities accountable. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, struck in a bike lane, or injured by a dangerous road hazard, our legal team is ready to help you pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles streets weren’t built with bikes in mind. Even when bike lanes are present, many drivers fail to respect cyclists’ right to share the road. As a result, serious collisions occur on a daily basis—especially in high-traffic areas like Downtown LA, Hollywood, Silver Lake, and along major corridors like Venice Boulevard and Sunset.

We regularly represent cyclists injured due to:

• Distracted drivers drifting into bike lanes or failing to yield
• Doorings, where a parked car opens directly into the cyclist’s path
• Speeding or reckless driving in residential or urban zones
• Unsafe turns or failure to signal
• Drunk or impaired drivers
• Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement

Whether your accident happened in traffic, a marked bike lane, or a quiet neighborhood, you deserve to be treated with dignity and to have your legal rights protected.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists are uniquely vulnerable in a crash. Without the protection of airbags, seatbelts, or a steel frame, even low-speed impacts can result in life-altering injuries. Helmets help, but they don’t prevent all harm.

We help clients recover compensation for injuries including:

• Broken bones and fractures (often wrists, collarbones, and ribs)
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Lacerations, road rash, and permanent scarring
• Dental and facial trauma
• Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression

Some clients are unable to return to work for months—or ever. Others face chronic pain, surgeries, and ongoing medical care. We ensure that your claim accounts for not just your immediate injuries, but your long-term recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Crash?

Liability in bicycle accidents often rests with negligent drivers—but not always. In some cases, liability may also fall on a city or private entity responsible for road maintenance, or even a manufacturer if defective equipment contributed to the crash.

We investigate accidents involving:

• Negligent drivers (distracted, speeding, or intoxicated)
• Ride-share vehicles (Uber/Lyft collisions with cyclists)
• Unsafe construction zones or unmarked road hazards
• Municipal negligence for dangerous road conditions
• Faulty bike components or safety gear

Establishing fault is key to building a strong personal injury claim. Our team collects traffic camera footage, witness statements, app data, and accident reports to uncover the truth and hold the right party accountable.

Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents

Hit-and-run crashes involving cyclists are tragically common in Los Angeles. Some drivers panic and flee the scene, leaving the injured cyclist behind without assistance or information. While this adds a layer of legal complexity, it doesn’t mean you’re without options.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run:

• We’ll help file an uninsured motorist claim through your own policy
• We may be able to identify the driver using surveillance or vehicle data
• We’ll ensure your medical care is prioritized while we handle the legal side

We take these cases seriously. You shouldn’t have to pay for a driver’s cowardice or negligence.

How Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Payouts

After a bike accident, insurance companies often attempt to reduce or deny valid claims. Adjusters may try to shift blame onto the cyclist, argue that injuries were pre-existing, or offer lowball settlements that don’t cover long-term care.

At Shakhnis Law, we know their playbook. We push back against:

• Claims that the cyclist was “hard to see” or “came out of nowhere”
• Arguments that a helmet would have prevented all injuries
• Attempts to undervalue pain and suffering or lost earning capacity
• Delays in paying out medical expenses or bike replacement costs

We fight to level the playing field—and win the full compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

California law allows injured cyclists to recover a wide range of damages. Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses and home care
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage (bike, gear, electronics)

If the crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of support, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?
  Yes. Bicycle accident claims are often disputed or underpaid by insurance companies. A lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that the full scope of your injuries is taken into account.
• What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
  While wearing a helmet is strongly recommended, not doing so does not automatically disqualify you from receiving compensation. Liability depends on many factors, and we’ll argue for your right to recover based on the facts.
• What if I was partially at fault?
  California uses comparative negligence laws. Even if you were partially responsible (e.g., riding outside a bike lane or missing a signal), you may still recover compensation. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Is there a time limit for filing a claim?
  Yes. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, if a government entity is involved, shorter deadlines may apply. It’s best to act quickly.

What Our Clients Say

“My wife and I had a fantastic experience working with Philip. He showed a lot of care and attention to detail with us, and our case, during a really difficult time in our lives. We are so grateful that he worked so hard to achieve a great outcome.”
— Andrew E.

“The Shakhnis Law Firm has been helping us to achieve justice for our injuries. We are thankful for all that they have done for us.”
— Bina M.

“Excellent service, highly recommended, help and very fast. I recommend it 100 percent.”
— Yesenia Y.

Why Cyclists Trust Shakhnis Law

• 25+ Years of Personal Injury Experience in Los Angeles
• Millions Recovered for Victims of Vehicle and Roadway Accidents
• Personalized Legal Guidance with Direct Access to Your Attorney
• Aggressive Representation Against Insurance Companies
• No Fees Unless We Win — Guaranteed

Contact Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured while riding a bike in Los Angeles, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Time, evidence, and witness memories fade quickly. The sooner we begin building your case, the stronger it will be.

Call (213) 516-4165 or Fill out our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve—so you can focus on healing.