Bicycle Accident Attorneys Serving Los Angeles & West Hollywood

Standing Up for Cyclists Across Southern California

Cycling in Los Angeles: Opportunity and Risk

Los Angeles has become home to a growing community of cyclists, with bike lanes expanding in areas like West Hollywood, Downtown LA, and Santa Monica. Riding a bike offers freedom, convenience, and a greener alternative to sitting in traffic. But the reality is that cyclists remain extremely vulnerable on the city’s crowded roads.


Even when obeying traffic laws, cyclists face unique dangers—from inattentive drivers making sudden turns, to parked cars opening doors into bike lanes, to rideshare vehicles stopping abruptly at the curb. These hazards often result in life-changing injuries. At Hakakian Law Group, we stand with injured cyclists and fight for their rights to safety and fair compensation.

Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios

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Dooring Accidents

One of the most common bicycle accident scenarios occurs when a driver or passenger opens their door into a bike lane without checking for approaching cyclists. These crashes can throw a rider into traffic and cause severe injuries.

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Right Hooks & Left Crosses

Collisions often occur when a driver makes a right turn across a bike lane or a left turn in front of an oncoming cyclist. These intersection-related accidents are particularly dangerous and common in busy Los Angeles neighborhoods.

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Rear-End & Passing Collisions

Despite California’s law requiring drivers to give cyclists three feet of space, many fail to do so. Riders are frequently struck from behind or sideswiped by vehicles passing too closely.

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Injuries Cyclists Commonly Suffer

Because bicycles provide little protection, crashes often result in significant injuries. Cyclists frequently experience broken bones, spinal injuries, dental injuries, and head trauma—even when wearing helmets. Recovery can require costly surgeries, physical therapy, and months away from work, making financial compensation essential for long-term stability.

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Determining Liability in Bike Crashes

Most bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers who fail to yield or share the road. However, liability can sometimes extend to government entities responsible for unsafe road design or poor maintenance. California’s comparative negligence law also allows cyclists to recover damages even if they were partially at fault, such as riding outside a bike lane.

  • The driver’s insurance says I wasn’t in the bike lane. Can I still recover damages in a bicycle accident claim in California?

    Yes. Even if you weren’t in a designated bike lane, drivers have a legal duty to look out for cyclists and share the road. California’s comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation reduced only by your percentage of fault.

  • What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during a bicycle accident in California? Can I still file a claim?

    You can still pursue a claim. Not wearing a helmet may reduce compensation for head injuries, but it does not prevent you from recovering damages for other injuries such as fractures, dental trauma, or internal injuries.

  • Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a bicycle accident claim in Los Angeles?

    While you can file a claim yourself, drivers’ insurance companies often try to shift blame to cyclists. Having an experienced attorney ensures your rights are protected, fault is properly proven, and the compensation you receive reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses.

Bicycle Accident FAQ