Westwood Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a bicycle accident in Westwood? 

Schedule a free case review with a bicycle accident lawyer who handles serious-injury matters.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Westwood, an attorney can help you pursue compensation from the driver or other party whose negligence caused the crash. Our Westwood, CA bicycle accident lawyer at Cohen Injury Law Group represents injured cyclists on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Founding attorney Wayne R. Cohen has represented bicycle accident victims since 1991. Contact our office for a free consultation.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer Westwood, CA

A bicycle accident case is a personal injury claim filed by a cyclist who was injured in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence. Under California law, bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as drivers of motor vehicles. When a driver violates those rights and a cyclist is hurt, the injured rider has the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

Westwood’s streets carry heavy traffic along Wilshire Boulevard, Westwood Boulevard, and the roads surrounding UCLA’s campus. Cyclists who commute through or ride recreationally in the area share space with cars, buses, rideshare vehicles, and pedestrians. The volume of turning vehicles, frequent double-parking, and lack of protected bike lanes on several key corridors make collisions a recurring problem. A bicycle accident attorney in Westwood, CA can investigate what happened, identify all liable parties, and build a claim for full compensation.

Types of Bicycle Accident Cases We Handle in Westwood

Bicycle crashes occur in predictable patterns, and the type of collision determines how fault is established and which parties are liable. Federal traffic safety data shows that nearly three-quarters of all cyclist fatalities occur in urban areas. We handle bicycle accident cases throughout Westwood, including:

• Dooring accidents. A driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the path of an approaching cyclist. This is one of the most common types of bicycle accidents in areas with heavy street parking, including Westwood Village and the commercial blocks along Westwood Boulevard.
• Right-hook collisions. A driver making a right turn cuts across a cyclist traveling straight in a bike lane or along the right side of the road. The cyclist is either struck by the turning vehicle or forced to brake and crash to avoid the collision.
• Left-cross accidents. An oncoming driver turns left across the cyclist’s lane, failing to yield the right of way. These crashes often happen at intersections where the driver misjudges the cyclist’s speed or does not see the rider at all.
• Rear-end collisions. A driver strikes a cyclist from behind, often because the driver is distracted, following too closely, or fails to notice the rider in time to stop. Rear-end bicycle crashes tend to cause severe injuries because the cyclist has no warning and no ability to brace for impact.
• Intersection accidents. Intersections are the most dangerous locations for cyclists. Drivers running red lights, making turns without checking for bike traffic, and failing to yield at stop signs cause a large percentage of cyclist injuries and fatalities.
• Bike lane intrusions. Drivers who drift into or park in a designated bike lane force cyclists to merge into traffic or make sudden evasive maneuvers. When a collision results, the driver who intruded into the lane may be liable.
• Hit-and-run accidents. A driver who strikes a cyclist and leaves the scene creates additional barriers to recovery for the injured rider. California law provides compensation options in these situations, including uninsured motorist coverage.
• Road hazard crashes. Potholes, cracked pavement, loose gravel, construction debris, and storm drain grates can cause a cyclist to lose control and crash. Depending on the hazard, a municipal entity or property owner may bear responsibility for failing to maintain safe road conditions.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group as My Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Westwood, CA?

Representing Injured Cyclists Since 1991

Attorney Wayne R. Cohen has represented bicycle accident victims since 1991. He graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan and cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. Wayne teaches as a Professorial Lecturer at GWU Law School and has been cited by the LA Times, CNBC, USA Today, and the ABA Journal for his legal analysis. He founded Cohen Injury Law Group and has spent more than 35 years on the plaintiff side of personal injury law. Over that period, attorney Wayne Cohen has recovered millions of dollars for clients with serious injuries.

Nicholas E. Cohen serves as the firm’s Managing Partner, overseeing daily operations and case management. He holds a degree from USC and a law degree from Loyola Law School Los Angeles.

If you need a personal injury lawyer in Westwood, CA, Cohen Injury Law Group represents cyclists and other injured plaintiffs exclusively. We do not represent drivers, insurance companies, or defendants. Every bicycle accident case is handled on a contingency basis.

What Is Important to Understand About a Bicycle Accident Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Bicycle Accident Cases

Bicycle accidents frequently cause more severe injuries than car-on-car collisions because the rider has no protective barrier between their body and the impact. Cyclists involved in collisions commonly suffer broken bones, road rash, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ injuries.

Economic damages in a bicycle accident case cover the costs you can document with receipts and records. Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, prescription medication, replacement of your bicycle and safety equipment, and wages lost during recovery all fall into this category. If the injuries are permanent or limit your ability to work long-term, diminished future earning capacity is also recoverable.

Noneconomic damages compensate for losses that do not have a specific dollar amount attached to them. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and the impact the injuries have had on your daily activities and quality of life. California’s comparative fault rule applies to bicycle accidents, meaning that even if the cyclist was partially at fault, the damages award is reduced by the cyclist’s percentage of responsibility rather than eliminated.

What Are Important Aspects of a Bicycle Accident Case?

Bicycle accident claims require attention to several factors that can shape the strength and value of the case.

• The driver’s actions at the time of the crash are the primary focus. Whether the driver was texting, failed to check a blind spot before turning, or drifted into a bike lane, establishing exactly what the driver did wrong is central to proving liability.
• Cyclists are often blamed for the accident even when they are not at fault. Adjusters may argue that the cyclist was not visible, was riding outside the bike lane, or failed to signal. Your attorney will work to counter those arguments with evidence.
• Documenting your injuries and following the right steps immediately after the crash makes a significant difference. Photographs, a police report, witness contact information, and prompt medical treatment all preserve evidence that supports the claim.
• Bicycle equipment damage and the loss of your bike should be included in the claim. Many cyclists ride high-value bicycles, and the cost of replacement is a legitimate economic damage.

What Is the Bicycle Accident Case Timeline?

Bicycle accident cases follow a general sequence, though the timeline varies depending on the severity of the injuries and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate.

• Seek medical attention immediately after the crash, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, including concussions and internal bleeding, may not produce symptoms for hours or days.
• Your attorney gathers evidence, including the police report, medical records, photographs of the crash scene, and witness statements, and sends a preservation letter to prevent relevant evidence from being destroyed.
• After you reach maximum medical improvement, your attorney calculates the total value of the claim and sends a demand to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
• If the insurer offers a fair amount, the case settles. If not, your attorney files a lawsuit. Discovery, depositions, and trial follow.
• Under CCP § 335.1, California provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accident cases. The deadline runs from the date of the crash.

What Should You Bring to Your Bicycle Accident Consultation?

Organizing your documents before the first meeting allows your attorney to evaluate the case efficiently and begin the process.

• The police report or any incident report from the crash
• Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, your bicycle, and the vehicle that hit you
• Medical records and bills from emergency treatment and follow-up care
• Documentation of wages lost during recovery
• Insurance correspondence, including any offers from the at-fault driver’s carrier

Your attorney will review the documentation, explain how California law applies to the facts of your crash, and outline what to expect from the claims process.

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Bicycle Accident Cases?

California law treats bicycles as vehicles and grants cyclists the same rights as drivers. The following resources address the statutes governing negligence, the statute of limitations, and damages in bicycle accident claims.

• CCP § 335.1 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California, including bicycle accident cases.
• California Civil Code § 1714 defines the general duty of care that applies to drivers and all other persons, forming the legal basis for negligence claims arising from bicycle accidents.
• The California Courts Self-Help Center provides information on filing a personal injury lawsuit and what to expect from the civil litigation process.
• NHTSA’s bicycle safety page publishes national data on cyclist fatalities and injuries, along with safety resources and prevention guidance.
• NHTSA’s Share the Road initiative provides guidance on driver and cyclist responsibilities and documents trends in bicycle-related traffic fatalities.

Reach Out to Cohen Injury Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Westwood, CA, Cohen Injury Law Group can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. We handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover compensation. Your initial consultation is free. Contact us to schedule a case review.