Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Pasadena & Los Angeles
California’s "Three Feet for Safety Act" requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist (and to slow down and wait for a safe gap if three feet isn’t possible). Cyclists are also entitled to a full lane in many situations. Drivers who violate these rules, or who simply fail to look before turning or opening a door, are frequently the ones at fault — even though insurers sometimes try to shift blame onto the cyclist.
Common Causes
- Drivers passing too closely or failing to yield
- "Dooring" — a parked car door opened into a bike lane
- Right-hook turns across a cyclist’s path
- Poorly maintained bike lanes or road hazards
- Failure to stop at crosswalks and intersections
Compensation That May Be Available
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Bicycle and equipment replacement
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
California Law Note
A driver’s violation of the three-foot passing law or right-of-way rules can be strong evidence of negligence in a bicycle injury claim.
Related Questions
What is my personal injury case worth?
There’s no fixed formula, and anyone who promises you a specific number before reviewing your medical records and the facts of your case is getting ahead of the evidence. Case value generally depends on the severity and permanence of your injuries, your total medical expenses (past and projected future treatment), lost income, the strength of the liability evidence, available insurance coverage, and how the injury has affected your daily life. A free consultation lets us look at your specific situation and give you a realistic, honest assessment rather than a guess.
View this answer on its own page →Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle the insurance claim myself?
For a very minor incident with no injury, you may be able to handle it yourself. Once there’s a real injury, though, you’re negotiating against an adjuster whose job is to resolve your claim for as little as possible, and research on insurance claims consistently shows represented claimants recover more, net of fees, than unrepresented ones in cases involving real injuries. Because we work on contingency, there’s no upfront cost to have us review your situation and tell you honestly whether representation would help.
View this answer on its own page →Office-Specific Information
Each office has its own detailed page on our main site:
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Discuss Your Bicycle Accident Case — Free
Free consultation. No fee unless we recover compensation for you — case costs may still apply regardless of outcome; ask us for the specifics in writing.