Bicycle Safety Concerns in Los Angeles: Why Injuries and Lawsuits are Inevitable
Los Angeles has been described by some media outlets as the “worst bike city in the United States.” For those who live in the city, this description is adequate. For those who have lost loved ones due to fatal bike accidents, the description may not go far enough. More needs to be done to protect cyclists in Los Angeles, as new accidents occur on an almost daily basis. The city itself was clearly not designed for bikes, and it is unclear whether that will ever change. For a nation that prides itself in being one of the world leaders in the fight against climate change, the United States does not seem to be rewarding those who choose this eco-friendly method of travel. Instead, cyclists in Los Angeles face serious hazards whenever they take to the roads.
Because the city seems to be doing very little to protect cyclists, injured victims are left with few options. These victims may be dealing with serious injuries that require expensive medical treatments. They may be unable to work as a result of their injuries. And on top of all that, they may be dealing with significant mental trauma, PTSD, disfigurement, and other non-economic damages. Faced with these problems, many cyclists choose to file personal injury lawsuits against those responsible for their accidents.
If you wish to file a lawsuit for your bicycle accident injuries, it is important to get in touch with a personal injury attorney in California. Filing a lawsuit may be the best option in many situations, but it is not a simple process. Our qualified attorneys can guide you through this complex legal process. With our assistance, you can hold negligent drivers accountable for the damages you have incurred. In addition, you can receive a fair, adequate settlement that will allow you to pay for your medical expenses, your missed wages, and much more.
Recent Accidents and Safety Issues in Los Angeles
In January 2021, it was reported that a cyclist had been killed after a hit-and-run in downtown Los Angeles. The suspect had carjacked a vehicle just moments earlier, proceeding to weave in and out of traffic before crashing into a cyclist from behind. The cyclist landed on the hood of the vehicle and was carried 100 feet before falling onto the feet and tumbling an additional 150 feet. The suspect then crashed the truck into two vehicles before attempting to flee on foot. The victim was on his way to meet up with friends for a morning bike ride at the time.
In September of 2021, it was reported that a man had suffered severe amnesia due to a bicycle crash in Sacramento. The accident actually occurred a month prior, but since then this individual has been struggling to remember his name, where he is from, and many other basic details. He was stuck in August by an unidentified vehicle. To make matters worse, local authorities cannot determine his identity, even after medical experts stepped in and carried out fingerprint scans. If the negligent driver is ever sued for this, he will likely be liable for considerable non-economic damages, as the victim is undoubtedly suffering from confusion and distress the likes of which most of us cannot even imagine.
But negligent drivers are not always to blame for bike accidents. In October of 2021, it was reported that a company called Specialized Bicycle was recalling over 7,000 bikes due to dangerous defects. The Santa Clara-based company admitted that these defects can cause the bike frame to crack, causing a significant safety hazard that could lead to serious injuries. Essentially, the bike can be weakened after hitting a pothole, and this defect can become more and more pronounced until finally, the fork falls apart. This in turn results in the cyclist falling and becoming injured. Those who do suffer injuries will probably have an opportunity to file a product liability lawsuit against this manufacturer.
Why Does Los Angeles Have Such a Bad Reputation for Bike Safety?
The high death rate among cyclists in Los Angeles is well-documented, but why is the city so dangerous for these individuals? Some have suggested that it is actually cheaper for the city to settle million-dollar lawsuits filed by injured cyclists rather than spending more money on actually fixing the roads. Bike lanes are surprisingly expensive, and sometimes it makes more sense to simply allow people to become injured from a political standpoint.
The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular destination for cyclists in the Los Angeles area, but it is often filled with debris and other obstacles that cause cyclists to ride too close to traffic. Some cyclists have sued the city for injuries caused by giant potholes or buckled pavements. Simply put, the city is not doing enough to maintain its roads, and these issues can be more dangerous to cyclists compared to an average passenger vehicle. Distracted drivers who hit cyclists are often given light punishments, and hit-and-runs are common.
With all that being said, there is a growing demand for better bike safety in Los Angeles, and people are starting to listen. With any luck, the city will continue to evolve over the next few decades in order to become more accommodating to cyclists.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Los Angeles area for a qualified, experienced injury attorney who can help you with your bicycle accident, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We know how traumatic and life-altering these accidents can be, and we are ready and waiting to guide you towards a positive legal outcome. With our assistance, you can receive a settlement that will help you cover all of the expenses you might have incurred. We can also help you recover compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Remember, the statute of limitations may prevent you from taking legal action if you wait too long, so it is best to get in touch as soon as possible. Book your consultation today.
