Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

Sunset West Legal Group, PC represents injured cyclists across Los Angeles and California, and has recovered over $150 million for personal injury clients. Founding partner Payton Kashani argues the cyclist-specific laws that generic firms overlook, including California’s Three-Foot Passing Law and dooring statute. We work on a no win, no fee basis, offer free consultations, and are available 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers Who Understand Cyclist Law

Bicycle claims turn on laws most car accident lawyers rarely argue. That is why cyclists come to Sunset West Legal Group. We know the California Vehicle Code provisions that decide fault in a bike case, and we use them to hold drivers accountable.

Southern California roads are among the most dangerous in the nation for cyclists. The state has one of the highest rates of vehicles per capita, and for many riders a collision becomes a question of when, not if.

Insurers know this too. They routinely argue that the cyclist was to blame, and an unrepresented rider is often lowballed as a result.

We exist to level that playing field.

Over $150 million recovered. More than 200 five-star reviews. No fee unless we win. Available 24/7. Hablamos Español.

The California Laws That Decide Your Bicycle Claim

Bicycle accident law in California contains provisions that directly change who is at fault and how much your claim is worth. A firm that understands them recovers more.

The Three-Foot Passing Law (California Vehicle Code §21760) requires drivers to leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. When a driver breaches it and causes a collision, that breach is negligence per se, which strengthens your claim considerably.

Dooring is covered by Vehicle Code §22517. A driver or passenger who opens a door into a cyclist’s path is liable, and these cases are common on streets with parallel parking yet often under-litigated. We know how to prove them.

California is also a pure comparative negligence state. You can recover even if you were partly at fault, with your compensation reduced by your share of the blame. Insurers exploit this against cyclists constantly, and countering it is where an experienced bike lawyer earns their fee.

One myth worth killing: adult cyclists are not required to wear a helmet. California’s helmet law (Vehicle Code §21212) applies only to riders under 18. An adult’s decision not to wear one is not a Vehicle Code violation and cannot be treated as automatic fault, though insurers will still try to use it to cut your recovery for head injuries.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

The single most important step is to contact the police at once. A police report fixes the facts while they are fresh, in a stressful moment when details blur later. In a hit-and-run, that report also sharply increases the chance of identifying the driver who hit you.

Once you are safe, protect your claim:

• Obtain the driver’s and any witnesses’ contact information.
• Document the scene with written notes.
• Use your phone to photograph and film the scene, your bicycle, and your injuries.

If the driver fled and cannot be traced, you may still recover through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. We handle these claims regularly.

Injuries We See in Bicycle Accidents

A cyclist has almost no protection in a collision with a vehicle, so injuries are often severe. Bicycle accidents commonly cause:

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Paralysis and spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Severe road rash
• Fatal injuries, giving rise to a wrongful death claim

Serious head trauma can carry lifelong consequences and lifelong costs. We work with medical experts to prove the full extent of an injury, including future care you have not yet needed.

What Your Settlement Should Cover

A bicycle accident settlement should account for every loss the crash caused, not just the bills already on your desk. Recoverable damages typically include:

• Medical and hospital bills
• Prescription medication costs
• Property damage, including your bicycle
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Emotional trauma and pain and suffering

Even when you are not at fault, an insurer will try to twist your words to reduce what it pays. Your own insurer or the driver’s will look for any reason to withhold money that is rightfully yours. Speak to us before you speak to any adjuster.

Why Injured Cyclists Choose Sunset West Legal Group

Sunset West Legal Group has recovered over $150 million for injured clients across California. Founding partner Payton Kashani has been licensed in California since 2012 and has been named to Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list every year from 2018 to 2022. Attorney Josh Teller supports the firm’s injury cases and has earned Rising Stars recognition for 2025 and 2026.

We advise you on every step, negotiate hard with powerful insurers, and try cases before a jury when an insurer refuses to pay fair value. Every injury case is different, and we treat yours that way.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles? Talk to Us Today

Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Our team is available 24/7 to review your case and explain your options.

Get your free consultation · Call us any time · Hablamos Español