Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Hit by a car while riding your bike in Los Angeles or Pasadena? Cyclists have the same right to the road as drivers. Gary Partamian helps injured riders prove what happened and recover compensation from the driver and their insurer.
Get a Free Case Review
Tell us what happened and we will get back to you. It is free and confidential.
Recent Vehicle Accident Results
Settlement for a 78-year-old driver who suffered multiple fractures when a semi-truck made an illegal U-turn in Pomona.
Settlement for a client whose car was struck by a semi-truck.
Policy limits recovery for one adult and two minor clients after a car crash.
Read the case summaries: semi-truck settlement and policy limits settlement, or see all case results. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different, and results depend on the facts and law that apply to each matter.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
- Get medical care first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Some injuries do not show symptoms for hours or days.
- Call the police. A police report creates an independent record of what happened.
- Document everything. Photograph the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Get witness names and numbers.
- Get the driver’s information. Name, license, plate, and insurance. If they drive off, note the plate and direction.
- Keep your bike and gear. Do not repair your bike or helmet. They are evidence.
- Be careful with insurers. You do not have to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement. Talk to a lawyer first.
California Laws That Protect Cyclists
California law gives cyclists specific protections that often decide who is at fault:
- Three feet to pass. Drivers must give at least three feet when passing a cyclist, and since 2023 must change lanes to pass when another lane is available and it is practical (Vehicle Code 21760).
- No dooring. No one may open a car door into traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so (Vehicle Code 22517).
- Pure comparative fault. You can still recover if you were partly at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame.
- Your own coverage may apply. If the driver was uninsured or fled, your own auto policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may cover you even though you were on a bike.
Compensation You May Recover
Learn how pain and suffering is calculated in California and about our wrongful death practice.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
There is no average settlement that applies to every bicycle accident case. In California, the value of a claim depends on:
- Your injuries and future care. The severity of the injury, surgeries, and treatment you will need going forward.
- Lost income. Wages you missed and any reduced ability to work in the future.
- Pain and life impact. How the injury affects your daily life, relationships, and activities.
- Fault. Under California’s comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by any share of fault assigned to you.
- Available insurance. The policies that apply often set a practical ceiling on recovery, so we look for every source.
Cyclists are often seriously hurt even at low speeds. If the driver had minimal coverage or fled, your own auto policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may also apply.
Bicycle Accidents in Pasadena and Los Angeles
Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and Alhambra all have growing bike networks, but cyclists still share busy streets like Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue, and Glenoaks Boulevard with heavy traffic. Dooring and right-hook turns are common causes of crashes in these areas. See how your city ranks in the California Office of Traffic Safety crash rankings.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
California Bicycle Accident Deadlines
To file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases (Code of Civil Procedure 335.1).
To file a claim for damage to your vehicle or other property.
To file a government claim if a city, county, or state agency was involved (Government Code 911.2).
Missing a deadline can end your case before it starts, and evidence like video footage disappears quickly. Read how long you have to claim an injury.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
How much is a bicycle accident claim worth?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and the insurance available. Cyclists are often seriously hurt, so we look for every available policy.
Can I recover if I was not in a bike lane?
Yes. Cyclists may ride on most roads. Fault depends on what each person did, not just where you were riding.
What if a parked car door hit me?
Dooring is prohibited in California. The person who opened the door, and their insurer, may be responsible.
Does my car insurance cover me on a bike?
Often, yes. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy may apply when a driver hits you while cycling.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Gary offers a free consultation so you can understand your options before deciding anything. Ask about fee arrangements during your consultation.
Why Work With Gary Partamian?
Areas we serve: Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Alhambra, Los Angeles County, Riverside, and Orange County.
Related practice areas: Personal injury, Pedestrian accidents, Car accidents, Motorcycle accidents.
Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Tell us what happened. Gary will review your situation and explain your options at no cost.
About the attorney: Gary Partamian is the founder of Partamian Law Firm. He previously practiced at a leading Los Angeles plaintiffs’ firm and as a Senior Associate at Kabateck LLP, and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2025. Last updated October 2026.
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.