Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The City of Long Beach has issued a press release celebrating its status as the tenth most bike-friendly American city. Officials pointed to several bike infrastructure projects that made this recognition possible.

Even so, the majority of streets are still built with cars and trucks in mind. Even the addition of designated bike lanes can put the most experienced bicycle rider into precarious situations and it is not unusual for cyclists to find themselves trapped in dangerous turning lanes with motor vehicles.

Why Hire a Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

If you speak with a Long Beach bicycle accident attorney, you will find they've worked with many clients who have experienced cycling crashes and are now dealing with the costly aftermath of the accident.

Our team at MKP Law Group, LLP is experienced in bike law and personal injury litigation. Our vast network of contacts will connect you with the best medical professionals and any other experts you may need to get through this difficult time.

If you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you need a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 323-483-4863 for a 100% free consultation.

All of our cases are on a contingency fee basis, meaning if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

Popular But Dangerous Long Beach Bike Routes

To understand more about the difficulties that can arise following a bicycle accident, we need to take a closer look at some Long Beach bike routes.

Take for example Spring Street as it bisects El Dorado Park. With a road divided by a grassy median and each side having multiple lanes, you might imagine that it is a safe option for cyclists. However, an accident near a 605 Freeway off-ramp tells another story.

Curvatures in the ramps frequently make it difficult for motorists to see cyclists who use the inside lane. Near misses and ghastly car accidents can easily happen. Add to this the lack of lighting after dark and the disrepair of the gutter, and you have a perfect storm. LAist jumps in, explaining that between 2010 and 2015, there were 13,733 bicycle crashes in L.A. and LB; of these, 70 were fatal.

Even the city’s new bike lanes do not solve the problems. Residents put out trashcans on Cerritos Ave; delivery trucks take advantage of the lanes for quick stops on Broadway, and some shoppers mistake them for parking areas in and around Belmont Shore.

How Do Long Beach Bicycle Accidents Happen?

The law is part of the problem. It forbids riding on sidewalks of bridges, business districts, and overpasses. This makes riders vulnerable to motorists driving aggressively, frequently while trying to find parking spots.

Whether the accident is caused by distracted motorists, overly aggressive drivers, or lazy drivers who don’t use turn signals, bicycle accidents seem to be an unfortunate reality for Long Beach and Los Angeles area bicyclists.

Here are some of the most common causes:

• Urban Roadways
• Other Drivers
• Blind Spots
• Opening Car Doors
• Time of Day
• Road Conditions
• Defective Bicycles, Bicycle Parts, or Helmets
• Environmental or Pedestrian Accidents
• Animal Collisions (Including Dog Bite Injuries)

Of course, the list of problems is more intricate and lengthy, depending on your age, gender, fitness level, ability to brace yourself, and luck.

Consider the in-depth examination of the dangers related to cyclist accidents by the AAFP. The most frequently injured riders are males and the behavior most likely to result in accidents is riding at high speeds. The most serious injuries and even fatalities are linked to bicycle and auto collisions. Imagine the level of damage following a trucking accident or bus crash.

While protective equipment can help protect you, it will do little if an impact results in penetration of the abdomen from impact with the handlebars.

Four Steps to Take after Surviving a Bike Accident

The aftermath of a bicycle accident is confusing. However, there are four steps to take that help to minimize the chaos.

1. Get off of the road: Whether you were struck from behind or the side, there is a good chance that you were pushed into the street. Avoid additional injuries by getting out of the road immediately. However, do not worry about the bike.
2. Call the police: If the accident is serious enough to cause injuries, property damage, or both, involve the law. Filing a police report is an important step toward protecting your rights.
3. Call an ambulance: Remember that right now, there is plenty of adrenaline in your system. It likely masks some of the injuries and pain you will be feeling in a few short hours. Get in front of serious health problems now by taking the ride in the ambulance and having yourself checked out.
4. Call a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer: Many think the next step is to contact the insurance company. However, take a pause and access the situation. If the at-fault party's insurance company contacts you, it is in their best interest to downplay the accident, accuse you of being at least partially to blame, and offer you a low-ball sum as compensation. How do you know that what they are saying and offering is correct? An attorney will sit down with you, gather the facts, and provide an unbiased appraisal plus give you expert advice on how to handle questions from the insurance company.

Wrongful death: Have you lost a loved one or family member as a result of a bicycle accident or bicycle accident injury? If so, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages on behalf of the victim.

Traumatic Injuries: Additionally, if a bicycle accident victim is suffering from traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, you likely have a strong case.

How a Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

It is tempting to want to go it alone. However, there are some pitfalls you need to be aware of before you move on with filing your claim on your own.

An accident attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents will offer you a free case evaluation. This gives you a chance to figure out if it's the right path without having to pay a dollar.

Lots of times accident victims want the paperwork and legal process to be over with so they can focus on other things. However, the insurance company representatives will likely skew the facts to help them, not you. Walking into this situation with the right knowledge is essential to ensure you don't end up with a low settlement.

Finding yourself as an accident victim is more often than not a once-in-a-lifetime situation. On the other hand, the bike accident lawyer routinely deals with these types of cases. They have seen it before and draw on this experience to assist you.

Most importantly, a lawyer knows what might be up ahead. Because they forge close working relationships with doctors, they understand the risks and costs of any injuries you may be suffering from.

Attorneys also understand the “soft” aspects of this type of crash and how to translate this into legal terms so you get additional compensation. These include the fear, the pain, the suffering, and the lifestyle changes that often come in an accident’s aftermath.

A dedicated attorney wants to help you think beyond this week or the legal process and plan for the future. Working with an attorney as soon as possible after the crash will help you to protect your rights.

Common Areas in Long Beach for Bicycle Accidents

Based on our research and inbound requests, these are the areas in Long Beach with frequent bicycle accidents.

Long Beach Overview
Long Beach is renowned for its vibrant cycling culture, offering scenic coastal routes, urban streets, and dedicated bike paths. Popular biking areas include the Shoreline Bike Path, the Los Angeles River Bike Path, and the numerous bike-friendly streets throughout the city. However, the busy roads and intersections can pose risks for bicyclists.

Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore is a popular neighborhood for cyclists, featuring bike-friendly streets and close proximity to the beach. The area’s busy retail and dining district, along with high pedestrian traffic, can sometimes lead to accidents.

Downtown Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach, with its bustling business district and high-density living, attracts many cyclists. The urban environment and heavy traffic require extra vigilance from bicyclists navigating this area.

Bixby Knolls
Bixby Knolls offers a suburban feel with tree-lined streets and local shops. Cyclists enjoy the neighborhood's quiet roads, but need to be cautious of the area's busy intersections and occasional high-speed traffic.

East Village Arts District
The East Village Arts District is known for its creative vibe and cyclist-friendly streets. The mix of residential and commercial areas, along with frequent events and high foot traffic, can sometimes lead to bicycle accidents.

Naples
Naples, with its picturesque canals and charming streets, is a favorite among cyclists. While the area offers scenic rides, the narrow roads and limited visibility around corners can pose hazards.

Alamitos Beach
Alamitos Beach, located along the coast, provides beautiful biking routes with ocean views. The neighborhood's popularity with tourists and beachgoers means cyclists need to be careful of the crowded paths and intersections.

Wrigley
Wrigley, a historic neighborhood in Long Beach, features a mix of residential streets and commercial areas. Cyclists in Wrigley should be aware of the busy roads and potential hazards from vehicles entering and exiting driveways.

Lakewood Village
Lakewood Village offers wide, tree-lined streets that are popular with local cyclists. The area's suburban feel attracts many bikers, but the residential traffic and busy intersections require careful navigation.

If you've been injured in a bicycle accident in any of these areas, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation.

Contact a Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer at MKP Law Group, LLP Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact us today at 323-483-4863 so that we can start fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

We know how to deal with insurance companies so that you do not have to and, instead, can focus on getting better. Our priority is for you to get the best care on every level.

MKP Law Group, LLP’s team strives to make the process as easy and quick as possible for you. The team at MKP Law Group, LLP is experienced, attentive, dependable, and tenacious, so call us today to schedule your 100% consultation. As always, if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

We proudly service clients in and around Long Beach and in the Los Angeles area.