Were You Injured In A Bicycle Accident?

Whittier Bicycle Accident Attorneys Representing Injured Cyclists Throughout Los Angeles County

Cyclists in Whittier face unique risks every time they ride through the city’s neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and high-traffic intersections. Although bicycle use has increased in Los Angeles County, drivers often fail to give cyclists the space and attention required by law. When a cyclist is hit by a car, the results are typically devastating. Even a low-speed collision can cause catastrophic injuries because riders have no physical protection from the force of impact.

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier bicycle accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these events impose on injured cyclists and their families. We are committed to holding negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable. If you were injured in a bicycle crash, our firm is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (562) 698-6446 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Bicycle Crashes Are Increasing Across Los Angeles County

Bicycle injuries have risen steadily across Los Angeles County, where thousands of cyclists are hit by vehicles every year. Whittier’s busy streets, including Whittier Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, Lambert Road, and Painter Avenue, have seen increased cyclist traffic and correspondingly higher injury numbers.

Data from recent statewide transportation reports show that more than 3,500 cyclists are injured in Los Angeles County annually, making it one of the most hazardous regions in California for riders.

This rise can be traced to several factors:

• A significant increase in distracted driving.
• Higher traffic volume on commuter routes.
• Roadways are not designed with modern bike usage in mind.
• Speeding in residential and commercial areas.
• Limited driver awareness of bike lane laws.

Our Whittier bicycle accident attorneys are familiar with how and why these crashes occur locally, and we use that knowledge to build strong claims for injured cyclists.

Why Bicycle Accidents Often Result in Severe or Catastrophic Injuries

Because bicycles provide no exterior protection, injuries from a crash can be extensive and permanent. Even with proper gear and helmet use, a cyclist is completely exposed to the impact of a two-ton vehicle.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
• Spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis.
• Facial fractures and dental trauma.
• Broken bones, especially clavicles, wrists, and hips.
• Internal injuries and organ damage.
• Severe lacerations, road rash, and permanent scarring.
• Psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

These injuries often require emergency medical care, follow-up treatment, surgeries, and months of rehabilitation. Our Whittier bicycle accident lawyers work closely with medical experts to document the full scope of your injuries so we can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Whittier

Understanding the cause of a bicycle collision is essential to evaluating liability. Many crashes occur because drivers do not exercise the level of caution required when sharing roads with cyclists.

Some of the most frequent causes we see in Whittier and throughout Los Angeles County include, but are not limited to:

• Distracted Driving

A significant percentage of bicycle crashes are caused by distracted driving. A driver glancing at a phone, adjusting navigation, or reaching for something inside the vehicle may fail to see a cyclist until it is too late. Even a momentary distraction can lead to life-changing injuries.

• Failure to Yield at Intersections

Intersections are among the most dangerous locations for cyclists. Drivers turning left into oncoming cyclists, rolling through stop signs, or pulling out of driveways without looking frequently cause severe impacts.

• Unsafe Passing and Dooring Incidents

Whittier’s downtown areas often have parked vehicles along narrow corridors. When drivers or passengers open car doors without checking for cyclists, serious dooring injuries occur. Unsafe passing, especially where bike lanes narrow or disappear, is also a persistent problem.

• Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the force of impact. Drivers traveling too fast through Whittier neighborhoods or commercial districts can easily collide with cyclists they did not anticipate.

Your Rights as a Cyclist Under California Law

Under California law, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, and motor vehicle operators must share the road safely.

Drivers are required to:

• Provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.
• Check bike lanes before merging or turning.
• Yield when required by law.
• Exercise reasonable care, especially around vulnerable road users.

These rights are fundamental to proving liability when a driver violates safety rules and causes a collision. Our Whittier bicycle accident attorneys use traffic laws, witness statements, video evidence, and accident reconstruction to demonstrate when a driver fails to uphold these obligations.

Who May Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Whittier?

Liability can extend far beyond the driver who struck a cyclist. Many crashes involve multiple contributing factors, which means several parties may be responsible for the injured cyclist’s damages.

Identifying all responsible parties is essential for a full recovery, and may include:

• Negligent Drivers

Drivers who fail to pay attention, follow traffic laws, or yield to cyclists are often the primary source of liability. They may be responsible for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

• Employers

If the at-fault driver was on the job, their employer may share liability under California’s vicarious liability laws. Commercial policies usually provide higher coverage, which is crucial in cases involving significant injuries.

• Government Agencies

Cities, counties, and public entities may be liable if unsafe road conditions contributed to the crash. Poor lighting, defective road design, missing signs, and inadequate bike lane maintenance are common examples. Claims against public agencies require fast legal action due to strict filing deadlines.

• Manufacturers

If a bicycle or vehicle component fails and causes or worsens a crash, manufacturers or distributors may be held liable. This often involves specialized investigation and expert review of defective parts.

Our firm conducts a comprehensive analysis of every bicycle crash to determine who should be held accountable and to pursue compensation through all available channels.

Compensation Available in a Whittier Bicycle Accident Case

Cyclists injured in a crash may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages.

Some of the most common losses that can be included in a California personal injury claim include:

• Medical bills, surgeries, and future treatment.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress and psychological harm.
• Long-term disability or disfigurement.

Our Whittier bicycle accident lawyers evaluate every element of your loss to ensure no category of compensation is overlooked.

How Insurance Companies Handle Bicycle Accident Claims

Insurance companies often attempt to limit payouts by shifting blame or minimizing injuries.

Insurers may:

• Claim the cyclist caused the crash.
• Offer a quick but inadequate settlement.
• Argue that injuries were pre-existing.
• Delay approval for necessary medical care.
• Misrepresent policy limits or coverage.

Our firm handles all communication with insurers to prevent these tactics from affecting your recovery.

How Hanning & Sacchetto Investigates Bicycle Accident Claims

A successful claim depends on thorough evidence collection. Our firm uses proven investigative methods to document liability and damages.

We gather:

• Police reports and witness statements.
• Surveillance or dash-cam footage.
• Photographs and videos of the collision site.
• Vehicle and bicycle damage assessments.
• Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists.
• Medical documentation detailing the extent of injuries.

By building a strong factual foundation, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often results in stronger settlement outcomes.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Whittier

Taking the proper steps after a crash can protect your health and your legal rights.

If possible, cyclists should:

• Call 911 and report the collision.
• Photograph the scene, injuries, and bicycle damage.
• Obtain contact and insurance information from the driver.
• Collect statements or contact details from witnesses.
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters.
• Contact our Whittier bicycle accident attorneys for guidance.

Early involvement of an attorney gives you the strongest chance at a full recovery.

Speak With a Whittier Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a bicycle crash in Whittier or anywhere in Los Angeles County, Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP is ready to stand by your side. Our firm provides experienced, personalized legal representation for cyclists and their families, focusing on full compensation and long-term recovery.

Call (562) 698-6446 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our team will explain your rights, evaluate your case, and guide you through every step of the legal process.