Common crashes, common defenses
Doorings, right hooks, left crosses, and drift-into-the-bike-lane collisions produce most serious cyclist injuries in LA. The insurer's defense is always the same: the cyclist was invisible or reckless. Helmet cams, physical evidence, and traffic engineering standards usually say otherwise.
Cyclists have full road rights
Under California law a bicycle rider has all the rights of a vehicle driver. Riding outside the bike lane is legal when hazards require it. No helmet? That may affect head-injury damages only, not fault, and not the rest of your claim.
Recovering when the driver is gone or uninsured
Hit-and-runs against cyclists are epidemic. Your own auto policy's UM coverage often applies even though you were on a bike, and household policies can too. Before you assume there's no money, let us look.
Questions we hear
Does it hurt my case that I wasn't wearing a helmet?
It can reduce damages for head injuries specifically, but it is not a fault argument and doesn't affect the rest of your recovery.
The driver's insurer says I was outside the bike lane. So?
Riding outside the lane is often legal and often necessary. Debris, doors, and turning cars are recognized hazards that justify taking the lane.
What evidence helps most in a bike case?
Camera footage, the bike itself unrepaired, your gear, scene photos, and witness contacts. Preserve everything and call us early.