Southern California has ideal weather for cyclists all year. The topography makes for easy bike commutes, and the hills and mountains offer bike adventurers explorations into nature. But it may all be a mirage because Bicycling Magazine recently named L.A. the “worst bike city in America.”
Bicyclists are highly vulnerable to accidents. Even with the best safety equipment, riders can suffer severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike-related accident with someone else at fault, the Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg have a history of getting our clients the compensation they deserve.
Cruising from the bottom
Cars have deep roots in L.A.—a city of freeways and multilane boulevards. Limited public transportation and infrastructure only add to the city’s car culture reputation.
In 2019, the most current statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), claim at least 36 cyclists were killed in Los Angeles county. This is about a third of all cycling deaths in California.
The three reasons L.A. is the “worst bike city in America” are:
- Distracted drivers
- Condition of most streets
- The city paying millions of dollars in lawsuits instead of addressing infrastructure
Take the case of Milton Olin, a prominent entertainment attorney killed on Mulholland Drive in 2013 after a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy struck Olin with his car as the deputy texted his wife. No criminal charges were pursued, but Olin’s family received more than $11 million in a civil settlement.
Cars are not the only things killing cyclists. The roads themselves can be dangerous. According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 46% of urban roads in California rate in poor condition. When focusing on just L.A.’s urban roads, these statistics increase to more than 62%.
In the last decade, millions of dollars in compensation have been paid to severely injure cyclists because of road conditions.
There is good news: Bike sales soared during the pandemic as people got out of the house and exercised while the gyms were closed. Bicycling coalitions have joined alliances with city planners to peddle a safer future.
Local officials admit the city has plenty of room for improvement. Mayor Eric Garcetti has tried since 2015 to reduce cycling fatalities. Last year, the city added new bike lanes and improved the safety of the preexisting ones, and a new plan is in place to improve bicycle infrastructure by adding a fully separated and protected network of bicycle lanes and paths.
When should I contact a lawyer?
Southern Californian commuters want an economical and healthy form of transportation. Children ride for fun and a sense of independence. Avid cyclists ride to stay fit while exploring. They are all one distracted or careless driver away from disaster.
Bike accidents produce a wide range of injuries. The most common include:
- Bruises and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic head injuries
- Catastrophic spinal cord injuries
- Death
The Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg prepare diligently by investigating the evidence to build the strongest case for you. Contact us by clicking here or calling 310-997-0904 for a free consultation.
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