Protecting Los Angeles Cyclists and E-Scooter Riders
If you were hit while riding your bike or e-scooter in Los Angeles, Rulsky Law Group will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. With heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and unsafe intersections, bicycle accidents in Los Angeles are far too common — especially near Downtown, Santa Monica, and along the 5 Freeway on- and off-ramps where sudden merges and turns are routine.
Many collisions occur because drivers fail to check their blind spots or open doors into bike lanes. These negligent acts can leave cyclists with catastrophic injuries, and insurance companies often try to blame the rider. We know how to prove fault and overcome those arguments.
Our firm investigates vehicle dashcam footage, intersection cameras, and police reports to show exactly how the crash happened. We handle everything — from medical documentation to negotiations with insurers — so you can focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Bicycle and E-Scooter Accidents in California
- Drivers turning or merging without checking bike lanes
- Dooring accidents (opening a car door into a cyclist’s path)
- Distracted or texting drivers
- Speeding or running red lights
- Unsafe road design or potholes
- Ride-share or delivery drivers cutting through bike lanes
- E-scooter malfunctions or rental company negligence
Your Rights as a Cyclist in California
California law treats bicycles as vehicles, granting cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers under the California Vehicle Code. That means motorists must yield, share the road, and exercise reasonable care — failing to do so constitutes negligence.
Vehicle Code §21209: Drivers may not drive in a bike lane except to park, enter, or leave a roadway safely.
Vehicle Code §21202: Cyclists have the right to use the full lane when necessary for safety.
Vehicle Code §21760: Drivers must give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle.
If a driver violates these rules and causes injury, they can be held legally responsible for damages.
E-Scooter Accidents in California
Electric scooters share many of the same dangers as bicycles — but with additional risks. Riders often suffer broken bones or head injuries when hit by vehicles or thrown due to defective scooters. We pursue claims against negligent drivers and, when applicable, e-scooter rental companies (like Lime, Bird, or Spin) for maintenance failures or design defects.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures and dislocations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
We work with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and life-care planners to document the true impact of your injuries and fight for full compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can still recover compensation. Helmet use may affect damages only if your head injury would have been prevented by one.
That’s a clear case of negligence under Vehicle Code §22517, which prohibits opening a door into moving traffic
Yes — through your uninsured motorist policy, which applies even to hit-and-run bicycle accidents
Absolutely. Insurance companies routinely undervalue cyclist injuries. An experienced attorney ensures you’re treated fairly.
