Los Angeles, CA, Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycles are a popular choice for alternative local transportation in the Los Angeles area, and many people throughout California ride their bikes for exercise and leisure. While most are able to enjoy their time biking without issue, it is possible for a bicycle accident to occur in many ways.

Unfortunately, recent accident statistics from Los Angeles show that the area is one of the most dangerous in the country for many reasons, and the number of bicycle accidents reported throughout Los Angeles has steadily increased over the past few years. According to a 2022 report from the California Office of Traffic Safety, 475 bicyclists were injured or killed in crashes in Los Angeles County, among the highest totals in large California counties.

If you or a family member has recently suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney is the ideal resource to consult to determine your recovery options. State law views bicycle accidents just like all other vehicle accidents, meaning you likely have grounds to file a claim for compensation against an at-fault driver’s auto insurance, and if this does not fully cover your losses, you can proceed with filing a personal injury claim against them.

Recent Trends in Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents

Reports from the City of Los Angeles, including the LA Vision Zero Safety Study, and statewide data from the 2023 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts report indicate that bicycle accidents remain a serious concern in the Los Angeles area. According to these reports, Los Angeles County consistently records the highest number of bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries in California, more than many other counties in the state. In 2021 alone, Los Angeles County reported 27 bicyclist deaths and 240 serious injuries, the highest in the state.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Los Angeles County has consistently reported high numbers of bicyclist injuries and fatalities. From 2018 to 2022, the county averaged 1,221 bicycle accident victims per year. The highest total was in 2018 with 1,908 victims, while the lowest was in 2022 with just 475, marking a 75% decrease over five years. Year-over-year, there was a 29% drop from 2019 to 2020 and an even steeper 59% drop from 2020 to 2021.
Although the declining trend may reflect temporary factors like reduced traffic during the pandemic, the consistently high numbers in pre-pandemic years point to a longstanding safety issue for cyclists in Los Angeles County.

Knowing the risks you face while biking can help you remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you or a loved one suffers a bicycle accident because of the actions of another party, it is vital that you consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible who can help determine your most viable options for recovery.

FAQs

Q: Which County Reports the Most Bicycle Accidents in California?

A: Los Angeles County consistently reports the highest number of bicycle-related crashes in California. In 2018, there were 1,908 bicyclist victims (killed or injured), the highest in the state. Although this number declined to 475 by 2022, Los Angeles remains one of the top areas due to its dense population, urban infrastructure, and high car traffic volume, making it especially dangerous for cyclists.

Q: Are Bicycle Crashes Increasing or Decreasing in Los Angeles?

A: Bicycle crash totals have decreased significantly in recent years, falling by nearly 75% from 2018 to 2022—from 1,908 to just 475 victims, according to OTS data. A large part of this drop occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when reduced traffic volumes and stay-at-home orders led to fewer vehicles on the road.

However, despite fewer overall crashes, fatalities remained high, with 27 deaths in 2021 and 26 in 2022, indicating that the crashes that did occur were often more severe. This trend suggests that while the pandemic may have temporarily reduced crash numbers, underlying safety issues for cyclists in Los Angeles persist.

Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Serious Bicycle Crashes in LA?

A: According to the SafeTREC report, the top causes of fatal and serious injury bicycle crashes in Los Angeles include:

• Unsafe speed (17.5%)
• Improper turning (17.1%)
• Failure to yield right-of-way (15.8%)

These risky driver behaviors continue to endanger cyclists, especially on high-speed arterial roads.

Q: Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles?

A: If you believe another party directly caused your recent bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you have the right to seek accountability and compensation for your damages with a claim against their auto insurance, followed by a personal injury claim if their insurance cannot fully cover your damages. Success with any personal injury case requires proof that the defendant directly caused your claimed damages and proof of the full extent of those damages.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Bicycle Accident?

A: There is a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in California. This time limit starts on the date an injury occurs, and while two years might seem like enough time in which to file your case, it is always advisable to start the process as soon as possible. It will take time to gather the documentation needed to prove the full extent of your damages, and evidence is most reliable when it is collected as fresh as possible.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles?

A: Most personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Instead, the attorney only collects a fee if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf—usually as a percentage of your settlement or court award, typically ranging from 33% to 40%.

If your attorney is unable to secure compensation, you generally do not owe any legal fees. However, some case-related expenses—such as court filing fees or expert witness costs—may still apply, depending on your agreement. This arrangement helps you pursue justice without the burden of paying legal fees out of pocket while your case is pending.

The team at Amendt Law has many years of handling all types of vehicle accident claims in Los Angeles, including bicycle accident claims. We know how damaging these incidents can be and the many questions you are likely to have in the aftermath of this type of accident. The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can explain your options for recovery and the more time we have to build a solid case for you. Contact Amendt Law today to schedule your consultation with our team and learn how we can help you in this challenging situation.