How Distracted Driving Is Putting Los Angeles Cyclists at Risk

Every day, cyclists share busy Los Angeles streets with motorists, buses, ride-hail vehicles, and delivery drivers. While bicycles are a healthy and eco-friendly way to get around, riders are extremely vulnerable when a distracted driver makes a mistake. An experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer sees firsthand how simple distractions behind the wheel can lead to catastrophic injuries for cyclists — and why awareness and legal strategy matter when crashes happen.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of preventable collisions in Los Angeles, and cyclists pay the price when drivers fail to keep their full attention on the road.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that draws a driver’s attention away from safely operating a vehicle. Distractions can be visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), or cognitive (mind not on driving). Common examples include:

• Texting or reading messages
  
• Talking on a phone
  
• Adjusting navigation systems
  
• Interacting with passengers
  
• Eating or drinking
  
• Reaching for objects inside the car
  
• Watching videos or looking at screens
  

Even a few seconds of distraction can be dangerous in urban traffic. At 30 mph, a vehicle travels more than 44 feet in one second — enough distance to strike a cyclist who suddenly appears in a driver’s path.

Why Cyclists Are Particularly Vulnerable

Bicycles lack the protective structure of cars and trucks. A cyclist struck by a distracted driver is far more likely to suffer severe injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
  
• Spinal injuries
  
• Broken bones
  
• Road rash and soft tissue trauma
  
• Internal injuries
  

Injuries on a bicycle are rarely minor, and medical expenses can quickly escalate into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer knows that even when fault seems obvious, distracted driving claims are often aggressively defended by insurers.

Common Bike Crash Scenarios Involving Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving can cause many types of bicycle collisions, including:

• Failure to yield right of way: Drivers looking at phones may fail to see a cyclist approaching an intersection.
  
• Unsafe turns: Turning vehicles often hit cyclists going straight because the driver never saw the rider.
  
• Close passes: Drivers taking their eyes off the road may drift into bike lanes or squeeze cyclists off the travel lane.
  
• Dooring: A driver or passenger opens a door into a cyclist’s path because they didn’t check for oncoming riders.
  
• Rear-end collisions: Distracted drivers may not stop in time when a cyclist slows or stops at a traffic signal.
  

Each of these situations can — and often does — lead to life-changing injuries.

California’s Distracted Driving Laws

California has strict laws against using handheld devices while driving. Texting and driving is illegal, and drivers are discouraged from any phone interaction that interferes with safe operation.

However, even hands-free phone interactions or momentary cognitive distractions can cause crashes. Insurance companies often argue that a driver was not “texting at the moment,” even when phone use clearly contributed to a crash.

Proving distraction often requires obtaining phone records, app usage data, and witness statements — evidence that should be preserved early in the case.

Evidence That Strengthens Distracted Driving Claims

To demonstrate that distracted driving caused or contributed to a bicycle accident, strong evidence is crucial. Some key pieces of evidence include:

• Police reports: Officers may note driver demeanor, phone use, or other indications of distraction.
  
• Phone records: These can show screen activity or app use around the time of the crash.
  
• Video footage: Traffic cameras, security cameras, and dashboard cameras often capture the moments leading to impact.
  
• Eyewitness testimony: People who saw the crash can confirm whether a driver was looking away from the road.
  
• Accident reconstruction: Experts can analyze vehicle paths and speeds to show how distraction likely caused the collision.
  

Collecting this evidence early makes a significant difference in proving negligence and holding a distracted driver accountable.

Insurance Companies Try to Downplay Distracted Driving

Insurance adjusters often avoid admitting that a policyholder was distracted because it can increase liability and payouts. They may suggest other causes or argue that the cyclist was partially responsible.

In California, injured cyclists can still recover damages even if they share some fault. Under pure comparative negligence, your compensation is reduced only by your percentage of fault. However, insurance companies often exaggerate a victim’s responsibility to reduce settlement value.

A Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer challenges these arguments and ensures liability is assigned fairly.

How Distracted Driving Affects Settlement Value

Collisions caused by distracted driving often result in more severe injuries. In these cases, the value of a claim must include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
  
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
  
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
  

Strong documentation, witness testimony, and legal strategy all influence how much compensation a victim can recover.

Steps You Should Take After a Distracted Driver Crash

If you are injured by a distracted driver while biking, it is important to:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor at first.
   
2. Report the accident to law enforcement.
   
3. Collect evidence if possible — photos, videos, and witness contacts.
   
4. Preserve your bicycle and helmet for inspection.
   
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance.
   
6. Contact a trusted attorney early to protect your claim.
   

Why a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Matters in Distracted Driving Collisions

Distracted driving cases often involve detailed evidence collection, phone data analysis, and liability disputes. A skilled Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer understands how to investigate these cases, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for injured cyclists.

At Bojat Law Group, we represent cyclists injured by distracted drivers throughout Los Angeles. We handle evidence preservation, legal strategy, and settlement negotiation so you can focus on recovery.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a distracted driver, call (818) 877-4878 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

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