Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer? Here’s How Montanez Yu Can Help
Bicycling is a popular and eco-friendly way to get around Southern California. Whether you're commuting, exercising, or just enjoying a sunny day, it’s a great way to stay active and connected to your community. Unfortunately, as any cyclist will tell you, riding a bike comes with risks—especially in areas with heavy traffic and distracted drivers. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming.
At Montanez & Yu LLP, we understand what you're going through. Our team has works with clients who were injured in bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers, poorly maintained roads, or other hazardous conditions. If you're in pain, facing mounting medical bills, or struggling to get answers, we're here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents happen for many reasons, but in most cases, they could have been avoided. Some of the most common causes we see include:
Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or fiddling with a GPS while driving can cause a driver to miss a cyclist entirely.
Failure to Yield: Drivers often fail to yield to cyclists at intersections or when making right or left turns.
Dooring Accidents: A driver opens a car door into a cyclist's path without checking their mirror.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers may swerve into bike lanes or attempt to pass too closely.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and lack of signage or bike lanes can contribute to serious crashes.
Regardless of how it happened, if someone else’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, you shouldn’t be left to deal with the aftermath alone.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
We know it’s difficult to think clearly in the moment, especially if you're injured or in shock. But if you're physically able, here are some steps you should take right after the accident:
Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) might not be obvious right away.
Document the Scene – Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, any injuries, the other vehicle(s), and any road hazards.
Exchange Information – Get the driver's name, contact info, license plate, and insurance details. Also try to collect contact info from any witnesses.
Get Medical Attention – Always see a doctor. Medical documentation is important for both your recovery and any legal claim you may file.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies – Before you give a statement or accept a settlement offer, it’s best to talk to a personal injury attorney.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their job is to protect their bottom line, which often means minimizing or denying your claim. Even when liability seems obvious, they might try to blame you for the accident, downplay your injuries, or offer a quick payout that doesn't begin to cover your real costs.
That’s where Montanez & Yu LLP comes in. We can help you:
Investigate the Accident: Our legal team will gather evidence, speak to witnesses, review police reports, and consult experts if needed.
Prove Liability: We'll work to demonstrate how the driver, municipality, or another party was at fault.
Value Your Claim: Many people underestimate what their case is worth. We factor in medical bills, lost income, long-term care, pain and suffering, and more.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: We handle all communication so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing.
Take Your Case to Court If Needed: If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Types of Injuries We See in Bicycle Accidents
Even at relatively low speeds, a bicycle accident can lead to devastating injuries. Cyclists don’t have the same protection as people in cars, and they’re often thrown from their bikes upon impact. Some of the more common injuries we see include:
Traumatic brain injuries (even with a helmet)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Broken bones and fractures
Road rash and lacerations
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, etc.)
Many of our clients need extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Some may be left permanently disabled or unable to return to work. These aren't just temporary inconveniences—they’re life-changing events that deserve serious legal attention.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you’re filing a claim against a government entity (for example, if a city failed to maintain a bike lane or road hazard), the timeline can be even shorter—sometimes as little as six months.
That’s why it’s so important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner we can begin investigating your case, the better your chances of a strong outcome.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills (past, current, and future)
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage (such as your bicycle)
Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, caregiving, etc.)
Every case is different, but our goal is always the same: to maximize your recovery and help you move forward with your life.
We’re Here When You’re Ready
At Montanez & Yu LLP, we pride ourselves on being compassionate, aggressive advocates for accident victims. We understand that this may be your first time dealing with something like this—and it’s our job to make the process as smooth, transparent, and effective as possible.
You don't need to navigate this alone. We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can ask questions, learn about your rights, and understand your legal options. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident in California, let us help. We’ll fight to protect your rights, hold the responsible party accountable, and get you the compensation you need to heal and rebuild.
Contact Montanez Yu today to schedule your free consultation.