You’re cycling through your neighborhood—helmet on, following the rules. You swerve to avoid a cracked sidewalk, but your front tire catches an uneven edge. Suddenly, you’re on the ground, injured. A property owner says it’s not their fault. The city shrugs. Now you’re wondering—who’s legally responsible? This is where a Los Angeles premises liability lawyer can step in and help make sense of a confusing situation.
Cyclists and Dangerous Conditions: What You Need to Know
Bicycle crashes aren’t always caused by vehicles. Unsafe sidewalks, broken pavement, debris, and poor lighting can pose just as much risk. In California, property owners—both public and private—can be held legally responsible when a hazardous condition causes a preventable accident.
If you were hurt while riding due to:
- Poorly maintained walkways or driveways
- Hidden potholes or raised concrete slabs
- Construction debris or fencing hazards
- Improper signage or obstructed views
Then you may have a valid claim under California’s premises liability law.
Premises Liability: Who’s Accountable When Cyclists Are Injured?
California Civil Code §1714 states that property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe. If they fail to repair or warn of a dangerous condition they knew—or should have known—about, they can be held liable for your injuries.
Here’s a quick look at possible at-fault parties:
| Location of Hazard | Who Might be Liable |
| Public Sidewalk or Street | City or County Government |
| Commercial Property (e.g., store) | Business Owner or Property Manager |
| Apartment or HOA Property | Landlord, Property Owner, or Association |
| Private Driveway or Homefront | Individual Property Owner |
| Construction Zone | Construction Company or Contracting Entity |
The issue becomes more complex when you’re forced to ride bicycle on sidewalk because of unsafe or unavailable bike lanes.
Are You Allowed to Ride a Bicycle on the Sidewalk in Los Angeles?
This is one of the most common legal gray areas cyclists face. In Los Angeles, it’s not illegal to ride bicycle on sidewalk, but there’s a catch: you must not show “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” That’s straight from the L.A. Municipal Code §56.15.
So, if a city forces you onto the sidewalk due to poor bike infrastructure—and you’re injured due to a dangerous surface—you may still have legal standing to pursue a claim.
Your Rights as an Injured Cyclist: What Can You Recover?
Being injured in a bicycle crash tied to unsafe property isn’t just painful—it’s financially and emotionally draining. A skilled Los Angeles premises liability lawyer helps you pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills, including future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Repair or replacement of your bicycle
- Emotional distress or trauma
Each case is unique, but strong documentation and early legal action can significantly increase your chances of a meaningful outcome.
What to Do After a Premises-Related Cycling Accident
If you’re hurt while cycling near or on someone else’s property, your actions right after the incident are crucial. Follow these steps:
- Call 911 or seek medical help immediately
- Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and your surroundings
- Gather witness information if anyone saw the incident
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements
- Contact a qualified attorney quickly to preserve evidence and start your claim
Even if the damage seems minor, hazards like broken pavement can lead to serious long-term injuries, especially in e-bike accidents involving speed or sudden stops.
How a Bicycle Attorney Builds Your Case
Don’t assume that a city or property owner will willingly accept responsibility. In most cases, they’ll argue you were riding carelessly or that the hazard wasn’t reported. Your attorney’s job is to push back—with facts, records, and real legal pressure.
Here’s how we do it:
- Investigate the scene using experts and engineers
- File claims on time—especially important for city-owned property (only 6 months under Gov. Code §911.2)
- Access camera footage, city maintenance logs, and incident reports
- Negotiate fair settlements or take the case to trial if necessary
At The Law Offices of Thomas F. Forsyth, we guide you through all the legal issues that come with a bicycle-related injury, from filing paperwork to representing you in court. You deserve strong legal guidance—not just sympathy.
Navigating E-Bike Hazards: A Rising Legal Issue
Electric bicycles have added speed—and risk—to urban cycling. A crack in the sidewalk that may have been manageable on a traditional bike could send an e-bike rider flying. The faster you go, the higher the stakes.
When property owners or municipalities fail to account for this shift in rider behavior, they leave people exposed to avoidable harm. Whether you were injured in a crash involving an e-scooter or while trying to ride bicycle on sidewalk because of traffic dangers, legal options may be available.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
A fall caused by a raised slab or obstructed sidewalk may not make the evening news—but it can leave lasting injuries and stress. Your injuries are real, and the legal issues involved can be complex.
That’s why having a seasoned Los Angeles premises liability lawyer by your side matters. You don’t have to face city bureaucracy or insurance roadblocks alone. Whether it’s filing a claim or preparing for court, your rights deserve to be protected.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a bicycle-related incident tied to unsafe property, Thomas Forsyth and his legal team are here to help navigate the legal road ahead—so you can focus on recovery.
