Injured Bicyclist Files California Lawsuit After Serious Accident

Bradley/Grombacher, LLP • November 18, 2017

Public roads left in bad condition can be a dangerous place for bicyclists to ride. A new California personal injury case involves the payment of $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit from an injured bicyclist.


William Y., the injured bicyclist, became a quadriplegic after he was involved in a serious crash while riding on Los Angeles public roads. After his accident, William filed a personal injury lawsuit for damages against the City of Los Angeles.


Injured Bicyclist Sues the City of La for Sever Harm

The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to approve the payout and end the legal dispute brought by William. William initiated the personal injury lawsuit against the city over three years ago. According to William, his front tire hit a strip of pavement that was raised off the ground by 4 inches due to a tree root.


According to the bicycle injury lawsuit, William was thrown from his bicycle and landed directly on the pavement. Despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet, the severe impact of the crash caused him to suffer critical injuries. According to the injured bicyclist lawsuit, the City of Los Angeles had received numerous complaints regarding the dangerous condition of that particular road but never took action to fix it.


Although the Bureau of Street Services in Los Angeles had previously inspected the road, they determined that the condition of the street was a non-emergency. The City had investigated the roadway prior to the accident for the purpose of utility maintenance. Unfortunately, none of the inspectors reported that the bike lane had a dangerous lift in the pavement.


According to the injured bicyclist lawsuit, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation did not comply with the government road surface standards when the bike lane was initially installed. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is accused of simply painting white lines and arrow markers on the surface along with traffic signs without repairing or examining the road surface.


Any road condition that causes serious injuries for motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists could form the basis of an injury suit. According to the lawsuit, it’s the city’s responsibility to be aware of dangerous conditions and to warn residents about those conditions or fix the issues entirely. Many people in the city have used the complaints system to notify city officials about unreasonable risks, but when left unchecked, certain conditions can cause accidents or injuries.


Every year the City of Los Angeles faces dozens of lawsuits associated with bicycle crashes on its roads. In 2017 a minimum of 17 lawsuits have already been filed. Just last month, the city settled another seven-figure lawsuit involving an injured bicyclist.


Cyclists who have been hurt in an accident may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim with the help of an experienced legal professional. You can obtain a free case evaluation with a California personal injury attorney by filling out the form on this page.


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At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we believe that if you are questioning whether you have a case against your current or former employer, your first step should be to seek legal guidance. The best way to get started is by visiting our website for more information and filling out our online form to connect with our attorneys. Many of these potential claims fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which encompasses three distinct types of claims: disability discrimination, failure to accommodate a disability, and retaliation—where an employer takes adverse action against an employee for complaining about discrimination or requesting accommodations. Many of our cases involve ADA claims, which often intersect with claims under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). While both address medical-related workplace issues, they serve different purposes. The FMLA applies when an employee needs to take time off work due to a medical condition. In contrast, ADA claims generally arise when an employee can continue working but requires a reasonable accommodation. Another common claim we handle is workers' compensation retaliation. This occurs when an employee is injured on the job, files a workers' compensation claim, and then faces retaliation from their employer—an illegal action. These are just a few examples of the cases we deal with daily. We also frequently handle cases under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which protects employees from discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and color. If an employee experiences discrimination on any of these grounds, they may have a valid claim. Additionally, a retaliation claim may also be pursued if an employer retaliates against an employee for taking protected action—such as reporting discrimination to their employer or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we are dedicated to defending those facing unjust treatment at work. Understanding your rights is the first step toward justice, whether you're facing discrimination, retaliation, or an employer unwilling to provide reasonable accommodations. We encourage you to visit our website for more information and to fill out our online form to connect with our attorneys. Our team is here to help you explore your legal options and determine the best path forward.
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At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, our practice is firmly established in Central Texas, concentrating on the area known as the "iron triangle," which includes Dallas, Houston, and Austin. We are dedicated Texas attorneys who aim to help clients understand the laws of our state regarding personal injury cases. Our team is here to guide you and ensure you are well-informed. Take note of Texas's mandatory minimum car insurance requirement. Every driver must carry at least $25,000 in property damage coverage and $30,000 in bodily injury coverage as part of their car insurance policy. Many insurance policies offer additional coverage beyond these limits, which can be crucial in an accident. Many individuals are unaware that their insurance policies may provide additional coverage for personal injury claims. For instance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage are both no-fault insurances. You are not required to prove the other driver was at fault to receive benefits. These options can provide immediate financial assistance, allowing you to submit medical bills directly to your insurance company for reimbursement. Underinsured and uninsured motorist protection is another essential type of first-party insurance coverage. This coverage can help cover your medical costs if you are hurt in an accident brought on by a driver who does not have enough insurance. For example, if the at-fault driver only carries the minimum coverage and your medical bills exceed $30,000, uninsured or underinsured motorist protection may provide additional compensation for your losses, including pain and suffering. Understanding the effects of Texas tort reform laws—especially those passed since 2003 that restrict recoverable damages—is also crucial. Let's say, for instance, that a government vehicle hurts you. If so, the maximum amount you can get back is determined by whether the car is a state or city vehicle, with the maximum being $100,000 and $250,000, respectively. Furthermore, notification requirements for claims against government agencies are sometimes stringent. They can be as short as one month after the incident. You should seek legal counsel immediately if a government employee has harmed you while performing their duties. Furthermore, changes in Texas law since 2010 have altered how medical expenses are recovered in personal injury cases. In the past, even if an insurance company negotiated a reduced payment, plaintiffs could still get the full amount that medical providers had invoiced. However, recovery is only allowed up to the actual amount paid under the laws. Navigating these complications requires knowledgeable legal counsel to guarantee you get the most money possible under the law. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, our mission is to guide clients through the complexities of personal injury law in Texas. If you or a loved one has been injured, we encourage you to visit our website to explore your legal options and connect with our team for further assistance.
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At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we are dedicated to helping people. We are committed to supporting our clients at every stage because we recognize how difficult it may be to navigate legal issues. We are here to ensure every client has a strong advocate because we believe everyone deserves to be heard. Attorneys Bo Routh and Mike Scanes established our practice in 2005. They used to work for a more prominent local general practice law firm. Their goal was to establish a practice that provided excellent legal counsel to those in need and was committed to client advocacy. Today, Mike Scanes remains a senior partner and founding member, while Bo Routh departed at the end of 2021. Following his departure, Tyler Talbert and Ben Yelverton became named partners, officially becoming Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP. Tyler Talbert specializes in appellate advocacy, representing clients in Texas and federal appellate courts. He has experience in civil appeals, litigation, and trial support, including motions, error preservation, and jury charges. Ben Yelverton is also an expert in business litigation and personal injuries. He handles matters ranging from class actions to wrongful deaths throughout his early courtroom experience in Austin and Dallas. He is a strategic litigator committed to helping clients get the best results. Another vital member of our law firm is Joel Shields, who has contributed significantly to the expansion and prosperity of the company since joining in 2007. He is Board-Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Joel is an aggressive advocate for his clients and offers wise counsel, whether pursuing claims for someone wrongly fired or advising a company on how to comply with legal requirements. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, our passion lies in advocating for individuals. We often represent people in legal battles against large insurance companies or corporations rather than defending corporate entities. Many of our clients come to us in times of need –whether they have been injured in a car accident and are struggling to get their insurance companies to pay or are homeowners whose fire damage claims have been unfairly denied. We also handle employment law cases, ensuring that employees who have been wrongfully terminated or treated unjustly in the workplace receive the representation they deserve. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we advocate for those in need. Whether taking on powerful corporations, advocating for justice, or protecting individuals from unfair treatment, we are here to make a meaningful difference in our clients' lives.
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