Torrance Bicycle Accident Lawyers

A bicycle crash at Hawthorne Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, or another road in Torrance can raise questions about driver conduct and roadway control. Under California Vehicle Code § 21200, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.

Cyclists injured by another party’s negligence may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. California’s pure comparative negligence rule also allows injured victims to pursue compensation even when they share fault. Their percentage of fault only reduces the amount they can recover.

Arash Law represents injured victims in Torrance, including bicyclists hurt because of someone else’s negligence. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients across California. Our Torrance bicycle accident lawyers tailor strategies based on local factors that may affect a claim.

Call: (424) 306-1664 (Torrance local)
(888) 488-1391 (24-hour line)

Reviewed by: Arash Khorsandi, Esq., California State Bar #249405, admitted 2007, last reviewed October 2026

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Why Bicycle Accident Cases in Torrance Are Different

Bicycle accident claims in Torrance can involve different road conditions, investigating agencies, and court procedures. These local factors affect how attorneys collect evidence, identify responsible parties, and pursue compensation under California personal injury law.

Here’s how specific road conditions may affect your claim:

Hawthorne Boulevard, Artesia Boulevard to Sepulveda Boulevard: This major north-south commercial corridor passes through the Del Amo Fashion Center area. Multiple travel lanes, shopping center entrances, and commercial driveways can create conflicts between cyclists and turning vehicles. Business surveillance footage, when available, may help establish how a collision occurred here.
Crenshaw Boulevard: This arterial connects residential, commercial, and industrial areas of Torrance. Cyclists traveling through intersections may encounter drivers turning across their paths or failing to yield. Traffic signals, vehicle positions, and witness statements provide evidence for assessing liability.
Sepulveda Boulevard, Hawthorne Boulevard to Anza Avenue: This east-west arterial passes through residential and commercial areas. Vehicles entering businesses, leaving driveways, or making turns at intersections may cross cyclists’ paths. The location of the collision and applicable right-of-way rules can affect liability.
Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1): This state highway runs through southern Torrance, including intersections with Hawthorne Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard. Cyclists may encounter fast-moving traffic and turning vehicles along the corridor. Caltrans generally maintains state-controlled roadway infrastructure, while the Torrance Police Department may investigate collisions on PCH within city limits.
I-405 Interchange Zones: Freeway entrances and exits near Torrance carry vehicles merging, accelerating, and slowing down. Collisions near these areas may involve multiple drivers or disputed roadway conditions. Caltrans generally maintains state-controlled freeway ramps, and responsibility for a dangerous condition depends on the location and control of the affected roadway.

It’s also important to understand where official crash reports may come from and where your case proceeds once you file a lawsuit.

Torrance Police Department, Records Division: The Torrance Police Department investigates traffic collisions within its jurisdiction. Reports can be requested through the Records Division at 3300 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503, or by calling (310) 618-5529. If the CHP investigated the crash, you should request the report from that agency.
Torrance Courthouse, Southwest District: The Torrance Courthouse is part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Southwest District and is located at 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503. Its Civil Clerk’s Office can be reached at (310) 787-3693. Personal injury cases are subject to specific filing and assignment rules, so attorneys must confirm the appropriate location before filing a lawsuit.

These local factors can influence liability, the investigation, and the procedures involved in pursuing a Torrance bicycle accident claim.

Who Can File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Torrance?

If a Torrance bicycle crash injured you, you may seek damages from a responsible party. Other injured people may file separate claims. Your spouse or registered domestic partner may also seek a claim for loss of consortium. In fatal crashes, eligible family members may bring a wrongful death claim. A representative or successor may also pursue a separate survival claim.

Whether the crash happened on Crenshaw Boulevard or another Torrance street, your right to file depends on how the collision affected you.

These parties may have the right to pursue damages from a Torrance bicycle accident:

Injured Cyclist: The person hurt in the crash holds the primary right to bring a claim for their own injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and related losses.
Other Injured Parties: Passengers on a bicycle built for two, pedestrians struck during the same event, or occupants of other vehicles involved in the same Torrance crash may each hold independent claims.
Spouses & Registered Domestic Partners: The victim’s spouse or registered domestic partner may file a separate claim for loss of consortium, covering harm to the relationship, including lost companionship, care, and support.
Eligible Surviving Family Members: Specific family members may bring a wrongful death action when a bicycle crash is fatal. Under CCP § 377.60, these parties include the surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and dependent family members.
Estate Representatives or Successors in Interest: Under CCP § 377.30, the deceased person’s estate may bring a survival action to pursue damages the person could have claimed had they lived, including medical expenses and lost wages incurred before death.

Bicycle Accident Injuries Common in Torrance

Bicycle accidents can cause injuries ranging from minor abrasions to permanent disabilities. When a vehicle strikes a cyclist or throws them onto the pavement, the impact can affect multiple parts of the body. Under California personal injury law, the type and severity of the injuries, the necessary treatment, and the long-term effects can influence the compensation an injured cyclist may seek.

Common injuries from bicycle accidents in California include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A cyclist may sustain a brain injury when their head strikes a vehicle, the pavement, or another object. Compensation may cover neurological treatment, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injury: A collision may throw a cyclist onto their back or neck, damaging the spinal cord. Claims may include expenses for surgery, mobility equipment, home modifications, long-term assistance, and reduced earning capacity.
Fractures: Broken bones may require surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy. Compensation may cover medical treatment, lost wages, and lasting mobility limitations.
Limb Loss/Amputations: Serious crashes may result in amputation or damage that requires surgical amputation. These injuries can create lifelong medical and rehabilitation needs. Claims may cover prosthetics, replacement devices, therapy, and loss of earning capacity.
Internal Organ Damage: A direct blow to the abdomen or chest can damage internal organs and cause bleeding. Severe injuries may require emergency surgery and prolonged hospitalization. Claims may account for medical expenses, recovery time, and permanent complications.
Pediatric Injuries: Children may sustain head injuries, fractures, or growth plate damage when struck by vehicles or thrown from their bicycles. These injuries can affect physical development, education, and future activities. Compensation may consider ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term effects on the child’s health and development.
Road Rash and Soft-Tissue Injuries: Sliding across pavement can cause deep abrasions, while the impact of a collision may damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Severe cases may require skin grafts, wound care, or physical therapy. Compensation may include treatment costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring.

Injured cyclists in Torrance may receive emergency treatment at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, located at 1000 W. Carson Street, or Torrance Memorial Medical Center, located at 3330 Lomita Boulevard. Depending on their injuries, patients may require surgery, rehabilitation, specialist visits, or ongoing medical care.

Medical records, imaging results, treatment bills, work-restriction notices, and future-care plans can document the severity and financial impact of an injury. These records can support claims for medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages under California law.

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What Damages Can You Recover from a Bicycle Accident in Torrance?

California personal injury law allows cyclists injured by another party’s negligence to pursue compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. The damages available depend on the severity of the injuries, their financial impact, and the circumstances of the crash.

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses resulting from the accident. These include:

Medical Expenses: The reasonable cost of necessary medical care, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering from injuries that prevent you from working, including missed wages and other recoverable earnings.
Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for injuries that reduce your ability to earn income in the future, including limitations affecting your work opportunities or career prospects.
Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle, helmet, and other personal belongings.

Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional effects of the accident, such as:

Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and ongoing symptoms caused by your injuries.
Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other psychological effects associated with the crash.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Limitations that prevent you from participating in hobbies, recreational activities, or daily routines you previously enjoyed.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Lasting changes to your appearance or physical condition that affect your quality of life.

Some claims address losses or conduct that qualify for compensation under specific legal circumstances.

Wrongful Death Damages: Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §§ 377.60 and 377.61, eligible surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship when a bicycle accident causes a death.
Loss of Consortium: A spouse or registered domestic partner may pursue a separate claim for the loss of companionship, affection, and other benefits of the relationship caused by serious injuries.
Punitive Damages: In cases involving malice, oppression, or fraud, California Civil Code (CIV) § 3294 allows punitive damages when the required legal standard is met. These damages punish wrongful conduct rather than compensate for specific losses.

The compensation available in a bicycle accident claim in Torrance depends on the evidence supporting each category of damages. For example, records from Torrance Memorial Medical Center may help document treatment costs and how your injuries affected your ability to work. Pay stubs from your employer may also help calculate your lost wages.

How Insurance Coverage Works for Torrance Bicycle Accident Claims

After a bicycle accident in Torrance, compensation may come from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or other applicable policies. The available coverage depends on who caused the crash, the insurance limits, and the circumstances of the collision.

Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 16056, standard auto liability policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, must provide at least $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Eligible drivers in the California Low Cost Auto (CLCA) Insurance Program have lower minimum coverage requirements. Serious bicycle injuries may result in losses exceeding these minimum limits.

Injured cyclists may recover compensation through several types of insurance coverage:

At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance: May cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages up to the applicable policy limits.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Your own auto policy may cover qualifying bicycle accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. Under California Insurance Code § 11580.2, UIM coverage may apply when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are lower than your UIM limits, and the applicable liability coverage has been exhausted.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Optional auto insurance coverage that may help pay medical expenses regardless of fault, including bicycle-related injuries when covered by the policy.
Commercial or Employer Insurance: If the driver caused the crash while performing work duties or operating a commercially insured vehicle, additional liability coverage may be available.

Insurance for Hit-and-Run Accidents

UM coverage may also apply to hit-and-run bicycle accidents involving an unidentified driver. Under Insurance Code § 11580.2, these claims generally require physical contact with the fleeing vehicle. Applicable statutory requirements also include reporting the crash to law enforcement within 24 hours and submitting a sworn statement to the insurer within 30 days. Missing these requirements may jeopardize coverage.

For example:

Suppose you’re cycling to Del Amo Fashion Center when a driver strikes your bicycle near the mall and flees. You should photograph the damage and identify nearby witnesses. Report the crash to the Torrance Police Department within 24 hours, and submit a sworn statement to your insurer within 30 days.

Rideshare Insurance Coverage

If an Uber or Lyft driver causes a bicycle accident in Torrance, on Hawthorne Boulevard, for example, the available liability coverage depends on the driver’s app status. Under California Public Utilities Code § 5433:

App On, Waiting for a Request: Required primary coverage includes at least $50,000 per injured person, $100,000 per incident, and $30,000 for property damage.
Ride Accepted or in Progress: At least $1 million in primary liability coverage applies from the time the driver accepts a request until the ride is completed.
App Off: The driver’s personal auto insurance generally applies, subject to the policy’s terms.

Determining which insurance policies apply requires reviewing the driver’s activities, available coverage, and evidence of the crash. Torrance car accident lawyers handle these cases and address coverage disputes.

What to Expect After a Torrance Bicycle Accident Claim Begins

A bicycle accident claim in Torrance typically involves evaluating the case, gathering evidence, and negotiating with the responsible party’s insurer. Some claims settle without a lawsuit, while others require litigation. The process depends on the circumstances of the crash, the available evidence, and the extent of the injuries.

Case Evaluation: Your attorney reviews your injuries, the crash, potential liability, and available insurance.
Evidence Gathering: Your attorney collects medical records, witness accounts, and available footage of the crash. They may request a report from the Torrance Police Department or CHP.
Demand and Negotiation: Your attorney documents your losses and may seek a settlement from the responsible party’s insurer.
Litigation: If the claim does not settle, your attorney may file in the appropriate Los Angeles County court. Depending on filing rules, that may be the Torrance Courthouse.

Your claim may follow a different path depending on the evidence, injuries, insurance coverage, and parties involved.

Proving Fault in a Torrance Bicycle Accident

To recover compensation, injured cyclists generally must prove that another party’s negligence caused their injuries. Under California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) No. 400, a negligence claim involves four elements:

Duty: Under California Civil Code § 1714, drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid harming others, including cyclists.
Breach: A driver breaches that duty by acting negligently, such as failing to yield, running a red light, or passing a cyclist too closely.
Causation: The driver’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the cyclist’s injuries.
Damages: The cyclist suffered losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule under Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. Injured cyclists may still recover compensation even if they share responsibility for a crash, though their percentage of fault reduces the amount they recover. For example, a cyclist found 20% responsible for an accident involving $100,000 in damages may recover $80,000.

Who May Be Held Legally Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility for your Torrance bicycle accident. The cause of the crash matters, and the exact location can determine who controlled a hazardous road or traffic signal.

Negligent Drivers: Motorists who fail to yield, drive distracted, disregard traffic signals, or pass cyclists unsafely may be liable for resulting injuries.
Employers: An employer may be vicariously liable when an employee causes a crash while acting within the scope of employment.
Vehicle Owners: Under Vehicle Code § 17150, owners may be liable for injuries caused by drivers using their vehicles with permission. Liability based solely on permissive use is subject to statutory limits under § 17151.
City of Torrance: The City may be liable under Government Code § 835 if a dangerous condition on property it owns or controls contributes to a bicycle crash. Examples may include hazardous pavement conditions or malfunctioning traffic signals. Liability depends on the circumstances, including whether the City created the hazard or had sufficient notice to address it.
Caltrans: Caltrans maintains state-controlled highways and infrastructure in Torrance, including Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1), Western Avenue, and Interstate 405 (I-405). If a dangerous condition on Caltrans-controlled property causes injuries, the state may face liability under Government Code § 835.
Los Angeles County: The County may be responsible for dangerous conditions on roads or infrastructure under its control, including certain roads in nearby unincorporated areas. Liability depends on identifying the entity responsible for the affected location and establishing the applicable legal requirements.

When a crash involves a potentially dangerous roadway condition, maintenance records, previous complaints, photographs, and witness statements may help establish responsibility. Claims against public entities are subject to special filing procedures and shorter deadlines, as explained below.

Filing Deadlines for Torrance Bicycle Accident Claims

California law establishes deadlines for filing bicycle accident claims and lawsuits. The applicable time limit depends on the type of damages sought and whether the responsible party is a private individual, business, or public entity. Missing a deadline can prevent an injured cyclist from pursuing compensation.

Personal Injury Deadline — Two Years: Under Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1, injured cyclists generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For minors, this period is generally tolled until age 18 under CCP § 352, subject to applicable exceptions. Wrongful death lawsuits are also generally subject to a two-year deadline.
Property Damage Deadline — Three Years: Under CCP § 338(c)(1), lawsuits seeking compensation for damaged bicycles, equipment, or other personal property generally must be filed within three years.
Government Entity Claims — Six Months: Under Government Code § 911.2, claims involving personal injuries, death, or property damage caused by a public entity generally must be presented to the responsible agency within six months of accrual. Claims against the City of Torrance may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 3031 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503. Claims involving Caltrans or Los Angeles County must follow the applicable agency’s procedures.
- Late Government Claims: Under Government Code § 911.4, a person who misses the initial six-month deadline may apply for permission to present a late claim. However, approval is not automatic. The application must also be submitted within a reasonable time, not more than one year after accrual.
- Lawsuits After Government Claim Rejection: Under Government Code § 945.6(a)(1), a claimant generally has six months to file a lawsuit after a public entity mails or personally delivers a legally compliant rejection notice. If the agency does not provide a notice complying with Government Code § 913, a two-year deadline generally applies under § 945.6(a)(2).

These deadlines can change depending on the circumstances of the accident and the parties involved. Identifying the responsible entity and confirming the applicable filing requirements early can help injured cyclists protect their right to pursue compensation.

What Arash Law Has Recovered for Seriously Injured Clients

Bicycle accident claims can involve disputed fault, distracted drivers, and hazardous intersections. The case results below show how Arash Law has helped injured victims obtain compensation. Pedestrian accidents may raise issues similar to bicycle crash claims, since both involve vulnerable road users.

$3.5M

Bicycle vs. Pickup Truck

Arash Law represented a six-year-old child who sustained a traumatic brain injury after being struck and run over by a pickup truck. Although the driver initially blamed the child, our team uncovered evidence during discovery in which the driver admitted he was distracted.

$5M

Pedestrian vs. Truck

Our client suffered a mild traumatic brain injury when a truck hit him while he was crossing in a marked crosswalk. The trucking company attempted to shift blame to our client, alleging that he was distracted by his phone at the time of the crash, but we pushed through and secured a $5 million recovery.

$1.75M

Pedestrian vs. Public Entity

An uninsured driver struck our client, a pedestrian, at an intersection. Our client had limited options, but we investigated the collision, pursued a claim against the city for failing to address the intersection’s known dangers, and secured a $1.75 million recovery for the injured pedestrian.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. These results reflect the facts and evidence in individual cases. Your outcome will depend on your injuries, liability, and available evidence.

Discuss Your Torrance Bicycle Accident Case with Arash Law

Every bicycle accident case involves different injuries, liability questions, and insurance considerations. If you were injured in Torrance, our attorneys can review your situation, explain your legal options, and evaluate your potential claim.

Call our local line at (424) 306-1664 to request a free case evaluation with our Torrance bicycle accident team.

Why Hire Arash Law for Your Torrance Bicycle Accident Case

Bicycle accident claims can involve disputed liability, multiple insurance policies, and injuries that require ongoing medical care. Having an attorney familiar with California personal injury law and local procedures can help you navigate these challenges.

Arash Law has recovered over $1 billion for injured clients across California. Our Torrance bicycle accident lawyers can assist with the following:

Local Knowledge: Review how the crash occurred, including road conditions, traffic patterns, and other factors that may affect liability in Torrance.
Evidence Collection: Gather and preserve relevant evidence to investigate the crash and support your claim.
Insurance Review: Identify applicable liability, UM/UIM, and commercial insurance policies and address potential coverage disputes.
Settlement Negotiations: Evaluate settlement offers based on your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and possible future care needs.
Legal Representation: Communicate with insurers, negotiate settlements, and pursue litigation when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Torrance

Who Is at Fault if a Bicycle Hits a Car in Torrance?

Fault depends on which party acted negligently and caused the collision. For example, under California Vehicle Code § 21801(a), drivers turning left must yield to approaching cyclists who are close enough to present a hazard. However, cyclists must also follow applicable traffic laws. California’s comparative negligence rule allows injured cyclists to seek compensation even if they share responsibility for the crash.

How Can I Respond if the Driver Says I Swerved into Traffic?

You can challenge the driver’s account with evidence showing how the collision occurred. Available surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, and photographs may help establish the sequence of events. California’s comparative negligence rule also means that a cyclist’s partial responsibility does not automatically prevent recovery.

Can the Driver Avoid Liability by Saying They Did Not See Me?

No. A driver’s claim that they did not see you does not, by itself, defeat your bicycle accident claim. Drivers must keep a reasonable lookout. Footage, witness accounts, and the vehicle’s path may help show whether the driver used reasonable care.

Does It Matter That I Was Not Wearing a Helmet When the Crash Happened?

Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from seeking compensation. California Vehicle Code § 21212 requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets, but generally does not require adults to do so. If you suffered a head injury, the defense may argue that a helmet could have reduced its severity. Whether that argument affects your compensation depends on the evidence and applicable law.

What Rights Do Cyclists Have on Torrance Streets?

Under California Vehicle Code § 21200, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. They may use public roads, subject to applicable bicycle-specific rules, and are entitled to reasonable care from other motorists. Drivers must follow traffic laws, including requirements to yield and to pass cyclists safely. Violations that cause injuries may support a negligence claim.

What If the Crash Involved a Pothole or Missing Bike-Lane Marking on a Torrance Street?

You may have a claim if the pothole or missing marking created a dangerous condition on public property. Under Government Code § 835, liability depends on whether that condition contributed to your injury and whether you can meet the law’s other requirements. Identify the public entity that controlled the location. You generally must present a claim against that entity within six months under Government Code § 911.2.

Do Arash Law's Bicycle Accident Lawyers Only Get Paid If They Win?

Yes. Arash Law handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees depend on obtaining a financial recovery. If your case does not result in compensation, you generally do not owe attorney fees. Any responsibility for case costs and expenses is explained in the written fee agreement, as required by California law.

Ready to Move Forward? Call Arash Law Today

If a bicycle accident in Torrance injured you, Arash Law can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our attorneys can investigate the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, and handle insurance negotiations on your behalf.

Acting promptly can help protect your legal rights and preserve evidence relevant to your claim. Our team can explain the claims process and help you understand your next steps.

Call (424) 306-1664 to reach our Torrance team or (888) 488-1391 for our 24-hour line. We offer free case evaluations with no upfront attorney fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. The written fee agreement outlines the fee percentage and how case costs apply. Hablamos español.

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The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting Arash Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results are representative outcomes and do not guarantee a similar result in your case. Every case depends on its unique facts and circumstances.