A mountain biker in his 50s was airlifted from Mulholland Drive in Tarzana on Tuesday, April 28, after sustaining severe injuries to his lower body. Firefighters responded around 5:10 p.m. and performed a hoist rescue before transporting the man to a hospital for treatment, according to MyNewsLA. No other injuries were reported.
While the full circumstances are still developing, it is a reminder that cycling accidents in Tarzana and throughout the San Fernando Valley can result in life-altering injuries.
Why Mulholland Drive Is Dangerous for Cyclists
Mulholland Drive is one of the most scenic routes in Los Angeles. It is also one of the most hazardous for anyone on two wheels. Narrow shoulders, sharp curves, steep elevation changes, and limited sightlines create an environment where a single miscalculation can lead to a catastrophic outcome.
For mountain bikers, the terrain introduces additional variables. Loose gravel, uneven surfaces, and steep drop-offs compound the risks from vehicle traffic. The fact that this rider required a helicopter rescue underscores how remote sections of Mulholland make ground-level emergency access difficult, delaying care when it matters most.
Bicycle Accident Injuries Can Be Severe
Cyclists have virtually no structural protection in a crash. Unlike vehicle occupants, there are no airbags, no seatbelts, and no steel frame absorbing impact. The result is that bicycle accidents frequently produce injuries far more serious than the speed of travel might suggest.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, even with helmet use
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures, particularly in the pelvis, legs, and wrists
- Internal organ damage from blunt force impact
- Severe road rash requiring skin grafts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,166 cyclists were killed in traffic-related crashes across the United States in 2023. An estimated 49,989 additional cyclists were injured. These numbers reflect only motor vehicle collisions and do not account for single-rider incidents involving terrain or road defects.
What Should You Do After a Bike Accident
If you are involved in a cycling accident, whether it involves another vehicle or not, the steps you take immediately afterward matter. They affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation later.
First, seek medical attention. Internal damage and concussions are not always immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation creates documentation connecting your injuries to the accident.
Second, preserve evidence. Photograph the scene, your injuries, your bicycle, and any road conditions that contributed to the crash. Get witness contact information and, if a vehicle was involved, the driver’s insurance details.
Third, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
A Tarzana, CA bike accident attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on how to move forward, whether your case involves a negligent driver, a dangerous road condition, or a defective product.
Damages Recoverable in a Bike Accident Claim
The financial toll of a serious cycling accident extends well beyond the emergency room visit. Victims may face months of follow-up surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost income. Some injuries permanently change a person’s ability to work.
A bike accident claim in Tarzana may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Insurance companies will often push for a quick settlement that undervalues long-term needs.
Speak With an Accident Lawyer
Cycling accidents can change the course of someone’s life in seconds. If you or someone you know has been injured while riding in Tarzana or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, a Tarzana bike accident attorney at Goldberg Injury Lawyers is prepared to review your case and help you understand your options for recovery.
