--- description: Washington, DC personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. discuss a recent California case involving an injured cyclist who suffered brain damage after crashing on a poorly maintained road. title: CA Jury Awards $9.1 Million to Cyclist --- CA Jury Awards $9.1 Million to Cyclist # California Jury Orders Caltrans, City of LA to Pay $9.1M to Bicyclist Left with Brain Damage After Crash Last Updated: November 19, 2025 Reading Time: 3 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 7 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Recent Posts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/) » California Jury Orders Caltrans, City of LA to Pay $9.1M to Bicyclist Left with Brain Damage After Crash What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $6 Million Brain Injury $2.4 Million Brain Injury $2 Million Brain Injury $2 Million Brain Injury $ 1.8 Millon Brain Injury [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) I would never worry again if they are on the case. Tilwanda Dofat Personal Injury They held my hand through the entire process. Meraf Mitchell They paved the way for a brighter future. Sheree Whitby I’m greeted with a hug every time I come. Sheba Halliburton Personal Injury They are always was available for any of my concerns. Teresa Morring Your office has taken care of us every step. Shyama Personal Injury Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Three of the firm’s partners — including the co-founders of the Brain Injury Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC — discuss TBI litigation, the firm’s preferred attorney status with the Brain Injury Association of America, and the DC Athletic Concussion Protection Act, which attorney Joseph Cammarata drafted into law. Video Transcript **Ira Sherman (00:01):** Your brain is like the yolk in an egg, so when you shake the egg, you don’t have to crack it. You just go like that, and the yolk is affected. I was on the board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. I was treasurer of the Brain Injury Association of America. Mr. Camara and I started the DC chapter, the Affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America, which didn’t exist. We are the preferred lawyers of the Brain Injury Association in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. And what I mean by that is, is that the Brain Injury Association of America designates individual attorneys that they recognize as being experienced in handling cases involving traumatic brain injury to determine if they have a case and make sure that it’s handled properly. **Allan Siegel (00:54):** You get hurt in sports and you get sent right back into the game, or you knocked your head and you get back up and you go about your day. Nobody really thought much about those injuries a long time ago, but we did. We understood the seriousness of those types of injuries and how sometimes you could have serious ongoing effects from what is even a mild traumatic brain injury or what is often referred to as a concussion. **Joseph Cammarata (01:21):** I co-founded the Brain Injury Association of Washington, DC. I drafted legislation which became law in the District of Columbia to protect youth athletes from concussion. Concussion is a brain injury, a traumatic brain injury that can cause significant harm, cognitive deficits, emotional disturbances, vision problems, hearing problems. And so it’s important to be able to do the investigation, but do the legwork that’s necessary to put together the case to establish that there has been harm, but it’s invisible, right? You can’t see it, but the impact is real. And so it’s our job to bring to life the impact and show that this is real as a result of some trauma. Earlier this month, a California jury sided with a seriously injured cyclist by awarding him $9.1 million in compensation for damages sustained after he crashed while attempting to avoid debris on the Pacific Coast Highway near the Santa Monica Mountains. The jury found that Caltrans and city of Los Angeles were liable for the crash. As court records show, the crash occurred in July 2014 as the bicyclist was riding home. An experienced cyclist who rode his bike to work for years, the man had been following traffic signs instructing bicyclists to ride on the shoulder of the highway between lanes of traffic and the nearby cliff. While riding in the designated path, the man was forced to swerve to avoid a pile of rocks and sand on the pavement, and was struck by the side mirror of a passing truck, causing him to lose control and crash. He suffered significant brain damage, and was left unable to work, the lawsuit notes. During trial, it was discovered that Caltrans (the California Department of Transportation), which owns the highway, contracted with the city of Los Angeles to sweep the pavement on a monthly basis in order to keep it free from debris. The route where the accident occurred is a popular path for bicyclists, and officials had been aware for years that debris from the hills commonly create hazardous conditions on the pathway and highway. Two city street sweepers who testified at trial noted that they often swung around rocks, sand, and debris near the cliff, rather than remove it, and that the city often ignored such roadway hazards instead of having them cleared and hauled away. The jury ultimately found the city of Los Angeles 60% liable for the crash, and Caltrans 40% liable. ### Bicycle Accidents & Government Liability The $9.1 million judgment is one of the largest jury awards in Los Angeles history for an injured cyclist, and it mirrors similar high-figure cycling crash verdict and settlements that are increasing throughout the nation. Though the financial award is substantial, the case best serves as an important reminder about the devastating consequences of preventable [bicycle accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/), and that injured riders have the right to seek justice, accountability, and a recovery of their damages through the civil justice system. As personal injury lawyers active in the local cycling community and bicyclist advocacy organizations like the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), our team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. knows that [bicycle accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/) cases are high stakes matters, and that injured riders often suffer catastrophic harm and [traumatic brain injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/). In many cases, cycling crashes result from preventable [car accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) and the negligence of motorists, including those who fail to yield, drive distracted, or drive under the influence. In others, however, they may involve government entities that failed to meet their duty of care when performing their duties and taking steps to reduce risks on public roads. Personal injury cases involving government liability can create unique challenges for victims. Not only do cities, public utilities, transit authorities, and other government agencies or contractors fight these claims aggressively by disputing fault and liability or transferring blame to cyclists themselves, there are also different rules and procedures involved. This includes a shorter statute of limitations, meaning victims have a limited amount of time to file lawsuits in pursuit of damages. Over the years, our award-winning attorneys have secured millions of dollars in compensation for victims injured in bicycle and [pedestrian accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/pedestrian-accidents/) across the region, and as a result of the negligence of government entities, including the District of Columbia, the Alexandria Transit Company, WMATA, and other local government and public agencies. If you or someone you love has suffered harm due to dangerous roadway conditions, government negligence, or any other type of preventable accident, our team is available to help you through these difficult times, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represents victims throughout Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland, and offers FREE and confidential consultations. Learn more about your rights and how we can help by [contacting us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) or calling (202) 659-8600. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The brain injury attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. — including Senior Partner Joseph Cammarata, who co-founded the Brain Injury Association of D.C. and authored the District of Columbia Athletic Concussion Protection Act of 2011 — represent clients across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in [concussion claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/), [blunt force trauma cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/blunt-force-trauma/), and matters involving the [causes of traumatic brain injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/causes/), with experience guiding families through [TBI treatment decisions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/treatment-for-traumatic-brain-injury/) and long-term recovery. Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Blunt Force Trauma to the Head Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Brain Injuries Concussions Brain Injury Causes Washington DC Brain Injury Lawyer Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising — And What the Latest Data Reveals Walking along major roads in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region often means navigating Read More » 11/19/2025 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2025/07/partner-allan-m-siegel-elected-treasurer-of-aaj-brain-injury-litigation-group-and-secretary-of-aaj-trucking-litigation-group/) Brain Injury Partner Allan M. 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