Get The Compensation You Rightfully Deserve!
After a bicycle accident, what should you do? You undoubtedly knew you had rights before this. Consult a knowledgeable Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney before taking any action.
In Los Angeles, a personal injury is a physical, emotional, or economic harm caused by another’s negligence. This can happen from car accidents, slip-and-falls, medical negligence, or defective items. Personal injury law levels the playing field for victims of negligence. You can get injury compensation regardless of your income.
Quick Summary:
- Cyclists in Los Angeles face significant risks due to motorists’ negligence, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
- In the previous year, 961 cyclists lost their lives in collisions with motor vehicles, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
- Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries.
- These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims.
- Establishing negligence is crucial in a Los Angeles bicycle accident case, requiring thorough investigation, evidence collection, and possibly expert testimony.
- Identifying responsible parties like motorists, employers, manufacturers, or government entities is vital for pursuing compensation.
- After an accident, seek medical attention promptly, notify emergency responders, and document details such as driver information and witness contacts.
- Refrain from admitting fault or apologizing at the scene; consult a qualified attorney to protect your rights and claim.
- Potentially liable parties may include motor vehicle operators, employers, manufacturers, government entities, pedestrians, and property owners.
- Determining liability depends on negligence, road conditions, faulty equipment, or pedestrian actions.
What is a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles, California?
A cyclist always suffers when a car hits them. Bicycles cannot withstand the impact of a larger vehicle in a crash. The rider may die, whereas the car driver often escapes.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reported 961 cyclist deaths in motor vehicle crashes last year. Cycling advocates say drivers often ignore bikers’ rights. When bicycles should share the road, drivers may text, answer calls, speed, and not give them enough room.
What Are The Common Bicycle Injuries?
Bicycle accidents can cause severe brain injury, spinal cord damage, and other severe injuries. Due to insufficient protection, cyclists can be injured by motor vehicle or road collisions. Severe injuries are more likely for cyclists. These are the common types of bicycle injury:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lower extremity injuries
- Skull fractures
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Internal injuries
How To Prove Bicycle Accident Cases?
Responsibility is crucial in Los Angeles bicycle accidents. The person or entity responsible for your accident and injuries will pay for your damages. An experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney may investigate your case to determine the rightful party. Drivers are usually responsible, however road conditions or bike failures may have caused the collision. Your lawyer can help you prove negligence after identifying the liable party.
In a California personal injury claim, negligence is key. Your lawyer must prove that the negligent person caused your harm. Validating this negligence may require collecting evidence from the bicycle accident site, interviewing witnesses, and consulting bicycle accident reconstruction.
State Bicycle Regulation
The state bicycle regulation in California is similar to the one in North Carolina, but there are some differences. Here are some of the main points of the California bicycle laws:
- Helmets are required for children under 18 years old: Adults are not legally required to wear helmets, but it is strongly recommended for safety reasons.
- Lighting requirements are needed at night: At night, bicycles must have a white headlight visible from 300 feet, a red reflector or solid/flashing red light visible from 500 feet rear, and reflectors on pedals, ankles, or shoes visible from 200 feet front and rear.
- Avoid interstates and other restricted routes: Where the California Department of Transportation and municipal authorities prohibit it, motorized bicycles may not be ridden on freeways and expressways. Motorcycles cannot cross toll bridges without the California Department of Transportation’s permission.
- Ride in the right-hand lane: Bicyclists must ride in the right-hand lane, except when passing, turning left, on narrow roads, or construction-closed roads. If a bike and automobile cannot safely share the lane, cyclists may take it.
- Cyclists are protected from passing vehicles: To safeguard bicycles, motorists must pass with at least three feet of clearance or slow down and pass only when safe. Motorists cannot drive in a bike lane without entering or exiting the road, turning, or avoiding a hazard.
- Stop when the lights and signs are red: Bicyclists must follow traffic signals and signs like drivers. Bicyclists can pass a red light after yielding if it doesn’t change quickly and there’s no traffic or pedestrians.
- Make appropriate lane changes: To ensure safe lane changes, cyclists must signal their intention to turn, change lanes, or halt at least 100 feet in advance, unless they require both hands for control. Before changing lanes or turning, bicycles must glance behind and yield to vehicles.
- Stay at the accident scene: After a collision resulting in injury or death, cyclists must stay at the scene, exchange information, and report the occurrence to the authorities if necessary. Bicyclists can also get medical and legal help.
- Never ride a bike while drunk: Bicyclists must not ride if intoxicated by drink, drugs, or both. Impaired cyclists may be detained and prosecuted with a misdemeanor or infraction.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident In Los Angeles, California?
After an incident, you may be confused or immobile. Depending on your ability, consider taking these steps to protect your health and personal injury claim:
- Assess for injuries: Ignoring minor wounds might lead to serious health consequences. Thus, cyclists must seek medical assistance immediately after an accident to determine the full extent of their injuries.
- Notify emergency responders and the local law enforcer: Report any injuries to emergency responders by calling 911. Request an official accident report from the authorities—it may be crucial to your lawsuit.
- Capture details of the incident: Gather the driver’s contact and insurance information and that of any bystanders. Note every detail (time, site, road state, etc.) and picture the accident site using your smartphone or camera if possible.
- Be cautious with your words: Avoid apologizing or assigning responsibility for the situation. Give the authorities a detailed report, then contact Wilshire Law Firm to maximize your claim.
Who May Be Held Liable For Bicycle Accidents?
Liability in a bicycle collision scenario may encompass multiple entities based on the specifics of the event. Certain entities that could potentially bear responsibility might be:
- Motor vehicle operators – If speeding, disregarding traffic signals, or not yielding right of way cause a bicycle collision, they may be liable.
- Employers – If a bicycle accident occurs while someone is working, the employer may be liable under vicarious liability.
- Manufacturers – If a malfunctioning bicycle or its parts cause an incident, the manufacturer or seller may be liable under product responsibility laws.
What are the various types of bike accidents?
Various types of bike accidents can occur in Los Angeles, California, depending on the factors and circumstances involved. Some of the most common causes of bike accidents in LA are:
- Dooring accidents: This happens when a driver or a passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist riding alongside or behind the vehicle. This can cause the cyclist to crash into the door or swerve into traffic.
- Left-hand turn accidents: This occurs when a driver makes a left turn across the opposite lane of traffic and fails to see or yield to a cyclist coming from the opposite direction. This can result in a head-on collision or a side-impact crash.
- Right-hand turn accidents: This involves a driver making a right turn at an intersection or a driveway and cutting off a cyclist riding on the right side of the road or in a bike lane. This can cause the cyclist to hit the rear or the side of the vehicle or be forced off the road.
- Rear-end collisions: This happens when a driver follows a cyclist too closely or does not brake in time and hits the back of the bike. This can cause the cyclist to be thrown off the bike or be crushed under the vehicle.
- Hit-and-run accidents: This occurs when a driver hits a cyclist and flees the scene without stopping to render aid or exchange information. This can leave the cyclist injured, stranded, or worse.
Why Do I Need a Los Angeles California Bicycle Accident Attorney?
After a bicycle accident, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. Our Los Angeles legal practice, Abogado Maximo, stands out for various reasons:
- Diverse and Dedicated Team: Our dedicated team comprises professionals like Trevor Weinberg and Joshua. As bilinguals, we take satisfaction in providing services in English and Spanish. We can serve Southern California’s varied population because of this devotion.
- Proven Track Record: Our reputation is based on results, not just words. As seen by our many large awards and settlements, we consistently deliver for our clients.
- Rapid Response for Justice: Act quickly following an accident. Quick action might greatly affect your compensation. Contacting us quickly sets the stage for a strong legal strategy to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Choose Abogado Maximo for unmatched legal counsel based on experience, devotion, and results. After an accident, don’t struggle alone!
Call our Los Angeles California Bicycle Accident Attorney Now!
Bicycle accident injuries can be frustrating, especially without legal representation. Since staying cool after an accident is hard, handling your claim alone is harder. For an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney, contact Abogado Maximo.
Our top goal at Abogado Maximo is your health. We guarantee attentive listening, thorough representation, and steadfast advocacy, but not results. We know post-accident issues affect your health, income, and lifestyle.
Besides bicycle and vehicular accident claims, we can assist you with accidents in residential and commercial construction sites, strict dog bite laws, and many more. Get a free consultation now and let’s work together!
