Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Trial Lawyers
Bicycles are en vogue in Los Angeles, CA, as more cyclists deviate away from pollutive automobiles in favor of comparably clean commuting that provides an opportunity to exercise and breathe in the fresh air. Furthermore, people are looking for every opportunity to go outside without coming into contact with other people who might transmit coronavirus. A bicycle is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. However, biking in a city like Los Angeles is inherently dangerous. The NHTSA states nearly 900 bicyclists pass away due to bicycle crashes each year in the U.S. alone. This is precisely why all cyclists should pay close attention to all of the traffic laws that pertain to bicycle riding.
Our trial lawyers enjoy cycling though Los Angeles just as much as everyone else. Our attorneys have gone to great lengths to understand the nuances of bicycle accident claims in Los Angeles to properly advocate on behalf of those suffering from bicycle accident injuries. Sadly, local drivers often refuse to share the road with bicyclists and can cause severe bicycle accidents. Our trial lawyers’ passion for biking gives us unique insight into the nuance of bicycle accident cases, the resulting injuries and litigation. The mission of our attorneys is to get the best possible compensation for your bicycle accident case by negotiating with insurance companies to make you financially whole after this terrible event.
Traffic Law in Southern California
California states that bikers in Los Angeles have the exact responsibilities and rights as those driving automobiles. California’s Vehicle Code states an individual riding a bicycle must obey similar rules to drivers. It is particularly interesting that the California Vehicle Code mandates those who drive a car when passing a bicyclist moving in the same direction are required to do so with a safe amount of space, meaning the pass must not jeopardize the safety of the bicyclist. The driver that attempts to pass cyclists moving in the same direction is required to keep a minimum of three feet between the cyclist and his or her car.
Though few know it, the Southern California’s Vehicle Code states bicyclists are required to follow the path that drivers are taking. This means bike riders are required to ride along the right side with other cars.
Bicyclists in Los Angeles are required to ride within a bike lane on the right half of the road when it is possible to do so. However, there are some exceptions:
- The cyclist is passing another car, bike or person
- Approaching an intersection to turn left
- Preparing to turn left into a private driveway or road
- Approaching an area where authorized to make a right turn, when it is reasonable to exit bike lanes to avoid hazards or debris
Bicycle Safety Rules in California
Los Angeles bicyclists are required to wear bicycle helmets if under the age of 18. Furthermore, any bicyclist must have their lights on when riding at night. In fact, state regulations go as far as stating that bikes must have a lamp with a white light for nighttime riding. There must also be a flashing red light or solid red light containing a reflector along the back part of the bike. In fact, the rules go as far as stating there must be a yellow or white reflector on the bike rider’s shoe, pedal or ankle. Furthermore, there must be a yellow or white reflector on the bike’s sides in front of the center portion along with a red or white reflector on the sides along the bike’s back center portion.
Can Bicyclists Ride on the Sidewalk?
Bike riders in the city of Los Angeles are not always permitted to ride along the sidewalk. The state’s law empowers local governments to create their own rules and ordinances pertaining to bike riding on sidewalks. Our legal team is here to research local municipality, city and county regulations to determine the specific rules and ordinances regarding riding a bike on a sidewalk to make sure your lawyer can properly advocate your claim.
Fault for Failure to Follow California Bicycle Rules
If you get into a crash, do not assume full responsibility just because you might not have followed the nuanced rules listed above. After all, most people are not aware of the details of these complex rules. Cyclists in Los Angeles are held to the standards for negligence applicable to motorists in motor vehicle accidents. What matters most is if you acted as a reasonable individual would in such a situation. If so, one of our attorneys will fiercely advocate on your behalf to ensure you are not found at fault.
We are here to determine if you or your loved one has solid legal footing for a bicycle accident claim against another person. Reckless driving, like making an illegal u-turn, can make you even less at fault for your accident. Contact us today with questions to request a free consultation with a lawyer. You will not pay a penny to one of our bicycle accident lawyers unless we win your trial and you receive financial compensation.
The Causes of Collision
A bike crash can be caused by cars, pedestrians, public transportation or cyclists, and all sorts of risk factors including but not limited to the following:
- Bicycle manufacturing flaws or malfunctions
- Potholes or other defects on roads
- Quick lane changes by automobile, bus or truck drivers
- Distracted driving
- Drivers who run red lights
- Drivers who do not yield when the bike rider has the right of way
- Drivers who run stop signs
- Poor road conditions
- Road rage
- Illegal u-turn
Bicycle accidents can cause personal injury and even fatalities to other drivers or pedestrians. Bicycle accident injuries can be very severe, so always stay safe while biking on the road! More serious injuries and damages are possible, but the most common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Road rash
- Loss of limb
- Full or partial paralysis
- Injuries to the shoulders, hands, wrists, back or neck
- Bone fractures
- Death
When can Legal Action be Taken?
California states that cyclists must file a lawsuit within two years of personal injury sustained in a bike accident. Cyclists injured in biking accidents are permitted to recover both non-economic and economic damages. Examples of economic losses include medical expenses pertaining to equipment, treatment and medication, lost wages and property damage.
Non-economic losses from a bicycle accident include but are not limited to physical and emotional pain, inconvenience, reduced quality of life, grief and mental anguish. Our Los Angeles attorneys are here to discuss your case to ensure our clients obtain the best possible results for their bike collision cases in full accordance with the law, and to make sure they have a speedy recovery.
How to Proceed After Your Accident
The first thing to do after a bicycle accident is check everyone’s well-being. If someone is in considerable pain, contact emergency medical providers for assistance. Reach out to the police so a formal report can be filed. Write down or take snapshots of the driver’s licenses, insurance information and car information (such as license plates) for each party and all cars involved in a bicycle accident. Take down the names and contact information of all parties. Be sure to take pictures of your bicycle, your body, cars and the closest intersections. Any evidence you can provide to help your claim about the bicycle accident will be helpful to your lawyer in negotiations with insurance companies; our team of legal experts wants to get you the best insurance compensation possible.
Our Law Firm is on Your Side
Prospective clients in Los Angeles, CA should check our practice areas and reach out to our law firm to request a no-obligation, free consultation with a personal injury attorney if you or a loved one suffered personal injury from a bicycle accident. You can reach the Eisenberg Law Group with questions by giving us a call at 818-591-8058. If you prefer not to contact a lawyer by phone, send a message to this email address: Office@gcelaw.com.
Clients can also fill out our contact form and our firm will reach out to you at our earliest convenience to connect you with one of our trial lawyers to discuss compensation for your accident with your insurance company.
At our office, we value a strong attorney-client relationship. A Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer from our firm will fiercely advocate for our client’s claims to get the highest settlements after an accident.