How Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You
We know that you’re not an expert in personal injury law. This might even be your first time consulting a lawyer. We get it, which is why we want you to feel at ease when you work with our San Fernando Valley bicycle accident attorneys.
Here’s what to expect when you contact HHT Law.
Types of Common Bicycle Accident Injuries We Handle
Not many cyclists walk away unharmed from a collision with a vehicle. Most of our clients come to us after suffering serious injuries that cause heavy losses, both personally and financially.
Here are some types of bicycle accident injury cases that our San Fernando Valley attorneys take on:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken and fractured bones
- Road rash and severe skin abrasions
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Dislocated joints
- Nerve damage
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
No matter how severe your injuries, our team will work tirelessly for you to receive medical care and full compensation for both your immediate and future needs.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in the San Fernando Valley
The San Fernando Valley poses serious risks for bicycle riders, with fast-moving traffic, busy intersections, and unreliable bike infrastructure. Common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are looking at their phones instead of the road create deadly situations for cyclists.
- Inadequate bicycle infrastructure: Most San Fernando Valley roads lack proper bike lanes, forcing cyclists into sharing space with cars.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way: Many motorists ignore cyclists' legal right to share the road, especially at intersections.
- Dangerous left turns: Drivers who make left turns without checking for cyclists can cause devastating broadside collisions.
- Dooring incidents: Parked vehicle occupants may open doors without looking, making it impossible for a cyclist to avoid a crash.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Intoxicated drivers are dangerous to everyone else on the road, including cyclists.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces that are minor issues for cars can cause cyclists to lose control.
- Speeding motorists: Drivers who exceed speed limits have less time to notice cyclists and require greater stopping distances.
- Failure to check blind spots: Many drivers change lanes without properly checking for cyclists, causing sudden sideswipe collisions.
- Violations of California's Three Feet for Safety Act: Drivers who pass too closely to cyclists can startle or clip them, causing a crash.
Far too many cyclists are injured by drivers who fail in their responsibility to protect everyone on the road. When that happens, our bicycle crash attorneys are here to seek justice.
7 Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in the San Fernando Valley
The actions you take immediately after you are injured can affect both your health and your legal claim. If you're involved in a cycling accident, we recommend following these seven steps:
- Seek Medical Attention Some serious injuries may not be visible right away.
- Call the Police Make sure an official accident report is filed.
- Document the Scene Take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Information Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
- Keep Evidence Preserve your damaged bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other items.
- Say Nothing Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before consulting with a bicycle accident attorney.
- Call a Lawyer Contact our San Fernando Valley bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Remember that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years. The deadline is much shorter for claims against government entities. Since building a case takes time, it’s best to contact us right away.
Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
When you've been injured in a crash that someone else negligently caused, you have the right to seek damages from that person. Our San Fernando Valley bicycle accident lawyers will fight to recover all of your losses, whether tangible or intangible.
Bicycle Laws in California
California law outlines specific duties and rights for every type of road user. Here are some key provisions that every bike rider and driver in California should know:
- California’s Three Feet for Safety Act requires motorists to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists.
- Drivers may not drive or park on dedicated bike lanes.
- Cyclists have the right to take the full lane when necessary for safety.
- When a cyclist rides after dark, their bicycle must be equipped with lights and reflectors.
- Cyclists must obey traffic signals and other rules of the road.
Our San Fernando Valley bicycle accident attorneys stay current on all relevant laws and regulations to strengthen your case and maximize your recovery.
Comparative Fault in Bicycle Accident Cases
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for what happened. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% responsible and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
Insurance companies frequently try to blame cyclists to minimize payouts, but our experienced attorneys recognize these tactics and will defend against an unfair assignment of blame.
Bicycle Injuries and Fatalities in the San Fernando Valley
BikeLA’s 2023 Bicycle Safety Report reveals that 85% of bicycle fatalities in Los Angeles County occurred on roads without bike lanes, and 77% happened on multilane roads. These statistics highlight the risks that cyclists face when streets are designed for drivers, not bicycles.
The state government has taken note of these dangers and worked to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. A 2023 report from the California Office of Traffic Safety shows that bicycle-related fatalities dropped by 38.5% statewide (from 213 to 131), while injuries decreased by 1.68% (from 8,622 to 8,477).
Californians are increasingly aware of the need to keep cyclists safe, and policymakers’ decisions are beginning to reflect this trend. However, the San Fernando Valley remains hazardous for cyclists due to heavy traffic, insufficient bike lanes, and other factors.
