Bicycling is a great way to stay fit, enjoy the outdoors, and commute to work. Bicyclists are at risk of serious injury or death due to negligent drivers and poor road conditions. The injuries are usually severe, and recovery may require extensive medical treatment and time off work. You need the best bicycle accident attorney in Sherman Oaks to protect your rights if this happens to you. Tenina Law Firm will help you to understand the steps and process.
Bicycle accidents can be frightening and life-changing. Following a bicycle crash, here are some important Do’s and Don’ts:
Navigating the legal system and advocating for a fair settlement can be challenging. In California, bicyclists are determined to be at fault for accidents 60 percent of the time. A qualified attorney will help you to open an investigation, and guide you along the legal steps. You should therefore retain a bicycle accident attorney in Sherman Oaks with experience in bicycling accidents and a track record of winning personal injury trials and cases.
Several important statistics are accessible regarding bicycle accidents. Nearly 70 percent of bicycle accidents happen in urban areas. About 30 percent occur in rural areas. Most bicycle accidents happen between 3 pm and 8 pm.
In California, serious bicycle accidents have been on the rise. In 2010, there were 623 bicycle-related deaths, which increased to 840 by 2016. Bicycles account for 4 percent of all vehicle accident fatalities in the state, double the national average.
A range of factors can contribute to bicycle accidents.
We must start by stating the most important thing: All bicyclists are required to follow the California Vehicle Code.
Bicyclists should travel on the right-hand side of the road in the same direction as traffic.
Except in three limited circumstances, cyclists are not allowed to take the lane. They must hug the curb as closely as possible.
California cyclists are entitled to a 3-foot-from-the-curb bike lane. However, the Vehicle Code states that you must hug the curb.
California Vehicle Code has no statewide law about riding on the sidewalk. Nevertheless, some local ordinances allow you to ride your bike on sidewalks. You can check your local ordinances to see if this is legal in your area.
Always stop before entering the crosswalk. Do not enter in the middle.
If you plan to ride at night, your bike or yourself must be equipped:
If you are a minor, you must wear a helmet that meets the standards set by either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Find out more about how the new California driving law affects cyclists.
It may seem obvious, but you must ensure the brakes are functional before each ride. It is not only illegal but also unsafe.
Bring your bike to a safe stop and keep it balanced, ensuring that at least one foot remains on the ground.
The vehicle that passes a cyclist must not be less than three feet away.
The statute of limitation is the deadline by which individuals or groups can initiate a legal action. In cycling injury claims, the statute of limitations begins when the incident occurs. California has a limit of two years to file a claim after a bicycle accident. A claim against an entity governed by law can be brought within six months.
This limit does not apply to individuals who are mentally incapacitated or to minors injured before the age of 18.
Anyone who is negligent will be held responsible for any damages. In California, negligence is defined as a failure to act with appropriate prudence. Thus, it is essential to demonstrate that the driver’s negligence caused the accident.
Comparative Negligence law allows cyclists who are partially responsible to receive compensation based on their relative percentage of fault. If the driver is 75 percent responsible and the cyclist 25 percent, the bicyclist will receive 75 percent of the damages. The remaining 25% is the responsibility of the bicyclist.
Accidents can cause severe injuries to cyclists.
If you’re injured in a bike accident, you might face serious injuries, substantial medical bills, and a significant loss of earnings. You have the option to sue for damages to recover your losses and expenses, and you could receive compensation for various types of damages.
The Tenina Law Firm boasts an experience of over 50 years in the legal field. We have represented individuals who suffered serious bicycle accidents and know what it is like to be involved in one. Our lawyers know what it takes to recover damages after a serious bike accident. Insurance companies might want you to settle your case for less than it is worth. The Tenina Law Firm is ready to fight for you, whether the case settles or goes to trial.
We offer legal services in and around Sherman Oaks and the San Fernando Valley. We also serve the Greater Los Angeles Area and Southern California. Our location is 15250 Ventura Blvd Ste 1200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, United States. There are free parking spaces behind our building.
Call The Tenina Law Firm. We can answer any legal questions regarding your right to seek damages for injuries that you or someone close to your heart has suffered.