Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyers
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Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyers Helping You Learn Your Legal Options
If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Long Beach caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be dealing with medical care, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next. Under California negligence law, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses related to the crash.
California also follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can recover damages even if you are partly responsible. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Reviewing these issues with Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand how the law applies to your situation.
Bicycle accident claims are also subject to strict deadlines. In California, most injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. If a government vehicle, a public roadway condition, or a city agency is involved, victims must initially file an administrative claim within six months.
Why Bicycle Accident Cases In Long Beach Are Different
In Long Beach, bicycle accidents are unfortunately common, especially near busy streets, bike paths, and high-traffic areas such as Ocean Boulevard and the Port of Long Beach. These incidents can disrupt your routine, work, and mobility, leading to significant personal and financial strain.
Local features that affect bicycle accident claims in the city include:
- High-Use Bike Paths & Recreational Corridors — Routes such as the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path on the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge, Shoreline Village paths, the beachfront bike path, and El Dorado Park attract daily commuters, recreational riders, and tourists. Congestion at crossings and access points increases crash risk, especially during weekends and large events.
- Busy Arterial Roads & Downtown Streets — Bicycle crashes may occur on roads, such as Anaheim Street, Pacific Coast Highway, and Seventh Street. These corridors carry fast-moving traffic, buses, and frequent turning vehicles, particularly near downtown and along the beachfront.
- Port & Commercial Vehicle Activity — Roads surrounding the Port of Long Beach see container trucks, delivery vehicles, and industrial traffic. Large commercial vehicles have wider turning radii and larger blind spots, increasing danger for cyclists traveling near port facilities and warehouse areas.
- Mixed-Speed Travel in Long Beach — E-bike use and shared mobility are rising in coastal and downtown areas. Differences in speed between bicycles, e-bikes, cars, and buses can complicate fault and liability analysis after a crash.
When a bicycle accident occurs, the Long Beach Police Department typically responds to the scene. They also prepare a traffic collision report, which often becomes a key document in the claims process. Injury claims usually go through the at-fault party’s insurance coverage, not directly against the individual driver. If a dispute cannot be settled, the case may proceed to litigation in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where California negligence law applies.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Bicycle Laws In Long Beach
In California, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers when using the road. Cyclists in Long Beach must follow both state law and applicable local ordinances.
Key rules include:
- Bikes must have working brakes.
- Handlebars cannot be higher than the cyclist’s shoulders.
- The bicycle size must allow the cyclist to stop safely.
- Riders under 18 must wear an ASTM- or CPSC-approved helmet.
Long Beach also enforces local bicycle ordinances, including:
- Sidewalk Riding Restrictions (LBMC §10.48.070) — Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and signal before passing.
- Prohibited Sidewalk Areas — Riding on sidewalks is banned in certain business districts and pedestrian zones. Violations may affect liability.
- Shared Path Rules — Certain e-scooters may use beach bike paths under specific conditions, highlighting Long Beach’s mixed-use roadway policies.
Establishing Liability In A Long Beach Bicycle Accident Case
A bicycle accident claim in Long Beach is based on proving that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. To establish liability, four elements must exist:
- Duty of Care — Drivers have a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to avoid foreseeable harm. This duty includes following traffic laws and operating vehicles safely to avoid endangering bicyclists.
- Breach of Duty — When the at-fault party fails to act with reasonable care, they breach this duty. Examples include speeding or failing to yield the right of way.
- Causation — This element requires proving that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages — Provide proof that you suffered actual damages in the accident, such as medical expenses, lost income, or other measurable harms.
How Insurance Typically Applies In Bicycle Accident Claims
Bicycle injury claims are typically handled through insurance policies, not paid directly by individual drivers. In many cases:
- The at-fault driver’s auto liability policy may cover medical bills, pain & suffering, and bike damage.
- Your own auto insurance may offer medical payments coverage (MedPay) or UM/UIM benefits.
- Health insurance may cover medical treatment, but not property damage or lost wages.
- UM/UIM coverage becomes important if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Disputes often involve fault, the extent of injury, or whether policy limits cover the losses.
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What Typically Happens After A Bicycle Accident Claim Begins
After a bicycle accident in Long Beach, claims usually follow a defined process guided by police documentation, medical records, and crash evidence.
A bicycle accident case often involves:
- Case Investigation — This process involves gathering all available proof to support your claim. Evidence may include medical records, police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Damages Calculation — You or your attorney can estimate losses using available documents like receipts, records, and journals.
- Insurance Claim — You can file a claim against the liable party through their insurance policy. If the liable party is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to use your own insurance coverage.
- Settlement Negotiation — Once you file a claim, the insurer either agrees to the amount or disputes your claim. You may need to provide additional documents to substantiate the requested amount.
- Civil Case Initiation — If settlement negotiations fail, you can consider filing a lawsuit. The Los Angeles County Superior Court manages civil cases, including those involving bicycle accidents in Long Beach. Generally, trials are held in the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse located on Magnolia Avenue.
Damages Available In Bicycle Accident Cases
Damages in a bicycle accident claim may include monetary losses and non-monetary losses related to the injury. California allows injured cyclists to pursue:
- Economic Damages — These are quantifiable monetary losses that serve as compensation for the harm suffered. Among them are:
- Medical Expenses — These include urgent care, hospital stays, and medications. You can also seek payment for surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages — Victims can seek damages for the income they miss while recovering, as well as reduced earning capacity if their injuries limit their ability to work.
- Property Damage — This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle. It may also include any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Non-Economic Damages — These account for how the injuries affect your life beyond bills and receipts, including:
- Pain & Suffering — You can seek compensation for mental and physical anguish, which may include anxiety and depression.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — This covers your inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
- Punitive Damages — In rare instances, the court may grant punitive damages. It usually applies in cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm. It aims to punish the violator and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Injury Severity In Bicycle Accident Cases
More severe injuries often entail greater medical needs and longer-lasting effects, which can influence claim value. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — These can occur when the cyclist’s head hits a vehicle or the pavement. TBIs can lead to cognitive impairments and long-term complications.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Cyclists who fall on their backs can suffer spinal injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis, nerve damage, or chronic pain.
- Bone Fractures — Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbone are common after bicycle crashes. These injuries may limit mobility, interfere with work, and require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation.
- Internal Organ Injuries — A collision with a vehicle can result in serious internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
- Road Rash and Abrasions — Cyclists may slide on pavement or rough surfaces, leading to painful abrasions.
In bicycle accident cases, injury severity affects how damages are evaluated under California law. Injuries may include permanent impairment, visible scarring, or lasting mobility limitations, as well as long-term psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
When the injured cyclist is a child or minor, future medical needs and long-term limitations are often considered. High-impact collisions involving trucks or commercial vehicles frequently result in catastrophic injuries and more complex liability issues.
Potential Liable Parties In Bicycle Accidents In Long Beach
Fault determines responsibility in these cases. Depending on how the crash occurred, potentially liable parties may include:
- Distracted Drivers — Motorists who are texting or otherwise distracted may drift into bike lanes or cut off bicyclists.
- Individuals Who Open Car Doors Unsafely — A driver or passenger may open a car’s door into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
- Drivers Who Ignore Traffic Signals — Running red lights or stop signs can lead to collisions with bicyclists, especially at intersections.
- Drivers Who Fail to Signal When Turning — Turning right across a bike lane without signaling places cyclists at serious risk.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
What We Handle In Long Beach Bicycle Accident Cases
In bicycle accident cases, our Long Beach injury law firm’s role may involve the following steps:
- Investigate how the crash happened.
- Collect records and other evidence.
- Identify potentially responsible parties.
- Handle insurance communications.
- Prepare a claim for settlement or litigation if needed.
These actions focus on clarifying how the collision occurred, how fault may be evaluated, and what compensation may be available based on the facts of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims
Below are some common questions people ask after a bicycle accident.
Can I Still Seek Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which allows you to pursue damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your payment is reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Insurers and attorneys evaluate fault by reviewing evidence such as police reports, photos, video footage, and witness statements. Since fault directly affects the amount you may recover, seeking free accident lawyer advice can help you understand how evidence is evaluated and how California law applies to your specific situation.
I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer. How Much Does Hiring One Cost?
Most bicycle accident attorneys in Long Beach work on a contingency fee basis. Under this fee structure, lawyers only get paid if they win your case. They only take a percentage of your settlement or court award. The exact amount depends on the specifics of your case.
When Should I Contact Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Long Beach?
It is advisable to contact a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer if:
- You suffered severe injuries.
- Your losses are substantial.
- An insurer disputes liability.
- You are not familiar with the claims process.
Will My Bicycle Accident Case Go To Trial?
Most bicycle accident cases are settled outside of court. However, your case may proceed to trial if you cannot reach a fair agreement. This stage occurs when both parties can’t agree on how much to pay or who is responsible. An attorney who handles bicycle accident cases in Long Beach can evaluate your situation to determine if going to court is a viable option for you.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit Involving A Bicycle Accident In Long Beach?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the bike accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline is also known as the statute of limitations.
There are certain exceptions to this two-year time limit, such as:
- Victims Who Are Minors — The statute of limitations generally does not start until the victim turns 18. Once they do, they have two years to file the case.
- Bike Accidents Involving Government Entities — You must initially file an administrative claim within six months of the accident. If denied, you have another six months to file a lawsuit. This deadline applies if the incident was caused by a government vehicle or by hazardous road conditions that the government should have addressed.
Contact Our Lawyers For Bicycle Accidents In Long Beach
Bicycle accident injuries can be devastating. They affect your health, work, and ability to support your family. They can also take away activities that make life enjoyable. If you got injured while cycling, our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers can provide legal assistance.
Arash Law handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. We also represent victims of pedestrian crashes, Uber and Lyft collisions, hit-and-run incidents, truck and semi-truck accidents, and car crashes.
We also serve other areas, including Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Cypress, Buena Park, Torrance, Lakewood, Bellflower, San Pedro, Paramount, Compton, Norwalk, Gardena, Lawndale, and Wilmington.
