Beverly Hills Bike Accident Lawyers
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Our Award-Winning Beverly Hills Bike Accident Lawyers Fighting For Injured Victims
Caught in a bicycle accident in Beverly Hills, California? Turn to our skilled Beverly Hills bicycle accident lawyers for dedicated legal assistance. Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., holds decades of a proven track record, winning $500 million in compensation for our clients. Contact us now at (888) 488-1391. Your rights and recovery are always our priority.
Beverly Hills is home to some of the most famous streets in the world, including Rodeo Drive and Sunset Boulevard. Nowadays, you can also see bicyclists passing through these roads, along with motorists. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents may happen, often due to drivers’ carelessness. Bike accident victims may sustain severe injuries and property damage. This is where our team of Beverly Hills bicycle accident lawyers at Arash Law can help.
Our bike accident attorneys in Beverly Hills will provide the necessary legal assistance to injured riders. We will help you fight for your rights and guide you through the legal process while you focus on recovering. So, if you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, reach out to us immediately, and we will discuss your case.
Settlement in a brake failure case involving a commercial defendant – case dropped by prominent local law firm; client suffered foot injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Can Our Beverly Hills Bike Accident Lawyers Do To Protect Victim’s Rights
With the help of our skilled bicycle accident attorney in Beverly Hills, it can be easier for cyclists to receive the rightful compensation for their injuries. Many cyclists are unfamiliar with the complicated aspects of the legal process, which puts them at a disadvantage when dealing with insurance companies. However, by hiring an attorney, rest assured that insurance companies treat you fairly and do not take advantage of your situation.
Selecting one of Arash Law’s bike accident attorneys in Beverly Hills means choosing unmatched knowledge and a proven track record. Our elite team of personal injury lawyers has successfully assisted thousands of clients, securing over $500 million in settlements. We remove any upfront financial burdens for our injured clients by working on a contingency fee basis. Call (888) 488-1391 today to discuss your case.
Here’s what our leading Beverly Hills bike accident lawyers can do to protect your rights:
- Provide legal advice
Hiring one of our bicycle accident lawyers to represent you against insurance adjusters can change the outcome of settlement negotiations. Your chosen attorney will provide legal advice with your best interests in mind and guarantee you receive compensation for all your losses before settling the case.
- Handle legal matters and evaluate your case
Many cyclists in Beverly Hills assume they understand California’s bicycle laws but often become confused in crucial situations due to their complexity. With our bike accident lawyers by your side, you need not worry about legal matters. We will handle your case while protecting your rights.
The Beverly Hills bike accident lawyers at Arash Law will thoroughly evaluate your case, from the accident details to the evidence. They will also collaborate with experts to gather evidence to prove the at-fault party’s negligence caused the accident and your damages.
- Connect you with the best medical professionals
Our experienced bike accident lawyers will make sure you get the best medical help. They can connect you with medical professionals to help you quickly recover after an injury.
California Law Protecting Cyclists
An increasing number of individuals are transitioning to using bicycles for commuting, and understandably so. It offers many advantages regarding health, the environment, and cost savings. However, as the number of cyclists increases, so does the chance of accidents. Fortunately, California has regulated bike laws to reduce the risk of accidents involving cyclists.
The State has also implemented designated bike lanes in response to the growing number of cyclists in busy communities such as Beverly Hills. Although there are concerns about these lanes potentially putting cyclists at risk, state officials argue that they are intended for cyclists who ride slower than traffic flow. Other cyclists are free to ride alongside vehicles in the regular traffic lanes.
To enhance the safety of cyclists who share lanes with motor vehicles, California officials have set a regulation requiring motorists to maintain a minimum distance of three feet when passing cyclists. Failure to comply with this law can result in civil penalties.
Cyclists also have the same duties as cars and vehicles in California. They must follow traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, and obey traffic signs and lights. Following the state’s bicycle laws can help save your life.
Bicycle Accident Data and Statistics
Bicycle accidents pose a problem in Beverly Hills and across the nation. Here are some data and statistics about bike accidents provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- In 2021, a total of 961 bicyclists lost their lives in accidents involving motor vehicles.
- 90% of these fatalities happened among individuals aged 20 and above.
- Every year since 1975, more male bicyclists than female bicyclists have died because of bike collisions with motor vehicles.
- In 2021, the majority of bicyclists killed (61%) were not wearing helmets.
- The helmet use of the bicyclists killed was unknown in 24% of the cases.
- Among bicyclists aged 16 and older who died in 2021, 19% had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08%.
- The highest number of fatalities in 2021 occurred in September (12%), followed by October (11%).
- The peak hours for bicyclist deaths in 2021 were 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (22%).
- 85% of bicycle deaths in 2021 occurred in urban areas.
- 35% of these fatal bike accidents in 2021 occurred at intersections.
- 65% of bicyclist deaths took place on major roads other than interstates and freeways, whereas 32% occurred on minor roads.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle riders face similar dangers as motorcyclists, with an even greater risk of injury due to their higher vulnerability and sensitivity to road conditions. Compared to motorcycles, bicycles are less stable and have limited ability to avoid accidents, given their slower speed. Unfortunately, many accidents involving bicycles are caused by motorists, resulting in severe injuries for the cyclist despite their lack of fault.
Car Turning Right/"Right Hook" Accidents
Bike-car collisions can occur in various scenarios when cars are making right turns, such as:
- The car overtakes a bike near an intersection and then turns right at the intersection, abruptly blocking the cyclist’s path.
- The bike overtakes a slower car on the right, and the car unexpectedly makes a right turn.
- Both the car and bike are stopped at a traffic light. When the light changes, the car turns right without giving enough space, potentially cutting off the bike.
Car Turning Left/“Left Cross” Accidents
The cyclist and driver come from different directions towards the intersection, and the driver makes a left turn, resulting in a collision with the cyclist. Usually, the driver fails to notice the cyclist or miscalculates their speed. In a left-turn accident, the driver is usually responsible for the cyclist’s damages and injuries.
Stop Signs
A problem arises when the driver has a stop sign but the bicyclist does not. In such a case, the bicyclist can cross the intersection. However, the driver may not notice them, inevitably leading to an accident.
Door Collisions
Open-door crashes often happen when drivers or passengers open their vehicle doors without checking for oncoming traffic. The failure to look can be seen as negligence and a violation of California’s traffic law.
Rear-End Collisions
Bicyclists may cause rear-end collisions if they fail to brake appropriately when approaching a car from behind at a stop sign or red light. Another scenario is when a bicyclist on the right side of the road suddenly swerves left to avoid a road hazard, resulting in a motor vehicle hitting them from behind.
Other factors that can lead to bicycle crashes include:
- Reckless driving, like speeding, not using turn signals, tailgating, etc.
- Distracted driving, like using a phone or eating while driving
- Driving a vehicle when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- Motorists failing to watch out for cyclists while driving
Both cyclists and motor vehicle drivers share the same rights and responsibilities on the road. They must follow the same rules and have an equal right to be there. If cyclists and drivers were more vigilant, accidents would decrease.
In most cases, the driver is at fault for the collision. However, cyclists can reduce the risk of a collision by following bicycle safety guides, using proper gear, and staying focused and alert. Utilizing these bicycle hand signals is also beneficial to reduce bike accidents:
- Stop/slow down– Hold your left arm down and form a right angle with your palm open when you need to slow down or stop while biking.
- The left turn– Extend your left arm straight out to signal to drivers when making a left turn on your bike.
- The right turn– To indicate a right turn while biking, you can create a right angle with your left arm or hold out your right hand horizontally.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Beverly Hills
Bike accidents happen all over California, including Beverly Hills, which has many passionate cyclists and impatient drivers. Here are the most frequent injuries sustained in bike accidents:
Broken bones
Bicycle accidents often result in broken bones, ranging from fractures in the arms and legs to more severe injuries like broken ribs or collarbones.
Spinal cord injuries
Severe bike accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, affecting mobility and sensation, with potential long-term consequences.
Road rash
Road rash is a common injury involving abrasions and skin damage caused by contact with the road surface during a bike accident.
Lacerations
Cyclists may sustain lacerations, which are cuts or tears in the skin, often requiring medical attention and potential scarring.
Disfigurement
Severe injuries can result in disfigurement, altering a person’s physical appearance and potentially leading to psychological challenges.
Internal bleeding
Bike accidents may cause internal bleeding, a severe condition that needs immediate medical attention to prevent complications.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries from bike accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, affecting cognitive function and requiring comprehensive medical care.
Fractures
Beyond broken bones, fractures in bike accidents can encompass various skeletal injuries, affecting different parts of the body.
Back and neck injuries
Cyclists may experience back and neck injuries, ranging from strains and sprains to more severe conditions like herniated discs.
Scarring
Lacerations and other injuries can result in scarring, impacting physical appearance and emotional well-being.
Paralysis
In extreme cases, bicycle accidents can lead to paralysis, a condition where a person loses the ability to move specific body parts.
Damages Bicycle Accident Victims Can Recover
Damages refer to any financial or other losses due to an accident. If you win your case, these damages will be given a specific monetary value and paid to you. However, bike accident settlement amounts may vary due to the circumstances determining the final compensation.
When filing a bicycle accident claim, it is essential to provide proof of the expenses related to the accident. So, keep all bills, receipts, correspondence, and other relevant information supporting your claim.
Possible compensation you can receive after submitting a bicycle accident claim may cover the following:
- Reasonable and related medical costs, including hospital bills, surgery expenses, physical therapy, counseling, and more
- Lost income, property damage (like bicycle repairs), and other related expenses
- Pain and suffering, such as PTSD, mental distress, and other non-monetary damages
- Compensation for funeral, burial, and other relevant expenses in the event of wrongful death
Liability For A Bicycle Accident
Who should be liable for a bicycle accident? The answer to this question varies. However, in most cases of personal injury claims, it is a matter of negligence. Simply put, someone’s careless or reckless behavior is the cause of the accident.
Several parties can be considered negligent, including:
- Drivers
- Pedestrians
- A city or government entity responsible for street maintenance
- Bicycle manufacturer that produces faulty products.
In other words, if a driver acts negligently and causes injuries to a bicyclist, they will typically be held accountable for the resulting damages and injuries.
Driver negligence refers to the failure of a driver to exercise reasonable care while driving. Some common instances of driver negligence in bicycle accidents are:
- Disobeying speed limits
- Turning left in front of a bicyclist
- Failing to provide sufficient space for a bicyclist to maneuver
- Driving while or after drinking alcohol
- Driving while impaired by an illegal substance
- Not paying attention to the road
- Texting while driving
- Disregarding other traffic laws or signals
How To Establish Negligence In Bicycle Accidents In Beverly Hills
To be compensated for a bicycle accident, you need to prove three things:
- The person responsible for the accident owed you a duty of care.
- The driver failed to fulfill this duty because of their negligence.
- You suffered severe injuries and damages because of the driver’s negligent behavior.
To establish negligence in your bicycle accident case in Beverly Hills, your lawyer will assist you in collecting the following evidence:
- Physical evidence, including vehicles involved in the collision and the safety equipment worn by a biker at the time of the accident.
- Witness statements, which are to be included in the police’s official report
- Photo and video footage
- Analysis and opinion of experts, such as accident reconstruction professionals
Can Cyclists Be Responsible For Accidents In Beverly Hills?
Every cyclist should follow California bike laws to ensure safety and avoid being held liable in bicycle accidents. That raises the question: How are cyclists responsible for bike accidents?
Here are some known unsafe practices that may deem bicyclists liable for accidents:
- Failing to signal properly when changing lanes or making turns
- Riding without a functioning headlight
- Illegally parking or stopping a bike in the designated bike lane
- Failing to use the bike lanes when required
- Riding without a helmet for safety
- Using toll roads while cycling
- Using earbuds or headphones in both ears, as wearing headphones is illegal while driving, with some exceptions per California Vehicle Code Section 27400.
These actions are not only against the law but also hazardous and cause numerous bicycle accidents annually. However, one must remember that no matter how much fault you share in a collision, you retain the right to pursue compensation with the help of a bicycle accident lawyer in Beverly Hills.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident
Here’s what you should do after being involved in a bike accident:
- Wait until the police show up at the accident scene.
- Do not negotiate with the motorist yet.
- Collect the driver’s and any witnesses’ information.
- Document what happened and take pictures of the accident scene.
- Make sure the police file a report.
- Seek immediate medical attention and keep official documentation of your injuries.
- Keep track of all evidence and store it safely.
- Consult a lawyer before talking to insurers.
- Seek legal advice from one of the competent Beverly Hills bicycle accident lawyers at Arash Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Recover Damages If You Were Not Wearing A Helmet During The Accident?
If you did not have a helmet on when the accident happened, the amount of damage you could recover might be affected. Under California Vehicle Code 21212, wearing a helmet while cycling is not required for adults, except for those under 18 years old. Still, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.
Suppose you were in a bicycle accident and injured your head or brain. If you weren’t wearing a helmet, the insurance company might argue that your injury was severe because you didn’t have one on. If they can show that wearing a helmet could have prevented or reduced the severity of your injury, they might lower the amount of compensation you receive based on your share of the blame.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. If bicyclists are partly to blame for the accident, this could affect how much damage they can recover. For instance, the injured bicyclist is found to be 20% responsible for their traumatic brain injury because they did not wear a helmet. Your compensation would then be reduced by 20%.
What Types of Evidence Do You Need After A Bicycle Accident?
An experienced lawyer will investigate the location of the bike accident and collect all the evidence that might be needed to establish the other party’s liability. Some common types of evidence used in bicycle accident cases are:
- Photographs of the damaged vehicle and bike, skid marks, road conditions, and more.
- Video footage from surveillance cameras
- Police report
- Witness testimony
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
Contact The Best Beverly Hills Bicycle Accident Lawyers For Your Case
Legal matters can be challenging, especially if you have experienced severe injuries and hardships due to an accident that was not your fault. At Arash Law, we are committed to advocating for those who have been wrongfully injured. We firmly believe that victims should not be held accountable for their damages or taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Over the years, Arash Law has also been serving injured victims in the following nearby places: West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Culver City, Inglewood, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Hawthorne, Gardena, Torrance, and Alhambra.
Take the first step toward your rightful compensation. Call (888) 488-1391 today for a free initial consultation with our Beverly Hills bike accident lawyers.
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