Encino Bicycle Accident Attorneys
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Our Encino Bicycle Accident Attorneys Are Dedicated To Finding Solutions For You And Your Family
If you have been injured or have tragically lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, we understand the pain, stress, and uncertainty you may be facing. Our Encino bicycle accident attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim and seek compensation. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation to learn about your rights.
Encino, a peaceful neighborhood in Los Angeles, is no stranger to cyclists. In fact, the area is home to the iconic Encino Velodrome, an outdoor bicycle racing track built in 1963. However, just like in any community in Los Angeles, negligent drivers remain a significant problem, posing risks to cyclists’ safety.
We work diligently to help you pursue reimbursement for your injuries and losses. We have the determination and legal experience to advocate for your rights. Furthermore, you don’t have to pay attorney’s fees to us unless we recover your damages on your behalf.
Why Hire Our Encino Bicycle Accident Attorneys
When you’re facing the challenges of a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, having a skilled lawyer by your side may help. As advocates for your interests, we will work to seek financial recompense based on your damages. Here are some reasons to consider our Encino bicycle accident attorneys:
Knowledge & Experience
Our injury attorneys bring experience in handling bicycle accident claims. We understand the importance of California’s traffic laws and regulations in these cases. Leveraging years of legal knowledge, we can help you claim damages through negotiation or litigation.
Client-Centered Approach
We understand that every case is unique, which is why we tailor our legal strategies to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Encino are dedicated to upholding your rights at every stage of the claims process, from investigations and evidence collection to negotiations and even up to litigation.
Compassionate Legal Representation
Our Encino injury law firm empathizes with victims and their families who endure physical, emotional, and financial hardship. We make it a priority to help them feel heard and respected throughout the legal process.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
After a bicycle accident, you might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer to handle my case?” It’s not mandatory to hire legal representation, but having one on your side can help you navigate the legal process. Our Encino bicycle accident attorneys can help you with the following:
- Investigating Your Case — We will look at the specifics of your accident. Our bicycle injury lawyers will go over relevant reports and evidence, assess liability, and guide you on what steps to take next.
- Evaluating Your Damages — Our lawyers can help you identify the accident-related damages for your claim by taking into account your financial expenses, such as medical bills, and intangible losses, like emotional suffering.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies — Some insurance companies are often focused on minimizing payouts. Our team will negotiate with insurers on your behalf and help you pursue compensation that addresses your losses.
- Going to Court, If Necessary — If negotiations with the other party and insurance company fail to produce an acceptable settlement, our bicycle accident attorneys are ready to go to court.
Our Encino bicycle accident lawyers will review the viability of your case and help you understand your legal options.
The Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents
When bicycle riders get injured in car accidents, it’s usually due to the driver’s negligence. Many of these accidents are preventable if drivers take the necessary precautions to share the road safely. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents.
- Distracted Drivers Failing to Notice Cyclists — One of the common causes of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging with in-car entertainment systems often fail to notice cyclists on the road. Our car accident lawyers can help review available evidence and build your case if you’ve suffered injuries in such a crash.
- Drivers Not Yielding the Right-of-Way — Failure to yield at intersections can result in serious collisions, especially when drivers make left turns without checking for cyclists or pedestrians.
- Drivers Failing to Notice Cyclists in Parking Lots or Driveways — Because cyclists are smaller and move more quietly, motorists may fail to see them when leaving parking spaces or driveways. While backup cameras and sensors can help reduce accidents, drivers must remain vigilant, check their blind spots, and be aware of their surroundings.
- Drivers Traveling in Bike Lanes — Even in designated and clearly marked bike lanes, cyclists are still at risk of serious injury from careless or distracted drivers who stray into their path.
- Car Occupants Carelessly Opening Car Doors — A “dooring accident” happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door without realizing a bike is approaching. This has the potential to send bikers flying over handlebars, resulting in severe injury. Dooring accidents commonly happen in urban areas.
Many bicycle accidents have also occurred due to drunk driving, distracted driving, vehicle defects, inclement weather, and poor road conditions. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, our Encino bicycle accident attorneys are here to help you explore your legal options in pursuing compensation.
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Possible Liable Parties In Bicycle Accidents
When a bicycle accident occurs, identifying the party or parties responsible is crucial for an injury claim. Depending on the circumstances, several individuals or entities, such as the following, may be liable:
- Drivers of any vehicle.
- The employer of a driver who’s driving commercially, such as a trucking company or rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft.
- The parts manufacturer, if a defect causes the accident.
- An agency that manages road infrastructure.
- Pedestrians and other road users.
- Construction companies or contractors, if debris or unsafe conditions at construction sites led to the crash.
Our Encino bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights, allowing you to focus on what matters most: recovering from your injuries. Contact Arash Law for a free initial case evaluation. We will work to identify potentially responsible parties and pursue damages for your losses.
How Our Encino Lawyers Establish Negligence After A Bicycle Accident
Proving negligence is a crucial part of pursuing a claim after a bicycle accident. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Encino are dedicated to thoroughly investigating the details of your case. We’ll help you establish the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — The responsible party owes you a duty of care. Drivers must drive defensively to avoid harming other road users, especially vulnerable ones, like cyclists.
- Breach of Duty — The next step is to demonstrate that the responsible party’s actions fall below the standard of care expected of them. For example, a driver fails to stop at a red light or is texting while driving.
- Causation — The accident and your injuries were the direct result of the at-fault driver’s breach of duty. The driver who engaged in speeding might have failed to stop in time after noticing you riding your bike. You were then struck as a result.
- Damages — Lastly, you must show that you sustained actual damages due to the accident. Examples include physical injuries and expenses related to your medical care, missed work days, and damage to your bicycle and other personal belongings.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries And Available Compensation
Cyclists lack the protective structure of a vehicle, such as a metal frame, airbags, or seat belts, to shield them during a collision. Even when wearing helmets or other protective gear, they may sustain moderate to severe injuries, especially when the vehicle involved is significantly bigger, such as in truck accidents. Such injuries often result in extensive medical treatment and significant financial strains. Some common injuries bicycle accident victims sustain include:
- Road rash, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries.
- Facial and dental injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Neck and spine injuries, resulting in paralysis.
- Head and brain trauma, from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
The most common damages are medical expenses, such as emergency visits, doctor appointments, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical needs. You may also incur different types of losses, including the following:
- Loss of income and earning potential if you cannot perform your job due to disability.
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged property and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Physical and emotional pain and mental trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Diminished quality of life or loss of quality of life.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Burial and funeral expenses, hospital bills, and loss of financial support in case of a loved one’s wrongful death.
- In very rare cases, punitive damages are awarded if the defendant’s action was extremely negligent or intentional.
Our bicycle accident lawyers in Encino can help injured clients pursue financial recompense after an accident. We understand the complexities of accident claims and will work closely with you to identify the damages you may be eligible for. Our team can also explore other potential avenues for compensation, even through your insurance provider, in situations like hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault party cannot be identified.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident
Your actions after a bicycle accident can impact your safety and your ability to pursue monetary compensation. If you’re still able, you need to preserve crucial evidence and protect your rights by taking the following steps:
- Move to a safe location and check yourself for injuries. Call 911 to request medical assistance.
- Contact the police so they can create a report for you. You can obtain a copy later or have a lawyer expedite the process of recovering this documentation for you.
- Try to gather evidence if you are able to. Take photos of your injuries, your damaged bike, and the vehicle that hit you. Additionally, get the contact number and insurance details of the other parties involved.
- Go to the nearest emergency room. Seeking medical evaluation is crucial even if you feel fine or think your injuries are not severe. The adrenaline rush you feel during the accident can conceal signs of serious injuries. Additionally, medical records can support your claim.
- If insurers start calling you, avoid making speculations, signing any documents, agreeing to a recorded statement, or accepting settlement offers without legal counsel.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391. Our skilled Encino lawyers handling bicycle accident cases and other personal injury claims can assess your case and guide you on the appropriate legal steps to take.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Time Limit For Filing A Bicycle Accident Claim
In California, the statute of limitations states that the maximum time for filing a personal injury case is two years from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury. Plaintiffs must bring a personal injury claim, including those resulting from bicycle accidents, within this time limit or risk forfeiting their rights to pursue compensation.
Injury claims filed against government agencies have a shorter deadline, which is six months from the date of the accident. The statute may also be tolled in cases involving minor plaintiffs and out-of-country or mentally incapacitated defendants.
Initiating legal action within the statute of limitations is critical. It keeps evidence fresh and witnesses’ memories reliable, which can help support your claim. Our Encino bicycle accident attorneys can explain the applicable deadline for your case and guide you through the filing process.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council reported that preventable bicycle-related deaths rose by 1% in 2023 and by 53% over the previous ten years, from 902 in 2014 to 1,377 in 2023. Meanwhile, the number of preventable nonfatal injuries has decreased by 29%, from 480,212 in 2014 to 341,774 in 2023.
Among the reported bicycle fatalities in 2023, the mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics stated that 937 died in motor vehicle crashes and 440 died in other incidents.
Various sources of data differ in their estimated number of bicycle-related injuries and fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 1,105 cyclists lost their lives in motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2022, up 13% from 976 in 2021. Cyclists’ deaths accounted for 2.6% of all deaths from motor vehicle traffic accidents.
These figures highlight the significant risks bicyclists face on the roads. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, our Encino lawyers can guide you through the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Seek Compensation Even If I’m Partially At Fault For A Bicycle Accident?
Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to seek damages even if you share some of the blame for the accident. The rule enables you to obtain compensation that is reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were determined to be 30% at fault, you may be able to pursue 70% of the total damages.
Questions about liability can complicate bicycle accident claims. Our Encino bicycle accident attorneys can assist in reviewing the evidence, clarifying fault, and helping you understand your options.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Bicycle Accident Case?
Simple disputes with clear liability and uncontested damages often settle in months. Complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries, disputed liability, and other legal issues, might take years.
Insurance negotiations, discovery processes, and possible legal actions also affect the time frame. During negotiations, both parties may settle without going to trial. If talks fail, the case may go to court, further extending the timeline.
As a bicycle accident victim, you must be prepared for a lengthy and difficult process when seeking compensation. That is why hiring skilled injury lawyers with experience is essential. They can work efficiently on your case while protecting your rights throughout the legal process. Our Encino bicycle accident lawyers are committed to seeking a resolution that addresses your injuries and losses.
Should I Accept A Settlement Offer From The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company?
An early settlement may sound appealing. However, accepting a settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company without legal assistance could impact your potential claim. Before accepting a settlement, you must understand and fully evaluate your injuries, future medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages. Settlements are often offered before the long-term impact of an accident is clear, which can leave you undercompensated.
Consult with Encino bicycle accident attorneys before accepting any offer. We will carefully evaluate your case, calculate your potential damages, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your bicycle accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Because every case is unique, there is no standard or “average” settlement amount.
To determine the value of your claim, consider working with experienced bicycle accident attorneys in Encino. We can evaluate the extent of your damages, considering the long-term impact on your life.
How Much Do Bicycle Accident Attorneys Charge?
Our Encino bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This structure helps make legal representation accessible to everyone.
Call Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys In Encino
When a vehicle collides with a bicycle, the cyclist is far more likely to suffer severe injuries. These injuries often result in financial burdens, with medical expenses alone accumulating to substantial amounts. The law allows you to hold the liable parties accountable for paying those bills and more if their negligence was the cause of the accident.
Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., the dedicated team at Arash Law can support you and your family in pursuing compensation for the losses you incurred. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to get started.
Our Encino bicycle accident attorneys serve clients across California. This includes nearby cities and communities, including Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Northridge, Van Nuys, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Pacoima, Porter Ranch, West Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, and Beverly Hills.
