Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Cyclists riding on Van Nuys roads generally have the same rights and duties as vehicle drivers, subject to bicycle-specific rules and roadway restrictions. Those protections apply to cyclists lawfully traveling on Van Nuys Boulevard through the commercial corridor between Sherman Way and Victory Boulevard.
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident on Van Nuys streets, near one of the I-405 exits at Victory Boulevard, Burbank Boulevard, Roscoe Boulevard, or Sherman Way, or anywhere else in the area, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
Arash Law’s Van Nuys injury attorneys are here to help. We can manage the whole claims process so you can focus on healing.
Call: (888) 488-1391 (24-hour line)
Reviewed by: Arash Khorsandi, Esq., California State Bar #249405, admitted 2007, last reviewed September 2026
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What Makes Bicycle Accident Claims in Van Nuys Distinct
Bicycle accident claims in Van Nuys often involve a mix of busy commercial corridors, freeway interchanges, and heavily traveled arterial streets. Van Nuys Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and the I-405 interchanges at Victory, Burbank, Roscoe, and Sherman Way present distinct traffic hazards for cyclists.
Van Nuys Boulevard: Commercial Zone
Van Nuys Boulevard is a major commercial and transit corridor through Van Nuys, with substantial vehicle and bus activity, frequent intersections, and numerous commercial driveways. Metro bus service operates along this portion of the boulevard, adding to the mix of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians using the corridor. Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is not continuous along this segment, leaving cyclists to travel alongside moving traffic and parked vehicles. Turning vehicles, opening car doors, and vehicles entering or leaving commercial properties can create collision conflicts for cyclists.
I-405 Interchanges: Victory Blvd, Burbank Blvd, Roscoe Blvd, and Sherman Way
The I-405 has interchanges at Victory Boulevard, Burbank Boulevard, Roscoe Boulevard, and Sherman Way in and around Van Nuys. These locations bring freeway traffic into contact with cyclists traveling on surrounding surface streets. Cyclists near these interchanges may encounter vehicles entering or leaving ramps, changing lanes, turning, or traveling at much higher speeds.
Sepulveda Boulevard Through Van Nuys
Sepulveda Boulevard is a major north–south arterial through Van Nuys that runs roughly parallel to the I-405. Its vehicle traffic, commercial access points, intersections, and stretches with limited bicycle infrastructure can create conflicts between cyclists and drivers, particularly when vehicles turn across cyclists’ paths or enter and exit driveways.
Who Investigates the Crash and Where a Lawsuit Is Filed
LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division generally handles traffic collisions in Van Nuys. Meanwhile, lawsuits must be filed in the appropriate Los Angeles Superior Court when Los Angeles County is a proper venue. The appropriate courthouse depends on the court’s venue and assignment rules.
LAPD Valley Traffic Division
LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division investigates traffic collisions and traffic-related crimes throughout the Valley Bureau, including Van Nuys. Collision reports may contain officer narratives, diagrams, party information, and other evidence relevant to a bicycle accident claim.
Los Angeles Superior Court: Van Nuys Courthouse East
Van Nuys Courthouse East, 6230 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401, handles civil matters in the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Northwest District. The proper filing location for a particular personal injury case is determined under Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 based on factors such as where the accident occurred and where the defendant resides. The court’s Filing Court Locator should be used to confirm the correct courthouse before filing.
Who Is Responsible for the Roads
Different public agencies may control Van Nuys roads, depending on where the condition is located and what type of infrastructure is involved.
- City of Los Angeles (StreetsLA/Bureau of Street Services): Responsible for maintaining City street pavement and performing work such as resurfacing and pothole repairs on city-maintained streets, including portions of Van Nuys Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. Maintenance records, complaint histories, and work orders may be obtainable through a California Public Records Act request.
- Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT): Responsible for traffic engineering functions that include the operation and timing of traffic signals in the City of Los Angeles. LADOT’s ATSAC system monitors and adjusts signal timing at signalized intersections throughout the city.
- Caltrans: Responsible for state highway infrastructure, including I-405 and its state-owned ramps. Depending on the issue, relevant records may include roadway design, traffic control, maintenance, inspection, or project records.
If a public entity, such as the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans, is responsible for a dangerous road condition that contributed to a crash, a government claim may be required before filing a lawsuit against that entity.
Who Can File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Van Nuys?
Anyone hurt in a bicycle crash in Van Nuys may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim, whether the crash occurred on Van Nuys Boulevard’s commercial corridor, near an I-405 interchange at Victory or Roscoe, or on any other city street. Other people may also have separate claims depending on their involvement in the crash or relationship to the injured or deceased cyclist.
Potential claimants may include:
A cyclist injured because of another party’s negligence may pursue a personal injury claim for losses caused by the crash.
A passenger on a bicycle or in a vehicle involved in a crash has an independent claim against a responsible party.
Pedestrians, other cyclists, and vehicle occupants involved in the same collision may pursue their own claims against responsible parties, depending on the facts of the crash.
A spouse or registered domestic partner may have a separate loss-of-consortium claim for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy caused by the injured person’s condition.
If a cyclist was killed in a Van Nuys crash, California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 377.60 governs who may bring a wrongful death claim. Eligible claimants may include a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, certain heirs who would inherit by intestate succession, and some qualifying dependents.
Each claim type carries its own categories of compensable losses. Personal injury, loss of consortium, and wrongful death claims are legally separate even when they arise from the same crash.
Common Injuries in Van Nuys Bicycle Crashes
Serious bicycle crashes in Van Nuys can cause brain injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, road rash, and psychological harm. The type and severity of the injury can affect medical treatment, recovery time, lost income, and the value of a personal injury claim.
A cyclist may suffer a brain injury after striking a vehicle, pavement, or another object, even while wearing a helmet. Symptoms such as memory problems, headaches, or difficulty concentrating may affect work and daily activities.
A forceful impact can fracture vertebrae or damage the spinal cord. Serious injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term assistance, which can substantially increase medical expenses and future-care needs.
Sliding across pavement can cause deep abrasions, scarring, torn ligaments, or muscle injuries. These injuries may require ongoing treatment and can limit a cyclist’s ability to work or perform daily tasks.
Cyclists may fracture the wrists, arms, collarbones, hips, or other bones when they hit a vehicle or brace for a fall. Severe fractures may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Serious crashes, including those on high-traffic Van Nuys corridors, may cause PTSD, anxiety, or depression. These conditions may be compensable when they result from the crash and are properly documented.
Seriously injured victims may be evaluated at Valley Presbyterian Hospital (15107 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, CA 91405) or Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center (18321 Clark Street, Tarzana, CA 91356).
Medical records, imaging, specialist reports, therapy records, and work restrictions can help show how the injuries affected the cyclist and support claimed damages.
Questions After A Bicycle Accident?
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What Damages Can You Recover from a Bicycle Accident in Van Nuys?
Claims for bicycle accidents in Van Nuys may include economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving particularly reckless conduct. Here is what each category covers:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are your documented financial losses:
- Past and Future Medical Bills: Medical expenses related to your injuries, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, imaging, consultations, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost Wages: Income you could not earn while your injuries prevented you from working, calculated from the date of the crash through your recovery period.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: The reduction in your future ability to earn income because of lasting physical or cognitive limitations caused by the injury.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your bicycle, helmet, cycling gear, and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the personal harm your injuries caused:
- Physical Pain and Suffering: The pain you experienced and continue to experience as a result of your injuries and treatment.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological harm may be recoverable as emotional distress damages when caused by the crash and supported by medical or mental health documentation.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to engage in cycling, recreational activities, or daily routines you maintained before the crash.
- Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement: Road rash from Van Nuys pavement that results in permanent scarring is a separate, recoverable non-economic harm.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a bicycle accident victim was killed in a Van Nuys crash, surviving family members eligible under California law may seek compensation for losses such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of the deceased person’s love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, and guidance.
Loss of Consortium Damages
A spouse or registered domestic partner can independently seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and the intimate relationship caused by the injured cyclist’s condition.
Punitive Damages
California Civil Code (Civ. Code) § 3294 permits punitive damages when the at-fault party acted with malice, oppression, fraud, or conscious disregard for the safety of others, not merely carelessness. A driver who was intoxicated, racing, or deliberately aggressive on Van Nuys Boulevard may meet this standard.
Evaluating a Van Nuys bicycle accident claim requires considering the collision evidence, comparative-fault issues, and whether the driver’s conduct could support punitive damages. Arash Law’s attorneys evaluate these issues when building and presenting the case.
How Insurance Covers Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Claims
After a bicycle crash in Van Nuys, more than one insurance policy or source of recovery may apply. Identifying the at-fault driver’s coverage, any applicable UM/UIM coverage, and other potentially responsible parties can help determine how to pursue a claim.
- At-Fault Driver’s Liability Policy: This type of coverage is often the primary source of insurance when a driver causes a bicycle crash. As of January 1, 2025, California’s standard minimum auto liability limits are $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage. Serious bicycle injuries can quickly exceed these minimum limits.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your losses, UM/UIM coverage under an auto policy may apply even though you were riding a bicycle. California Insurance Code § 11580.2 requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage. Whether a particular policy applies depends on its terms and whether you qualify as an insured under that policy, which can sometimes include qualifying resident relatives.
- Coverage When a Rideshare Driver Hits You: If the driver was working through a transportation network company such as Uber or Lyft, the available insurance depends on the driver’s app status. California requires different levels of TNC insurance when a driver is logged in and waiting for a ride versus after the driver has accepted a trip. If the driver was not logged into the app, the TNC policy generally does not apply, and coverage must be evaluated under the driver’s personal auto policy and any other applicable insurance.
For Van Nuys bicycle accident claims, Arash Law identifies potentially applicable coverage, obtains available LAPD traffic-collision records, and works to preserve evidence before settlement negotiations begin.
What Happens When You File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Van Nuys
After a bicycle accident claim begins, the process typically involves obtaining available collision records, preserving evidence, documenting losses, presenting a demand, and negotiating with the applicable insurer. If the claim cannot be resolved, the injured cyclist may file a civil lawsuit in the appropriate Los Angeles Superior Court location.
- Obtain the LAPD Traffic-Collision Report: LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division investigates traffic collisions throughout the Valley Bureau, including Van Nuys. When a report is prepared, an authorized person or representative can request a copy from LAPD. Depending on the collision, the report may include information about the parties, witness statements, diagrams, officer observations, and other details relevant to evaluating how the crash occurred.
- Preserve Time-Sensitive Evidence: Available traffic-camera, business-surveillance, dashcam, and other video evidence may be stored for only a limited period. An attorney can identify potential sources near the crash scene and, when appropriate, send preservation requests. Witness information, photographs, and other evidence should also be collected as early as possible.
- Document and Calculate Your Losses: Medical records and bills, wage-loss documentation, future treatment recommendations, property damage, and evidence of pain and other non-economic harm help establish the value of the claim. Once the necessary information is available, an attorney may present a settlement demand to the responsible insurer or insurers.
- Handle Insurance Communications: Once Arash Law represents you, our team can handle communications with the applicable insurers, respond to requests for information, and address settlement negotiations on your behalf.
- Resolve the Claim or File a Lawsuit: If settlement negotiations do not resolve the claim, the injured cyclist may file a civil lawsuit. The proper Los Angeles Superior Court filing location depends on the court’s venue and case-assignment rules and should be confirmed through the court’s Filing Court Locator.
Proving Fault in a Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Case
To prove fault in a Van Nuys bicycle accident case, the injured cyclist generally must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, caused the injuries, and the resulting damages followed. California Civil Code § 1714 provides the general duty to use ordinary care.
- Duty: Drivers must use reasonable care around cyclists. CVC § 21200 generally gives bicyclists the same roadway rights and duties as vehicle drivers, while § 21760 requires motorists to pass cyclists safely.
- Breach: A breach occurs when a driver fails to use reasonable care, such as by opening a door into a cyclist’s path or turning across the cyclist’s line of travel.
- Causation: The cyclist must show that the defendant’s conduct was a substantial factor in causing the injuries. Evidence may include LAPD reports, video, photographs, witness statements, and medical records.
- Damages: The cyclist must show compensable harm, such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, physical pain, or other economic and non-economic losses.
Common Bicycle Crash Scenarios
Traffic, commercial driveways, intersections, and on-street parking along major Van Nuys corridors can create different types of conflicts between drivers and cyclists. Examples include:
- Dooring: A driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path. CVC § 22517 prohibits opening a vehicle door on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe and does not interfere with traffic.
- Right-Hook: A driver passes a cyclist and then turns right across the cyclist’s line of travel.
- Left-Cross: A driver turns left across the path of a cyclist traveling in the opposite direction or proceeding through an intersection.
Comparative Fault Arguments in Van Nuys
California follows pure comparative fault under Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975). A cyclist’s recovery is reduced by the cyclist’s percentage of fault rather than automatically eliminated. For example, a cyclist found 30% at fault would generally recover 70% of the damages attributable to the claim.
Insurers may argue that a cyclist was riding in an improper roadway position under CVC § 21202. The law generally requires slower cyclists to ride as close as practicable to the right side of the roadway, but several exceptions apply. Cyclists may move left to pass, prepare for a left turn, avoid unsafe conditions, or approach a location where a right turn is permitted. Whether § 21202 affects comparative fault depends on the circumstances of the crash.
Potentially Liable Parties Beyond the Driver
Depending on the circumstances, other parties may also be liable for a bicycle crash:
- The Vehicle Owner: If the at-fault driver was using someone else’s vehicle with permission, the owner may have statutory liability under California Vehicle Code §§ 17150 and 17151, subject to applicable limits.
- The Driver’s Employer: An employer may be liable when an employee causes a crash while acting within the scope of employment, such as while making deliveries or driving for work.
- The City of Los Angeles: If a dangerous condition of City-controlled property, such as defective pavement or certain traffic-control problems, contributed to the crash, the City may potentially be liable under California Government Code § 835.
- Caltrans: If a dangerous condition of Caltrans-controlled I-405 infrastructure, including a state-owned ramp or related roadway feature, contributed to the collision, Caltrans may potentially be responsible.
- Road Contractors or Utility Companies: A contractor, subcontractor, or utility company may be liable when unsafe construction work, debris, barriers, temporary traffic controls, or other work-zone conditions contribute to a bicycle crash.
More than one party can share responsibility for the same accident. Identifying who controlled the vehicle, roadway, or work involved can help determine which claims, insurance policies, and filing requirements apply.
Filing Deadlines for Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Claims
Different deadlines may apply to a Van Nuys bicycle accident claim depending on the type of loss and the parties involved.
- Two Years for Personal Injury (CCP § 335.1): In most cases, a personal injury lawsuit against a private party must be filed within two years of the injury. Tolling rules or other exceptions may apply.
- Three Years for Property Damage (CCP § 338): A lawsuit for damage to a bicycle, helmet, cycling gear, or other personal property generally must be filed within three years.
- Six Months for Government Entity Claims: Under Gov. Code § 911.2, claims involving personal injury, death, or property damage generally must be presented to the responsible public entity within six months after accrual. This may apply when the City of Los Angeles, Caltrans, or another public entity is responsible for a dangerous roadway or public property condition.
Before suing a public entity for damages, a claimant generally must first present a written government claim that satisfies California’s claim-presentation requirements.
If the entity properly rejects the claim in writing under Government Code § 913, § 945.6 generally requires the lawsuit to be filed within six months after the rejection notice is delivered or mailed. If no required written rejection notice is provided, § 945.6 generally allows up to two years, usually from the date of the accident.
Claims against the City of Los Angeles are presented through the Office of the City Clerk. The City accepts claims through its online Claim for Damages portal, by mail, or in person.
Results Arash Law Has Achieved for Injured Clients
Arash Law has obtained substantial recoveries for clients injured in accidents across California. These results show how factors such as liability evidence, injury severity, and the specific facts of a case can affect the outcome and value of serious-injury claims, including bicycle-accident cases.
Our firm secured a $3.5 million settlement for a six-year-old cyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being hit and run over by a pickup truck. The child was riding across the roadway when the collision occurred. Although the defense argued that he was responsible for crossing outside a designated crossing area, we pursued the claim and obtained a settlement on his behalf.
Our firm secured a settlement for a 74-year-old pedestrian shortly before jury selection began. Our client suffered serious injuries when a vehicle struck her while she was crossing the street, and she required substantial medical treatment during her recovery. Throughout the case, our team provided close, individualized support and prepared the matter for trial until we resolved it.
Our client sustained significant injuries when a speeding vehicle struck him. In addition to securing a substantial financial recovery, our firm helped connect him with the medical care and treatment he needed throughout his recovery. We remained involved throughout the case and secured a resolution that addressed the financial impact of his injuries.
The case results presented on this page are representative examples and do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Results depend on the unique facts of each matter.
Talk to Arash Law About Your Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Claim
Arash Law’s bicycle accident attorneys are ready to handle every stage of your claim. Your case evaluation is free. Arash Law handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (888) 488-1391. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why Van Nuys Victims Choose Arash Law
Van Nuys bicycle accident claims can involve multiple agencies, time-sensitive evidence, insurance issues, and, in some cases, government-claim requirements. Arash Law addresses these issues throughout the claims process.
- Valley Traffic Division Collision Records: We obtain available LAPD Valley Traffic Division collision reports and related records that may help document how a bicycle crash in Van Nuys occurred.
- Time-Sensitive Evidence Preservation: We identify potential sources of video and other evidence near the crash scene, including traffic-monitoring cameras, business surveillance systems, dashcams, and other nearby video sources.
- Government Claim Filing: When a public entity may be responsible for a roadway condition that contributed to a crash, including the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans, we evaluate whether a government claim is required.
- Litigation Preparation: If a claim cannot be resolved through settlement, our attorneys can prepare the case for litigation in the appropriate Los Angeles Superior Court location.
Arash Law also represents injured cyclists throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in Van Nuys
Who Is at Fault If a Car Hits Me While I Am Biking in Van Nuys?
The driver may be at fault if careless or unlawful driving caused the crash, such as failing to yield, passing unsafely, turning across your path, or opening a vehicle door into your lane of travel. However, fault depends on the specific facts of the collision.
Evidence may include the LAPD traffic collision report, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and other records showing how the crash occurred.
What If the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene?
You may still have options for pursuing compensation after a hit-and-run. Report the crash to law enforcement promptly and provide any information you have about the vehicle, driver, witnesses, or direction of travel.
If the driver cannot be identified, UM coverage under an applicable auto policy may apply if the statutory and policy requirements are met. Coverage also depends on whether you qualify as an insured under the policy.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partly at Fault for My Crash?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault system. If you were partly responsible for the bicycle crash, your compensation is generally reduced by your percentage of fault rather than eliminated. For example, if you were found 30% at fault, you could generally recover 70% of the damages attributable to the claim.
Does My Helmet Status Affect My Ability to File a Claim?
Usually, no. California only requires bicycle helmets for riders and passengers under age 18. Operators and passengers on Class 3 e-bikes must also wear helmets.
California does not require an adult riding a conventional bicycle to wear a helmet, so not wearing one does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim. If you suffered a head injury, however, the defense may argue that helmet use could have reduced the injury and should affect your damages.
What If the Crash Happened Near an I-405 Interchange?
A crash near an I-405 interchange may require a closer look at the ramp configuration, traffic controls, sightlines, and which agency controlled the roadway. Several I-405 interchanges in and around Van Nuys, including Victory Boulevard and Sherman Way, connect freeway traffic with streets used by cyclists.
If a dangerous condition of Caltrans-controlled infrastructure contributed to the crash, a claim against Caltrans may be possible. If City-controlled streets or traffic signals were involved, the City of Los Angeles may also need to be evaluated.
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?
You are generally not required to hire a lawyer before accepting an insurance settlement. However, it may be helpful to have an attorney review the offer and any release before you sign.
A settlement should account for applicable medical expenses, lost income, future losses, and non-economic damages. Once you sign a release, you give up the right to seek additional compensation, even when you later realize the settlement was insufficient. That’s why reviewing it carefully is important.
How Long Does a Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Claim Take?
There is no fixed timeline. A bicycle accident claim may take longer when injuries require extended treatment, liability is disputed, multiple parties are involved, a government entity is a defendant, or a lawsuit becomes necessary.
Claims may be resolved sooner when liability and damages are well documented, and the parties can settle without litigation. If a lawsuit is filed, the timeline also depends on the Los Angeles Superior Court’s scheduling and the case’s complexity.
Ready to Talk to a Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Arash Law represents injured cyclists throughout Van Nuys and the San Fernando Valley. We handle the legal and insurance issues that can arise after a bicycle crash and, when necessary, pursue the case in the appropriate Los Angeles Superior Court location.
Call our Van Nuys bicycle accident attorneys today at (888) 488-1391.
Your case evaluation is free. Arash Law handles bicycle accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not form an attorney-client relationship.
