Bike Accident Lawyer
Los Angeles is a mecca for bicycle accidents. In 2012 alone, there were over 2,000 reported bicycle crashes, according to an analysis by MIT. In Los Angeles, as in many cities, bicyclists often fail to get the respect they deserve from motorists on the roadways. Many roads and streets have inadequate room on the shoulder for bicyclists, and bike lanes that exist as protected spaces for cyclists are oftentimes ignored by motorists, leading to accidents when a bicycle is clipped by a passing vehicle. If you or someone you love has been harmed in a bicycle accident, a Los Angeles bicycle/bike accident attorney can help you hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
Bikers have the same rights as motorists in California when it comes to sharing and using the roads. While many streets and roads in Los Angeles have adjacent lanes for biking, when those lanes do not exist, motorists are legally required to treat bicycles as they would any other vehicle on the road. Failing to do so subjects motorists to liability claims when bicyclists end up hurt.
Collisions between bicycles and motorists tend to turn out poorly. Cyclists, despite being suited up in safety gear, are completely vulnerable to a range of serious injuries when it comes to passenger vehicles versus bicycles. Broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic head injuries are not uncommon. And while the rider is sometimes partially or fully to blame for the accident, that is the exception, not the rule.
Bicycle Accident Causes
There are a range of conditions that can lead to a life-altering bicycle accident. However, the most commonly cited include:
- Drivers failing to stop at crosswalks.
- Motorists drifting into bike lanes.
- Driver inattention.
- Texting and driving.
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Impaired driving.
- Impaired visibility.
Keep in mind that it’s not always drivers who cause accidents. Uneven or broken pavement, debris in the roadway, and slippery, unsafe road conditions can also result in harrowing bicycle accidents that expose those responsible for road maintenance to potential litigation.
Don’t Lose Your Right To Collect Damages
In California, bicyclists have a specific time frame for filing a claim for damages after being involved in a bicycle accident. This is known as the statute of limitations, a two-year period that begins on the date of your injury. However, if you discover your injuries later on down the road, it is sometimes possible to extend the statutory period. Another exception is for injured minors; the statute of limitations begins at age 18 instead of the date of injury.
Filing A Bicycle Accident Claim
If you have been in a bicycle accident, you may wonder if you have a valid claim. At JML Law, our Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney has many years of experience dealing with victims like you. We can review your case, identify any potentially liable parties, and help you understand the options available. Schedule your no-obligation consultation now.
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Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you've suffered in a Los Angeles bicycle accident.
