Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney

Many people in Los Angeles use bikes as a form of transport or as a way to get exercise and enjoy time outside. Bicyclists are well aware of the dangers on the road, and though most travel safely between their destinations, accidents between bikes and cars do happen. These accidents are usually much more devastating for the cyclist.

If you are a bicycle rider who was hurt in an accident, it’s essential to understand how you can get coverage for your injuries and your future recovery. Oftentimes, filing with the driver’s insurance company won’t cover significant and lasting damages that are caused by an accident. A Los Angeles bike accident attorney can help you find other legal avenues for compensation.

Representing Victims of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles, CA

In California, the person responsible for the harm done to someone is liable to cover their damages. In most cases, a vehicle is at fault in a vehicle-bike accident. At Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, Attorneys at Law, we can help victims of bike accidents prove fault so they can get compensation for property loss, medical costs, and additional damages. For years we have represented victims in their personal injury cases, including car, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents. We can use that experience in your favor and help you determine the most optimal legal options for your case.

Our attorneys understand how frustrating and traumatic a bicycle accident can be. Injuries can be severe and even catastrophic, and the sooner you begin your claim, the more likely it is to succeed. We handle your case with compassion and care while advocating fiercely for your right to a settlement.

Ways to Prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles, CA

When filing a claim, you have to prove fault for the accident. There are several reasons why a car may be considered at fault for the accident, including:

• Distracted driving. A vehicle driver who is inattentive at the wheel, whether they are eating, on their phone, or dealing with something in the backseat, can cause accidents. Distracted driving makes crashes with a cyclist much more likely because bikes are much harder to see than other cars on the road.
• Traffic violations. Cyclists can expect that drivers will follow the signals and signs of the road. If a vehicle fails to yield to the right of way or runs a stop light and hits a cyclist, they can be held liable.
• Excessive speeding. Speeding lowers the time a driver has to react and increases the damage in a crash.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol places everyone else on the road in danger, including cyclists. A driver who injured or killed someone while under the influence faces much higher penalties for criminal charges.

These are some of the ways a vehicle driver can be held liable for a bike-car crash. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, such as footage of the crash, eyewitness accounts, and blood tests. Once fault has been proven, you can get the compensation you need.

Working With a Los Angles Bike Accident Attorney

Many people injured in car and bicycle accidents aren’t aware of just how much compensation they could be awarded. When you contact a Los Angeles accident attorney, they can look at the specifics of your situation and determine the full extent of compensation you could earn. Many people know that lost wages, hospital costs, and property damage are covered, but you could also get compensation for any future medical costs or rehabilitation needs, lost earning capacity, and even pain and suffering. Your attorney can advocate for your rights, and let you recover from your injuries while they provide you comprehensive services from claim to settlement.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Bicycle Accident Laws

Who Is Usually at Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Most often, the vehicle driver is at fault in a bicycle and car accident. Even if the bike hits the car, it may be the car driver’s fault for failing to check a crosswalk or failing to yield. However, it can sometimes be the fault of the bicyclist. Both parties may be distracted, under the influence, or failing to follow the road laws. In cases where the bicyclist is at fault, there is rarely significant damage to the vehicle or the driver, meaning there isn’t a need for high compensation.

How Can You Get Compensated If You Were Hit by a Drunk Driver?

In most cases, a driver being drunk places them partially or entirely at fault for an accident. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you can file to cover your damages. You may have been a pedestrian, a vehicle driver, a motorcyclist, or a bicyclist. You can file with the drunk driver’s insurance provider to cover property damage and medical costs. If this doesn’t cover all your damages, you can file a personal injury claim against them. To win a personal injury claim, you must prove the driver was behaving negligently.

How Do You Prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident?

How you can prove that the driver in a bike-car accident was at fault depends on the specific circumstances of your situation. If the driver is charged with a crime, such as driving under the influence, it will be easier to prove fault. In other situations, your attorney will need to gather expert testimony, eyewitness statements, and any physical evidence that exists to help prove the driver can be held liable. The driver may have been driving recklessly, violating traffic laws, or driving distracted.

How Much Do Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorneys Charge?

At Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, Attorneys at Law, we charge our personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t owe us any legal fees unless we succeed at earning you compensation. If we win your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us legal fees. We understand that you’re likely going through a financially difficult time as you deal with medical costs and are unable to work, and we want to help you get the resources to cover those losses.

Contact Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today

At Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, Attorneys at Law, we want to help victims of traumatic accidents get the damage coverage they need. If you were injured in a bike accident, we want to support you, file insurance and injury claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and reach a settlement or go to trial if necessary. Contact our team today.