Cycling is a popular way to get around Southern California, but it comes with real risks. Cyclists share the road with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles, often with little protection beyond a painted bike lane. Even with helmets, reflective gear, and safe riding habits, cyclists can be seriously injured if a driver fails to see them and swerves into the bike lane. While cities like Los Angeles are working to add protected bikeways, progress is slow and costly—leaving most riders vulnerable.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car or other vehicle while biking, the injuries can be severe. That’s when you need a lawyer with experience in bicycle accident cases. The Hartunian Law Firm has helped many victims fight for justice and win the compensation they deserve.
Between 2016 and 2018, there were 2,516 fatal bicycle accidents in the U.S.—455 of them in California. Although bike fatalities had declined for years, recent numbers show the highest rates in over 15 years, despite the addition of bike lanes. The rise in distracted driving, the growing number of trucks and SUVs, and more cyclists on the road—thanks to both personal and bike-share use—have all contributed to the danger. In a collision with a car, a bike never stands a chance.
Other Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Not all bike accidents involve cars. Some are caused by other cyclists or pedestrians, especially those who suddenly cross a cyclist’s path, walk while distracted by texting or headphones, fail to control their dogs, or even deliberately knock a cyclist off their bike. Another major cause of bike accidents is poor road conditions. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reports that more than half of California’s 195,000 miles of public roads are in poor condition. The City of Los Angeles is especially problematic—about 20% of bike lanes are rated D or F, according to a Los Angeles Times report. The city has paid out millions in claims to cyclists injured due to neglected roads and unsafe bike lanes.
Some bike accidents result from the cyclist’s negligence. Riders are required to keep their bikes in good condition under California Vehicle Code VC 21201, and they must follow many of the same traffic laws as car drivers. Unlike some states where drivers are always at fault in car-bicycle accidents, California follows the rule of comparative negligence. This means both parties can share blame. For example, if a court finds a driver 75% at fault and the cyclist 25%, the cyclist’s damages will be reduced by their share of the responsibility.
To prove the driver was acting negligibly, the crash must have caused property damage or personal injury. It must also be proved that the driver or bicyclist acted carelessly and that the carelessness directly caused the crash.
The Role of Your Bike Accident Attorney
A collision with a vehicle can leave a cyclist with serious injuries, even when wearing proper safety gear. These often include broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and deep cuts. To secure a fair settlement, your bike accident lawyer will examine the facts, speak with witnesses, and build a case to reduce your liability. This process helps ensure you recover the full compensation you’re entitled to—whether the at-fault party is a driver, another cyclist, a pedestrian, or even a negligent government agency.
In California, you have just two years to file a lawsuit for damages after a bicycle accident. While some exceptions may extend this deadline, it’s important to contact the Hartunian Law Firm as soon as possible so we can start working on your case right away.
Contact Hartunian Law Firm Today!
After a bike accident, call the Hartunian Law Firm to protect your interests. We offer a free consultation in English or Spanish. We assist with costs and don’t get paid until we win. If you can’t visit us, we’ll come to your home, office, or hospital room. Our compassionate team will guide you through the process. If you’ve had an accident, justice is just a call away.
Call us today: Toll-Free at 844-404-0007, Palm Springs at 760-575-5555, or Los Angeles at 310-552-0007.
