Bicycle accidents can be a traumatic experience for anyone involved. The consequences often extend beyond the moment of impact, encompassing severe injuries, substantial medical expenses, income loss, and other unforeseen adversities.
At Martinian Lawyers, we understand the complexities of bicycle accidents and how they can impact your life. That’s why we offer a team of dedicated and experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys who specialize in bicycle accident cases. Contact our firm today to set up your free consultation.
Why Choose Martinian Lawyers
Our dedicated Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys is committed to tirelessly safeguarding your rights in the aftermath of an unfortunate incident. Recognizing the challenges posed by uncooperative insurance companies, our foremost goal is to advocate on your behalf, securing the rightful compensation you deserve. With a steadfast resolve, we assemble a proficient team of experts adept in all dimensions of your case.
From meticulously collecting pertinent evidence to adeptly negotiating with formidable insurance entities, we ensure every facet of your claim is handled comprehensively. Moreover, we go the extra mile to facilitate your access to requisite medical care, guiding you seamlessly through the intricate pathways of the legal procedure. Our unwavering dedication stands as your assurance that you do not walk this challenging journey alone.
- Robust Advocacy: Our attorney’s unyielding commitment is to shield your rights vigorously. We understand the intricacies of dealing with insurance companies and are prepared to engage in an unrelenting fight on your behalf.
- Comprehensive Expertise: We pride ourselves on our proficient team of experts who leave no stone unturned. From meticulously gathering compelling evidence to skillfully negotiating with insurance conglomerates, we ensure the multifaceted aspects of your case are managed with precision.
- Navigating Legal Complexities: The legal journey can be bewildering, but with us, you’re not alone. We provide you with the guidance and support needed to navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring you comprehend every step of the process.
- Prioritizing Medical Care: Beyond legal matters, we’re dedicated to your overall well-being. We’re here to assist you in accessing the medical care you require, helping you regain your health while we manage the legal intricacies.
At Martinian Lawyers, we recognize the unique challenges and vulnerabilities cyclists encounter on LA’s roads. With a dedicated focus on representing victims of bicycle accidents, we ensure that each client’s voice is amplified in seeking justice. To cater to the city’s diverse populace, we have a specialized multilingual support system. Our team comprises interpreters fluent in Spanish, Russian, Armenian, Georgian, and Hindi, guaranteeing that every client, irrespective of their linguistic background, feels genuinely understood and accurately represented.
Experience. Compassion. Expertise. Connections. Los Angeles’s streets can be unforgiving for cyclists, making experienced legal advocacy vital. These four pillars are the cornerstones of our approach to bicycle accident representation in the city. They signify our unwavering pledge to stand by your side, every pedal of the way. With Martinian Lawyers, you’re not merely getting legal assistance; you’re forging a partnership grounded in mutual respect, deep knowledge, and a broad network of resources. Entrust us with your case, and we’ll navigate the intricate paths of justice together and fight to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, contact Martinian Lawyers today. Our team of experts will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve and the justice you seek.
What Are Unique Considerations in Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents?
Los Angeles bicycle accidents present unique challenges compared to standard vehicular collisions due to the city’s particular characteristics and infrastructure. Historically, Los Angeles was designed with cars in mind, leading to many roads without adequate cycling infrastructure. This deficiency is evident in the absence of bike lanes or the presence of poorly maintained biking paths, amplifying accident risks. Moreover, the vulnerability of cyclists compared to vehicle occupants means that the severity of injuries can range from abrasions to severe head traumas and broken bones.
Visibility is another significant concern in LA’s often congested areas, especially during the evening. Bicyclists may not be as prominent on the road as larger vehicles, a problem compounded by inadequate street lighting. Additionally, misunderstandings or neglect of right-of-way rules by both drivers and cyclists in LA’s chaotic traffic landscape can lead to unfortunate accidents. To add to the complexities, the bustling environment of the city means that distracted driving, stemming from sources like cell phones or entertainment systems, poses a grave threat to cyclists. Incidents such as “dooring” in crowded locales, where a car’s door is inadvertently opened in a cyclist’s pathway, are further hazards they need to navigate.
The city’s cultural attitudes also play a role. Some Los Angeles drivers are unaccustomed to or even biased against sharing roads with bicyclists, occasionally resulting in aggressive driving behaviors. The “Three Feet for Safety Act,” emphasizes that drivers must maintain a set distance when overtaking bicyclists. Understanding these rules becomes crucial in legal claims post-accident. Unlike car collisions, evidence gathering after bicycle mishaps often requires documenting the bicycle’s condition, protective gear, and specific road and infrastructure conditions. Finally, the economic implications of these accidents are profound, given the severe potential injuries. Victims often face hefty medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and significant losses in income.
What is the “Three Feet for Safety Act”?
The “Three Feet for Safety Act” is a law in California that mandates drivers to maintain a minimum distance of three feet when passing bicyclists on the road. If traffic or roadway conditions prevent a vehicle from safely passing with a three-foot clearance, the driver must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and only pass when doing so would not endanger the bicyclist’s safety.
The primary purpose of this act is to enhance safety for bicyclists and reduce the risk of collisions between vehicles and bikes. Before this law was enacted, the rule was somewhat vague, requiring drivers to keep a “safe distance” when passing bicyclists. The “Three Feet for Safety Act” makes this requirement more explicit, aiming to provide better protection for bicyclists on the roads of California.
“Dooring” Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents
“Dooring” is a term used to describe a type of bicycle accident that occurs when a driver or passenger of a parked or stopped vehicle suddenly opens their door without checking for oncoming bicyclists. This action results in the bicyclist crashing into the door, leading to potential injuries or, in some cases, causing the cyclist to be thrown into traffic.
In Los Angeles, like many urban areas, dooring is a significant concern due to the density of parked cars along streets and the increasing number of people choosing to bicycle for transportation, exercise, or recreation. As a city known for its heavy car reliance and bustling traffic, bicyclists in Los Angeles must be vigilant of parked cars along their route, especially in areas without designated bike lanes. California law requires drivers and passengers to ensure that it’s safe before opening a vehicle door on the side available to moving traffic. Failure to do so can lead to liability for any resulting damages or injuries to the bicyclist.
Comparative Fault in Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents
Comparative fault, also known as comparative negligence, is a legal principle used in California and many other jurisdictions to apportion blame in personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. This system considers the degree of fault of all parties involved in an accident to determine compensation.
Under the comparative fault system, both the bicyclist and the motorist can share responsibility for an accident. Instead of barring recovery for the injured party who might have partially contributed to the accident, as is the case in “contributory negligence” jurisdictions, the comparative fault system reduces the amount of compensation based on the injured party’s degree of fault. If a case goes to trial, the jury or judge will determine the percentage of fault for each party involved. For instance, if a bicyclist is found to be 30% at fault for an accident and the motorist 70%, the bicyclist’s total recoverable damages would be reduced by 30%. Insurance companies are keenly aware of this principle and might try to assign a higher degree of blame on the bicyclist to reduce the claim payout.
Examples of comparative fault in bicycle accidents include when a cyclist crosses an intersection against a red light and collides with a distracted driver. Both parties might share the blame, affecting the compensation awarded. Similarly, a bicyclist riding without lights at night who gets hit by an over-speeding car might also bear a portion of the fault. Misunderstandings about right-of-way can result in accidents if, for example, a cyclist turns in front of an accelerating car, thinking the driver will yield. Doorings, where drivers open car doors without checking for cyclists, can also involve shared blame if the cyclist exhibits risky behaviors like not wearing a helmet or using headphones. The same shared responsibility applies in cases where a cyclist’s sudden movement to avoid obstacles conflicts with a car’s overtaking attempt in a narrow lane or when a speeding cyclist on a shared path collides with a vehicle. The nuances in each scenario emphasize the intricacies of comparative fault assessments.
Statute of Limitations in Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Claims
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline by which a person must file a lawsuit. In California, where Los Angeles is located, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those stemming from bicycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that if a person is injured in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, they typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. Missing the statute of limitations can bar the injured party from recovering any compensation for their injuries, regardless of the merits of their case. While there are some exceptions, acting fast and seeking a legal opinion can ensure none of your options fall through the cracks.
Contact Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
When it comes to bicycle accidents in Los Angeles, the legal intricacies can be daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Martinian Lawyers, we have an experienced team ready to represent you, fight to protect your rights, and vigorously pursue your claim. Every moment counts in securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate; connect with our dedicated Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers today and take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow.
Don’t wait – contact us today for a free consultation.
