Riding a bicycle in Beverly Hills can be a great way to get around, but itโs not free from danger. Because of the city’s traffic and complicated intersections, it can create hazards for bicycle riders. Busy roads, like Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, and Rodeo Drive are known for congestion and multiple lanes of fast-moving vehicles. Residential streets, such as Beverly Drive and Canon Drive may seem safer, but parked cars and narrow lanes can still contribute to bike crashes.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills bicycle accident attorneys can help victims look into their legal options, from recovering medical fees and lost income to pursuing compensation for emotional distress and property damage. Pursuing justice is our primary goal for each and every client. With our proven track record of securing satisfactory results and recovering more than $1.7 billion in settlements, we are equipped to handle complications that may arise in bicycle accident cases.
Whether you were hit by a distracted driver or struck by a car door, we understand the city’s traffic patterns and are ready to fight on your behalf to get you the best possible outcome. To set up a FREE consultation, you can reach out to our legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents are more common than what most people think, and several factors can contribute to it. Many cities still have inadequate cycling infrastructures, like unprotected bike lanes, dim lighting, or gaps in designated routes. These particular conditions will force bicycle riders to share space with other vehicles, increasing exposure to dangerous conditions.
Another portion of cases comes from car doors suddenly opening into a cyclist’s path. This is often referred to as “dooring,” which can push riders into traffic or onto the pavement with little to no time to react. In addition, cyclists may encounter unexpected obstacles, like potholes or debris, all of which can trigger sudden loss of control.
Certain driving habits can also add another layer of risk. Distracted driving, for instance, can greatly reduce the chances of a driver detecting a cyclist, especially at intersections and during turns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 120,000 emergency department (ED) visits for non-fatal-crash related injuries per year. Such cases often occur in urban areas. Riders ages 10 to 14 have the highest rate of bicycle accident injuries treated in EDs.
Where Do Most Cycling Accidents Happen?
Most cycling accidents happen in intersections. In Beverly Hills, such cases are notably higher on North Santa Monica Boulevard and Burton Way. This is known as a hazardous area for cyclists because of dual right-turn lanes. Other concerning factors that can result in such a collision include drivers failing to check their blind spots, rolling through stop signs, or not yielding. These mistakes can contribute to dangerous conditions on the road.
Bike accidents are also common on urban streets, including locations where inadequate cyclist infrastructure is present. Without protected bike lanes or a defined separation from traffic, cyclists are forced to navigate close to vehicles. Lack of space can increase the risk of collisions and close encounters.
Another danger zone includes streets that are filled with parked cars, where the risk of car doors opening is high. Dooring accidents can push cyclists into the pavement or directly onto traffic. This can trigger serious injuries as a result of the sudden impact and exposure to traffic hazards.
What Is the Most Common Bicycle Injury?
Bicycles are equipped with little to no protection, meaning collisions can result in severe injuries. The most common types include the following:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
While some forms of physical pain may be minor, many crashes can trigger serious bodily harm. Seeking prompt medical attention is encouraged to detect the condition and have it treated early on for a better possibility of recovery. In addition, medical records can be used as proof of the injuries you suffered in the bike crash and can be included in your case when pursuing legal action.
โWhat to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Getting into a bicycle accident can be stressful, and it is often difficult to know the right steps to take immediately after. Taking quick action will not only help protect your health, but will also allow you to preserve evidence that may be important to use for insurance claims or legal matters.
- Move to a safe location (if possible). Check yourself for injuries, and contact 911 if anyone sustained serious injuries.
- Report the bicycle accident. Be sure to contact your local law enforcement and file a police report if applicable. This will add credibility and helps establish the circumstances pertaining to the crash.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you think yours is minor, you should still get it assessed by a medical professional. Local health facilities, like Cedars-Sinai and the UCLA Medical Center, may provide emergency care to those who sustained critical harm. Immediate care will ensure proper treatment is applied, and will also create medical records connecting your injuries to the bike crash.
- Document the accident scene. You should photograph or film the scene, the damages, and any injuries involved. Gather names and contact information from all witnesses, as well. This can support insurance claims or legal actions later on.
- Contact a Beverly Hills bicycle accident attorney. Speaking to an experienced bicycle accident attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you are given compensation that reflects the true value of your losses.
Who Is At Fault in a Bike Accident?
Liability in a bike accident is determined by the specific factors involved and traffic regulations. Some common circumstances that may assign fault are:
- Driver negligence
- Cyclist error
- Environmental elements
Fault can also be shared between parties. Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, compensation will be divided based on each side’s percentage of responsibility for the bike accident. Even if the cyclist is partly liable, they are still entitled to recover damages. But, it will be reduced accordingly.
For instance, if a cyclist is 30% at fault for riding outside the bike lane, but a distracted driver is 70% at fault, the cyclist can still acquire 70% of their total damages.
Is the Driver Always At Fault for Hitting a Cyclist?
The driver is not always at fault for hitting a cyclist. Fault will depend on the circumstances revolving around the bike accident and whether either party went against traffic laws. Bicyclists are given the same rights and duties as motorists (California Vehicle Code ยง 21200). Drivers must comply with rules, such as yielding to cyclists (CVC ยง 21950), maintaining safe passing distances (CVC ยง 21760), and avoiding opening car doors into bike lanes (CVC ยง 22517).
Violating either of these provisions may support a finding of driver negligence. But, cyclists can also share accountability if they do not follow traffic laws, like riding outside of designated lanes (CVC ยง 21208) or against traffic (CVC ยง 21650).
Overall, determining fault will require an evaluation of all evidence provided, including police reports, accident scene photos, and medical records documenting any injuries. These will not only confirm the extent of bodily harm, but also can be important in establishing liability and whether it should be divided under California law.
What Is the Most Common Reason for Cycling Fatalities?
According to the CDC, roughly 1,000 bicyclists die in accidents involving a motor vehicle in the United States per year. While such forms of transportation account for 1% of all trips within the country, cyclists contribute to 2-3% of all traffic fatalities. About 59% of deaths happen on road sections away from intersections, while 29% occur at intersections.
Contributing factors may include alcohol use by the driver and/or cyclist, which is involved in more than one-third of fatal crashes. Adult riders between the ages of 55-69 are met with the highest death rates. Male cyclists are the most affected, with death rates seven times higher in comparison to females.
Each of these cases may represent a wrongful death, leaving families devastated and facing long-term emotional distress and financial consequences. Beyond the tragic loss, families will be met with medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and legal proceedings to hold responsible parties accountable. Under California Code of Civil Procedure ยง 377.60, certain family members may be entitled to sue:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- Issue of deceased
- Anyone entitled to inherit under intestate succession
How Much Compensation for a Bike Accident?
The amount of compensation awarded for a bike accident will depend on various factors. Typically, victims may recover economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic damages are quantifiable, out-of-pocket expenses caused by the bicycle accident. They are usually the easiest to calculate since there is clear documentation available, like bills, pay stubs, and receipts. Some common examples include medical bills, lost income, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages are subjective and difficult to quantify in monetary terms , but they are equally important. This may consist of emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages is a rare possibility. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, it is not intended to compensate the victim. Instead, it is awarded to punish the wrongdoer for their reckless or malicious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.
To learn what you may be entitled to, you can access our personal injury settlement calculator and input the amount of losses you endured as a result of the bicycle accident.
Should You Hire an Accident Lawyer?
If you were involved in a bike accident, hiring a Beverly Hills bicycle accident lawyer can greatly affect the outcome of your case. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, and their adjusters will try to make an attempt at settling quickly for far less than what you deserve. A lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and your settlement value mirrors the full extent of your losses.
Handling communications with insurance adjusters and collecting important evidence will help better your chances at securing fair compensation. They will conduct a thorough case evaluation, assess all aspects of the situation (medical records, lost wages, and future expenses), and build a strong claim on your behalf. Many bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only a portion of the settlement if your case succeeds. Hiring a lawyer also lets you focus on recovery while they handle the legal process and pursue justice on your behalf.
Other than financial recovery, hiring a lawyer will allow you to focus on healing while they advocate on your behalf, holding the at fault party responsible and seeking justice on your behalf. With guidance and support, you can go through the legal process confidently and pursue compensation you are entitled to.
Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers for a FREE Consultation
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are determined to help bicycle accident victims secure full compensation. By covering all aspects of your case, we work to obtain recovery that accounts for the full scope of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.ย
Our practice areas further extend to various types of personal injury-related cases, including car crashes, scooter collisions, and motorcycle accidents, allowing us to provide legal support to a wide range of clients.ย
To book a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.
