Hit by a Car While Biking? Contact A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near You

To some people, biking in Los Angeles may seem foolish, but cyclists have just as much right to be on the road as cars and trucks. Drivers sharing the roads with bicycles have a duty to drive cautiously, as a failure to do so can lead to severe, life-altering injuries for bicyclists.

Fortunately, California protects cyclists who have been injured in an accident through personal injury law. It can be difficult to recover compensation from stingy insurance companies looking out for their bottom line, but a capable Los Angeles auto accident attorney can help. That’s why you should contact the caring and experienced legal team at NOVIK LAW GROUP, A Professional Corporation, today.

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Cyclists Are Especially Vulnerable in Los Angeles

According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, over 800 bicyclists were killed in the United States due to bicycle/motor vehicle crashes in 2015, averaging more than two deaths per day. This is an increase of 12.2% over the year before. In Southern California, 62 people were killed by motor vehicles while riding bicycles in 2017. Los Angeles County hosted 26.

Research has indicated that only a small fraction of bicycle crashes are reported to law enforcement, possibly as low as 10%, so that number is likely significantly higher.

Ted Rogers, editor of Biking in LA, complained about the city’s poor cycling infrastructure, saying it has discouraged people from riding bikes. During “LA’s big bike boom a couple of years ago, a lot of people got onto their bikes and into the streets and started mixing with cars, and they quickly found out how uncomfortable it can be. They might have tried it for a couple of years, but ended up saying it’s not worth it.”

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What Are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Many drivers feel they are more entitled to be on the road than cyclists, especially in areas that don’t have bike lanes. But they’re not. According to Section 21200-21212 of the California Vehicle Code, “A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” This means that if a car hits you while you are legally riding your bicycle, you are entitled to be fully compensated for your injuries.

Unfortunately, accidents occur far too often in Los Angeles. Foremost among the causes is distracted driving. Mobile phones, stereos, and GPS devices can be especially troublesome for drivers, as it is already harder for them to see bicyclists.

What Causes Common Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles?

In addition to driver distraction, the following are significant causes for cycling accidents in Los Angeles:

• Vehicles drifting into bike lanes
• Intersection accidents, especially those involving left turns
• “Dooring,” the bicyclist hitting a car door when the driver opens it into traffic
• Pedestrians knocking over cyclists
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Equipment malfunction
• Running into debris or trash left on the road
• Reckless driving or speeding by the motor vehicle driver

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Our Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles Can Help

There is a definite lack of adequate bike lanes for cyclists in Southern California, leaving them at risk of severe injuries. Even when protected spaces are present, drivers too often ignore them. If you or a loved one has been injured in a biking accident, contact the experienced attorneys at NOVIK LAW GROUP, A Professional Corporation. We’ll get to work right away securing you the compensation you deserve.

Call (818) 305-6041 today to schedule a free consultation at our Encino office.

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Additional Information

• 2016 Bicyclists and Other Cyclists Traffic Safety Fact Sheet
• Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatality Facts – IIHS
• Bicycle Safety – NHTSA