Cycling in cities like Los Angeles is a great way to stay active, save money, and help the environment. But with busy streets come unique challenges for cyclists, including sharing the road with cars, dealing with hazardous conditions, and avoiding distracted drivers. If you’ve been in a bike accident, knowing your legal rights can make a big spacing in your recovery journey. You need to know where to protect yourself and get the justice you deserve.
What Every Urban Cyclist Should Know About Legal Protections
Did you know California law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing? Cyclists also have the right to use most roads and bike lanes if they follow traffic rules. But even with these protections, accidents still happen.
You could be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence. It may include compensation for your hospital bill, any income you may have lost as a result of the accident, or even being treated for post-accident depression. What are the rights of the cyclist? An experienced Los Angeles bike accident attorney will enlighten you about this and assist you in getting a favorable solution.
Accidents Happen: Your Legal Toolkit for Cyclist Safety
Besides, once again, the ad doesn’t hide that accidents could occur anytime despite taking all the necessary precautions. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a bike crash:
Get Medical Help: Your health comes first. If you or someone you know has no apparent symptoms of injury, do not ignore it; seek medical attention from a doctor.
Document Everything: Photograph the scene, your motorbike, unusual signs at the scene, other vehicles that were involved in the accident, and your injuries, if any.
Call the Police: This is important if you file a police report, and it might be an element in pleading your case.
Gather Witness Info: Instead, get phone numbers and other contact details of anybody who witnessed the accident.
Contact a Lawyer: A professional bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles will help you understand the case’s nuances and receive fair compensation.
Acting quickly can protect your rights and strengthen your case.
From Pavement to Courtroom: Fighting for Justice After a Bike Accident
Recovering from a bike accident is challenging enough without dealing with legal headaches. That’s where a skilled personal injury attorney in Los Angeles comes in. They can handle the complicated stuff while you focus on healing. Here’s how they can help:
- Investigating the accident to gather evidence.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court if necessary.
At the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg, we understand how overwhelming this process can be. Our team is here to take the burden off your shoulders and fight for the justice you deserve.
Who’s at Fault? Breaking Down Liability in Bicycle Collisions
If there is a bike accident, the parties involved and the court must know who is at fault. Here are some common scenarios:
- Driver Negligence is reckless driving, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to give way to other road users.
- Road Hazards: The potholes, bumper crops, or fragile roads due to construction work or any other whatsoever.
- Defective Equipment: Defective bicycle parts or failure of equipment.
California uses a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. A seasoned Los Angeles bike accident attorney can help prove liability and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
A bicycle accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face it alone. The Law Offices of Howard Kornberg are here to help. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of California cycling laws, we’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
Take the first step today. Call 310-997-0904 to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together to get you back on track.
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