SHERMAN OAKS BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS & ENCINO

Bicycle a accidents can be devastating. Let us help.

✅ You don't pay until we win

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Bicycle accidents often lead to severe or even fatal injuries, making them among the most catastrophic incidents. If you or a family member have been involved in such an accident, our bicycle accident lawyers in Sherman Oaks can assist you in seeking rightful compensation. At Shiganian Law, our small firm size allows us to dedicate full attention to your case, ensuring it receives the care and meticulous handling it requires. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Call: 818-588-8974

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HOW LONG AFTER THE BICYCLE ACCIDENT CAN THE CLAIM BE SUBMITTED?

In all states, personal injury claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which are laws setting the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. In Los Angeles, the deadlines to file a bicycle accident claim are determined by California's statute of limitations.

The typical deadlines vary depending on the specifics of the case, but generally include:

Claims for injuries noticed later: 1 year from the date the injury was discovered, If the injury was not discovered right away.
Injury claim from a bicycle accident: Two years from the date of the accident.
Only property damage: Three years from the date of the accident.
Claims involving a minor (under 18 years old): Two years from the date they turn 18.
Government-related claims: You must file a claim with the agency within 6 months (for some cases, 1 year) of the incident. If the claim is denied, you can then file your lawsuit. After you file your claim, the government has 45 days to respond. If the government agency denies your claim during the 45 days, you have 6 months to file a lawsuit in court from date the denial was mailed or personally delivered to you. If you do not get a rejection letter, you have 2 years to file from the day the incident occurred..

It is generally essential for claimants in Sherman Oaks (and Los Angeles) to initiate a personal injury claim within two years of a bicycle accident.

HOW IS AUTO VS BICYCLE ACCIDENT FAULT DETERMINED?

In California, both drivers and cyclists are required to exercise a reasonable level of care on the roads. This means staying alert, adhering to traffic laws, and being considerate of each other to prevent accidents.

Failing in these duties can result in drivers being liable for any accidents caused by their negligence.

Like drivers, if cyclists neglect their responsibilities, they can be held accountable for any resulting collisions.

For drivers, this includes:

Not driving under the influence.
Avoiding distractions while driving.
Following all traffic signals and laws, including right-of-way rules.Checking for cyclists before opening car doors on the street side.

For cyclists, they must:

Obey all traffic signals and avoid biking under the influence.
Use designated bike lanes or stay to the right side of the road when moving slowly.
Pass other road users safely and signal properly during turns.

TYPE OF INJURIES IN CALIFORNIA BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

Head and Brain Injuries

Concussions – Caused by impact, even with a helmet.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Can result from a direct blow to the head.
Skull Fractures – Occur in more severe collisions, often without helmet use.
Facial injuries – Including fractures, dental damage, and eye trauma.

Orthopedic Injuries

Fractures (Broken Bones) – Common in the arms, wrists, collarbone, ribs, and legs.
Dislocations – Particularly of the shoulder or fingers.
Joint injuries – Torn ligaments or cartilage in knees or elbows from impact or twisting.

Spinal Injuries

Whiplash – From sudden stops or collisions.
Herniated discs – Often due to falls or rear-end crashes.
Spinal cord injuries – Rare but can lead to paralysis.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Lacerations and abrasions – “Road rash” is common when skin scrapes against pavement.
Contusions (bruises) – From blunt-force impact.
Sprains and strains – Especially in the wrists, ankles, and neck.

Internal Injuries

Or gan damage – From blunt abdominal trauma.
Internal bleeding – May not be immediately apparent after an accident.
Rib fractures – Can puncture lungs or other internal structures.

Psychological Injuries

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Especially in serious or traumatic crashes.
Anxiety and depression – Related to injury recovery or fear of riding again.

BICYCLE ACCIDENT FACTS AND FIGURES

According to the report examining bicycle injuries involving motor vehicles in California from 2007 to 2013 99% of the injuries were non-fatal, yet the injury rate rose by 21% over the period studied.

Most injuries occurred in urban settings, accounting for 98.6% of the total incidents. The most common times for these accidents were during daylight hours, specifically from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with summer and fall being the seasons with the highest occurrence of accidents.

The data shows a gender disparity in bicycle accidents, with men comprising 77% of those injured. The age groups most affected differ by the severity of the injuries; the highest rates of fatal injuries occurred in individuals aged 45 and older, while those aged 15 to 24 experienced the highest rates of non-fatal injuries.

Alcohol consumption was a contributing factor in accidents, particularly among the 15 to 24-year-old age group, which displayed the highest injury rate associated with alcohol use. This underscores the risk of cycling under the influence.

These findings underscore the importance of adhering to road safety measures, including obeying traffic laws, wearing visible clothing, and avoiding alcohol while cycling. These measures are crucial for preventing bicycle accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.

Prioritize your safety. If you're able to move, get yourself and your bike out of harm's way to prevent further injury or accidents. If you're seriously injured, stay still and wait for medical assistance.

Even if you feel fine, seek medical help immediately. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, might not be obvious right away. Delaying medical treatment could also affect any future compensation claims.

Contact the police, regardless of the accident's severity. An official police report will be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Ensure that your version of the events is recorded in the police report.

Obtain the other party’s contact details, including their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.

Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your bike, the other vehicle, road conditions, and your injuries. Take contact information of witnesses if any.

Don’t Admit Fault Avoid making any statements or apologies that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Even casual remarks like "I didn’t see you" can be used against you later.

Preserve Evidence Keep all damaged items, including your bike and clothing. Don’t repair or clean anything until after the case is resolved. This evidence can help demonstrate the extent of the accident.

Notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid making any recorded statements before speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or settle quickly, which may not be in your best interest.

Document your injuries over time by taking photos and keeping a detailed journal of your recovery. This documentation can serve as critical evidence if your case goes to court.

Consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents is vital. We can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

WHY CHOOSE SHIGANIAN LAW

With Shiganian Law, you're choosing a partner with a history of substantial legal victories and a deep commitment to personal attention. Our attorneys, adept in handling a vast array of personal injury cases, offer unique insights that are critical to navigate the legal landscape. Our expertise is in understanding the story behind every case—crafting strategies that resonate with juries and judges alike.

Commitment to All Clients

At Shiganian Law, we understand that accidents rarely occur without cause. When someone else's negligence disrupts your life, we are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. This may include coverage for medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, car repairs, and even punitive damages to support your recovery and improve your quality of life during this challenging period. It's crucial not to overlook potential compensation—particularly when you are most vulnerable. To determine if you have a valid claim, we invite you to take advantage of a risk-free consultation with one of our legal experts. At Shiganian Law, we are just a phone call away, ready to support you in these critical moments.
You Don't Pay Until We Win

We prioritize your peace of mind at Shiganian Law. Understanding the financial burdens that legal actions can impose, we embrace a client-first philosophy—you won't pay any fees until we win your case. This contingency basis ensures that our goals are directly aligned with yours, focusing solely on achieving a successful outcome. Trust us to be your staunch advocates, tirelessly fighting for what you rightfully deserve.

MEET ISABEL SHIGANIAN

Over a Decade in Personal Injury Law

3+ Years in the United States
7+ Years in Europe

I’ve dedicated my career to supporting clients in personal injury and domestic violence cases. Recognized for my strategic approach and client-centered service, I have helped secure millions for those wronged.

I began my career as an associate attorney at prestigious Los Angeles firms, honing my skills across a range of legal fields. This journey inspired me to establish Shiganian Law, where I now combine my expertise with a passion for client advocacy.

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