SHERMAN OAKS BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS

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.

Involved in a bicycle accident? Call us now: 818-588-8974

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.

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.

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

For cyclists, they must:

• Obey all traffic signals.

• 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.

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

TYPE OF INJURIES IN CALIFORNIA BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

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.

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.