One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents that result in major injuries or fatalities in California is the negligence or carelessness of motorists. Under California law, anyone who is injured in a bicycle accident can file a personal injury lawsuit against the party who caused the accident and the resulting injuries.

If you've been hit by a car while riding your bike, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Family members who have lost a loved one in such an accident may also have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses.

At Vaziri Law, we specialize in representing cyclists who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of drivers. Our team knows the challenges you face, from dealing with insurance companies to proving negligence. We work tirelessly to gather evidence, including medical records and driver's contact information, to build a strong case on your behalf.

Understanding the Right of Way for Cars and Bikes

Knowing who has the right of way can prevent accidents and protect both drivers and cyclists. In California, traffic laws outline when a bicycle rider or motorist must yield, but not everyone follows them. This leads to collisions, serious injuries, and complex legal disputes.

Right-of-way laws include:

• Intersections: Cyclists moving with traffic have the same rights as cars. Drivers must yield before turning.

• Bike lanes: Vehicles must not merge into a bike lane unless making a right turn.

• Crosswalks: Bicyclists must stop at pedestrian crossings but have the right to continue when permitted.

When a driver ignores these rules and causes an accident, they can be held responsible. If you've suffered car accident injuries due to a driver's negligence, we can help you through the claims process.

Duty of Care

Every driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and avoid harming others, including bicyclists. This means following traffic laws, staying alert, and sharing the road responsibly. When drivers fail to uphold this duty, accidents happen, and cyclists often suffer the most severe injuries.

Reckless behavior behind the wheel puts bicyclists at serious risk. Common causes of bike accidents include distracted driving, running red lights or stop signs, impaired driving, and failing to yield. Even something as simple as opening a car door without checking for approaching cyclists can lead to devastating consequences.

When a motorist's negligence causes a bicycle accident, they can be held financially responsible for the resulting damages. Injured cyclists have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. We fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and protect cyclists on the road.

Reckless Driving

When a driver behaves recklessly and causes a bicycle accident, the injured cyclist has the right to seek financial compensation. California law holds negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. If a motorist fails to obey traffic laws and puts others in danger, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries and losses suffered by the victim.

California Vehicle Code Section 21209 clearly states that motor vehicles cannot operate in designated bike lanes. If a driver violates this law and strikes a bicyclist, they may face serious legal consequences. In most bicycle accident cases, proving negligence is key to recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

We fight for injured cyclists and work to hold reckless drivers accountable. If you've suffered physical injuries due to a careless motorist, our legal team is ready to help.

Establishing Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Case

To recover financial compensation after a bicycle accident, we must prove that the driver acted negligently. This means showing that the motorist had a duty to drive safely, violated that duty, and caused harm. When a driver ignores bicycle accident laws or engages in reckless behavior, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries and damages they cause.

Negligence can take many forms. For example, a driver might fail to give a cyclist at least three feet of space when passing, creating a dangerous situation. Violating traffic laws—such as speeding, failing to yield, or running a red light—also puts bicyclists at risk. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another common cause of serious bike accidents.

If you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or a damaged bike, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you secure fair compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case.

When the Driver Can Be Held Responsible

If you've been involved in a bicycle accident, you may wonder if the driver can be held responsible for your injuries. In most cases, drivers can be held liable if they fail to follow traffic laws or act carelessly, leading to the accident.

Common examples include speeding, running red lights, or driving while distracted. When a driver's actions cause harm, they can be held financially responsible for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.

To determine liability, we gather evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and the other driver's contact information. This helps prove negligence and strengthens your case. If the driver's insurance company tries to deny or undervalue your claim, we step in to ensure you receive fair compensation.

When the Passenger Can Be Held Responsible

In most car accident cases, the driver is typically the one held responsible for the crash. However, there are situations where a passenger may also share liability. For example, if a passenger distracts the driver, encourages reckless behavior, or fails to alert the driver to a dangerous situation, they could be partially at fault. Proving this requires careful investigation and evidence gathering.

If you've been injured in an accident involving a negligent passenger, you may still be able to recover compensation. We can help determine liability by examining the facts of the case, such as witness statements and police reports. This ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Compensation for Damages After a Bicycle Accident

The value of your bicycle accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of the other party's negligence, and the impact on your life.

Common injuries in bike accident cases range from broken bones to spinal cord trauma, often caused by a driver's carelessness. If you've been hurt, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses.

Here's what you can potentially recover:

• Past and future medical bills: This covers immediate treatment costs and ongoing care, including surgeries, medications, and future medical bills.

• Rehabilitation expenses: Many victims need physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other treatments to recover. These costs can add up quickly and are often not fully covered by insurance.

• Lost income and earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages and any long-term effects on your ability to earn a living.

• Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. In wrongful death cases, families can also seek damages for loss of companionship and funeral expenses.

At our personal injury law firm, we are aware of how overwhelming this process can be. We fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation, even if you're dealing with an auto insurance company or challenging bad-faith insurance practices.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

A bicycle accident can leave you feeling shaken and uncertain about what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your insurance claim and help you seek the personal injury protection you deserve.

File a Police Report

Always contact law enforcement and report the accident. A police report provides crucial documentation that can support your bicycle accident lawsuit and establish legal liability. Request a copy of the report for your records.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor right away. Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, don't show immediate symptoms. Delaying treatment could affect your medical expenses and ability to recover compensation later. If paramedics arrive, do not decline care.

Gather Evidence

Document everything at the scene. Collect the driver's insurance information, license plate number, and contact details. Take photos and videos of the accident site, your injuries, and any property damage. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Be courteous, but don't apologize or accept blame. What you say can be used against you by the insurance adjuster. Liability isn't always clear, and an attorney can investigate a bicycle accident to protect your rights.

Taking these steps helps bicycle accident victims strengthen their personal injury cases and secure proper legal representation.

Obstacles Our Los Angeles Bike Accident Lawyer Overcomes on Behalf of Cyclists

Cyclists face an uphill battle after an accident. From dealing with insurance companies that try to shift blame to gathering evidence at the accident scene, the legal process can feel overwhelming. That's where we step in. At Vaziri Law Group, we fight for injured cyclists, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

One of the biggest challenges in most personal injury cases involving bicycles is proving fault. Drivers often claim they didn't see the cyclist or that the rider was at fault. We dig deep, gathering traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports to establish liability and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Insurance companies also work to minimize payouts, offering low settlements that don't cover medical bills or lost wages. If you rely on your own personal injury protection, you may find yourself battling your insurer. Our legal team pushes back, demanding fair compensation for medical expenses, bike repairs, and pain and suffering.

Understanding California's complex traffic laws is another hurdle. Many drivers don't understand a cyclist's right to the road, leading to disputes over fault. Our bicycle accident attorney uses knowledge of state laws and past case results to prove your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Los Angeles Bike Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If a reckless or negligent driver caused your bicycle accident, you have the right to seek justice. Holding them accountable requires strong evidence, and gathering that proof can be challenging. That's where we come in. At Vaziri Law, we fight for injured cyclists, making sure your case is built on solid facts.

Our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. Call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.