If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Encino, CA, you’re probably facing a range of emotions and significant medical bills. In these cases, securing legal representation can be paramount to your recovery. An experienced Encino bicycle accident lawyer will act as your advocate and handle vital tasks like gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring all necessary legal documentation is properly filed.  

This allows you the space and peace of mind to concentrate on healing from any physical or emotionaencinol injuries sustained during the accident. For help after a bicycle accident in Encino, California, contact JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation or call 833-852-3600 with an Encino bicycle accident attorney. 

How JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’re in a Bicycle Accident

How JustiCenter Can Help if You’re in a Bicycle Accident

Were you in the unfortunate position of having been involved in a bicycle accident in Encino, CA? If so, there are several ways JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers can help navigate your path toward filing a personal injury claim. 

Our personal injury lawyers in Encino can do the following: 

  • Case Evaluation: We will examine the details surrounding your accident. We will review any relevant reports or witness testimonies, evaluate liability issues, and advise you.
  • Identifying Damages: We can assist with identifying all potential damages you may be entitled to. This includes not only your tangible costs, such as medical bills, but also intangible losses, like pain and suffering. 
  • Negotiating With Insurance Companies: We’ll work directly with insurance companies, aiming to negotiate a fair settlement that adequately covers the damages from your accident.
  • Litigation If Necessary: Our legal team is prepared to take the case to court if an acceptable agreement cannot be reached through negotiation alone. Our talented lawyers bring solid litigation experience and will prove relentless in their pursuit for justice.

For help after a bicycle accident in Encino, California, we’re here to help. Visit our law office today to schedule a free consultation with an Encino bicycle accident lawyer. 

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Encino, California?

In recent years, the safety of bicyclists on the roads has become a growing concern, highlighted by alarming statistics from California and Los Angeles, where Encino is located. 

In 2021, California witnessed 125 bicyclist fatalities, indicating a significant safety issue for cyclists in the state. A staggering 85% of bicycle fatalities in Los Angeles in 2022 occurred on roads without dedicated bike lanes, underscoring the potential protective value of proper infrastructure. Excessive driving speed has been identified as a major contributing factor to the severity of road collisions, particularly affecting the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

Dangers faced by bicyclists continue to highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures in California and the importance of protecting bicyclists. 

What is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?

Determining the exact value of a personal injury claim from a bicycle accident can be complicated. It depends on various factors that are unique to your particular case. Among the elements considered are:

  • The Severity of Your Injuries: Generally, the more severe and long-lasting your injuries are, the higher your compensation will be. This is because severe injuries typically mean extensive medical bills and time off work, which can be significant costs.
  • Insurance Coverage Available: Insurance coverage plays a significant role in the evaluation of your case value. Your insurance coverage and the insurance coverage of the person responsible for your accident will directly impact how much compensation you may be able to receive when filing a claim. 
  • Strength of the Evidence: Solid evidence makes it harder for responsible parties to argue against their liability, effectively strengthening your claim. Evidence may include witness testimony, police reports, and medical records.

While there are similar factors taken into consideration for each case, there’s no standard one-size-fits-all answer to immediately determine your case value. The best way to determine what you may be entitled to is to speak with a personal injury lawyer specializing in bicycle accident claims. 

What Kind of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?

When it comes to compensation in bicycle accident cases, victims may be entitled to a number of different damages. Each category is designed to compensate for distinct losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages can easily be quantified into a specific dollar amount, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly resulting from the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages pertain to more intangible losses that don’t have explicit dollar values, including mental anguish, pain and suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

The state of California also allows punitive damage awards under specific conditions – if it’s proven that the defendant engaged in oppression, fraud, or malice. These damages are not meant to be compensatory but rather are used as punishment and to deter similar actions in the future.

Becoming a victim in a bicycle accident can be life-altering, but it’s essential to remember that legal avenues for obtaining compensation exist. By working with an experienced attorney, you’ll better understand the above damages and what you’re entitled to.

Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in California?

Yes, even if you’re being partially blamed for a bicycle accident in California, you can still recover compensation thanks to the state’s application of pure comparative negligence laws.

Pure comparative negligence is a system that allows an individual to recover damages based on their percentage of fault. Your determined share of blame will reduce your damage award. 

For instance, if you were found to be 30% responsible and won $100,000 at trial, under this rule, your total recovery would be $70,000. This reflects a reduction according to your percentage of fault.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Injuries 

Bicycle accidents can result in a range of minor and more serious or life-altering injuries. 

Common bicycle accident injuries include the following:  

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Broken Bones and Fractures
  • Dislocations 
  • Bruises and Abrasions 
  • Spinal Cord Damage
  • Face and Dental Injuries

Despite wearing protective gear such as helmets and pads, these injuries sometimes still occur due to the vulnerability of cyclists on roads largely dominated by cars.

What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Encino, California?

Bicycle accidents in Encino, California, can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the common causes can enlighten riders and aid in strategies to prevent potential hazards. 

Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

  • Drivers failing to yield
  • Dooring accidents
  • Distracted driving or biking
  • Reckless driving
  • Bikers running lights or stop signs
  • Driving or biking under the influence 

Being aware of how accidents occur will help you understand what to look for and can help you stay safe.

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Bicycle Accident in California?

Establishing negligence is a crucial part of a successful bicycle accident claim in California. Certain key elements need to be proven for the other party to be held responsible after an accident, including: 

Duty of care

You must establish that the person at fault owed you a duty of care. Motorists are obliged to operate their vehicles responsibly and safely and not cause harm to other road users, including bicyclists. 

Breach of Duty

Next, you’ll have to show that the liable party breached their duty by acting or failing to act in a certain way. This could include speeding, dooring a cyclist, or driving drunk, for example.

Causation

The third component requires that you prove the defendant’s breach of duty was indeed the cause of your injuries. For instance, if a driver ran a red light and struck you while on your bike, their negligent behavior directly led to the accident.

Damages

Finally, you need to show that you suffered real harm as a result of the accident. This could come in the form of physical injury, emotional distress, lost wages, or even property damage to your bicycle.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in California?

In California, victims typically have two years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This period is referred to as the statute of limitations.

In some cases, there can be exceptions that extend or shorten this deadline depending on the specific circumstances related to your case. For instance, if your claim involves government entities – like you were hit by a city bus – you may only have six months to initiate your claim. Additionally, claims for property damage are different – there is a three-year deadline.

Because these timelines vary, it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This ensures you don’t miss out on your right to recover monetary damages. 

Contact Our Encino Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Bicycle accident victims in Encino, CA, deserve to have their rights protected and their injuries compensated. If you live in Encino or the surrounding areas, you don’t have to face this battle alone. The experienced lawyers at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Encino bicycle accident lawyer.

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Visit Our Injury Law Office in Encino, CA

JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers – Encino Office
16633 Ventura Boulevard 1011,
Encino, CA 91436

Phone: (833) 852-3600

Opening Hours: Monday through Friday
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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