California Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Representing Victims of Bike Crashes Nationwide

Over the years, bicycle use has increased as more people look for alternatives to conventional motor vehicles – and long commutes in congested traffic. Unfortunately, this increase in bicycling has also led to increased severe accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only three states in the entire country have more bicycle accident-related deaths than California: Louisiana, Hawaii, and South Carolina.

If you’ve been injured while cycling, you can sue if the driver who caused your accident was negligent. When you work with our compassionate and experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Wisner Baum, you can trust that we will serve as committed advocates in your case. With the highest possible AV® peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and over 4 billion won for our clients in a range of personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases, we are the trial advocates you want during this difficult time.

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident? Call Wisner Baum today at (855) 948-5098 or contact us online to learn how we can help with your case!

Common Ways Drivers Cause Bicycle Accidents and Injuries on California Roads

The NHTSA estimates that over 30% of all bicycle rider injuries are caused when the rider is hit by a car. Although bicycles and other vehicles are governed by many of the same traffic rules under California law, bikers are still far less protected from injuries than other motorists on the road because their entire bodies are exposed during a crash. That means other drivers have a strong “duty of care” to ensure they obey the law around bicyclists and give them enough space to enjoy the Los Angeles roadways.

Unfortunately, drivers often cause accidents with bicyclists in the following ways:

• Intersection collisions
• Front car door collisions
• “Right hook” or right-hand turn accidents
• Inattentive driving (drunk or distracted)
• Failing to look when backing up in a parking lot or garage
• Speeding or driving too close to the bike lane on a narrow road
• Failure to execute a merge correctly

California Cycling Laws: Rights of Cyclists and Shared Responsibility in Bicycle Accidents

California law requires motorists to give cyclists at least three feet of space at all times, including when passing. Many drivers may not be aware that cyclists are allowed to “take the lane” under certain circumstances.

These circumstances include:

• Passing another cyclist
• Avoiding hazards in the bike lane
• Making an authorized right turn
• Getting ready for a left turn
• Riding on a narrow roadway

In some cases, bicyclists may also be partially or fully responsible for causing a collision with a car, truck, pedestrian, or another bicyclist on the road. However, even if you were somewhat responsible for your crash, you are still entitled to bring a lawsuit against a driver who has also been negligent in handling their vehicle – especially when their actions have caused you to sustain catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Bicycle Accident Injuries and Losses

From spinal cord injuries to wrongful death, bicycle accidents rarely result in a positive outcome for riders, even if they are wearing helmets and other safety gear. You may need significant financial resources for your injuries, including medical expenses, therapy, counseling bills, lost wages, long-term medical treatment, and in-home care.

When negligence caused your accident, our team at Wisner Baum can help you hold the right parties responsible in the civil justice system. Since 1985, we have been dedicated to preserving the rights of injury victims and helping them seek accountability for their losses.

We can help accident victims whose injuries were caused by:

• Passenger car drivers
• Commercial truck drivers
• Pedestrians
• Other bicyclists
• Scooter riders
• Defective roads
• Construction site hazards

Wisner Baum proudly serves bicycle accident victims throughout California and the U.S. Our Los Angeles office offers free consultations and same-day appointments!