Bike Accident Lawyer in Sherman Oaks

If you have been injured in a bike accident, know that you have rights. Depending on the injuries sustained from your accident, you could be entitled to major compensation. To learn more, you will need to contact a Sherman Oaks bike accident lawyer.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim has an  A+ rating with the BBB. Additionally, our firm maintains a 99% success rate and has recovered over $100 million for clients.

Dealing with insurance companies after a bike accident is overwhelming and dangerous. Don’t try and take on insurers alone. Contact us for a free, no-risk consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Bike Accidents That Require a Sherman Oaks Bike Accident Lawyer

Sherman Oaks is known for great weather and has a large number of bicyclists on the streets and paths throughout the city.

Bike riding has gained in popularity in the U.S. due to the increase in gas prices, traffic, and for those trying to lessen their carbon footprint and be environmentally friendly.

The reasons vary as to why bike accidents occur but when they do a rider can be thrown from their bike and left with a wide range of injuries. When injuries due occur they can be minor, serious, and even fatal.

Quite often if the accident occurs with a motorist on the road the driver of the vehicle is usually at fault. For more insight on liability, consulting with a Sherman Oaks bike accident lawyer is necessary.

Common reasons for a bike accident in Sherman Oaks are:

• Inattentive riding – Drivers must stay focused on the road and avoid using cell phones to talk, text, or use apps.
• Driving too fast – The damage and injury in an accident increase when motorists are driving too fast.
• Roadway defects – Streets with potholes, cracks in the road, or uneven bumps are dangerous to both the bike rider and the driver.
• Car dooring – When a person opens their door into the lane without looking can be extremely damaging to a bicyclist traveling along.
• Driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks – Narrowed bike lanes and surface streets make it more difficult to share the roads. This increases the chance of being involved in a crash.

How Bicycle Riders Can Be Safe and Avoid Accidents

As a bike rider, there is an inherent risk for a disastrous event when sharing the streets with larger faster, and heavier vehicles.

A bicyclist is highly vulnerable because of the lack of protection the rider has. However, there are some steps that bicycle riders can take to avoid an accident and serious injuries.

• Ride with the traffic – Riders should always ride with the flow of traffic, never in opposition to the other vehicles.

• Wear a helmet – This should be worn at all times and is the best way to help avoid head trauma injuries.

• Using lights – It is actually against the law to ride around without lights and reflectors on your bike, but more importantly, it’s very unsafe.

• Protective wear – Any type of padded clothes is helpful when in an accident. Gloves, as well as protective eyewear, can also be great safety items.

• Keep a safe distance – Accidents can be avoided if a safe distance is maintained between the cyclist and neighboring car.

• Bright colors – Clothing that is bright and reflective makes it much safer for the rider, especially at night.

• Hand signals – When making turns or changing direction, a rider should always use hand signals. This indicates to the motorist what actions you’re about to take.

• Proper Maintenance – Always check your bike to make sure it is in proper order before going on a ride. Handlebars, seats, brakes, lights, etc. need to be checked before getting on and going.

• Keep both hands ready to brake – This is a must and a bicyclist should always be ready to slow down or stop if necessary. Braking can often save a rider from a disastrous event.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced Sherman Oaks bicycle accident lawyer. Personal injury attorneys protect your legal rights and take the important steps needed to pursue a successful claim.

Sherman Oaks Bicycle Accident Statistics

The weather in Los Angeles is picture-perfect 99% of the year. This gives individuals the opportunity to ride bicycles recreationally and for their commute to work.

With all of these bicycles on Sherman Oaks roads, the potential for accidents is dramatically increased. Numerous bicycle accidents are reported every year in Sherman Oaks, and thousands are reported throughout the rest of California.

Injuries/Fatalities From Bike Accidents

According to the most recently available statistics, 106 bicycle accidents in Los Angeles resulted in death. L.A. bike accidents occur more frequently than any other county in California.

Percentage of Bike Accidents Involving Alcohol/Drugs

We have seen a 30% increase in D.U.I. arrest rates over the last five years statewide. In addition, 11% of traffic-related accidents are linked directly to individuals that were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Most Dangerous Intersections in Sherman Oaks

There are a number of intersections in Sherman Oaks that are more dangerous than others. Similarly, intersections in residential communities and neighborhoods have higher instances of commercial traffic.

Below are some of the most dangerous intersections:

• Kester Ave. and Weddington St.
• Kester Ave. and Clark St.
• Riverside Dr. and Van Nuys Blvd.
• Burbank Blvd. and Fulton Ave.
• Magnolia Blvd. and Van Nuys Blvd.

Percentage of Bike Accidents Involving Distracted Drivers

According to the California Department of Transportation, nearly 80% of all motor vehicle accidents are linked to driver inattention.

On top of that, more than 80% of California drivers report that they use their cell phones or are distracted by their mobile devices while driving. Regardless of knowing how dangerous cellphone use is while driving, these drivers admitted to still using their phones.

Because of this, it’s absolutely necessary to work with a Sherman Oaks bike accident lawyer. If you were involved in a traffic collision, contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim today to get started.