Burbank Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When you’re involved in a bike accident with a negligent driver, you may be faced with severe injuries that require extensive ongoing medical treatment. If you’re out of work, the medical bills may quickly pile up. Taking legal action as soon as possible after an accident can increase your chances of a successful outcome to your case.


Here, we’ll discuss why bicycle accidents remain an ongoing problem in Burbank, what your legal options are after being injured in a bike accident, and why it’s so important to hire an experienced Burbank bicycle accident lawyer to help you through the claims process and help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages.

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What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Burbank?

The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Burbank are listed below:

  • Distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous for cyclists on the road. If a driver is distracted by their phone, they’re much less likely to see a cyclist on the road.
  • Not leaving a buffer zone. A motorist should leave 3 feet of space between the cyclist and themselves when passing. Failing to leave this amount of space can result in the motorist rear-ending or sideswiping the cyclist.
  • Speeding. Speeding is one of the leading causes of bike accidents in Burbank. When a driver speeds, they may lose control of their vehicle, may not be able to stop in time, and will be unable to react to changes in traffic.
  • Turning without looking. A driver may turn or change lanes without checking their blind spots or mirrors for cyclists.
  • Running stop lights or stop signs. When a driver runs a red light or stop sign, this can increase their chances of striking a cyclist who has the right of way at an intersection.
  • Driving under the influence. A driver who is intoxicated will have slow reflexes, and poor judgment, and may not be able to gauge how close or far away a cyclist is.
  • Dooring accidents. A driver or their passenger may open their door without looking, striking an oncoming cyclist.

How Do I Avoid a Bike Accident in Burbank?

To avoid a bicycle accident in Burbank, follow the tips below:

  • Use hand signals. Using hand signals when turning or stopping can show other motorists your intentions. Signaling will get a motorist’s attention, telling them that they need to be careful, causing them to give you the space you need.
  • Make yourself more visible. Under California law, bicyclists are required to use a rear reflector and a headlight at night. However, even during the day, it’s important to make yourself highly visible to drivers, especially at intersections. Wearing brightly colored clothing that’s reflective, can also capture a driver’s attention.
  • Ride predictably. Always ride with the flow of traffic, in a straight line, and without swerving. When drivers are able to predict where you’re going, they can exercise caution.
  • Choose the safest area to ride. Always choose the safest spot to ride, using bike paths and bike lanes whenever possible. Avoid riding on sidewalks to prevent potential accidents with pedestrians.
  • Look over your shoulder. Before you merge with traffic or turn left, always look over your shoulder.

What Types of Injuries are Most Commonly Sustained in Bicycle Accidents in Burbank?

The types of injuries most commonly sustained in bicycle accidents in Burbank are listed below:

Spinal cord injuries

Crush injuries

Road rash

Soft tissue damage

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Broken bones/bone fractures

Neck injuries

Neck injuries

Back injuries

Chest injuries

Chest injuries

Loss of limb

Broken bones/bone fractures

Crush injuries

Internal organ damage

Internal organ damage

Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding

Arm and wrist injuries

Wrist and hand injuries

Scarring and disfigurement

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I can’t thank Aren enough for the incredible work on my case. From our very first meeting, I felt truly heard and understood. He took the time to explain everything to me, and I always felt like I was in good hands. He fought tirelessly to get me the compensation I deserved. I highly recommend the team at Avaness Law to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney who genuinely cares about their clients.

Rita Khechumyan

Avaness law is the vest car accident attorney in town. They helped me Secure a very good settlement. I am very happy with their professionalism and there care. The attorneys here really know what they’re doing and I highly recommend them to everybody in my family and friends.

Vlada Tkachenko

A highly recommended lawyer! Aren Avaness is incredibly knowledgeable, guiding me through every step of the legal process with patience and clarity. I always felt informed and supported. If you’re looking for an attorney who is dedicated, professional, and effective, look no further than him. Thank you for your hard work!

Marina Nazaryan

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What Are My Legal Options for Bicycle Accident Claims in California?

Your legal options for filing a bicycle accident claim in California include:

  • If a negligent driver caused the accident, you would file a claim with the driver’s insurance provider
  • If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit.
  • If you have bicycle insurance, you can file a claim under your bicycle liability insurance, if you were at fault for the accident.
  • If you have bicycle insurance and you were involved in a hit-and-run accident or an accident with an uninsured motorist, you can file a claim under your bicycle insurance provider to cover the cost of damage to your bike and cover the cost of medical treatment up to your policy’s limit.

Why Would I Need to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Burbank?

You would need to hire a bicycle accident attorney in Burbank if:

  • You were injured
  • Multiple parties are involved
  • The insurance company denied your claim
  • Liability is disputed
  • The insurance company is refusing to offer you a fair settlement

How Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Burbank Help Me with My Claim?

A car accident lawyer in Burbank can assist you with your claim by:

Conducting an Accident Investigation

A bicycle accident lawyer will conduct an investigation by visiting the scene of the accident and taking photos and video footage of the scene, skid marks, and anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as debris on the road, lack of signage, or faulty traffic lights. 

They will also gather evidence, such as:

  • Police report
  • Medical records
  • Medical bills
  • Pay stubs
  • Phone records
  • Dashcam footage, traffic camera footage, surveillance footage
  • Witness statements
  • Photos of your injuries and bicycle damage

Reviewing the Accident Report

An accident report contains details that can strengthen your claim, such as:

  • The law enforcement officer’s opinion regarding which party was at fault
  • A diagram of the accident scene
  • Statements from the driver and passengers
  • A description of your injuries
  • A description of the accident scene
  • A description of bike damage and vehicle damage

Interviewing Witnesses

An attorney will speak to anyone who witnessed the accident to get their account of the events that led up to the crash and what happened after, including anything the driver did and said.

Assessing Damages

Assessing damages can involve using documentation such as bills, repair estimates, receipts, and pay stubs to calculate compensation for property damage, lost wages, and bike repair or replacement costs. They may consult with experts regarding the cost of future medical care, loss of earning capacity, and loss of future earnings, and other losses. They will use the per diem method or the multiplier method to calculate the cost of non-economic damages.

An experienced bike accident attorney will know how to accurately calculate your damages to ensure you don’t leave money on the table.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

you into accepting a lower settlement than what you deserve. When you hire a bike accident lawyer, they will handle all communication with the insurance company to protect your rights and your claim, ensuring you recover a fair settlement.

How Many Years Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in California?

In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline, your case will be dismissed and you will be unable to recover any compensation for your accident-related losses.

How Do Avaness Law Attorneys Determine Fault in California Bicycle Accidents?

An Avaness Law attorney determines fault in California bicycle accidents by:

  • Reviewing the police report
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Visiting the accident scene
  • Reviewing video footage and photos of the accident scene, vehicle and bicycle damage, and your injuries
  • Consulting with experts, such as accident reconstructionists

By reviewing evidence, speaking with witnesses, and consulting with experts, an attorney will have a clear picture of how and why the accident occurred and which party is at fault.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident in California?

How much compensation you can recover after a bicycle accident in California will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your case, such as:

  • Insurance policy limits
  • The severity of your injuries
  • Your prognosis
  • How many parties are involved
  • Whether your injuries will require medical treatment in the future
  • Whether your injuries have forced you to switch careers
  • Whether your injuries will prevent you from ever returning to work
  • How your injuries have affected your life

And other variables.

The damages you can pursue are broken into two categories: economic damages (special damages) and non-economic damages (general damages).

Damages (Special Damages)

To prove your demand for economic damages your attorney will use documentation, such as pay stubs, statements from your employer, medical bills, bike repair estimates, and other forms of documentation. Because there is documentary evidence of the value of economic damages, these damages are easily quantified. 

Examples of economic damages include:

Past and Future Medical Expenses

If your injuries require medical treatment in the future, your bicycle accident lawyer will consult with your treating physicians and specialists to learn more about your injuries and overall health and determine how your injuries will affect your life in the future, what ongoing medical treatment would be required, and what the cost of the future medical treatment would be. This way, your demand for compensation will accurately reflect the compensation you need to continue to receive vital medical care now and in the future.

Lost Wages

Your attorney will use pay stubs and statements from your employer detailing the time you have missed at work to calculate compensation for lost wages. If your injuries force you to change positions or careers, or your injuries prevent you from ever returning to work, your attorney can pursue compensation for loss of earning capacity or loss of future earnings

Property Damage

Your bicycle accident attorney will review repair estimates, or documentation regarding the value of your bike and any personal property that was on your person at the time of the accident ( cell phone, etc.) to calculate the value of property damage.

Non-Economic Damages ( General Damages)

Non-economic damages are subjective and are not easily quantifiable. Your attorney will use the per diem method or the multiplier method to calculate non-economic damages. The per diem method assigns a daily rate for your pain and suffering and multiplies it by the number of days it took you to reach maximum medical improvement. 

With the multiplier method, your attorney will use a value between 1.5 and 5, based on the severity of your injuries. Using the chosen value, they will multiply it by the total cost of your economic damages. 

Non-economic damages include:

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional suffering you have endured due to your injuries.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries have prevented you from attending social activities, participating in sports, hobbies, or other activities you once enjoyed, your attorney may pursue compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.

Emotional Distress

An accident can be very traumatic and may result in anxiety, depression, anguish, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Do Avaness Law Bicycle Accident Attorneys Determine the Value of Damages?

Avaness Law bicycle accident attorneys determine the value of damages by:

  • Reviewing medical records
  • Reviewing medical bills
  • Reviewing bike repair estimates
  • Consulting with experts to determine the severity of your injuries and the cost of any future medical treatment needed
  • Calculating lost wages
  • Calculating loss of earning capacity or future lost wages if your injuries force you to switch careers or prevent you from ever returning to work

For non-economic damages, which are subjective and cannot be proven with documentation, a bike accident attorney will use the per diem method or the multiplier method to calculate general damages.

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If you were injured in a bike accident that was caused by a negligent driver, the bicycle accident lawyers at Avaness Law can help. Our legal team offers free consultations to discuss your case, explore your legal options and rights, and go over how we can help you obtain the fair settlement you deserve for an accident that was not your fault. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn more.

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