Woodland Hills Bike Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Riders Injured in the San Fernando Valley & Woodland Hills

Whether you commute on a bicycle to save money or help protect the environment, or you ride for exercise or pleasure, the risk of being seriously injured in a crash involving a vehicle is very real. These crashes can be devastating, resulting in severe pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and long-term or lifelong physical impairments, as a bike accident attorney in Woodland Hills can attest.

While bicycle riders have many of the same rights as drivers on California’s roads, you wouldn’t know it from the way most people drive. From running cyclists off of the road to plowing through intersections without the right of way, drivers routinely make negligent and aggressive driving mistakes that lead to dangerous – and sometimes deadly – collisions with law-abiding cyclists.

If you were injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle, there is a good chance that you are entitled to financial compensation. Bicycle riders’ losses are often substantial, and in most cases securing just compensation is the only way for riders to make a full recovery. Having represented numerous cyclists injured in accidents throughout Southern California, we know. We know what it means to lose the ability to ride, and we know how riders’ lives can change for the better when they win the compensation they deserve.

At Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation, our Woodland Hills bike accident attorney is dedicated exclusively to representing accident victims in the San Fernando Valley & Woodland Hills. Woodland Hills bike accident attorney, Barry Goldberg, routinely represents injured cyclists, and he has a proven track record of quickly securing just compensation even in the most complex and difficult cases. Mr. Goldberg has studied the unique dynamics involved in accidents involving both road bikes and mountain bikes, and he relies on more than 35 years’ legal experience to pursue aggressive case strategies designed to maximize his clients’ financial recoveries.

Here is what clients say about working with the Woodland Hills bike accident attorney, Mr. Goldberg, and the professional staff at Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation:

“Really appreciate the legal guidance I received from Mr. Goldberg. I did not feel my insurance company had my best interest[s] in mind and I reached out for legal coun[sel]. It was clear Mr. Goldberg was an expert not only in personal injury cases but the use of Facebook posts and Tweets as evidence. I will definitely work with Mr. Goldberg again in the future and will recommend him to my family and friends.”

“Thank you so much for everything you did for me on my case—all the hard work, support and all your efforts. You were there for me during a difficult time in my life. It means more than you will ever know.”

Common Factors in Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Accidents

Most cyclists ride defensively in traffic – they have to. With vehicles weighing several tons traveling many times their speed just feet away, cyclists have little choice but to adhere to good safety practices and follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, oftentimes, this simply is not enough. Safe bicycle riders regularly suffer serious and catastrophic injuries in accidents caused by:

• Aggressive Driving – From exceeding the speed limit to running red lights and stop signs, vehicle owners who drive aggressively are hazards to cyclists and everyone else on the road. For some reason, many drivers also have a tendency to get angry at cyclists, and may even actively take out their anger, resulting in a reckless and dangerous accident.
• Distracted Driving – These days, distracted driving has become so commonplace that we consider it as a possible factor in almost every accident. While driving distractions used to be limited to eating, drinking, looking at maps, and adjusting the radio dial, today drivers are texting, sending emails, typing in GPS directions, posting to social media, and even watching videos behind the wheel.
• Drunk Driving – Drunk driving continues to be a persistent problem in Southern California, and bicycle riders can face extreme dangers when approached by intoxicated drivers. The impairments caused by even a small amount of alcohol consumption are enough to multiply drivers’ chances of causing a bicycle accident several times over.
• Fatigued Driving – Studies have shown that fatigue can cause driving impairments on par with those of alcohol consumption. Fatigued drivers are less likely to see cyclists on the side of the road, they are less likely to brake in time to avoid hitting cyclists once they see them, and they deserve to be held financially accountable for the consequences of deciding to drive while not in a condition to do so.
• Inattentive Driving – In some cases, drivers are not necessary aggressive, distracted, or impaired, but rather are simply inattentive behind the wheel. Despite the prevalence of bicycles on Southern California’s roads, it is not uncommon for a driver who hits a cyclist to say, “I just didn’t see that she was there.”
• Bicycle Defects – If your bicycle is unsafe, there may be nothing you can do to avoid a sudden and unexpected accident. As a rider, you trust your bicycle to do what it is supposed to, and defective components and accessories can leave you helpless to avoid a dangerous situation.

Regardless of what happened, if you were involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, we encourage you to give us a call. We can act quickly to investigate and determine the cause of the accident, and Mr. Goldberg will be happy to provide a free assessment of your legal rights.

Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Accidents in California: Legal FAQs

Q: How can bicyclists reduce their chances of being seriously injured in an accident?

In most bicycle accident cases, one of the defense’s key arguments against liability will be to accuse the rider of being to blame for his or her own injuries. When we know this is coming, we collect evidence to prove that our client was riding safely and observing the rules of the road at the time of the collision. Some of the best ways to show that riders do not share in the liability for their injuries include:

• Showing that they were riding as far right as possible against oncoming traffic.
• Showing that they were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
• Showing that they were making themselves visible to passing motorists.
• Showing that their bicycles were well-maintained and in good working order.

In addition, California has recently enacted a “3 feet” rule requiring drivers to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance between a vehicle and a bicycle or it is a violation. The purpose of this law was put into effect to ensure the safety of bicyclists and will reduce the chances of them being injured in an accident.

Q: What if I was injured in an accident and a vehicle driver wasn’t to blame?

The only way to know who was at fault in an accident is by conducting a thorough investigation and careful legal analysis. So, at this point, you should not be making any assumptions about who was at fault or what went wrong. But, assuming your accident was not the result of driver negligence, there are still a number of other potential causes that could entitle you to financial compensation. These include:

• Bicycle defects (such as faulty suspension components, brake cables and calipers, frame welds, and inner tubes)
• Unsafe conditions on public property (such as potholes or other road defects)
• Unsafe conditions on private property (such as greenery obscuring road signs or blind corners)

Q: What if the driver who hit me was uninsured?

If the driver who hit you was uninsured, once again, you may still have a few different sources of compensation available. For example, even if the driver who hit you was at fault, this does not necessarily mean that he or she was the only cause of your accident. A bicycle defect or property-related issue could be to blame as well.

In addition, if you have uninsured/underinsured (UIM) coverage under your auto insurance policy, you may be able to collect compensation through your insurer. UIM policies apply to bicycle accidents, and they can provide much-needed coverage when coverage from an at-fault driver is unavailable.

Q: What if I was injured in a hit-and-run accident?

We handle hit-and-run accidents in much the same way that we handle accidents involving uninsured motorists. When you choose us to handle your case, we will look for any other possible sources of compensation and, if it is available, pursue coverage under your UIM policy.

Why Do Bicycle Riders in the San Fernando Valley & Woodland Hills Trust Barry P. Goldberg?

With decades of experience, Woodland Hills bike accident attorney, Barry P. Goldberg, has proven himself time and time again as an effective advocate for accident victims and their families. While our firm’s success is due in large part to Mr. Goldberg’s ability to skillfully identify sources of liability and pursue innovative case strategies, we also owe a debt of gratitude to our clients. So, why do clients choose to bring their cases to Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation?

• Decades of experience in personal representation.
• Prestigious awards and top ratings from clients and peers.
• Proven results in settlement negotiations and at trial.
• Attention to detail focused on maximizing our clients’ financial recoveries.
• Client-first representation and an unwavering commitment to success.

If you want a bike accident lawyer who will do what it takes to win the compensation you deserve, contact us to discuss your case with Mr. Goldberg in confidence. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (818) 222-6994 or get in touch online today.

Seeking Compensation For A Bicycle Accident Involving A Rideshare Vehicle

Our trusted bicycle accident attorney understands that bicycle accidents involving rideshare vehicles can lead to serious injuries and unexpected legal challenges. Determining liability and seeking compensation may require gathering strong evidence and dealing with multiple insurance policies. Our calls are answered 24/7, so call us when you are ready to move forward.  If you were injured in a collision with an Uber or Lyft driver, here are key steps to take when pursuing a claim.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately. After any bicycle accident, getting medical care should be the first priority. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions, like internal injuries or concussions, may not be immediately obvious. Medical records provide important documentation for a claim, showing the extent of injuries and the treatment required.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene. If possible, our bicycle accident attorney knows that collecting evidence at the accident scene can strengthen a claim. Photos of the vehicle, bicycle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries can provide important details. If there were witnesses, getting their contact information and statements may help establish what happened.
3. Identify the Rideshare Driver’s Status. Liability in a rideshare accident depends on whether the driver was actively working for the rideshare company at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft provide different levels of insurance coverage based on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, on the way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one. If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal insurance would apply instead of the rideshare company’s policy.
4. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company. Uber and Lyft have reporting systems for accidents involving their drivers. Filing a report helps document the crash and may be necessary when filing a claim. However, it is important to be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives to avoid saying anything that could be used to downplay the claim.
5. Determine Which Insurance Policy Applies. Because multiple insurance policies may be involved, it is important to identify which one applies to the accident. If the rideshare driver was actively on a trip, Uber or Lyft’s higher coverage limits may apply. If the driver was in between rides, lower coverage limits may be in effect. In some cases, the driver’s personal insurance may also be responsible.
6. Be Prepared for Insurance Challenges. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts by disputing liability or minimizing the extent of injuries. They may argue that the cyclist was at fault or claim that the injuries are not as severe as reported. Having strong evidence and legal representation can make a difference in securing fair compensation.

Contact A Lawyer For Help With Your Claim

Filing a claim after a bicycle accident involving a rideshare vehicle can be complicated, especially when dealing with multiple insurance companies. At Barry P. Goldberg, we help injured cyclists seek the compensation they need for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Contact our bicycle accident attorney today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

Client Review

“I recently consulted with Mr. Barry Goldberg and was thoroughly impressed with the experience. He was professional, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. What stood out the most was his ability to demystify complex legal concepts, answering all my questions with clear and concise explanations. I also gained invaluable insights from him that significantly aided my understanding of the situation. Overall, my interaction with Mr. Goldberg was both pleasant and highly informative, exceeding all my expectations.”
Denis Rykov