California
Bicycle Accident Lawyer$10 MM+
Recovered for Clients
1000 +
Injured Clients
3.5 x
Higher compensation*
No Recovery.
No Fee.
Cycling brings exhilaration and independence, but a sudden accident can transform this joy into a harrowing experience. The aftermath of a bicycle collision often leaves riders grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and physical pain.
At Vaksman Khalfin, our attorneys understand the profound impact such incidents can have on your life. From bodily harm to emotional trauma and financial strain, the consequences can be overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about your next move.
As California cyclists, you have specific rights and protections under state law. Our team is well-versed in California’s bicycle laws and regulations, and we’re committed to having your voice heard and your rights as a California cyclist are fully protected in the aftermath of an accident.
The Value of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Navigating California’s complex bicycle laws can be challenging without an experienced attorney. Bicycle accident cases involve intricate legal nuances that require specific expertise. A skilled bike accident lawyer well-versed in personal injury law understands the complexities of local traffic regulations, insurance policies, and liability statutes. Their knowledge ensures you’re protected throughout the legal process.
- Safeguarding Your Rights: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto cyclists after an accident. A bike accident attorney serves as your advocate, protecting your rights and preventing unfair attribution of fault.
- Optimizing Compensation: Research consistently shows that individuals represented by attorneys in personal injury cases typically receive higher compensation than those handling claims independently. Bike accident lawyers excel at accurately assessing your case’s value, considering medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and potential future damages.
- Thorough Evidence Gathering: Attorneys have the resources to conduct comprehensive investigations, collecting vital evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies. This meticulous approach strengthens your case with compelling support for your claims.
- Courtroom Expertise: If negotiations stall, legal representation becomes crucial during litigation. Attorneys skilled in court procedures can effectively present your case to a judge or jury, advocating for fair compensation and ensuring your perspective is fully heard and understood.
Legal representation in bicycle accident cases isn’t just beneficial—it’s often critical in securing fair compensation and justice. Without an attorney’s expertise and guidance, you risk unfair treatment, inadequate compensation, or unjust blame for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Why Hire Vaksman Khalfin for Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Vaksman Khalfin is a California Bicycle Accident Law Firm with firsthand cycling experience. Robert Vaksman, a partner at the firm, brings a unique perspective to bicycle accident cases as an avid cyclist himself. With decades of riding experience since his teenage years, Robert understands that bike accidents differ significantly from typical personal injury cases. This unique experience allows us to recognize the challenges you face after a bicycle accident – from mounting medical expenses to physical recovery and emotional distress.
Our team is dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing fair compensation. Let us navigate the legal intricacies, so that you can concentrate on healing. Together, we’ll work towards a resolution that helps you move forward. Your experience is important to us, and we’re here to offer empathetic support, understanding, and robust legal representation tailored to your needs as a California cyclist.
ROBERT B. VAKSMAN, ESQ.
Founding Partner
“Some cases are easier than others, but this doesn’t matter at Vaksman Khalfin, because we have the resources to help our clients no matter what is at stake, especially if it’s hard."
ALAN D. KHALFIN, ESQ.
Partner & Managing Attorney
"People call me when they need to plan, but also when something terrible has happened and they need help. It is personal to my clients, so it is personal to me. We have to help — no matter what."
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in California
California’s diverse terrain and active, outdoor culture make it a cyclist’s paradise, but these same factors contribute to a notable number of bicycle accidents annually. Grasping the scope of this issue requires an understanding of California-specific statistics, common causes, and unique factors that influence cycling safety
California’s 2023 bicycle accident statistics reveal a mixed picture:
- Approximately 120 bicyclist fatalities, a 4% decrease from 2022
- Over 11,000 injury-causing bicycle accidents reported
- Urban areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco saw the highest incident rates
- E-bike accidents increased, accounting for 15% of all bicycle accidents
- Injury severity in accidents increased despite a slight decrease in overall numbers
These figures highlight the ongoing need for improved infrastructure, safety measures, and public education. However, they also underscore the importance of experienced legal representation for accident victims.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
1. Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents in California is distracted driving. Motorists engaged in texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions while behind the wheel pose a significant risk to cyclists, often resulting in collisions due to inattention.
2. Failure to Yield
Accidents frequently occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, particularly at intersections or when making turns. This failure to recognize and respect cyclists’ presence on the road leads to hazardous situations and severe collisions.
3. Dooring Accidents
Another prevalent cause involves dooring incidents, where a parked vehicle occupant opens a car door without checking for oncoming cyclists. This sudden obstruction can lead to unavoidable collisions and serious injuries for unsuspecting riders.
4. Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, and inadequate signage contribute to bicycle accidents. These hazardous conditions increase the risk of cyclists losing control or encountering obstacles, leading to accidents and injuries.
5. Lack of Bike Lane Infrastructure
Insufficient or poorly designed bike lanes exacerbate the vulnerability of cyclists. Without dedicated bike lanes or adequate infrastructure, riders are forced to share roads with motor vehicles, heightening the risk of accidents.
6. Visual Obstructions
Visibility issues in California’s diverse environments frequently contribute to collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles. As a result, motorists often fail to spot cyclists when turning, changing lanes, or braking, leading to accidents. These visibility challenges, coupled with driver inattention, make cyclists particularly vulnerable on California’s roads.
California Bicycle Laws
Ride Placement
- Street Riding Rights: In California, cyclists have the legal right to ride on the street and are not obligated to use sidewalks (CVC 21200). However, certain freeways and specific bridges may have signage prohibiting bicyclists.
- Adhering to Traffic Laws: Bicycle riders must follow the same rules as vehicle drivers, including obeying signals and stop signs (CVC 21200).
Pedestrian Interaction
- Sidewalk Riding Rules: Each city in California has its own regulations regarding bicycle riding on sidewalks. Some permit it, while others don’t; individuals should check their city’s municipal code (CVC 21206).
- Pedestrian Right-of-Way: Pedestrians hold the right of way in crosswalks and sidewalks, and cyclists are required to exercise caution for their safety (CVC 21950, CVC 21952, CVC 21954).
On-Road Biking Guidelines
- Proper Riding Position: Cyclists should ride to the right within safe limits when traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic (CVC 21202, CVC 21650, CVC 21650.1). Riding on the shoulder is permissible but not mandatory.
- Taking Necessary Space: When a lane is too narrow to safely share with motor vehicles, cyclists can take the center of the lane to prevent unsafe passing. On two-lane roads where passing is not feasible, cyclists should find a safe spot to let a line of five or more vehicles pass (CVC 21202(a)(3), CVC 21656).
Interaction with Cars
- Following Traffic Flow: Cyclists must ride on the right side of the roadway, following the direction of traffic (CVC 21650). However, on one-way streets, cyclists have the flexibility to choose either side.
- Door Zone Safety: Cyclists should maintain a distance of at least three feet from parked cars to avoid potential hazards posed by opening doors (CVC 22517).
Maneuvering and Signals
- Left Side Movement: Cyclists can pass vehicles and other bicycles on the left, turn left from the designated lane, and maneuver left to avoid hazards or intersection conflicts (CVC 21202(a)(1), CVC 21202(a)(2), CVC 21202(a)(3), CVC 21202(a)(4), CVC 22100, CVC 22107).
Predictability and Safety
- Signaling and Riding Within Limits: Using hand signals when turning, changing lanes, or stopping is essential. Cyclists must use bike lanes when riding slower than the normal speed of traffic but can leave it for specific reasons, such as passing, turning, or avoiding obstacles (CVC 22107, CVC 22111, CVC 21208).
Equipment and Safety Measures
- Night Riding Requirements: Riding at night mandates a white headlight and reflectors for visibility (CVC 21201).
- California Bicycle Helmet Law: Riders under 18 must wear a helmet meeting safety standards. Also, bicycles must have functional brakes capable of skidding one wheel on clean pavement. (CVC 21201, CVC 21212).
Additional Awareness and Restrictions
- Audio Usage and Sobriety: Cyclists can use only one earplug or headset covering one ear, and riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited (CVC 27400, CVC 21200.5).
Determining Fault in California Bicycle Accidents
In California, determining fault in bicycle accidents with motorists follows the principles of negligence. The state employs a comparative fault system, meaning that fault can be distributed between the parties involved based on their degree of responsibility for the accident.
This system allows each party involved in an accident to seek compensation based on their degree of fault. Even if a cyclist is partially responsible for an accident, they can still pursue compensation. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
At Vaksman Khalfin, our bicycle accident attorneys understand the intricate process of determining fault and navigating California’s legal framework governing bicycle accidents. Our approach is centered on thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and leveraging our legal expertise to protect the rights of cyclists involved in accidents.
Role of Evidence in Establishing Fault
The establishment of fault in bicycle accidents heavily relies on collected evidence. Our firm recognizes the paramount importance of evidence such as photographs, medical records, accident reconstruction reports, and witness statements. We diligently gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case, showcasing the circumstances leading to the accident and determining liability accurately.
Importance of Police Reports and Eyewitness Testimony
Police reports and eyewitness testimony play pivotal roles in determining fault. Our attorneys understand the significance of these reports in substantiating the sequence of events and identifying the negligent party. We work to ensure comprehensive and accurate police reports are filed post-accident, and we diligently seek out eyewitnesses to corroborate our clients’ versions of events.
Expertise in Assessing Liability
Assessing liability in bicycle accidents demands legal expertise. Our team comprises seasoned attorneys specializing in personal injury law, equipped with a deep understanding of California’s traffic laws and nuances specific to bicycle accidents. With our nuanced approach and thorough investigation, we proficiently navigate complexities to determine and prove liability, ensuring our clients’ rights are protected.
Statutes of Limitation for Bicycle Accidents
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a bicycle accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. If the accident involves a government entity, the claim must be filed within six months. It’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines, as failing to do so can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
What You Can Expect
Free Consultation
At Vaksman Khalfin, we value transparency and offer a free initial consultation. We’ll assess your case, outline achievable outcomes, and chart a probable course of action without any financial obligation on your part.
YOU ONLY PAY US IF WE REACH A SETTLEMENT
Your satisfaction is our utmost priority. Our payment structure follows a, "No win, no fee," policy. Our policy guarantees our fees are contingent on a successful outcome for your case.
EXCEPTIONAL ATTORNEYS AND CASE MANAGERS
A professional attorney with a case manager will be assigned to your case to ensure dedicated service and personalized attention. This loyal team is your consistent point of contact and handles all your concerns personally.
MEDICAL PROVIDERS WON’T RECEIVE PAYMENT UNTIL WE FINALIZE YOUR CASE
We believe in a complete and fair resolution of your case before medical providers get paid. At Vaksman Khalfin, your medical needs are our top priority. Our focus remains on achieving the best outcome for your case.
How it works
We will fight for your rights
Complimentary Consultation
Receive a free initial consultation to discuss your case. If you choose to retain us at Vaksman Khalfin, PC, we'll begin working on your bicycle accident case immediately after signing an engagement agreement. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
Dedicated Legal Team
Our team will collaborate with your medical providers to ensure you receive optimal treatment. We'll draft and send a pre-litigation demand letter to the defendant and negotiate for a fair settlement. If a reasonable settlement isn't reached, we're prepared to pursue your case in court.
Protection of Your Rights
Should pre-litigation efforts fail, we're prepared to advocate for you in court. Civil litigation can be intricate and lengthy, but it often provides the best opportunity to assert your legal rights and pursue financial compensation for your injuries.
Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
The diverse range and severity of injuries resulting from bicycle accidents underscore the importance of preventive measures, safety equipment, and legal recourse to protect cyclists on the road. Seeking immediate medical attention and legal assistance after a bicycle accident is essential to address injuries promptly and pursue appropriate compensation for recovery and rehabilitation. These injuries may not only impact the immediate well-being of the victim, but also often lead to long-term consequences that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and support.
Head Injuries
Head injuries, including concussions and brain injuries, are among the most severe consequences of bicycle accidents. Even when wearing helmets, cyclists remain vulnerable to head trauma upon impact with vehicles, pavement, or other objects. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and neurological deficits, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Bicycle accidents can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal injuries often lead to lifelong disabilities, impacting motor function, sensation, and bodily control below the site of the injury. Rehabilitation and long-term care are frequently necessary for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are common injuries in bicycle accidents, affecting the arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and wrists. The impact of a collision or fall can exert immense force on the cyclist’s body, resulting in bone fractures that may require surgery, prolonged immobilization, and rehabilitation to regain mobility and function.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, strains, and road rash, often occur when cyclists make contact with the ground or other surfaces during an accident. These injuries may appear minor initially but can lead to lingering pain, discomfort, and potential complications if not properly treated and rehabilitated.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, bicycle accidents can cause significant psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are common consequences, especially in cases of severe accidents. The mental impact of the traumatic event can persist long after physical injuries have healed, affecting daily functioning and overall well-being.
Getting Just Compensation With A Bicycle Accident Attorney
Medical Expenses Coverage
After a bicycle accident, medical expenses can quickly accumulate. Our firm works diligently to ensure our clients receive compensation covering medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment necessary for recovery.
Lost Wages and Future Wages
Injuries from bicycle accidents often lead to missed work and diminished earning capacity. We advocate for our clients to secure compensation for lost wages and future earnings, considering the impact of injuries on their ability to work and earn a living.
Pain and Suffering Damages
The physical and emotional toll of a bicycle accident is significant. Our approach includes seeking compensation for pain and suffering, acknowledging the immense hardship our clients endure due to accident-related trauma, physical pain, and emotional distress.
Property Damage Recovery
Bicycle accidents can result in substantial damage to bicycles and personal property. We assist our clients in recovering damages for property losses, including repairs or replacement of their bicycles and associated equipment damaged in the accident.
Your Trusted California Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Vaksman Khalfin Law Firm boasts a robust history of successfully handling bicycle accident cases. Our extensive experience, combined with a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, underscores our commitment to advocating for cyclists’ rights.
Our firm comprises a team of skilled attorneys specializing in personal injury law, equipped with the knowledge and expertise necessary to handle complex bicycle accident cases. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate yet aggressive representation for our clients.
We stand out from other bike accident law firms by commitment to thorough investigation. We meticulously gather evidence, conduct detailed analysis, and collaborate with experts to build robust cases, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive representation tailored to their unique circumstances.
Trusted Representation by Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys
In the tumultuous aftermath of a bicycle accident, Vaksman Khalfin Law Firm stands as a steadfast ally for cyclists seeking justice and fair compensation. With a proven track record in handling bicycle accident cases, our commitment to diligent investigation, legal expertise, and unwavering advocacy sets us apart. We understand the hardships faced by those affected and strive to provide compassionate yet assertive representation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to seek our support. Your story matters, and we are here to listen, understand, and fight for your rights. Contact us today and take the first step towards reclaiming your peace of mind.
California Bicycle Accidents
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, bicycle accidents may be covered under various insurance policies. Homeowner's or renter's insurance may offer coverage, and some health insurance policies can help with medical expenses. Additionally, a cyclist's auto insurance may provide coverage or compensation.
After a bike accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention for any injuries. Call the police to report the accident, gather information from witnesses, take photographs, and document the scene. Contact a bicycle accident attorney to understand your legal rights and potential compensation options.
In recent years, there have been thousands of bicycle-related fatalities annually in the United States. However, specific numbers may vary based on factors like location, safety measures, and other circumstances surrounding accidents.
Auto insurance might cover bicycle accidents, depending on the policy. Some auto insurance policies provide coverage if a cyclist is hit by a motorist. However, coverage details vary, and it's advisable to review your policy or consult with your insurance provider.
Compensation for a bike accident varies based on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Consulting a bicycle accident attorney can help determine potential compensation based on your specific case.
Yes, according to California law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. Bicyclists are required to follow traffic laws, signals, and road rules similar to motor vehicles.
Fault in a bicycle accident depends on the specific circumstances. It could be the cyclist, a motorist, or shared fault. Factors like traffic violations, negligence, and road conditions play a role in determining liability.
If you're involved in a bike crash, prioritize your safety, seek medical help, and report the incident to the authorities. Collect information from witnesses, document the scene, and consult with a bicycle accident attorney to understand your legal options.
If you witness a bike accident, ensure the area is safe and call 911 to report the incident and request medical help if needed. Stay on the scene until authorities arrive, and provide a statement.
The time it takes to settle a bike accident claim in California can vary widely. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Factors influencing the timeline include the severity of injuries, the clarity of fault, the cooperation of involved parties, and the court's schedule if the case goes to trial.
SUBMIT YOUR CONTACT DETAILS 100% Free Consultation, Always. Free Consultation.
