Santa Monica Bicycle Accident Attorney Helping Injured Riders
Bicycling has become more popular in recent years as a way of traveling to work, getting exercise and enjoying the fresh air. Unfortunately, both experienced cyclists and new riders alike face a number of hazards on the roadway in Santa Monica, California, that can cause serious, catastrophic, or life-changing injuries.
At Law Offices of Eric Hershler, APC, we understand the challenges that bicyclists as well as riders of e-bikes and scooters may face after an accident. We also know how vital compensation can be for injured cyclists as they recover from a bicycle accident. With more than $100 million recovered for injured people in California, we are dedicated to helping our clients pursue fair compensation. Our office is in the Sawtelle neighborhood. Bicycle accident attorney Eric Hershler fights for the injured throughout Southern California. Virtual consultations are possible.
Knowing Your Cyclists’ Rights In California
California law treats riders as legitimate road users, not obstacles. Under California Vehicle Code 21200, people on bicycles generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. That means you belong on the road, and a driver who harms you can be held accountable.
Riders are also not forced to hug the curb at all costs. California Vehicle Code 21202 lets cyclists move away from the right edge to avoid hazards like debris, parked cars or narrow lanes too tight to safely share.
Standard pedal bikes carry the same road rights as cars. Electric bikes are grouped into classes under California Vehicle Code 24016 and related rules. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, capped near 20 mph, generally fit standard bike lane settings, while Class 3 models reaching 28 mph face stricter requirements, including age limits and helmet rules.
Around Santa Monica, we see predictable danger spots. Right hook and left cross crashes happen when drivers turn across bike lanes along corridors like Santa Monica Blvd. or Ocean Ave. Dooring injuries strike riders in busy beachside parking zones. Rideshare drivers swing into bike lanes for drop-offs, and crumbling pavement or unmarked construction puts riders down. Hit-and-run incidents, where someone is knocked off a bicycle and left behind with a permanent, altering injury, are especially traumatic. We help you respond.
What Can Cause Bicycle Accidents?
Bicyclists are vulnerable to a variety of factors on the road. Some of the many hazards that contribute to bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted, drunk or negligent drivers – Speeding, driving under the influence, focusing on something other than the road and other irresponsible behavior behind the wheel can all contribute to motor vehicle accidents involving a cyclist.
- Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals and signs – Failure to yield or failure to stop fully at a red light or stop sign can easily lead to collisions with bicycles.
- Unsafe road conditions – Poorly maintained roads with loose gravel, uneven pavement or cracks in the road can all make it difficult for cyclists to control their bicycle.
- Limited visibility – Cyclists are much smaller than other vehicles on California roadways, and unobservant drivers may not see them even in the best conditions. Rain, fog and darkness can all limit visibility even more.
A collision that results from any of these factors can be devastating for cyclists. They may experience broken bones, brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, organ damage and other serious injuries. Cyclists may even experience long-term disability as a result of a severe personal injury. This can cause significant pain, a permanently altered life, and the need for costly lifetime medical care.
Rebuild Your Life After A Crash
A serious crash resulting in a catastrophic injury can upend your finances overnight. Fair compensation should reflect everything you lose, both now and later.
- Immediate and future medical care, including surgery, hospital stays and ongoing physical therapy
- Lost wages for employees, gig workers, freelancers and Los Angeles creative professionals whose income depends on showing up
- Replacement of damaged property such as high-end bikes, carbon frames, e-bike batteries and riding gear
Putting the true value on these losses takes preparation and persistence, which is what we bring to every claim.
What If A Driver Blames The Cyclist For A Crash?
If a car crashes into a bicyclist, causing a life-changing injury, drivers may also create more challenges for injured cyclists by assigning them fault in a traffic collision report. Thankfully, an experienced attorney can help injured cyclists push back against this blame by highlighting the facts and making their voices heard.
Insurers often argue you share fault in a cyclist accident to shrink what they pay. California follows a comparative fault system, so blame does not automatically bar recovery. Even if you are found partly responsible, you may still recover damages, reduced by your share of fault. We gather evidence, witness accounts and the full story to push back. We also handle related matters, including electric scooter accidents, with the same focus on protecting your future.
Take The First Step Toward Fair Compensation Today
The aftermath of a collision can be difficult, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Contact our bicycle accident or call 424-432-5084 to arrange for a consultation with an experienced attorney. Consultations are free, and you will pay no legal fees unless you receive compensation.
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