Experienced & Professional Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Van Nuys
Bicycle accident can be severe and even fatal. Legal issues in bicycle accidents can be different than the issues in car accidents, so these cases demand the assistance of bicycle accident attorney with knowledge in this field of bicycle accidents law. Although bicycle accidents can occur because of manufacturing defects of the bicycle, negligently-maintained premises, or unsafe road conditions, many bicycle accidents occur after a collision with another vehicle on the road.
CALIFORNIA LAWS FOR BIKE ACCIDENTS
Most cars have safety features and are meticulously tested and retested for their ability to withstand the forces generated in a crash. In contrast, bicycles offer no real protection to their riders. It is no surprise, then, that when a car and a bicycle collide, the bicyclist usually sustains greater injuries. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware that they must share the road with bicycle riders. In 2014 the State of California enacted California Vehicle Code section 21760 which requires a driver of a motor vehicle to keep a distance of at least 3 feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator when overtaking or passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction. Even if you, the bicycle rider, are careful and follow bicycle laws, you may still find yourself involved in an accident that is not your fault.
CALIFORNIA’S HELMET LAW
California also has a bicycle helmet law for persons under the age of 18. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21212(a), people under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle unless they are “wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.” Although there is no helmet requirement for individuals who are 18 and older, it is always a good idea to wear one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), a properly fitted helmet is the single most effective way to prevent a brain injury in case of a bicycle accident.
Most bicycle accident cases involve claims against one or more of the following:
- Negligent drivers
- Vehicle manufacturers and repair shops
- Bicycle and helmet manufacturers
- State and local road authorities
- Construction contractors
- Dog owners
- Other bicycle riders
CONTACT OUR VAN NUYS BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAW FIRM FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION
If you have been injured in an accident contact obl bicycle accident attorney, Ryan Banafshe, or another member of his team on their contact page or by calling818-668-3359
Our personal injury law office is located in Van Nuys, California. We serve clients throughout the great State of California and if you are unable to travel to our office, we will meet with you at your home or office.