Calabasas Bicycle Accident Lawyer

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Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
Published date: June 24, 2025
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Calabasas Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our Calabasas bicycle accident lawyer at Wise Law Firm stands up for bicycle accident victims who face serious challenges on local roads. Bicycle accidents can result in life-altering injuries when a motor vehicle collides with a vulnerable cyclist. Our personal injury attorneys understand the stress of rising medical expenses and the complexities of dealing with an insurance company. We will handle your personal injury claim from start to finish, ensuring you have the resources you need to heal and move forward.

Our Calabasas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Knows the Dangers Cyclists Face

Our experienced bicycle accident lawyer recognizes how a severe injury can change your life overnight. Even a minor collision with a motor vehicle driver can lead to catastrophic injury or traumatic brain injury that disrupts your ability to work and enjoy daily life. Our firm sees firsthand how distracted drivers often fail to respect bike lanes, making local roads more hazardous than they appear. That’s why having a Southern California bicycle accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in securing the outcome you deserve.

Wise Law Firm provides thorough legal representation to help you navigate the legal process with confidence. Our legal services also include an initial consultation, where an experienced attorney will assess your case and outline the steps to pursue maximum compensation. Sometimes, we find that a negligent driver engaged in distracted driving, which may warrant punitive damages if their behavior was especially reckless. We even handle bicycle accidents involving drunk driving that might impact your quality of life. Rely on our law firm to guide you and protect your interests every step of the way.

Bicycling in Calabasas: Beautiful but Risky

Bicycling in Calabasas Beautiful but Risky

Bicycling through Calabasas can be an incredible way to appreciate rolling hills and scenic vistas. However, bike accidents occur when riders encounter reckless drivers, unsafe road conditions, or a defective bicycle that fails without warning. These personal injuries often force you to alter your daily life, from missing work to spending time in rehab.

Many bicycle riders share the road with cars and must follow traffic laws to stay safe. Drivers, meanwhile, have a duty to obey each traffic signal and yield properly, or they risk harming an unsuspecting cyclist. A responsible party who ignores these rules can cause devastating outcomes for everyone involved.

Common Bicycle Accident Scenarios in Calabasas

  • Intersection Collisions. Many accidents happen when a motor vehicle driver fails to yield or runs a red light. Cyclists often have no time to react, leading to a sudden bicycle crash.
  • Dooring Incidents. This happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path. The impact can cause severe bodily harm and significant property damage.
  • Distracted Driving. A driver looking at a phone or GPS may drift into a cyclist’s lane. This negligence often justifies hiring a bicycle accident attorney to protect your rights.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes. Motorists who switch lanes without signaling can force cyclists off the road. Filing a bicycle accident claim may be necessary to cover your losses.
  • Hit-and-Run Crashes. Some drivers flee the scene to avoid responsibility. Their reckless act can leave injured riders with mounting medical care bills and Emotional distress.
  • Failure to Check Blind Spots. Large vehicles may have trouble seeing cyclists on the right side. This oversight can cause a collision that leads to lasting injuries.
  • Rear-End Impacts. A driver following too closely can slam into a bike when traffic slows. Cyclists can suffer broken bones or more serious harm that disrupts their life.

These scenarios underscore how quickly a peaceful ride can become a devastating event. Having legal representation from a trusted professional ensures you know your rights and can seek the outcome you deserve.

Typical Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Typical Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
  • Fractured Bones. Arms, legs, and ribs often break under the force of a collision. Recovery can take months and involve extensive physical therapy.
  • Concussions. A blow to the head can cause confusion, headaches, and dizziness. Recovery might take weeks or longer, especially for older riders.
  • Road Rash. Falling on rough pavement can scrape away layers of skin. These open wounds can become infected if not treated properly.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries. Damage to the spine may lead to partial or full paralysis. Even milder cases can cause chronic pain or mobility issues.
  • Internal Injuries. Organs can bruise or rupture in high-impact collisions. Delayed treatment can worsen the long-term effects of these hidden harms.
  • Facial Injuries. Broken teeth, cuts, and bruises can result from sudden impact. Some cyclists require reconstructive surgery to fully recover.
  • Wrist and Hand Fractures. Riders often extend their arms to brace for a fall. This reflex can lead to painful breaks that require careful healing.

What to Do Immediately After a Bike Crash

What to Do Immediately After a Bike Crash
  1. Check for Injuries. Assess your condition and call for help if you can. Do not move if you suspect a back or neck injury.
  2. Call the Authorities. Dial 911 so emergency responders and police arrive quickly. A police report will document key details about the bicycle crash.
  3. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor for evaluation. Early diagnosis prevents minor issues from becoming major health concerns.
  4. Collect Information. Get the contact info of any witnesses and the motor vehicle driver. Details like license plates and insurance data can strengthen your case.
  5. Take Photos. Snap pictures of the accident scene, property damage, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence helps prove what happened.
  6. Avoid Admitting Fault. Do not apologize or suggest you did anything wrong. Insurance companies often use such statements to reduce your claim.
  7. Consult a Professional. Promptly schedule an initial consultation with a legal expert. They can guide you through the legal process of filing a bicycle accident claim.

Who’s Liable in a Calabasas Bicycle Accident?

Liability often depends on who violated traffic laws or created hazardous conditions. Some crashes occur because a driver ignores a traffic signal or engages in distracted driving. Other times, poor road maintenance or defective bicycle parts may share the blame.

In many incidents, a negligent driver becomes the main at-fault party if they fail to exercise reasonable care. However, a city or business could also be at fault if unsafe conditions contributed to the wreck. Identifying each liable entity ensures you have the best chance of recovering damages.

Working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer helps you sort out these complex questions. They review the evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with experts to build your case. This thorough approach makes it harder for the responsible party to deny accountability.

California Laws That Protect Cyclists

California has many rules that require drivers to share the road safely with cyclists, including a three-foot passing distance law outlined in California Vehicle Code § 21670. These regulations also require riders and drivers to follow posted signs and signals to reduce crashes. Violations can lead to significant liability for any party who fails to respect these protections.

Right-of-Way and Road-Sharing Rules

State law says cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on public roads. A motor vehicle driver must yield to a bicycle rider if the situation demands it under standard traffic guidelines. Disregarding this right-of-way can lead to legal consequences and personal injury claims. Staying alert and respecting each other’s space greatly reduces the risk of collisions.

Helmet Use and Insurance Considerations

California law requires riders under 18 to wear a helmet, but adults also benefit from this safety measure. A helmet can decrease the risk of traumatic brain injury and other head trauma. Insurance coverage often depends on who caused the accident and the policy terms. Your claim may involve multiple sources of compensation if the driver or cyclist has various policies in place.

How Wise Law Builds a Strong Injury Claim

  • Case Investigation. We collect photos, witness statements, and expert analyses. This thorough approach allows us to identify each factor that caused your crash.
  • Documenting Damages. Our team tracks medical bills, lost wages, and other costs to ensure nothing goes unnoticed. This detail-oriented method helps you pursue the full value of your claim.
  • Negotiating with Insurers. We stand up to any insurance coverage disputes on your behalf. Our determination means you won’t settle for less than you deserve.
  • Filing Court Papers. If talks fail, we prepare a strong case for trial. Our readiness shows the other side we are serious about protecting your rights.
  • Guiding You Forward. Throughout the legal process, we stay in touch and explain each step. You remain informed and empowered to make the best decisions.

FAQs

Can I file a claim if I am partially at fault?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover even if you share some blame. However, your compensation may decrease based on your percentage of fault.

What compensation can I get after a bicycle crash?

You may receive reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of repairs or replacements. Emotional distress can also factor into your settlement.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in California?

The standard deadline for injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident, according to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Acting quickly ensures important evidence doesn’t vanish.

Do bike lanes affect liability in a crash?

Bike lanes offer cyclists some extra legal protection, but drivers must still operate carefully. If a driver crosses into these lanes unsafely, they could be held liable for any resulting injuries.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run incidents can complicate your claim, but you may have options through your own coverage. Speaking with an experienced attorney helps you explore every avenue.

Contact Our Calabasas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Contact Our Calabasas Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Wise Law Firm is prepared to help you seek justice after a bike crash upends your life. Our Calabasas bicycle accident lawyer will evaluate your case during an initial consultation and create a plan to protect your interests. No matter the obstacles, we defend for your right to compensation. Contact us now for caring, knowledgeable help from a team dedicated to your recovery.

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Published by
josh kohanim
About The Author
Josh Kohanim, Esq., is the founder and managing attorney of Wise Law. He has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries. With over a decade of extensive experience in personal injury law, including six years at a prestigious California injury law firm, Josh was mentored by some of the state’s leading trial lawyers. He has successfully represented clients in a wide array of cases, ranging from catastrophic motor vehicle accidents to intricate injuries resulting from toxic chemical exposure.

Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. (2025, May 15). What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles: A Quick Legal Guide. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.wiseinjuryfirm.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-los-angeles.

This guide provides essential steps for car accident victims in Los Angeles, including immediate actions to take, how to document the scene, and when to seek legal help.Los Angeles Police Department. (2024, December 10). LAPD Traffic Collision Reports and Safety Statistics. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.lapdonline.org/traffic/accident-statistics.

This official LAPD resource offers detailed statistics on traffic collisions in Los Angeles and outlines citywide safety initiatives and reporting procedures.California Office of Traffic Safety. (2024, October 18). City of Los Angeles Traffic Safety Rankings and Reports. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.ots.ca.gov/rankings/los-angeles-2024
This page outlines how Los Angeles ranks among other California cities in terms of crashes, injuries, DUI incidents, and pedestrian safety.
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This DMV resource explains when and how to report a car accident in California, including legal requirements for filing SR-1 forms and working with insurance providers.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023, July 20). Driving Safely in Urban Areas: Los Angeles Focus. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/los-angeles-driving-safety
The NHTSA offers urban driving safety tips and accident prevention strategies tailored to high-traffic cities like Los Angeles.

This page was written, edited, and reviewed & approved by Josh Kohanim. Josh is has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in Personal Injury representation for several consecutive years. Additionally, Josh has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association for his exceptional track record in personal injury law. If you’ve been injured or harmed, Josh has the experience and dedication to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
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