Bicycle Accident Lawyer Santa Monica, CA

Trusted Santa Monica Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Cycling through Santa Monica is a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon, a more eco-friendly way to commute, and excellent cardiovascular exercise. There is an element of risk when riding a bike, though. Even though cyclists have the same rights of the road as drivers, there is a good chance that you could be struck by a negligent driver. When a car and bicycle collide, it’s the poor cyclist who suffers most. Even with a helmet, there’s a chance of facial or brain injury, plus broken bones, road rash, and internal organ damage. You have the right to demand compensation for losses you suffer in a bicycle wreck, and our Santa Monica, CA bicycle accident lawyer can help you get them.

At Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we advocate for injured people like you, cyclists who were struck by a negligent driver or otherwise injured in an accident they didn’t cause. We have decades of collective experience litigating claims like yours and a determination unmatched by other personal injury firms. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help After an Accident

Sometimes, wrecking your bike is just an unfortunate accident. More often, though, it’s because another person who had a duty of care for your safety failed to fulfill that duty of care, leading to your injury. We hold those negligent people accountable, seeking fair compensation for all your medical bills, lost time at work, and property damage.

Our attorneys build an evidence-based case against the negligent party, such as logs from their phone, which could prove that they were texting and driving, or data from the car’s Event Data Records, which monitors the movement of the vehicle and can tell us what it was doing at the time of the collision. We build our case based on California personal injury law and can negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf. In fact, our firm handles all the legal matters for your case, so you can focus on your recovery, not worrying about getting your compensation.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive After a Bike Accident?

You are entitled to compensation for all necessary medical care; we use expert medical witnesses to prove that your injuries were caused by the crash and to testify about the extent of your required medical care. You also deserve compensation for lost wages from work, the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle, and any loss of earning potential if you are too badly injured to sustain gainful employment.

Our lawyers also pursue damages for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. These losses are harder to quantify than your medical bills, but they do have substantial value, and we’re here to ensure that you receive their full value.

The attorneys at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm have decades of combined experience representing bicycle riders like you. We know what it takes to settle bike accident claims successfully and have considerable resources to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer.

Understanding Liability in Bike Accident Claims

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Our Santa Monica, CA bicycle accident lawyer at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm is here to help. Whether you were hit by a car, encountered a hazardous road condition, or were involved in a collision with another cyclist, understanding liability will impact the outcome of your case. Call today to schedule a consultation to review your legal options.

Proving Fault in a Bicycle Accident

To have a successful bike accident claim, you must prove that someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused the accident and your injuries. This recklessness could be a driver who failed to stop at a red light, a government agency that didn’t properly maintain a road, or even a property owner who neglected to fix a hazardous condition. In most bike accident cases, you will need to demonstrate that the at-fault party had a legal duty to avoid causing harm, that they breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused your accident and injuries.

For example, if you were hit by a car while riding in a designated bike lane, the driver’s failure to yield the right of way or their distracted driving (such as texting or speeding) could be considered a breach of their duty of care to you. If you can prove this negligence, you will have established the basis for liability in your case.

In some situations, liability may be shared between more than one party. For instance, if a driver’s carelessness led to the accident but the road conditions—like a pothole or debris in the bike lane—also contributed, both the driver and the city or municipality that is responsible for maintaining the road could share responsibility for the crash.

Evidence Is Key to Proving Liability

One of the most important things you can do after a bike accident is to gather evidence. This diligence will support your claim and help establish the at-fault party’s liability. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Start by making sure that you get the contact information of anyone involved in the accident, including the driver, witnesses, or other cyclists. If possible, take photos of the scene, your bike, and your injuries, as well as any contributing factors like traffic signals, road hazards, or weather conditions. A police report, if available, can also provide crucial details about what happened and who may have been responsible.

Medical records documenting your injuries will also be important evidence to establish the extent of the harm you’ve suffered. The more comprehensive your evidence, the easier it will be to prove that the defendant’s actions directly caused the accident and the injuries that followed.

Seeking Legal Help to Navigate Your Claim

Proving liability in a bike accident case can be complicated, especially when multiple factors are involved. Our bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine who is at fault, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our attorney will also be able to assess the full extent of your damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests if the case goes to court.

Understanding liability is essential, but it’s equally important to know that you don’t have to go through this process alone. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident and believe someone else is at fault, contact Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm now to schedule a free consultation with our Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer. Our team has a proven record of attaining favorable outcomes and recovering the highest level of compensation for our clients.  We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive all to which you are entitled. Call now to learn how we can help with your case.

Common Causes Of California Bike Accidents

Bicycle accidents are a frequent concern in states like California, where many residents rely on bikes for transportation, exercise, and recreation. Knowing the common causes of these accidents can help riders stay safe and understand their rights if they are injured. Whether it’s a driver’s failure to yield or unsafe road conditions, our Santa Monica, CA bicycle accident lawyer will work with you to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek a substantial financial settlement. Below, we’ve outlined several factors that contribute to bicycle crashes in our state.

Driver Inattention

Distracted driving is a leading cause of bike accidents. Drivers who are texting, eating, or adjusting their GPS may fail to see cyclists, especially at intersections or when turning. This lack of attention often results in collisions that could have been avoided.

Failure To Yield

Motorists frequently fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, particularly at crosswalks or when entering bike lanes. This can lead to severe injuries, as cyclists are less protected than drivers in vehicles.

Dooring Incidents

A common hazard for urban cyclists occurs when a parked driver or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming bicycles. This sudden obstacle can cause a cyclist to crash directly into the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or signal before changing lanes can easily collide with cyclists. Bicycles are smaller and less visible, making them particularly vulnerable during sudden lane changes.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on the road can cause cyclists to lose control. Municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe roads, and a failure to address hazards can lead to accidents.

Excessive Speed

Speeding drivers have less time to react to cyclists. When vehicles are traveling at high speeds, the impact of a collision is more likely to result in serious injuries for the cyclist. Our trusted Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer at Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm is here to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

Driving Under The Influence

Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and see cyclists. Impaired driving is a significant factor in many bicycle accidents.

Inadequate Lighting Or Visibility

Cyclists riding at night or in low-light conditions without proper lights or reflective gear are harder for drivers to see. Similarly, drivers who fail to use headlights or keep their windshields clear may not notice cyclists until it’s too late.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, honking, or intentionally cutting off cyclists create dangerous situations. These actions not only intimidate cyclists but can also cause accidents.

Improper Turns

Left and right turns are common points of conflict between vehicles and bicycles. Drivers may misjudge the speed of an approaching cyclist or fail to notice them entirely, leading to collisions.

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, it’s important to understand your legal options. Call us today to speak with our experienced Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer, or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.