Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
What to if You’ve Been Injured by a Biker in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its bustling city streets and tourist attractions. Thousands walk along, on, or near the road. However, one step or turn in the wrong direction has led to much misfortune.
Negligent drivers typically come to mind when one hears someone has been struck. Like a car crash, cyclist accidents account for just as many injuries and fatalities. The city reported at least 10 lives were lost last year, with 1,369 injuries. Due to quarantine and covid restrictions the statistics reported don’t reflect mass injuries like previous years.
It’s fair to say that a bike ride downtown might not be feasible between traffic, uneven pavement, and other distractions. We can assure you that there are consequences to severely injuring someone or causing severe property damage. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, our personal injury lawyer is here and ready to take your call.
Liability After a Pedestrian Accident
In California pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists owe each other a duty of care on the road. That means tourists and locals are responsible for remaining vigilant when crossing bike lanes and busy intersections. Subsequently, cyclists are responsible for looking out for unsuspecting individuals and reckless drivers. When both fail to do so, both parties can be held liable for their accident contributions.
Under the pure comparative negligence laws more than one person can be held responsible in court. A typical example involves texting and walking. If a bicyclist were violating the law and riding recklessly before colliding with you, most of the fault would be allocated toward their claim. Distracted walking is just as harmful but might result in a smaller percentage.
Cyclist Hitting Pedestrian in Bike Lane
Bike lanes are not as safe as you might think. While they prevent fatalities and injuries outside of the city, bike lanes aren’t as safe within them. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), protected bike lanes leave more cyclists and pedestrians vulnerable to injury. Inconvenient placements have increased the chance of a collision or fall.
Given the high percentage of likelihood this was to happen, victims are likely to be covered by the bicyclist’s insurance. If they don’t have insurance, you can still get compensated. A pedestrian accident attorney will assess and determine the best course of action. Accruing medical bills and taking time off of work can take a toll on you.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Should an accident occur, the first question our attorney often hears is: “I got hit by a bicycle while walking. What should I do next?” We list crucial steps to follow below:
- Dial 911 immediately. The paramedics should check you for undetected injuries even if you feel fine. Additionally, local authorities will file a police report, which serves as strong evidence in a personal injury lawsuit. It documents crucial details of the accident, including initial statements made by both parties.
- Exchange contact information with the at-fault bicyclist and witnesses. The more detailed the claim, the higher your chances of getting compensated.
- Take pictures of the accident scene. That includes photographic evidence of your injuries, physical damages, the surrounding area, and witnesses.
The most important and final step is to immediately consult with an accident attorney from Gutierrez Law Firm. In California you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim.
About The Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez
Our law firm specializes in helping those who were injured due to an accident or someone else’s negligence. Navigating the insurance agencies and legal framework for compensation can be difficult, especially if English is not your first language. That’s why you should call the bilingual lawyers of The Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez to make sure you are compensated for your pain and suffering.
When you meet with one of our English-speaking and Spanish-speaking personal injury attorneys, you can tell them how your accident occurred and who might be responsible. Your attorneys will then launch an investigation into your accident and the events surrounding it to find who is responsible. If someone was negligent and their lack of care led to your injury, then they will build a case to make sure they pay your medical bills. You should contact our law firm if you were injured in a:
- Car accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Bike accident
- Rideshare accident
- Pool accident
- Dog attack
- Workplace accident
We can also help you with product liability and premises liability suits. Don’t leave your medical bills and property damage to chance; instead, hire a law firm that can win you the maximum settlement. Contact our office for a free consultation at 323-999-3500 or email us at contact@gutierrez.legal.