Cycling in Burbank is growing, but so are the risks. Busy streets like Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank Boulevard, and San Fernando Boulevard can be dangerous for riders when drivers don’t pay attention.
If you’ve been hit while riding your bike, an experienced Burbank bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti represents injured cyclists from our Burbank office on Riverside Drive. We handle the insurance problems, missed work, and out-of-pocket costs, so you’re not left figuring it all out on your own.
You can start with a free case evaluation to see what your options are, with no pressure and no upfront cost.
Common Causes of Burbank Bicycle Accidents
Not every bicycle crash is just “an accident.” Many are caused by careless or unsafe choices by others. Whether you’re riding through downtown or near Burbank High, even a small mistake by a driver can lead to a serious collision.
Here are some of the most common causes we see in local cases:
- !Driver behaviors: speeding, failing to yield, distracted driving, right-hook and left-turn crashes.
- !Dooring near bike lanes and parking corridors: when someone opens a car door without looking.
- !Rideshare pickup and delivery zones: tight spaces and sudden stops that put cyclists at risk. See our Uber and Lyft accident page.
- !Poor road conditions: potholes, debris, low lighting, or faded bike lane markings. Claims against the city have a six-month deadline.
- !Traffic law violations: such as running stop signs or ignoring crosswalks where bikes are present.
- !Negligent drivers: who follow too closely or don’t give cyclists enough space.
- !Collisions with motor vehicles: often when cars don’t check blind spots or turn without warning.
- !Road hazards: like uneven pavement or storm drains, which can cause a rider to lose balance.
These risks increase on busy streets like Olive Avenue, Burbank Boulevard, and San Fernando Boulevard. Cyclists deserve safe roads, but too often they pay the price when others don’t follow the rules.
Common Injuries From Bike Accidents
Bicycle accidents often cause more than cuts or bruises. Riders have little protection in a crash, so injuries can be serious and long-lasting.
These are some of the most common bicycle accident injuries:
- ✓Fractures
- ✓Road rash
- ✓Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
- ✓Spinal injuries
- ✓Soft-tissue damage
- ✓Internal bleeding
- ✓Dental injuries
- ✓Shoulder and knee injuries
Many injured cyclists also face future medical care and time off work. Some can’t return to the same job or their normal routines. For the most serious injuries, see our catastrophic injury page.
Even after the physical wounds begin to heal, the pain and limits from the accident may continue for months or longer.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Right after a crash, it’s hard to think clearly. But the steps you take in the first hours and days can make a big difference in your claim.
- 1Call 911 and get medical care, even if injuries seem minor.
- 2Exchange information and document the scene with photos and video.
- 3Gather witness contact details.
- 4File a police report, especially in hit-and-run or disputed-fault cases.
- 5Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to a lawyer.
- 6Keep all medical records and receipts related to your injuries.
These steps preserve details that fade quickly and give your insurance claim a stronger start. If you’re unsure what to do, a lawyer can explain what’s most urgent for your case.
Act quickly while the evidence is still fresh. The more complete your records are, the easier it is to show what happened and why it matters.
Who Pays After a Bike Crash in California
Paying for a bike crash isn’t always simple. Many riders assume the driver’s insurance will handle everything, but that’s not always how it works.
1
At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
Most of the time, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays for your medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
2
Your Own UM/UIM Coverage
If the driver didn’t have insurance or left the scene, your own UM/UIM coverage may apply. Learn more about UIM coverage for bicyclists.
3
Other Responsible Parties
In some crashes, others may also be responsible, such as rideshare companies, employers, or a city agency if a road was unsafe.
California uses comparative negligence. Even if you were partly responsible, you can still recover compensation; it’s reduced by your share of fault.
Proving Liability and Building Your Claim
To get a fair result, you need to show who was at fault and how the crash happened. Insurance companies don’t just take your word; they look for proof.
A strong case often includes:
- ✓Police reports
- ✓Eyewitness accounts
- ✓Video footage (dash cams, security cameras, helmet cams)
- ✓Crash scene reconstruction
- ✓Black box or telematics data
- ✓Medical documentation
- ✓Expert witness testimony
Each of these helps show what went wrong and who is legally responsible. Accident reconstruction experts can explain the crash, and witness testimony supports your side of the story.
We also rely on laws like California Vehicle Code § 21200, which gives cyclists the same rights and duties as drivers, and Vehicle Code § 17150, which can make a vehicle’s owner liable for a driver’s negligence. The more evidence you have early on, the stronger your settlement or trial position.
Deadlines for Bicycle Accident Claims in California
In most cases, you have two years from the crash to file an injury lawsuit in California. Some claims have much shorter deadlines.
| Type of Claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Injury claims | Two years under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. |
| Claims against a government agency | If a City of Burbank vehicle, a public bus, or a dangerous public road caused the crash, you must file a government claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. |
| Bicycle and property damage only | Three years under CCP § 338. |
| Wrongful death | Two years from the date of death. |
If you’re unsure which deadline applies, call us as soon as possible. We’ll tell you for free.
Not sure which deadline applies to your crash? We’ll tell you for free.
Compensation You May Recover
Getting hit on a bike can affect more than your health. You may miss work, lose income, or deal with pain that doesn’t go away.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- ✓Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- ✓Ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
- ✓Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- ✓Replacement of your damaged bicycle and gear
- ✓Pain and suffering
- ✓Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different, but settlements depend on how the crash affected your life, now and in the future. For a rough starting estimate, try our settlement calculator. If a loved one was killed in a crash, your family may have a wrongful death claim.
Our goal is to recover compensation that reflects your real losses, not just what the insurance company offers first.
How a Burbank Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a bike crash, many people don’t know where to start. An experienced attorney handles the hard parts while you focus on getting better.
We begin by collecting the facts: reviewing photos, talking to witnesses, and checking police reports. This builds a personal injury claim that insurance companies can’t easily ignore.
We also identify everyone who may be legally at fault, which can include more than the driver. We handle all kinds of Burbank traffic injury cases, including pedestrian, car, and motorcycle accidents.
If needed, a trial attorney from our team is ready to take your case to court. You don’t pay anything upfront. We work on contingency and advance the costs of your case, and we’re paid only if we recover compensation for you. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing.
Burbank Bicycle Accident FAQs
+How much does a bicycle accident lawyer cost in California?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, so our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing.
+Do I need a helmet to recover damages in California?
No. California law requires helmets only for riders under 18 (Vehicle Code § 21212). If you weren’t wearing one, you can still recover damages. An insurer may argue a helmet would have reduced a head injury, which could lower that part of your claim.
+What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or drove away?
Your own uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may pay for your injuries, even though you were on a bike. Report a hit-and-run to police right away, since UM claims often require a police report.
+Can I sue the city for a pothole or unsafe road?
Possibly. The City of Burbank, LA County, or Caltrans may be responsible, depending on who maintains the road. You must file a government claim within six months of the crash.
+What if I was partly at fault?
You can still recover compensation. Under California’s comparative negligence rule, your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, not eliminated.
+How long does a bicycle accident case take?
Many cases settle within a year. Cases with serious injuries or disputed fault can take longer, especially if a lawsuit is filed.
Contact a Burbank Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Burbank, you don’t have to face the process alone. The Burbank bicycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti help cyclists understand their rights and next steps.
You can get a free consultation, with no pressure and no cost. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and explain your options under California law.
To speak with a Burbank bicycle accident attorney, call us today at (626) 793-8607 or fill out the short form below. If you live in or near Burbank, CA, help is just a call away.
There are no upfront fees, and you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Visit Our Burbank Office for Bicycle Accident Legal Help
Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti
- Address: 4444 W Riverside Dr #308, Burbank, CA 91505
- Phone: (626) 793-8607
- Hours: Available 24/7 to discuss your bicycle injury case
Our Burbank office is near the heart of the city and offers easy access for injured cyclists and families. We represent clients across Burbank and surrounding areas in Los Angeles County.
