A Car Hit You While Biking in Sherman Oaks. Now What?
One second, you're riding through Sherman Oaks, maybe heading home, maybe just enjoying the day. The next, you’re on the pavement, bruised, shaken, and wondering what just happened.
The driver says they "didn’t see you." The insurance company is asking questions. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and time off work that you didn’t plan for.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Bike accidents in Sherman Oaks happen more often than people realize. But when it happens to you, it’s not just another statistic it’s your life, your health, and your future on the line.
The Problem? Insurance Companies Play Games
- They offer low settlements that don’t cover your bills.
- They try to blame you for the accident.
- They delay payments, hoping you’ll give up.
That’s where we come in. At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers know how to push back. We handle everything the insurance calls, the paperwork, the negotiations so you can focus on getting better.
If a driver hit you, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call a bicycle accident lawyer in Sherman Oaks today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Sherman Oaks
Riding a bike in Sherman Oaks comes with risks. Even when you follow the rules, stay in the bike lanes, and obey traffic signals, a careless driver can change everything in an instant. One moment, you’re riding as usual the next, you’re on the pavement, injured, shaken, and wondering what to do next.
If you’ve been in a crash, you already know how negligent drivers and their insurance companies try to shift blame. They might argue that you "came out of nowhere" or that you weren’t paying attention. Meanwhile, you’re left dealing with severe injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and property damage all because of someone else’s mistake.
A bicycle accident attorney makes sure you don’t get taken advantage of. The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible, no matter how serious your injuries are. Without legal representation, they may try to offer a quick settlement that barely covers your medical expenses, leaving you struggling to cover the rest. A lawyer ensures you get fair compensation for everything you’ve lostnot just your medical bills, but also your lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term effects of the accident.
Take Mark, for example. He was riding through Sherman Oaks when a driver ran a red light and hit him in a marked bike lane. The insurance company initially offered him $5,000, claiming he was “partially at fault.” Our personal injury attorneys fought back, gathering witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records. In the end, we secured him a six-figure settlement enough to cover his hospital bills, missed work, and ongoing rehabilitation.
If you’ve been hit by a car while cycling, don’t let the insurance company pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. A bicycle injury lawyer makes sure you get the full compensation you need to recover and move forward. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Sherman Oaks
The moments after a bike accident are confusing and stressful. But what you do next can make all the difference not just for your health, but also for your legal case.
First, always call 911. Even if you think you’re okay, some severe injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Getting medical attention is critical, and having a police report helps protect your claim. The driver may apologize at the scene, but later, they or their insurance company might try to blame you. A police report creates an official record of what happened.
Next, if you can, document everything. Take photos and videos of the crash scene, your injuries, and any property damage to your bike. Capture bike lanes, traffic signals, and road conditions anything that might help prove the driver’s negligence. If there were witnesses, get their contact information. Their statements could be key in proving you weren’t at fault.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or internal damage might not be obvious right away. Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record, which is important when claiming fair compensation for your injuries.
Finally, don’t speak to the insurance company before talking to a bicycle accident attorney. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts. They may offer a low settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. A lawyer makes sure you don’t accept an unfair deal and fights to get you the compensation you truly deserve.
The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. If you were injured by a negligent driver, talk to a bicycle injury lawyer today. We’ll handle the insurance company while you focus on healing.
How to Find a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle crash, you’re probably dealing with a lot pain, medical bills, a damaged bike, and an insurance company that isn’t exactly on your side. The last thing you need is a lawyer who doesn’t know how to handle bicycle accident cases. Finding the right lawyer isn’t just about picking the first name that pops up online it’s about choosing someone who actually knows how to fight for injured cyclists.
The best way to start? Search for a “bicycle accident lawyer near me.” But don’t just go with the first option. Look for an experienced attorney who has handled bike accident cases before.
Check out their past case results have they won significant settlements for injured cyclists? Read client reviews do other people recommend them? And make sure they offer a free consultation so you can ask questions before committing.
You want a lawyer who understands traffic laws, knows how to prove fault when a driver fails to check their blind spots or ignores bike lanes, and can handle tough insurance companies. You also need someone who listens. A good attorney won’t just see you as another case they’ll understand that this accident changed your life.
If you’ve been hit by a distracted driver, don’t settle for just any lawyer. Find someone who will fight for you like they would for their own family.
How a Sherman Oaks Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Win Your Case
Insurance companies don’t play fair. They’re not in the business of paying out big settlements, and they’ll do whatever they can to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all.
That’s where having an experienced attorney makes all the difference.
Right after your accident, your lawyer will start building your case. They’ll gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even traffic camera footage to prove the driver was at fault. If necessary, they’ll work with accident reconstruction experts to show exactly how the crash happened.
Then, they take over negotiating with the insurance company so you don’t have to. If the insurer tries to lowball you or blames you for the accident, your lawyer fights back. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your attorney takes them to court.
Bicycle accident claims aren’t just about covering your medical bills they’re about getting you fair compensation for everything you’ve lost. That includes your lost wages, your pain and suffering, and even the emotional distress that comes from a severe accident.
Take Jason, for example. He was riding through Sherman Oaks when a driver turned left without checking their blind spot, slamming into him. He suffered broken bones and a concussion. The insurance company initially offered him $3,000, claiming his injuries weren’t that bad. After hiring us, we uncovered traffic camera footage that proved the driver was at fault and secured a six-figure settlement for Jason’s medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
If you’ve been injured, you deserve real justice not an insurance company’s idea of what your case is worth. A bicycle accident lawyer fights for the full compensation you need to move forward.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries & Compensation
If you’ve ever crashed on a bike, you know how badly even a minor fall can hurt. Now imagine being hit by a car, truck, or SUV. The injuries can be life-changing.
Some of the most common injuries from severe accidents include:
- Broken bones – Wrists, arms, legs, ribs fractures are incredibly common in bike crashes.
- Road rash – When your skin scrapes against the pavement, it can cause painful wounds that take weeks to heal.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Even with a helmet, head impacts can lead to concussions or worse.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can cause chronic pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis.
- Internal injuries – Not all injuries are visible injuries internal bleeding or organ damage can be just as dangerous.
- Emotional distress – Many victims struggle with anxiety, PTSD, and a fear of riding again after a crash.
These aren’t just injuries they can turn your whole life upside down. That’s why compensation covers more than just emergency care. If you’ve been in a bicycle crash, your claim should include:
- Medical expenses – Not just your hospital bills, but long-term care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
- Loss of income – If you’ve had to miss work or can’t return to the same job, you should be compensated for that.
- Pain and suffering – Your injuries don’t just affect your body they impact your daily life, mental health, and ability to enjoy things you once loved.
- Wrongful death damages – If you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, their family deserves justice.
No one should have to fight for fair compensation while recovering from a serious injury. If you’ve been hit by a negligent driver, don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. Talk to a lawyer who will fight for everything you deserve.
Who Is Liable in a Bike Accident?
After a bicycle crash, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always as simple as it seems. Most people assume it’s always the driver’s fault, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, poor road conditions, a defective bicycle, or even a reckless pedestrian could be to blame.
If a motor vehicle driver was speeding, distracted, or ignored traffic laws, they are liable for your injuries. But what if a pothole or missing traffic signal caused the accident? In that case, the city or local government may be responsible. And if your bike suddenly failed due to faulty brakes or a manufacturing defect, the bike manufacturer could be at fault.
This is where an experienced bicycle accident lawyer helps. They investigate the accident, gather evidence like traffic camera footage and witness statements, and prove liability so you don’t get blamed for something that wasn’t your fault. If you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injuries, proving who is responsible is the first step in getting the compensation you deserve.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Sherman Oaks & Los Angeles County
Biking through Sherman Oaks or Los Angeles County shouldn’t feel like a gamble, but for many cyclists, it does. Whether it’s distracted drivers, unsafe bike lanes, or poorly maintained roads, riding a bike in LA can be risky. The numbers don’t lie bicycle crashes happen far too often, and the injuries can be serious, even life-changing.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Sherman Oaks?
Bicycle accidents are a serious issue in LA County, ranking among the highest in the nation. In 2023, 32 cyclists lost their lives in Los Angeles County more than anywhere else in California. While that’s an 11% drop from the previous year, it’s still far too many.
Some areas are more dangerous than others. Busy intersections, roads without bike lanes, and high-speed corridors are where most crashes happen. Ventura Boulevard, Sepulveda, and other high-traffic streets are especially risky, with frequent cyclist collisions.
What Are the Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Most bike accidents aren’t just bad luck they happen because drivers aren’t paying attention, roads aren’t designed with cyclists in mind, or safety laws are ignored. The biggest culprits include:
- Distracted Driving – Too many drivers are glued to their phones instead of watching the road.
- Failure to Yield – Cyclists legally have the right of way in many situations, but drivers often don’t stop or misjudge distance.
- Dooring Accidents – A driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, giving them no time to react.
- Speeding – When cars are going too fast, they have less time to react and the impact is much worse.
How Dangerous Are Bicycle Accidents?
The difference between a fender-bender and a bike crash? Protection. Cyclists have none.
When a car and a bicycle collide, the cyclist takes the full impact. Even in non-fatal crashes, the injuries can be severe. In California, bicycle fatalities dropped slightly from 136 in 2020 to 125 in 2021, but that’s still one of the highest numbers in the U.S.. And those who survive often deal with long-term injuries that affect their daily lives.
Bicycle Helmet Use & Injury Prevention
If you think helmets don’t matter, think again. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury by 88%. That’s huge.
In California, helmets are required for riders under 18, but wearing one is a smart move for everyone. A severe head injury doesn’t just mean a few days of headaches it can affect your memory, speech, coordination, and ability to work. Protecting your brain isn’t something to gamble with.
California Bicycle Laws & Sherman Oaks Cycling Regulations
Knowing your rights as a cyclist is important not just for safety, but also in case of an accident. California has some of the most cyclist-friendly laws in the country, but many drivers don’t follow them.
Do Bicyclists Have the Same Rights as Drivers?
Yes! Under California law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. That means cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and yielding when required. At the same time, drivers must treat cyclists like any other vehicle on the road.
Where Are Bicycles Allowed to Ride in Sherman Oaks?
Cyclists are legally allowed to ride on any public road, except freeways and other restricted areas. Bike lanes should be used when available, but if a lane is unsafe or blocked, cyclists can legally take the full lane to avoid hazards.
Are Cyclists Allowed to Ride on the Sidewalk?
This depends on the area. In some parts of Los Angeles, sidewalk cycling is banned, especially in business districts. However, certain residential areas allow it. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check local regulations or stick to bike lanes when possible.
Are There Any Special Laws for Night Riding?
Yes California law requires cyclists to use a front white light, a rear red reflector, and reflective pedals or ankle straps when riding at night. These rules are in place to reduce nighttime bicycle collisions, which are often more severe due to low visibility.
Do Bicyclists Have to Use Bike Lanes?
Not always. Cyclists are required to use bike lanes when they’re available unless they need to make a turn, pass another cyclist, or avoid an obstacle. If there’s no bike lane, cyclists can legally ride in the roadway.
What Are the Hand Signal Requirements for Cyclists?
Just like drivers use turn signals, cyclists must use hand signals to indicate left turns, right turns, and stops. This helps keep traffic predictable and reduces accidents.
Are E-Bikes Subject to the Same Laws as Regular Bicycles?
It depends on the class of e-bike.
- Class 1 and 2 e-bikes (which go up to 20 mph) are generally treated the same as regular bicycles.
- Class 3 e-bikes (which can go up to 28 mph) must stay off bike paths and require helmets for all riders.
As e-bikes become more popular, more restrictions may be added, so it’s best to stay informed about local cycling laws.
Why Choose Our Sherman Oaks Bike Accident Lawyers?
Not all personal injury law firms truly understand what it’s like for injured cyclists. At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we do. We’ve handled a wide range of bicycle accident cases, and we know how much these crashes can impact your quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with broken bones, spinal injuries, or catastrophic injuries, you need someone who will fight for you not just settle quickly and move on.
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re not afraid to take on tough insurance companies. We handle every case as if it’s going to trial because we believe you deserve maximum compensation, not just the first offer an insurer throws at you.
Our past clients will tell you we treat every case with the attention and dedication it deserves. If you want a lawyer who will stand up for you, listen to you, and fight to get you the best possible result, we’re here for you. Call us today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about your case.
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a bicycle accident. But if your injuries weren’t obvious right away, that deadline might be extended to when they were diagnosed. If your accident involved a dangerous road condition, like a missing stop sign or poorly maintained bike lane, you might have only six months to file a claim against the city.
These deadlines can be tricky, so it’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation even if your injuries are serious.
What if the driver fled the scene?
A hit-and-run is one of the worst things that can happen to a cyclist. If the driver took off, don’t panic there are still options. First, call the police and report the accident. Sometimes, witnesses or traffic cameras catch the license plate, which can help track the driver down.
If the driver is never found, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. Many people don’t realize that their own car insurance can cover them even if they were riding a bike when the accident happened. A lawyer can help you figure out what options you have.
Do I need a bicycle accident attorney if the insurance company offers a settlement?
Yes 100% yes. Insurance companies do not offer fair settlements upfront. They’ll often lowball your claim, hoping you’ll accept a small payout before you even know the full extent of your injuries. What seems like a “reasonable” offer today might not even cover your future medical care, lost wages, or the pain you’re dealing with.
A lawyer makes sure you don’t accept less than you deserve. They calculate all types of damages from your medical bills to your loss of enjoyment of life and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. If they won’t offer a fair amount, your lawyer can take them to court and fight for what’s right.
If you’ve been injured, don’t try to handle this alone. A bicycle accident lawyer protects your rights and ensures you get the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about your case.
Contact a Sherman Oaks Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me for a Free Consultation
Being hit by a car while riding your bike is traumatizing, painful, and frustrating. One moment, you're cycling through Sherman Oaks, following the rules. The next, you're on the ground, injured, confused, and wondering how you’re going to cover medical bills, missed work, and bike repairs.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we understand what you're going through. We've helped bicycle accident victims fight back against negligent drivers and insurance companies that try to downplay injuries. You shouldn’t have to battle for fair compensation while recovering from an accident that’s our job.
When you work with us, you get a team of experienced bicycle accident attorneys who know how to build strong cases, negotiate aggressively, and take cases to trial if necessary. We’ve won millions for personal injury victims, and we’re ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, let’s talk. Call the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti today or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and handle the legal process so you can focus on getting better.
