Hit by a Car While Riding Your Bike? Let’s Talk.
Maybe you were cruising down Van Nuys Boulevard, just trying to get where you needed to go. Then, out of nowhere bam. A car cuts you off. Or maybe a driver swings their door open without looking, and suddenly, you're on the pavement, hurting, confused, and wondering what just happened.
Now you’re dealing with pain, doctor visits, and a pile of bills you never expected. Maybe you can’t even work right now. And to top it off, the insurance company is giving you the runaround, acting like it’s your fault.
That’s not right. And you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help injured cyclists in Van Nuys get real compensation for their injuries. Whether a reckless driver hit you, the city failed to maintain safe roads, or an insurance company is trying to lowball you, we’re here to fight for you.
We get it legal stuff isn’t what you want to deal with right now. But one conversation with a personal injury lawyer in Van Nuys could mean the difference between struggling to pay your bills and getting the money you actually deserve.
Let’s talk. Call us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
After a bike crash, the last thing you need is an insurance company trying to shortchange you. You need someone who knows how to prove what really happened and get you the fair compensation you deserve. Our firm has handled all types of bicycle accident claims from collisions in busy intersections to accidents caused by distracted drivers. We know what works, and we know how to win.
Every case is different. Maybe you were riding in a bike lane when a car swerved into you. Maybe a careless driver ignored a stop sign, or a bad collision left you with serious injuries. Whatever happened, we don’t just push papers we listen.
When you call us, we take the time to understand what you’re going through. We explain the legal process in plain English, not legal jargon. And we keep you updated every step of the way, so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
Worried about legal fees? Don’t be. You don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. That means we take on the risk, and you get the support of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer without paying upfront. If we take your case, it’s because we believe in it and in getting you the maximum compensation possible.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Van Nuys
Dooring Accidents - A Split-Second Mistake That Can Change Everything
You’re riding along, minding your own business, when suddenly, a car door swings open right in front of you. There’s no time to stop, no way to avoid it you slam into it, and now you’re on the pavement with road rash and a wrecked bike.
Drivers are supposed to check for bike commuters before opening their doors. When they don’t, it’s their fault not yours. We’ll prove that the driver’s negligence caused the accident and fight to get your medical expenses covered.
Distracted Driving - When Drivers Aren’t Paying Attention
You see it all the time someone texting at a red light, adjusting their GPS, or looking at their passenger instead of the road. Distracted drivers are everywhere, and they’re a huge danger to cyclists. It only takes a second for a driver to drift into a bike lane or miss a cyclist crossing at an intersection.
If a negligent driver hit you because they weren’t paying attention, we’ll make sure their insurance company doesn’t brush it off. We’ll gather phone records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to prove they weren’t focused on the road and that you deserve compensation.
Failure to Yield - When Drivers Ignore Bicycle Laws
Bicyclists have the same rights as any other motor vehicle drivers on the road. That means cars are supposed to yield to cyclists when required by traffic laws but too often, they don’t.
Maybe a driver made a left turn right into you. Maybe they ran a stop sign or didn’t check their blind spots before merging. These types of bicycle collisions happen all the time, and the injuries can be serious. We’ll hold the reckless driver accountable and make sure you aren’t left dealing with the consequences alone.
Poor Road Conditions - When the Streets Themselves Are the Problem
Not every crash is caused by a driver. Sometimes, it’s the road itself cracked pavement, potholes, faded lane markings, or an absence of bike lanes in places where they’re needed most.
If the road conditions contributed to your accident, we’ll investigate whether the city or another party is responsible. You shouldn’t have to suffer because the roads weren’t safe for cyclists.
Who Is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?
Most bike accidents happen because of motor vehicle drivers who weren’t paying attention or didn’t follow the law. Whether it was speeding, distracted driving, or reckless behavior, the person who caused your accident should be held responsible.
Our legal team gathers police reports, witness statements, and video footage to prove the driver was at fault and get you the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Maybe you weren’t wearing a helmet. Maybe you swerved outside the bike lane to avoid a pothole. If the insurance company is trying to blame you for your injuries, don’t assume you’re out of options.
California follows comparative fault laws, which means you can still get compensated even if you were partially responsible for the crash. We fight back against unfair blame-shifting to make sure you aren’t left paying for someone else’s mistake.
Not every driver sticks around after a bicycle crash. Some speed off, leaving you injured with no idea who hit you. Others don’t even have insurance to cover your damages.
Even in these cases, you still have options. We can help you file a bicycle accident claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage or explore other legal avenues to recover your medical expenses and lost wages.
Bicycle Laws and Cyclists' Rights in Van Nuys
If you ride a bike in Van Nuys, you have the same rights as drivers on the road—but not every motorist seems to realize that. Under California bicycle laws, you’re entitled to your space, and drivers are required to respect it. When they don’t, accidents happen.
For example, if a driver cuts you off, drifts into the bike lane, or fails to stop at an intersection, they’ve violated the law and they can be held responsible for any injuries they cause.
The Three-Foot Passing Law - What It Means for You
California’s Three-Foot Passing Law requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist. That buffer exists for a reason. A driver coming too close can create a wind force that knocks a cyclist off balance or, worse, forces them into another lane of traffic.
If you were injured because a driver ignored this law, we can use that as evidence in your insurance claim or lawsuit. Laws like this exist to protect bicycle riders, and when drivers violate them, they should be held accountable.
Van Nuys Cyclists’ Rights on the Road
Cyclists in Van Nuys have the right to ride in the same lanes as motor vehicles when there is no designated bike lane. However, many drivers act as if bicycle riders don’t belong on the road, leading to reckless driving behaviors that put cyclists in danger.
If you were hit because a driver refused to share the road, we can help you take legal action. Whether it was a common injury from a minor crash or severe injuries requiring long-term care, you deserve compensation for the harm caused.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Van Nuys
Get Medical Attention - Even If You Feel Okay
After a bike crash, your adrenaline is running high, and you might not feel the pain right away. That doesn’t mean you’re not injured. Some injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage can take hours or even days to fully appear.
Getting checked out by a doctor not only protects your health but also creates medical records that link your injuries to the accident. These records can be crucial when filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Document the Accident Scene
If you’re able to, take photos of everything your bike, the car involved, the road conditions, and any protective gear you were wearing. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information.
One of our experienced bicycle accident attorneys recently helped a cyclist who was hit in a pedestrian accident at a crosswalk. The driver claimed they didn’t see the cyclist, but the photos taken at the scene showed clear skid marks, proving the driver was speeding. That evidence made all the difference in securing a fair settlement.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Before Dealing With Insurance
Insurance companies might act friendly, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may downplay your injuries, blame you for the crash, or try to rush you into a lowball offer.
Before you accept anything, speak with a bike accident attorney who understands how these cases work. We deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to—and we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident Case
Medical Bills & Rehabilitation Costs
From emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy, medical costs add up fast after a bicycle accident injury. If your accident was caused by a reckless driver, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your recovery.
Compensation can cover:
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and medication
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs
One of our clients suffered a severe injury when a driver ran a stop sign and crashed into them. The insurance company initially offered a settlement that wouldn’t even cover half of their hospital bills. We fought back and secured a settlement that covered all their medical expenses, plus additional compensation for their pain and suffering.
Lost Wages & Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries keep you from working whether it’s for weeks, months, or even permanently you can recover compensation for lost income.
For some victims of bicycle accidents, it’s not just about missing work for a few days. If your injuries prevent you from doing the same job you did before, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of future earnings. Our personal injury attorneys work with experts to calculate what your lost income is truly worth.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Not every injury is visible. Many victims of bicycle crashes deal with chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, or depression long after the accident.
We’ve worked with clients who couldn’t get back on a bike for years after being hit by a car. Others struggled with long-lasting pain that affected their daily lives. These kinds of losses may not come with a price tag, but they’re very real and you deserve to be compensated for them.
Van Nuys Bicycle Accident Statistics & Dangerous Areas
Riding your bike in Van Nuys is a great way to get around, but it's important to be aware of the risks. Recent data indicates that certain intersections in Van Nuys are particularly hazardous for cyclists. For instance, the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way has been identified as one of the most dangerous in Los Angeles, with 47 traffic collisions documented in 2019.
In addition to Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way, the intersection of Sepulveda and Burbank Boulevard also poses significant risks, having recorded 40 collisions in 2019. These high-traffic areas require extra caution from cyclists.
FAQs About Bicycle Accident Claims
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of a bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to file within this period may result in losing your right to seek compensation. However, if a government entity is involved, you must file a governmental claim within six months of the accident.
What If I Was Partially at Fault?
California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Can I Sue If My Accident Was Caused by a Road Hazard?
Yes, you may have a case if your accident was due to hazardous road conditions, such as potholes or uneven surfaces. Determining liability can be complex and may involve government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Get a Free Case Review from a Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Van Nuys
If you've been involved in a bicycle accident in Van Nuys, it's crucial to understand your legal options. Our experienced team offers free consultations to assess your case and guide you through the legal process. Whether you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, we're here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Remember, there are strict time limits for filing a claim. Contact us today to ensure you don't miss your opportunity for justice.a
