Cyclists on Balboa Boulevard in Los Angeles aren’t always provided the smoothest and safest rides. There are precious few bike lanes to offer protection from drivers in a rush or truck drivers looking at their cellphones instead of the road.
The major north/south thoroughfare carries speeding cars, SUVs, trucks, and big rigs through northern Los Angeles. Distracted drivers rarely allow a lot of room for those on bicycles or respect their rights to the lanes.
When cyclists are forced into dangerous collisions with a vehicle, it’s critical that they receive the financial support they need to recover from injuries. Speaking with a Los Angeles Bike Accident Lawyer is a no-risk way to find out just what Balboa Boulevard cycling accident victims should demand from at-fault drivers and their insurers. Reach out to Maison Law to schedule a free consultation on your case today.
Balboa Boulevard Bicycle Accident Dangers
California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) tracks bicycle accidents across the state each year. In 2021, their research showed that over 1,700 bicycle accidents involving injury were recorded in Los Angeles. Those accidents resulted in a tragic 23 people killed.
Some of those accidents were along Balboa Boulevard. Despite a few bike lanes along the route, the street remains a pretty dangerous place for cyclists.
A one-mile stretch of northern Balboa Avenue received protected bike lanes a few years back. Protected bike lanes are lanes that a separated from vehicle traffic, usually by pylons or cement islands. It’s an effective safety measure, but many point out how short the path is on Balboa and that it’s in an area that doesn’t figure into most riders’ journeys each day.
Until more safety measures are installed along Balboa Boulevard’s 20-miles or so of pavement, those on bikes will be put at risk from careless and hostile drivers.
What To Do After You’ve Been the Victim of a Bicycle Collision on Balboa Boulevard
Bicycle accidents usually hinge on strong evidence proving that a driver was acting carelessly or recklessly when you were hit. Drivers will say that they never saw you or that you “came out of nowhere.”
You’ll need solid proof that the driver simply wasn’t paying enough attention to the road or just ignored your right to the lane. This evidence becomes key to the amount you can demand in a Los Angeles bicycle accident settlement.
If you are strong enough right after taking a tumble, it’s a good time to collect evidence to build your injury claim around. If you aren’t physically able to move around the scene, ask someone with you or a good Samaritan to help.
Try to accomplish a few key goals on the scene and avoid making some mistakes in the aftermath:
DO’S
- Dial 911. Alert EMTs to every pain you feel. Allow them to rush you to the emergency room if necessary. Give LAPD officers a full rundown of what you observed before the accident, such as if the driver was going too fast or looking at a cellphone.
- Take plenty of photos and video. Get images of your bike damage and of the damage to a car. Show where you struck the car. There may be broken glass, a lost mirror, or a dent in a hood. Show bike lanes and other traffic markings that demonstrate the driver’s mistake. Take pictures of any visible injuries and display your helmet if you’re wearing one.
- Check nearby businesses or homes for the possibility they had security cameras rolling. Jot down the addresses for your Balboa Boulevard Bike Accident Attorney.
- Discuss with witnesses what they saw. Get contact information.
- Get checked out by your doctor soon after. The shock of an impact can mask injuries that may not show up until the day after your incident. Get all new pain examined and follow your doctor’s orders.
DON’TS
- Don’t comment on how badly you’re hurt or on who should get the blame in the accident when talking to the driver. If people hear you say “I’m fine” or “my bad,” insurance companies will twist these statements to damage your injury claim later.
- Don’t get rid of evidence. Hang on to your damaged bike and bloody clothing from the day of the crash. Keep your helmet.
- Don’t speak to insurance representatives before consulting with a skilled Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer. You can give insurance adjusters recorded statements that can truly hurt your case. You should also get an idea of what your injury may be worth before insurance companies talk you into accepting a “lowball” settlement offer. You could end up paying for 50% or more of your recovery costs out of pocket. An attorney working on your side will handle the communication with insurance agents and work to maximize the settlement check they’ll send you.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect After a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident?
Your Balboa Boulevard bicycle accident attorney will also be compiling a full list of everything you’ve suffered since your accident. This list will include both economic and non-economic damages. Everything must be on this list because everything left off becomes your bill to pay.
These and other factors will determine the size of your bicycle accident settlement check:
- All current medical expenses and those anticipated in the future.
- Wrongful death benefits. Families who have lost a loved one in a Los Angeles bicycle collision can file a wrongful death claim to receive support with burial expenses. They’ll also earn help with making up the income the victim can no longer contribute in the years to come.
- Physical pain and emotional trauma suffered in the accident and during recovery.
- Compensation for a loss of enjoyment of life.
- Compensation for a loss of consortium (the loss of intimacy with family members.)
- Travel costs getting to and from doctor visits and surgery consultations.
- A new bike and equipment replacement.
- Past and future lost earnings and benefits at work.
Contact a Balboa Boulevard Cycling Accident Lawyer
Balboa Boulevard bicycle collision victims and their families have up to two years to file an accident claim. However, it’s critical to bring your case to a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more difficult it gets to track down evidence and locate witnesses.
Contact Maison Law of Los Angeles for a free, no-obligation consultation. It’s a no-risk way to find out what your bicycle accident injury is worth and what you should demand from an insurance company. Don’t depend on an insurance adjuster to tell you about every benefit available to you and your family.
Maison Law is a strong advocate for safe rides for all cyclists. We are also proud sponsors of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. We strive to see injured cyclists get the support they need to recover and get back to riding as soon as possible.
