Riding your bicycle is a fantastic way to get around Los Angeles, with its excellent weather and numerous bike lanes and trails. But it also means sharing the road with an increasingly large number of drivers. Per data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Los Angeles County alone has over 6.5 million licensed drivers. This means that when you ride your bicycle in Los Angeles, you are going to come in contact with a significant number of drivers.
While you can account for your own safety while on your bike in most cases, what you can’t account for is the skill or attentiveness of other drivers on the road. One of the more dangerous types of maneuvers that drivers regularly have to pull off is a left turn through an intersection. This left turn is often dangerous for bicyclists, because it can be difficult for the driver to see them as they turn into oncoming traffic.
Dedicated Left Turn Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
When you’ve been injured in a left turn bike accident in Los Angeles, you can turn to the dedicated and compassionate lawyers at Maison Law for guidance. Our team of experienced lawyers know how to hold the at-fault drivers accountable for their negligence, and can make sure you have what you need to focus on recovery from your injuries. To learn more about our process, contact us today.
What Is a Left Turn Bicycle Accident?
A left turn bicycle accident happens when a which a car makes a left turn that is:
- Incorrect
- Illegal
- Misjudged
Left turn accidents can be very dangerous for bicyclists, since the driver is turning left into oncoming traffic while the bicyclists is trying to cross the road at a 90 degree angle from the car or is coming toward the left hand turning car headlong.
When you consider these factors, it’s no wonder that these accidents can cause significant injuries. But there are other causes of left turn accidents in Los Angeles that bicyclists need to watch out for.
What Can Cause a Left Turn Accident in Los Angeles?
Like other bicycle accidents, there are numerous causes of left turn accidents. Some of the most common include the following:
- The driver turned or made a U-turn in front of the cyclist.
- The driver failed to make sure it was safe before executing the turn.
- The driver misjudged or misinterpreted the bicyclist’s actions (or vice versa).
- The driver had an obstructed view because of a hill, trees, buildings or other objects.
- The driver made a sudden lane change and turned, and was unaware of the bicyclist.
- The driver performed an illegal turn or U-turn.
- The driver failed to yield right-of-way to the bicyclist before turning.
As with any accident involving a vehicle and a bicycle, various injuries are likely to result. This is especially true in left turn accidents, since the vehicle is colliding with you on your bike while moving at speed.
Injuries Caused in Los Angeles Left Turn Bicycle Accidents
Due to the nature of left turn bicycle accidents, there can be a wide variety of different injuries that you could suffer. Although the severity of those injuries varies from accident to accident, they’re more severe when the victim is a bicyclist because of the relative lack of protection that a bicycle offers. Even if you are wearing proper safety equipment like a helmet and padding, there are still no steel frames around you and no airbags or seat belts to keep you in place in the event of an accident.
The injuries that can result from left turn bicycle accidents aren’t dissimilar from injuries that can occur in similar accidents where the driver fails to yield the right of way or pay attention to their surroundings.
With that in mind, some of the more common injuries in Los Angeles left turn bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.
- Damage to internal organs.
- Multiple fractures.
- Spinal cord and joint damage.
- Damage to the body’s soft tissues.
- Cuts, abrasions and infection.
- Wrongful death.
These injuries represent only part of your losses should you fall victim to a left turn bicycle accident in Los Angeles. There is also the damage that the accident causes to your bicycle and other property, as well as the emotional and psychological damage that being involved in an accident like this can cause. All of these damages are taken into account when seeking compensation.
How Will I Pay For My Damages in a Los Angeles Left Turn Bicycle Accident?
In a left turn bicycle accident, the driver that made the incorrect or illegal turn and caused the accident will almost always be liable for your damages. Thus, you’ll need to make sure to document your injuries and property damage the best you can, as you will need to provide an accounting of your damages when you make a claim for compensation. Once your claim is made, the following costs could be recovered:
- Past medical bills connected with the accident and medical bills from the accident that are reasonably expected to be incurred in the future.
- Past lost earnings in connection with the accident along with any earnings reasonably expected to be lost in the future.
- Pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
- Any permanent disfigurement or disability resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life as a result of the injuries.
- Funeral and burial costs along with other substantial damages if the victim died from the injuries that he or she suffered in the accident.
Further, if you decide to file a lawsuit against the driver, a jury could find them to have acted with intent to harm you when they caused the accident. In these instances, they could even award you punitive damages.
Dedicated and Compassionate Representation in Los Angeles Left Turn Bicycle Accidents From Maison Law
When another car fails to pay attention to their surroundings or simply misjudges the angle of their left hand turn, it can lead to accidents with bicyclists that result in serious injuries and other damages. While riding a bicycle in Los Angeles is usually an enjoyable experience, these left turn accidents can turn what was once a favorite pastime into something much more unpleasant.
When you find yourself involved in one of these unfortunate accidents, our team of dedicated and compassionate Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law can provide you with much-needed support. Through our experience, we can answer any question you may have and begin building an effective case for you. Our top priority is your satisfaction. Contact us today to learn more about how our firm can help you.
