Reseda Boulevard is a busy north-south thoroughfare that runs around 12 miles through northern Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. It’s a stretch popular with cyclists because much of the boulevard is lined with bike lanes.
Those bike lanes are no guarantee of safety for cyclists, unfortunately. Careless drivers can still veer over into a rider’s path. And there are a few sections of Ventura Boulevard that require cyclists to share lanes with cars and trucks.
Drivers make mistakes around cyclists every day and their mistakes can lead to serious Reseda Boulevard bicycle accidents. Once a frightening accident occurs, it’s critical to earn riders the support they need to pay for a full recovery. The best way to ensure victims aren’t left to pay for their own recovery costs is to discuss their cases with a skilled Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer in a free consultation.
Bicycle Accident Dangers on Reseda Boulevard in Los Angeles
Unfocused and reckless Los Angeles motorists can squeeze out cyclists in bike lanes without even realizing their mistakes. They often don’t take the time to check in all directions before making traffic maneuvers.
A large percentage of drivers can’t be trusted to check every mirror and blind spot as they make turns. Intersections become especially hazardous when cyclists have to rely on drivers to stay aware and obey traffic lights. And many drivers aren’t even aware that they must share the lanes with riders on sections of Reseda Boulevard that don’t offer bike lanes.
Bicycle Accident Statistics for Los Angeles
The intersection of Vanowen Street and Reseda Boulevard records some of the most traffic collisions in all of Los Angeles. It’s a place with narrow lanes and little extra room provided for riders.
But cycling dangers aren’t confined to Reseda Boulevard. In a study from Maison Law of Los Angeles, the statistics revealed that the city documented 1,369 cycling accidents involving injury in 2020. Those cases resulted in at least 10 tragic deaths. In 2019, the bicycle accident numbers reached 1,870 cases with 17 fatalities reported.
After cycling accident victims have their injuries stabilized, they naturally wonder how much they should be expecting in a bike accident settlement case. It’s important to speak with a Reseda Boulevard Bicycle Accident Lawyer to discuss the benefits available to the victim and the victim’s family. The details may be far different than what a car insurance provider will be telling victims.
What Kind of Compensation Is Available to Reseda Boulevard Cycling Accident Victims?
After a serious Los Angeles bicycle accident, getting the most out of your injury settlement will be key. You don’t want to sign off on compensation that only covers a night in an emergency room, only to have to pay for ten physical therapy sessions yourself before you can get on a bike again.
You want to make sure your entire recovery is covered. The best way to force an insurance company to do the right thing is to secure strong evidence on the scene of your Reseda Boulevard cycling accident. Take photos of the damage to your bike and to the vehicle involved. Get contact information from witnesses. Keep your damaged bike and clothing.
Another key element to your case will be the list of hardships you submit with your bicycle accident claim. This list should include every economic and non-economic damage you and your family have suffered. It will include these factors and more:
- Current medical bills and the costs of any care expected to be necessary in the future.
- Estimated costs for care associated with permanent disfigurement or permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering. These are the non-economic damages you and your family suffer. The emotional trauma that leaves you with depression and anxiety. The loss of enjoyment of life while you are off your bike.
- Loss of Consortium. A spouse can earn compensation for a loss of intimacy with a victim.
- Past and future lost earnings.
- Repairs to bicycle or replacement.
These details all factor into the amount you’ll see on a bicycle accident settlement check. You want enough evidence to leave insurance adjusters no room to falsely question the blame in an accident or the severity of your wounds.
Can I Ask for Financial Support if a Loved One Was Killed in a Reseda Boulevard Bicycle Accident?
Yes. Family members of cycling accident victims may ask for support from an at-fault driver’s car accident insurance company. This is accomplished through a wrongful death claim filed by a close relative on behalf of the rest of the family.
A wrongful death claim seeks support for things like funeral bills, ambulance fees, and any remaining medical invoices. It will also ask for help for the family as they face a future without the guidance and income the deceased can no longer provide.
Contact a Reseda Boulevard Bicycle Accident Lawyer
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 be holding an insurance company to. Don’t depend on an insurance adjuster to tell you about your rights and every benefit available to you and your family.
Maison Law is a strong advocate for ride safety 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.