Encino Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Encino, with its busy streets and fast pace, is unfortunately a place where cyclists often die in traffic. Although many drivers and cyclists obey the rules, accidents still occur, often due to a combination of negligence and poor road conditions. These are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Encino:

• Drivers who fail to yield to cyclists at intersections

Intersections are places where there is often chaos between cars and cyclists. Although the rules are clear (cyclists have the right of way in most situations) drivers often overlook their presence when turning or entering an intersection. This carelessness can lead to accidents that leave serious consequences. Cyclists are most vulnerable at these intersections.

• Lack of awareness of cyclists on the road

How many times have you heard a driver say, ‘I didn’t see him’? Sadly, this is a classic scenario of bicycle fatalities. Bicyclists are harder to spot than cars, but that does not diminish the driver’s responsibility. Cyclists use lights, reflective vests, and accessories to increase their visibility, but drivers still need to be alert and aware that they are not alone on the road.

• Cars entering designated bike lanes

Cycle lanes should be a safe haven for cyclists, but often they are not. A brief moment of distraction such as looking at the phone or tuning the radio is enough for the vehicle to cross the border and enter the bicycle lane. The result of such actions often ends up in cyclists’ serious injuries.

• Opening the car doors of parked cars (dooring incidents)

In Encino, where the streets are often crowded with parked vehicles, situations in which someone suddenly opens a car door right in the way of a cyclist are common. The cyclist does not have time to maneuver and often falls resulting in head, shoulder, or spinal injuries. Such accidents are completely avoidable, it is enough to check the rear view mirror before opening the door.

• Cyclists who are victims of distracted driving

Cell phones, navigation, and even simple activities such as eating or talking distract the driver from the road. When this happens, cyclists are the ones who most often suffer because they lack the body protection. Distraction can cause a driver to enter a bicycle lane or not notice a cyclist crossing an intersection which is one of the leading causes of accidents. Uber drivers can also be responsible in such cases so if you are a cyclist hit by an Uber, do not hesitate to call our Uber accident lawyer Encino at (818) 877-4878 to check whether you have a valid case or for any legal information as our first consultation is completely free with zero obligations.