Bicycle accidents can change lives in an instant. One careless driver, a poorly maintained road, or a quick decision at an intersection can cause serious harm to a cyclist. The injuries are often painful, and the recovery process is long and expensive. Many victims also face lost wages and emotional stress. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bike accident in San Fernando, you do not have to deal with the legal process alone.
Nazaryan Law helps you stand up to insurance companies and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. We represent injured cyclists across Los Angeles County. Our team understands California law, including how it applies to bike accidents and personal injury claims.
We build strong cases and fight for the money you need to recover from medical costs, pain, and long-term effects. Weʼre here to help you get back on the road.
A bicycle accident lawyer knows how to deal with insurance companies, investigate your crash, and fight for full compensation. Most people are unfamiliar with personal injury law and may not understand their rights or the California Vehicle Code.
Nazaryan Law handles the litigation process, gather medical records, hire accident reconstruction specialists, and negotiate aggressively. Our job is to protect your legal rights and take pressure off you while you recover. If needed, we are ready to take your case to court and present clear evidence to the judge or jury.
Bicycle accidents in San Fernando often happen because drivers or property owners fail to act responsibly. Cyclists are vulnerable, and even a small mistake by someone else can lead to severe injuries. Many crashes are caused by behavior that violates California traffic laws, or by road conditions that should have been fixed.
Some of the most frequent causes we see in these cases include:
When drivers are texting, using GPS, adjusting music, or simply not paying attention, they may not see a cyclist until it is too late. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of bicycle collisions across Southern California, including Los Angeles County, and it often results in serious injuries that require extensive medical care and time away from work.
High speeds reduce a driverʼs ability to react in time to avoid hitting a cyclist. Aggressive driving such as tailgating, swerving, or sudden lane changes can easily force a rider off the road or into traffic.
These behaviors violate basic traffic safety principles and often leave the cyclist with traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or worse.
When someone in a parked car swings their door open without checking for approaching bicycles, the cyclist may crash directly into the door. This type of accident, known as “dooring,” is especially dangerous in urban areas like San Fernando where parked vehicles line busy streets. Injuries from dooring accidents often include spinal cord injuries, road rash, or fractures.
Many drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at stop signs, crosswalks, or when turning. Intersections are one of the most common spots for bike accidents, especially when drivers assume they can pass through before a cyclist arrives. These crashes often involve high force and can lead to permanent disabilities or even wrongful death.
Cracked pavement, potholes, lack of signage, or missing bike lanes create unsafe environments for riders. When a city or county fails to maintain safe streets or provide space for cyclists under the California Vehicle Code, they may be held responsible. A cyclist injured because of dangerous conditions may have a strong personal injury claim against the government agency in charge.
Bicycle riders often suffer serious harm in accidents because they lack the protection drivers have inside vehicles. Even with a helmet, a collision can lead to life-changing injuries. Here are some of the most common ones we see in bike accident cases throughout San Fernando and Los Angeles County:
These head injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs can affect memory, balance, mood, and long-term cognitive function. In many cases, riders may need years of medical care or therapy to recover.
A direct impact to the back or neck can damage the spinal cord, sometimes resulting in partial or full paralysis. These injuries often lead to permanent disabilities and require significant medical expenses for long-term care, especially in high-cost regions like Southern California.
Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are commonly fractured in bicycle crashes. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time off work, adding to a victim’s financial burden and physical pain.
Blunt force trauma from a vehicle or hard surface can injure internal organs. This may not always be visible right away, which is why immediate medical treatment is critical after a bicycle crash.
When a cyclist is thrown from the bike and slides on pavement, they can suffer deep abrasions, also known as road rash. These wounds can become infected and lead to scarring or nerve damage.
Many cyclists land face-first during a fall, leading to broken teeth, jaw injuries, or even vision loss. These injuries not only affect health but also have emotional and social impacts on the victim’s life.
In California bicycle accident claims, more than one party may share legal responsibility depending on the facts of the case. Here are the potential defendants in these cases:
Negligent Drivers: If a driver failed to follow traffic laws, was speeding, distracted, or simply careless, they may be found liable. Their insurance company may also be responsible for covering damages, including medical bills and pain and suffering.
Government Entities: If poor road conditions, missing signs, or faulty traffic signals contributed to the crash, the city, county, or state may be held liable under California law. Claims against public agencies have shorter deadlines and require specific procedures.
Property Owners: In some cases, a private landowner or business may be responsible if the crash happened due to unsafe property conditions. For example, a broken sidewalk, unmarked hazard, or obstructed path could make a premises liability claim possible.
Bicycle or Vehicle Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure caused the crash (such as faulty brakes or a broken bike frame) a product defect may be to blame. This could lead to a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Other Cyclists or Pedestrians: While less common, if another rider or a pedestrian acted recklessly and caused the crash, they too may be held accountable under personal injury law.
If you're riding a bicycle anywhere in San Fernando, Los Angeles, or throughout California, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities under the California Vehicle Code. These rules help keep cyclists safe and are also key to determining fault in a bicycle accident claim.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21200, bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers of motor vehicles. That means stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding when required, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Cyclists are allowed to take a full lane if necessary for safety but must use bike lanes when available and safe.
Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18. Reflectors and lights are required if riding at night. Dooring, when a driver opens their car door into a cyclist's path, is illegal under California law, and drivers must check before exiting their vehicle. These laws not only help prevent bike accidents but also play a crucial role in determining liability when filing a personal injury claim.
In California, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after being injured in a bicycle accident. This deadline is called the statute of limitations, and it depends on who the claim is against:
2 years from the date of injury for most personal injury claims involving a private party, such as another driver or cyclist.
6 months to file a claim against a government agency (such as the city or county) if your crash was caused by poor road maintenance, a missing sign, or other public hazard.
Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you're unsure whether your case involves a public entity or a private party, a bicycle accident lawyer at Nazaryan Law can help you understand your rights and take action on time.
It depends on your injuries, lost income, medical expenses, and how the crash affected your life. A lawyer can help you estimate a fair value.
Hit-and-run bike accidents are serious. You may still recover money through insurance claims, even if the driver is not found.
A police report helps but is not required. Your bike accident reconstructionists, witnesses, and medical records can still build a strong case.
Yes. California law does not prevent you from filing a personal injury claim if you weren’t wearing a helmet, though it may affect the outcome.
Most bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless they win your case.
You don’t have to go through this alone. If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident in San Fernando or anywhere in Los Angeles, our team is here to help. Nazaryan Law has the experience and dedication to stand up to insurance companies and pursue justice. We handle serious injury cases with care and focus.
Our firm offers a free consultation so you can learn your rights with no risk. If we take your case, you pay no legal fees unless we win. We will help you gather records, speak with medical professionals, and push for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
From dealing with insurance negotiations to representing you in court, we’re with you at every step. Contact us today to speak with a trusted personal injury lawyer who will fight for your future.
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