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Long Beach Hit and Run Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Get Legal Help After a Bicycle Hit and Run Accident in Long Beach

In a study conducted by NBC4's I-Team, they found more than 28,000 reported hit and runs in Los Angeles County in a recent one year period. According to the study, a hit and run accident occurred once every 18 minutes in LA. Some of these include bicycle-related accidents.

According to The California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Vehicle Code, bicycle riders are required to obey the following: "Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division...except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application."

In order to abide by this rule, bicycle riders need to be aware of information that will allow them to be better equipped in order to handle - or avoid - hit and run accidents.

Risks That Bicyclists Face

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that bicyclists face a bigger risk of injury and death in crashes when compared to motor vehicles. The CDC also reports that young adults/adolescents (aged to 15 to 24) and adults over the age of 40 face a higher risk of death. The data also suggests that children and young adults/adolescents face a higher risk of non-fatal injury. Deaths related to bikes most often occur in more urban areas.

Following suggested rules from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the CDC can help prevent a hit and run, and decrease the chance of injury or death.

What Can You Do to Help Prevent a Hit and Run?

If you are a bicyclist, you can decrease your risk and help prevent involvement in a hit and run by making the following preparations:

  • Operate a bicycle only when you are experienced
  • Anticipate and research the day's weather conditions
  • Wear fluorescent colors to make you more visible to drivers during the day
  • Wear retro-reflective clothing to make you more visible to drivers during the night
  • Keep ancillary lights and accessories on your person or bicycle to make you more visible to a driver
  • Make sure that your bicycle's brakes and other components function correctly

What Can You Do to Prevent Injury from a Hit and Run?

Sometimes preparation cannot keep you from an accident. Taking precautions, however, may help minimize potential injuries or death:

  • Wear a well-fitted helmet while riding
  • Pay attention to the road and your surroundings

How Is the Law Involved?

According to The California Vehicle Code (Division 10), the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident where someone other than himself/herself is injured or killed is required by law to stop and exchange registration, ID/license information, and address. This information must also be given to a police officer at the site of the accident.

As this does not happen in hit and runs, you should take down any information that you can, if possible. In fact, LA Times reported that about 80% of bicycle hit and run cases in LA, from 2008 to 2012, were unresolved due to the perpetrator leaving the scene. The more information you can jot down (such as the driver's license plate number and the make/color of the car), the better chance you have of identifying the individual. If there are witnesses around, their information can be vital as well.

Why Seek Legal Help?

Legal action isn't about revenge. It's about getting you the compensation you deserve. A Long Beach bicycle hit and run is different from a vehicle-on-vehicle hit and run. You will need a Long Beach bike accident lawyer with the experience, understanding, and toughness to handle the case - and Attorney Joseph H. Low IV has all three. If you need help, contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV toll free at (888)-454-5569.

Additional Information

"Joseph, Thank you for your assistance. Your understanding compassion & incredible expertise are admired & appreciated. I will be referring any of my clients who require legal help to you."
- M.D.