Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Encino? Attorney Anthony Girgis Can Help.

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users on the streets of Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, and throughout the San Fernando Valley. When a car, truck, or other vehicle strikes a bicycle on Ventura Boulevard, Balboa Boulevard, or any of the Valley’s busy corridors the injuries are often severe and the medical bills can be devastating. Attorney Anthony Girgis is based in Encino and has recovered millions of dollars for bicycle accident victims throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County for over 16 years. If you were injured in a bicycle accident you deserve experienced legal representation that fights for every dollar of compensation you are owed.

There are no upfront fees and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation available 24/7.

Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles and Encino

California consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the country for cyclists. Bicycle deaths in California make up approximately 4% of all auto accident deaths in the state — double the national average of 2%. Los Angeles County accounts for a significant share of those fatalities, with the San Fernando Valley being one of the highest-risk areas for bicycle accidents in the region.

In Encino, bicycle accidents frequently occur along Ventura Boulevard near restaurants and shopping centers, on Balboa Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard where cyclists share lanes with heavy traffic, near the Encino Velodrome and the Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, and along White Oak Avenue near residential neighborhoods. Attorney Anthony Girgis is based steps from these locations and has represented bicycle accident victims from these exact areas for over 16 years.

Dangerous Bicycle Routes in the San Fernando Valley

Several cycling routes in the San Fernando Valley present elevated accident risks due to heavy traffic, inadequate bike infrastructure, and driver inattention:

The Ventura Boulevard corridor through Encino and Sherman Oaks is one of the most dangerous stretches for cyclists in the Valley — with heavy commercial traffic, frequent parking turnover creating dooring risks, and multiple driveways and intersections where drivers fail to yield to cyclists.

Balboa Boulevard between Encino and Granada Hills is a popular cycling route but features long stretches where cyclists must share lanes with fast-moving vehicle traffic near the 118 Freeway corridor.

Sepulveda Boulevard through Van Nuys and Sherman Oaks carries heavy commercial traffic and has been the site of numerous serious bicycle accidents at major intersections.

Reseda Boulevard through Northridge and Reseda passes near California State University Northridge — a high-traffic area where student cyclists face elevated accident risks from drivers unfamiliar with local cycling patterns.

White Oak Avenue in Encino and Northridge is a popular residential cycling route but sees frequent accidents near the intersections with Ventura Boulevard and Devonshire Street.

If you were injured while cycling on any of these routes attorney Anthony Girgis can help you recover maximum compensation. Call (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Encino

The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Encino and the San Fernando Valley include drivers failing to yield to cyclists at intersections, drivers opening car doors into the path of cyclists, distracted drivers drifting into bike lanes, drivers making right turns without checking for cyclists, drivers running red lights or stop signs, road hazards including potholes, debris, and uneven pavement, and drunk or impaired drivers with reduced reaction time and awareness.

Types of Bicycle Accidents We Handle

Girgis Law Firm, APC handles all types of bicycle accident claims throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County including:

Dooring accidents — when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a cyclist causing the cyclist to collide with the door or swerve into traffic. These accidents are extremely common along Ventura Boulevard in Encino and Sherman Oaks where parking is available alongside busy traffic lanes.

Intersection accidents — when a driver fails to yield to a cyclist at an intersection or runs a red light or stop sign and strikes a cyclist crossing lawfully. Intersections on Ventura Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and Balboa Boulevard are among the most dangerous for cyclists in the San Fernando Valley.

Rear-end bicycle accidents — when a distracted or speeding driver strikes a cyclist from behind. These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries because the cyclist is propelled forward with tremendous force.

Hit and run bicycle accidents — when a driver strikes a cyclist and flees the scene. California law allows hit and run bicycle accident victims to pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage.

Road hazard accidents — when potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or defective road design causes a cyclist to fall and be injured. In these cases the city or county responsible for road maintenance may be liable.

Wrong way driver accidents — when a driver traveling in the wrong direction strikes a cyclist head-on causing devastating injuries.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents frequently cause severe and life-altering injuries because cyclists have minimal protection from the force of impact. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures even when wearing a helmet, spinal cord injuries including partial or complete paralysis, broken bones and fractures including arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, road rash and deep lacerations from contact with the pavement, internal organ damage from the force of impact, soft tissue injuries and torn ligaments, and dental and facial injuries from direct impacts.

Even bicycle accidents at lower speeds can result in serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Attorney Anthony Girgis works with trusted medical providers throughout the San Fernando Valley who treat bicycle accident victims on a lien basis — meaning you can receive treatment without health insurance or upfront payment.

California Bicycle Laws and Your Claim

California law provides important protections for cyclists. California Vehicle Code Section 21760 — known as the Three Feet for Safety Act — requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Drivers who violate this law are negligent per se — meaning their violation is automatic proof of negligence in your personal injury claim. California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. The statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims in California is two years from the date of the accident.

Does Wearing a Helmet Affect Your Claim?

California law requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets but does not require adults to wear them. However insurance companies frequently argue that an adult cyclist who was not wearing a helmet contributed to their own injuries. Attorney Anthony Girgis knows how to counter this argument and protect your right to full compensation regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Encino, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment, lost wages and lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working, pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries, property damage to your bicycle and gear, and punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Encino

Call 911 immediately and stay at the scene. Accept medical attention from paramedics even if you feel able to ride away — adrenaline masks pain and symptoms can appear days later. Do not remove your helmet — it may be evidence of the impact force. Photograph the scene, the vehicle, your injuries, and your bicycle damage. Get contact information from all witnesses. Get the driver’s insurance and contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first. Call Girgis Law Firm at (818) 986-5000 for a free same-day consultation.

Why Choose Girgis Law Firm for Your Bicycle Accident Case?

Over 16 years of personal injury experience in Encino and the San Fernando Valley. Millions recovered for bicycle accident victims throughout Los Angeles County. You work directly with attorney Anthony Girgis — not case managers or assistants. No fees unless we win — 100% contingency fee basis. Free consultation available 24/7. Access to trusted medical providers who treat on a lien basis — no health insurance needed. Conveniently located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino near the US-101 corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents in California

Do I need a lawyer for a bicycle accident claim?
Yes — insurance companies routinely undervalue bicycle accident claims especially when cyclists were not wearing helmets or were riding in areas without dedicated bike lanes. An experienced bicycle accident attorney knows how to document your injuries, counter insurance company arguments, and recover the full compensation you deserve.

What if I was hit by a car while riding on the sidewalk?
California law generally requires cyclists to ride on the road rather than the sidewalk in most situations. However being on the sidewalk does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation. California’s comparative negligence system means you can still recover even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the driver who hit me drove away?
Hit and run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common in Los Angeles. If the driver cannot be identified you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Attorney Anthony Girgis handles hit and run bicycle accident cases throughout the San Fernando Valley.

How is pain and suffering calculated in a bicycle accident case?
California uses a multiplier method — your total medical expenses are multiplied by a factor between 1.5 and 5 depending on the severity of your injuries. Serious bicycle accident injuries involving brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability typically receive higher multipliers. Attorney Anthony Girgis fights aggressively to maximize your pain and suffering award.

What if my bicycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident?
Property damage to your bicycle and cycling gear — including helmet, clothing, and accessories — is recoverable as part of your personal injury claim. Keep all damaged equipment as evidence and document the replacement cost.

Request a Free Consultation

Injured in a bicycle accident in Encino? Call attorney Anthony Girgis at (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation — available 24/7. No fees unless we win.

Girgis Law Firm, APC 16055 Ventura Blvd., Suite 810, Encino, CA 91436 Phone: (818) 986-5000 Email: anthony@girgislawfirm.com