SAN BERNARDINO
BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
San Bernardino is a city where residents enjoy beautiful weather all year round, making it a perfect location to get out and ride a bicycle. Many people take advantage of the weather and commute to and from work as well. But cyclists here put themselves in harm’s way every time they share our local streets and highways with motor vehicles. The truth is that Southern California has some of the most dangerous roadways in the country. Cyclists invest lots of money in helmets, reflective clothing, lights for their bikes, and other safety equipment, but they still have very little protection against a negligent driver behind the wheel of a vehicle. Despite the best efforts of cyclists, most accidents with motor vehicles occur because the driver did not see the cyclist. Unfortunately, many cyclists hit by motor vehicles sustain serious injuries, which can be fatal.
If you or a family member have suffered injuries due to a bicycle accident, it is important to seek out the legal support of an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. A highly skilled lawyer can recover the maximum compensation for your injuries, as well as your emotional and psychological distress.
The San Bernardino personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates can help! Our trial lawyers have the knowledge and experience in handling a variety of personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents. With multiple offices located in Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Los Angeles, El Segundo, and San Diego, our accident attorneys represent injured cyclists across Southern California. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced San Bernardino bicycle accident attorney, please call 949-438-5829.
The Most Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
The most serious and most common bicycle accidents involve collisions with motor vehicles. They typically result in severe injuries to the cyclist. However, other types of bicycle accidents can also result in very serious injuries and leave injured riders with little choice but to seek damages from the at-fault party. Some of these other types include:
- Accidents from equipment failure: When a part of a bicycle fails due to a manufacturing defect, a design defect, or a failure to warn, the injured rider may have a valid product liability claim against the manufacturer, the distributor, the vendor who sold the bike, or the shop that supplied and installed the defective part.
- Accidents caused by poor road or trail conditions: Bicycle accidents occur due to poor road or trail conditions, including large holes in the pavement, loose gravel, road work, and other hazards in the cyclist’s path. If no warning signs are posted of the hazardous conditions, and they lead to an accident, the cyclist may have grounds for litigation.
- Accidents caused by poor route markings and/or traffic direction during an event: In an organized cycling event, the race route must be clearly marked and riders must be warned ahead of time of any permanent obstacles along the route, such as signs, curbs, train track crossings, or traffic islands. All vehicle traffic must be diverted to protect riders and spectators. If a rider suffers injury due to poor markings or lax safety measures, a skilled San Bernardino bicycle accident attorney can pursue damages against the event organizers or other at-fault parties.
Contact An Experienced San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a close family member has been injured in a bicycle accident and you have questions about your rights and legal options, contact the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience in handling a variety of accident claims, including bicycle accidents. We will use our exceptional skills, years of experience, and many resources to help you receive the fair and just compensation you deserve to help with medical bills, lost wages, ongoing medical care, and other expenses.
With multiple offices located in Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Los Angeles, El Segundo and San Diego, our bicycle accident lawyers represent injured cyclists across Southern California. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an expert San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyer, please call 949-438-5829.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common cause of bicycle accidents is getting hit by a car. Other common causes of bicycle accidents are falling, hitting something on the road, poor road conditions, striking a fixed object, or swerving to avoid an animal. However, getting hit by a car is by far the most common, typically the most serious, and can even be fatal.
What should you do after a bicycle accident?
Cyclists involved in an accident can be disoriented and not think clearly. Here is a list of important steps to remember after an accident:
Wait for the police to arrive: This is a legal obligation for all parties involved. Even if you believe you were not injured, you are required to wait for the police to arrive.
Do not negotiate with the motorist: Even if they apologize and accept blame, do not negotiate. You might not be aware that you are injured or realize the extent of your injuries, and a driver may change his or her mind later and deny the accident.
Gather driver information: Always get as much information as you can by exchanging names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, make/model of car, and insurance policy numbers with the other party.
Obtain witness contact information: Write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
Document the accident: Record every detail of the accident, including how, who, when, and the road, traffic, and weather conditions. Do this as soon as possible while the details are fresh in your mind. Include streets, signs, and traffic lights. Use a cell phone camera to document the scene, injuries, and the vehicle(s) involved.
Give the police your report: Give your statement of what occurred, reporting any injury, no matter how minor it may seem.
Seek immediate medical attention: Even if your injuries are minor, get checked by a doctor and get a written evaluation.
Preserve evidence: Keep any damaged clothing and bike parts as they are.
Never negotiate with insurance companies: The driver’s insurance company may attempt to settle before you have all the information ready to support your claim. Do not talk to them.
Seek professional advice: Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately.
Where do most bike accidents happen?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of accidents occur in urban areas. Most happen at intersections, but other common locations include sidewalks, medians, trails, roadsides, and parking lanes.
Is riding a bike on the sidewalk illegal in California?
California has no statewide law prohibiting cyclists from riding on the sidewalk. The laws depend on the county or the city. Some allow it, some don’t, and others do so with exceptions. A cyclist should be aware of the laws in the city or county where they are riding a bicycle.
What are three California bike laws?
California has a number of bicycle laws, and cyclists should be familiar with them, especially in the city or county where they ride. Below is a list of three of the most important laws that every cyclist should be aware of.
Bicyclists Must Follow The Vehicle Code: As a general rule, adult bicyclists must obey the laws pertaining to stop signs, red lights, and other traffic control measures in place for drivers of motor vehicles.
Ride With Traffic: Cyclists are required to ride in the same direction as traffic. If you are on a one-way street traveling in the opposite direction, walk your bicycle on the sidewalk.
Ride On The Right Side Of The Road: If you are riding as fast as traffic, you are allowed to ride in the traffic lane. For the most part, you will be traveling slower than traffic and must ride as far to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as possible. Exceptions include passing another cyclist, preparing to take a left turn, and when it’s reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions.
Bicycle Accident Statistics and Trends
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