Santa Ana BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Yes, as a cyclist involved in an accident with a motor vehicle in California, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. If the driver is at fault or uninsured, you can seek compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You can also pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance company if they were at fault.

Common causes of bicycle accidents can involve various factors, including the behavior of both cyclists and other road users. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Motor Vehicle Collisions: Accidents involving motor vehicles are a leading cause of bicycle accidents. These can occur due to drivers not seeing cyclists, failing to yield right of way, or making unsafe maneuvers, such as sudden turns or lane changes.

Dooring: “Dooring” happens when a parked vehicle’s door is opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist. It can result in serious injuries if the cyclist collides with the door or swerves into traffic to avoid it.

Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile phones, adjusting their GPS, eating, or engaging in other distractions can fail to notice cyclists in their vicinity, leading to accidents.

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Both cyclists and drivers who disregard traffic signals, stop signs, or right-of-way rules can cause accidents.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Passing: When drivers fail to give cyclists enough space while passing or change lanes without checking blind spots, they can collide with cyclists.

Riding Against Traffic: Cyclists riding against the flow of traffic increase the risk of accidents as drivers may not expect to encounter them from that direction.

Speeding: Speeding drivers might not have enough time to react to cyclists, especially in congested areas or when visibility is poor.

Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, leading to a higher risk of accidents with cyclists.

Poor Road Conditions: Uneven surfaces, potholes, debris, or inadequate road markings can pose hazards to cyclists, leading to accidents.

Inadequate Bicycle Infrastructure: A lack of dedicated bike lanes, poorly designed intersections, and insufficient signage can increase the likelihood of bicycle accidents.

Opening Car Doors Without Checking: Passengers and drivers who open their doors without checking for approaching cyclists can cause collisions.

Cyclist Negligence: Cyclists can also contribute to accidents by not obeying traffic laws, not using hand signals, or riding unpredictably.

After a bicycle accident in California, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Follow these steps:

• Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is seriously hurt.
• Move out of harm’s way if possible to avoid further accidents.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved.
• Gather contact information from witnesses, if available.
• Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, and any visible injuries.
• Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report.

Common bicycle accident injuries can vary in severity, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the use of safety equipment. Some of the most typical injuries cyclists may sustain in accidents include:

• Head Injuries
• Facial Injuries
• Road Rash
• Fractures and Dislocations
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Spinal Injuries
• Emotional Trauma
• Cuts and Contusions
• Death

You must seek legal counsel after a bicycle accident because insurance companies and the defendant will try to prove that you were at fault to avoid providing compensation for your injuries. Our dedicated lawyers will immediately work to gather all the necessary evidence to strengthen your case. Some of this evidence may include:

• Eyewitness testimony;
• Photos of the accident;
• Any video footage of your accident;
• The police report;
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts; and
• Illustrations and timelines of the accident.

Our goal is to prove the car/truck driver’s negligence to get you the compensation you deserve. A car/truck driver may be found liable for negligence when the driver breaches their duty of care while operating a vehicle. This breach may include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Driving while distracted;
• Making illegal turns;
• Driving over the speed limit, and failing to follow other rules of the road; and
• Engaging in other unlawful or reckless behaviors.

You must not sign or accept any settlements from insurance companies before consulting with an experienced bicycle accident attorney. Accepting such settlements without consulting your attorney could result in low-ball offers that may not include damages you are entitled to, including future medical expenses, emotional trauma, or pain and suffering.

Your past and future medical bills, cost of treatment, and/or pain and suffering will determine the amount of your claim. Other factors that can influence the amount of your claim could also include:

• The amount of income lost while incapacitated;
• Whether or not your injuries have affected your future earning capabilities;
• Whether or not you require home modifications to accommodate your injuries;
• Whether your injury caused life-long disfigurement, scarring, disability, or the loss of bodily function.

To receive the highest amount of compensation, you should consult our knowledgeable lawyers at Razavi Law Group. We are dedicated to obtaining the highest amount of compensation possible for your injuries.

If you hit a cyclist with your vehicle, it is essential to act responsibly and follow specific steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved and comply with the law. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in such a situation:

1. Stop Immediately: If you are involved in an accident with a cyclist, stop your vehicle immediately, no matter how minor the collision may seem. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.

2. Check for Injuries: Prioritize the well-being of the cyclist and any other individuals involved. Check for injuries and call for medical assistance if necessary. Do not attempt to provide medical care unless you are qualified to do so.

3. Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move the vehicles involved to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

4. Call Emergency Services: Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number to report the accident and request police and medical assistance. The police will document the incident and provide an official report, which can be crucial for insurance purposes.

5. Exchange Information: Share your contact information, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance details with the cyclist and any witnesses. Obtain the cyclist’s information as well. If the cyclist is unable to provide information due to injury, provide your details to the police.