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If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, an experienced Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident lawyer from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer will provide the specialized legal support you need to get through the complex bicycle accident claims process and recover the maximum damages you are entitled to.
Our award-winning legal team is dedicated to representing bike accident victims throughout San Bernardino County with a proven track record of successfully obtaining fair settlements for our clients.
Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury law firm by completing an online form or calling our law offices at (909) 787-2515.
Do I Need to Hire a Bike Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury attorney is not always necessary. However, working with experienced legal representation in a bicycle accident case improves the chances of winning and increases the odds of maximizing compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the dedicated legal team at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can help. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve while protecting your rights, offering the following to our clients.
Legal Assistance for Your Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Claim
Personalized Strategic Planning
Our bike accident lawyers work with clients to understand their circumstances and goals. This strengthens the development of a solid legal strategy to achieve the best possible result.
Clear Communication and Guidance
Our bicycle injury lawyers value clear communication, attentive listening, and comprehensive explanations of clients’ legal rights and options.
Thorough Bicycle Accident Case Investigation
Our legal team will conduct a meticulous investigation into the Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident, which involves:
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing police reports and medical records
Efficient Management of Insurance Paperwork
Our personal injury lawyers deal with the insurance adjusters, including handling all the necessary insurance paperwork and ensuring that deadlines are met and clients’ rights are protected.
Access to Quality Medical Care
Regarding handling bicycle accident cases, our legal team connects clients with reputable medical professionals who specialize in treating injuries related to bicycle accidents.
Skillful Negotiation and Representation
Our bicycle accident attorneys represent clients during settlement negotiations with the insurance company, only advocating for a fair settlement that adequately compensates bicycle accident victims for their losses.
Maximize Compensation
The ultimate goal is to maximize compensation for our clients. We will pursue all available avenues to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Other losses related to the accident
Undergoing the legal complexities is not only overwhelming but attempting to do so while recovering from a serious injury may feel impossible. Serious injuries can have life-altering consequences, highlighting the importance of seeking proper legal representation.
Consulting a bicycle accident lawyer simplifies the personal injury claims process, allowing injured victims to make informed decisions on how to proceed with their cases.
California Bicycle Laws and Regulations
Traffic regulations prevent accidents and help ensure the safety of all road users. If either party fails to follow traffic laws, causing harm to another party, they may be held liable for damages—bicyclists included (see the comparative negligence section). Here’s an overview of some common California bicycle laws.
The Right-of-Way
California Vehicle Code Section 21200 states that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as car drivers. Therefore, bicyclists must obey the same regulations, including not riding or driving under the influence, following traffic signals, and yielding the right-of-way as necessary.
It is also vital to maintain a safe distance between cyclists and motorists. Traffic laws require motor vehicles to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing or driving alongside a bicycle. Motorists should never tailgate or accelerate to bypass cyclists, as this will not give the cyclists enough space to maneuver.
Blind Spots and Signaling
Motorists should be aware of their surroundings, check for cyclists before turning or changing lanes, and give them adequate space when passing. Conversely, cyclists should use hand signals to indicate their intentions and ride in a predictable manner.
Being extra cautious in the evenings or in highly congested areas is essential for the safety of both cyclists and motorists, especially in low-lighting conditions. To increase visibility, bicycle riders are highly recommended to attach front and rear lights to bicycles, wear reflective clothing, and ensure reflectors are secured.
Taking the Lane
When a lane is too narrow for a car to safely overtake a cyclist, the cyclist should position themself in the middle of the lane to increase their visibility and safety. This is referred to as “taking the lane.”
Bicyclists can occupy a full lane when passing, avoiding road hazards, navigating a lane too narrow for sharing, or when approaching legal turns. This applies even if the bicyclist moves slower than other traffic.
Bicycle Lanes
Bicyclists are not obligated to use the bike lanes and designated bicycle corridors on busy roads, such as Campus Dr. along Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. However, bicycle riders are required to utilize these lanes when traveling slower than the normal flow of traffic.
Bicyclists can leave the bike lane when passing another cyclist or vehicle, avoiding road or lane hazards, preparing to make a left turn, or approaching a location where a right turn is permitted.
Bicycle Helmets
Wearing proper safety equipment and gear is essential for bicyclists to minimize the risk of injury in the event of an accident. One of the most critical pieces of bicycle safety equipment is a helmet.
California law requires all bicyclists under 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. This law is designed to protect young riders from traumatic brain injuries and other serious injuries in the event of a bicycle crash.
While helmet use is not mandatory for adults, it is highly recommended. Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, which are common in bicycle accidents.
About Electric Bicycle Accidents
State e-bike laws were updated in 2015 in response to the surge in popularity of electric bikes, especially in Southern California. This law classifies electric bikes into three categories:
Class 1
If a bicycle has a motor that only engages when the rider pedals and stops when the rider reaches 20 mph, it is subject to the following helmet requirement: any rider under 18 must wear a helmet.
Class 2
These electric bicycles, unlike e-bikes, are activated by a throttle and will turn off once the rider reaches 20 mph. Additionally, riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.
Class 3
Class 3 electric bikes are activated by pedaling and do not turn off until the rider reaches 28 miles per hour. Riders must be 16 or older and must wear helmets.
E-bike riders are not required to have a license or insurance because e-bikes are not classified as motor vehicles. However, local municipalities may have their own e-bike regulations. Injured riders could be found at fault if they violate any of these local regulations.
If you’ve been injured in an e-bike accident caused by another person’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. The Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer specialize in electric bicycle accidents and stay up-to-date on the latest laws. He will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
Bicyclists, like pedestrians and motorcyclists, are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries due to the lack of protection in the event of a crash. Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries that can be compensated include the following:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the back or neck that can result in disabilities or paralysis
- Road Rash: Serious skin abrasions from skidding across the pavement
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding
- Amputation: Catastrophic injuries, like the loss of a limb due to injury complications
- Wrongful Death: Bicycle fatalities at the accident scene or at a later time due to severe injuries
The recovery process for most bike accident injuries can take months and require extensive medical treatment. To ensure the costly medical bills do not become your financial burden, it’s important to consult with an experienced Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident attorney for a personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Rancho Cucamonga Bike Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that cyclists in the U.S. have a higher risk of injury than other road users. The NHTSA also reports that thousands of cyclists are injured annually in accidents, many of which involve motor vehicles.
Cyclists in Southern California are regularly exposed to bicycle accidents caused by the negligence of others, despite taking safety precautions. These accidents commonly include:
- Distracted Driving: When drivers become distracted by their phones, radios, or other activities that shift their focus away from driving
- Failing to Yield: Not yielding to cyclists when they have the right of way at intersections or while making turns
- Dooring: Common in metropolitan regions, occurs when a driver exits his or her vehicle without first checking for oncoming bike riders
- Sideswiping: When a driver does not leave enough space between his or her vehicle and a neighboring bicyclist, ultimately colliding into the side of the bicycle
- Tailgating: A motor vehicle rear-ending the back of a bicyclist from trailing too closely and not leaving enough space for unexpected stops
- Reckless Driving: Drivers involved in motor vehicle traffic crashes who are engaged in reckless behavior, such as speeding, swerving in and out of lanes, and running red lights or stop signs
Who Is Liable in a California Bicycle Accident Case?
Negligence is the central factor in determining liability for bicycle accidents. Fault can be established through various forms of evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, photographs, and expert opinions. Based on these findings, liability for a bicycle accident may fall on one or more of the following parties.
- Negligent Drivers: Anyone operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, such as speeding or driving under the influence, may be liable for damages
- Bicycle Shops: Because some bike shops repair, modify, and sell bicycles, they may be capable of making an error in selling a defective bicycle or making an inadequate repair.
- Bicycle Manufacturers: Like other products, bicycles can have design or manufacturing defects, such as faulty brakes or wheels, which can increase the risk of accidents.
- Government Entities: Rancho Cucamonga municipalities are responsible for maintaining infrastructure free of cracks, potholes, and other hazardous obstacles.
- Business Owners: The employer may be liable if an employee is driving a company car or is otherwise on the job (like a Lyft/Uber driver) and hits a bicyclist.
If a negligent party caused your crash, you can seek compensation through a bicycle accident claim or bicycle accident lawsuit. Bicycle accident attorneys are crucial in helping victims through the legal process and securing the compensation they deserve.
Comparative Negligence and When Fault Is Shared
California is a fault-based state for personal injury, including bicycle accidents. Therefore, liability depends on the circumstances of the accident and all of the potentially at-fault parties, which sometimes include the injured cyclist.
As a pure comparative fault state, if both the cyclist and the driver share fault in an accident, the injured cyclist’s compensation may be reduced based on his or her degree of fault. For example, if a plaintiff is 20% at fault for a bike accident with $20,000 in damages, $16,000 would be awarded, which is 80% of the total damages.
Even a small percentage of assigned fault can significantly impact the amount of financial compensation awarded in bicycle accident cases. Additionally, insurance companies will try to place as much fault on the injured bicyclists as possible, highlighting the importance of seeking professional legal help.
Compensation for Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accidents
The compensation available for a personal injury lawsuit is contingent upon the specific circumstances of the bicycle accident case and proof that the damages resulted from another party’s negligence. This means that injured victims have the right to seek reimbursement or financial compensation for the following types of damages:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Future earnings if unable to return to work
- Lost wages for time missed from work
- Other out-of-pocket expenses (home modifications, childcare, etc.)
- Pain and Suffering, including physical and mental turmoil
- Property damage
Legal representation is essential in a bicycle accident case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for all sustained damages.
Consult With Our Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
The Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident attorneys at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer are skilled in personal injury law and dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible results.
After an accident, Jeff’s got you.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with our award-winning attorneys.
Other Practice Areas Our California Law Firm Handles
Our award-winning personal injury attorneys specialize in the following practice areas:
- Car Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber and Lyft Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death Cases
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Inland Empire Law Offices
Bicycle accident victims may not be aware of all their legal options and the potential value of their cases. An experienced attorney can provide valuable insights into these matters. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your motorcycle accident case.
Address: 8350 Archibald Ave, Suite 211
Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730
Phone Number: (909) 787-2515
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
Contact one of our offices to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys to discuss your case.