Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Lawyer
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Get Help From Our Rancho Cucamonga Bike Accident Attorney Today
At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident lawyers are compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to justice. Our bicycle accident attorneys understand the challenges that cyclists face on the road in Southern California and we strive to go the extra mile to help them get the maximum financial compensation for their common bicycle accident injuries in their serious bicycle accident cases. Hurt in a bicycle accident? Contact our bicycle accident attorneys at our Rancho Cucamonga law firm front office today for a free consultation with a top-rated California bike accident lawyer for your bicycle accident claim.
The Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Were you injured in an accident while on a bike in Rancho Cucamonga? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect yourself and your rights in this kind of bicycle accident lawsuit. Here are five steps to take:
- Stop Your Bike and Exchange Information: If you were hit by a motor vehicle, you should stop your bicycle and exchange information with the driver after the bicycle crash. Get their name, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details for your personal injury claims.
- Report the Collision to Law Enforcement: All bike/car crashes should be reported to state or local law enforcement. Be sure to report your collision to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. Get a copy of the police report after your accident.
- Seek Prompt Medical Care for Any Injuries: All bike accident injuries should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Your medical treatment and safety comes first. If you do not have medical records, you cannot bring a personal injury claim for your catastrophic injuries.
- Thoroughly Document the Collision: California is a fault-based bike accident injury state. You should carefully document your crash. Take pictures, get witness contact details, and write down what happened.
- Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster: Prior to providing any statement to the insurance company, you should consult with a top-rated Rancho Cucamonga, California bicycle accident attorney to discuss your bicycle accident case and personal injury lawsuit.
Bicyclists Face a Serious Safety Threat From Traffic in Bike Accidents
Too many bicycle riders are hurt in motor vehicle collisions in California each year. Unlike cars, bicycles offer very little protection. Riders are vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of an accident. Many accidents occur due to drivers failing to see bicyclists or not giving them enough space, especially in busy or congested traffic areas. Some of the most common bike and car accidents can include:
- Lacerations;
- Road rash;
- Whiplash;
- Sprains;
- Strains;
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Loss of limb (amputation);
- Internal organ damage; and
- Spinal cord injuries.
Cyclists Have a General Right the Road in California (And Responsibilities)
Bicyclists in Rancho Cucamonga should know their legal rights and legal responsibilities when riding on or near public roads. Here are the key points that cyclists should know:
- Bicyclists Have Right to Control a Lane: In California, bicyclists have the right to control an entire lane when necessary for bicycle safety. It is particularly important on narrow roads where sharing a lane with vehicles would be unsafe. Cyclists can also take the lane when preparing for a turn or to avoid hazards like debris or parked cars. All motorists in Rancho Cucamonga should respect a bicyclist’s right to control a lane and not attempt to force them to the side.
- Cyclists Should Stay to the Right (Except When Turning Left): While cyclists can control a lane, California law expects them to ride as close to the right-hand side of the road as possible. With that being, the rule has exceptions. Most notably, when cyclists are preparing to make a left turn or avoid obstacles, they have to stay to the right to avoid a bike crash. Further, cyclists may also move left to pass slower-moving vehicles or when the lane is too narrow.
- Motorists Should Take Care Around Cyclists: Drivers must exercise extra caution when sharing the road with bicyclists, as they are more vulnerable to serious injury in accidents. Motorists should provide ample space when passing cyclists. It is ideal that they should move into another lane. It is important for drivers to check their blind spots.
- Bicyclists Must Follow Traffic Laws: Just the same as motorists, bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws in California. Along with other things, this includes stopping at red lights, stop signs, and other traffic signals yielding the right-of-way when appropriate, and signaling before turns. Cyclists must also use bike lanes where available—unless safety concerns require them to leave the lane.
What to Know About Bike Accident Injury Liability
California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. The party who is responsible for causing a bike accident can be held liable for the resulting damage and severe injuries from the accident scene by our bicycle injury lawyers. Fault is based on negligence. Broadly speaking, negligence is defined as the failure to take due care. Some examples of negligence that can contribute to a bicycle accident include:
- Speeding;
- Distracted driving;
- Tailgating;
- Running red lights;
- Running stop signs;
- Unsafe road conditions; and
- Bicycle manufacturer defects.
California is a pure comparative negligence state. Each party to a bicycle accident can be held legally responsible for their share of the damage. For example, imagine that you suffered $25,000 in damages in a bike accident in Rancho Cucamonga. If you are liable for 20 percent of your own accident, you will be liable for 20 percent of your damages ($5,000).
Four Tips for Taking On an Insurance Company After a Bike Accident
Most bicycle accident injury claims in California are defended by insurance companies. If you are going up against an insurance company, it is crucial that you are prepared to talk about your severe injuries the bicycle accident caused. Here are four tips for taking on insurance adjusters:
- Avoid Admitting Fault: You should never admit fault for a bike accident—either to a driver, police officer, or insurance company. Even casual statements like “I did not see them” can be used against you to reduce or deny your claim. Let your attorney deal with fault after an investigation. Fault matters.
- Be Patient in Settlement: Insurance companies often try to get bike accident victims to settle their claim for less. Do not let them get away with it. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly—but initial offers may be far less than what your claim is worth. It is crucial to be patient and not rush into accepting a settlement—especially before fully understanding the extent of your injuries. Patience can help you secure the maximum compensation.
- Do Not Sign a Release for Medical Records: You should not sign a full release for your medical records without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance companies may ask you to sign a release granting them access to your medical records. Signing this release can give them access to your entire medical history—not just records related to the bike accident.
- Work Through Your Attorney: The best tip for taking on an insurance company after a bicycle accident is to work through a lawyer. The reality is that navigating an insurance claim after a bike accident can be complex—and it is best to work through a top-rated Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident attorney. Your attorney will handle communications with the insurance company. They can negotiate on your behalf.
A Two-Year Statute of Limitations Applies to Most Claims
Under California law (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1), there is a two-year statute of limitations for bicycle accident injury claims. Only very limited exceptions apply to the rule. A proactive approach is a must—you do not want to fall behind on the legal claims process. Insurance companies started building their defense almost immediately after a serious accident. Consult with a top-tier Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident injury lawyer and personal injury lawyer right away after a collision.
We Fight for the Maximum Settlement for Injured Cyclists in Rancho Cucamonga
In California, bicycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including non-economic losses. Our Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident lawyer is always prepared to go the extra mile to help clients secure the maximum financial compensation. Along with other types of damages, injured cyclists may be able to recover for:
- Bicycle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Diminished earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
Why Trust the Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Saeedian Law Group
Bicycle accident claims are complicated. It is normal to have a ton of questions about your rights and your options after being hit by a car. An experienced bicycle accident attorney at Saeedian Law Group, is a strong, aggressive advocate for injured cyclists from motor vehicles. With millions in compensation recovered for injured victims, our case results demonstrate our proficiency. When you contact us at our Rancho Cucamonga law office, you will have a chance to speak with a California bicycle accident lawyer who can:
- Hear your story, answer questions, and explain your rights/options;
- Carefully investigate your bike accident in Rancho Cucamonga;
- Ensure that you are connected with the right doctors to provide care;
- Handle insurance paperwork and represent you in settlement talks; and
- Develop a comprehensive strategy with a focus on maximizing your compensation.
Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When Should I Speak to a Bike Accident Lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga?
Without delay. Insurance companies waste no time building and preparing their defense after a serious accident. You do not want to fall behind in the claims process. It is easy to make avoidable mistakes. You should speak to a bike accident lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga as soon as possible after the accident.
Are Bike Helmets Required By Law in California?
Only for minors. In California, bicycle helmets are required by law for anyone under the age of 18. Adults over the age of 18 are not legally required to wear helmets when cycling. With that being said, wearing a bike helmet is highly recommended every time you ride—especially so if you are around traffic. Bicycle helmets help to prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and save lives.
Is a Driver Automatically Liable if they Hit a Cyclist?
No. California is a fault-based personal injury state, including for bicycle accidents. A driver is not automatically liable if they hit a cyclist. Liability depends on the circumstances of the accident and whether the driver was negligent. Every bicycle accident should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney.
How Does Comparative Negligence Work in Bike Accident Claim?
California is a pure comparative fault state. Comparative negligence in bike accident claims means that if both the cyclist and the driver share fault in an accident, the compensation awarded to the injured cyclist can be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a cyclist is found 20 percent at fault and the total damages are $50,000, the cyclist would receive 80 percent of that amount, or $40,000. Even a single percentage point of fault assigned could potentially represent thousands of dollars of financial compensation after a serious crash.
What is the Value of My Bike Accident Injury Case?
In California, the value of a bicycle accident injury claim will depend on case-driven factors. The extent of the damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc—are key. Do not let an insurance company pressure you into settling your claim for less. A top-tier Rancho Cucamonga, CA bicycle accident injury attorney can help you fight for the maximum compensation.
We Handle Bicycle Accident Injury Cases On Contingency
Saeedian Law Group is a boutique law firm that handles bicycle accident injury claims in Rancho Cucamonga on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and there are no hourly bills for our clients. If you do not get paid, we do not collect any legal fees. Our interests are always fully aligned with the best interests of our clients. Your initial consultation with our Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident lawyer is free, confidential, and carries zero additional obligations.
Consult With Our Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident attorney is an experienced, reliable advocate for victims and their families. Hurt in a bicycle accident? Contact us now for a no cost, no obligation consultation with a top-tier attorney. With a law office in Rancho Cucamonga, we handle bike accident injury cases in San Bernardino County and throughout all of Southern California.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211