Bike Accidents in California – An Overview

Committed to excellence when representing injured bike riders.

Riding a bicycle is a popular method of transportation in Southern California, serving as both a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to heavy traffic. Regrettably, motorists are not always careful when they are near cyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, bicycle accidents have been on the rise since 2009 across the country. In 2018 alone, 857 cyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents.

Cycling has become increasingly popular across the State of California because of its health and environmental benefits. More people are opting for the use of bicycles as means of transportation for school and work, but also for recreational purposes. Although there has been a sudden surge of bicycle safety laws, the number of bicycle accidents have also increased.

Regrettably, bicycle accidents rarely result in insignificant injuries. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that in 2018, there were 857 bicycle-related fatalities. Even when the accident does not result in death, the cyclist is likely to endure life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, discuss your case with a well-versed personal injury attorney who will help you determine if you have a viable case.

A bicycle accident can have devastating consequences for the injured rider for a variety of reasons. Aside from physical pain caused by the injury, injured bicycle riders are prone to emotional distress and even economic difficulty. When a bike accident occurs, rarely does a victim consider long-term hardships; nonetheless, bike accidents usually result in a variety of complexities. If you have been injured in a bike accident, speak to an experienced attorney for support.

Discuss Your Case With a Knowledgeable Attorney Today

Even when cyclists take proper safety precautions, such as wearing reflective clothing and using proper lighting, cyclists are still susceptible to the dangers of the road. When a motorist is not paying attention to the road ahead, striking a cyclist can occur in an instant. Unfortunately, cyclists can sustain significantly serious injuries when struck by a moving vehicle, including life-threatening and life-altering injuries.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, discussing your case with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney should be one of your top priorities. A well-versed attorney will ensure you obtain the compensation you are owed from the negligent driver.

Attorney Justin H. King has helped many bicycle riders in the aftermath of a life-changing accident. He has an established reputation of taking on tough and challenging personal injury cases, with tenacity and vigor to advocate on behalf of severely injured clients. After a serious bike accident, consider contacting the support of Attorney Justin H. King. Contact the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King by calling (909) 297-5001 today.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident can be caused by a number of factors, including: Driver distraction, Poor weather conditions, Defective bicycle parts, Defective bicycle design, Driver that has drift into bicycle lanes, Accidents caused by deteriorated roads, Driver that fails to yield the right of way of a cyclist, Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or A cyclist hitting an opening car door when riding parallel to parked cars.

Like all traffic accidents, there are a wide range of causes for bike accidents. Unfortunately, because bike riders are far less protected than motor vehicle drivers, they face a greater risk of sustaining serious injuries. Bicycle accidents can occur as a result of multiple factors, such as being struck by an opening car door or a collision with a pedestrian. When it comes to bicycle vs. automobile accidents, the most common forms of accidents occur as a result of the following:

Intersection Dangers

When a cyclist makes a stop at an intersection, he or she runs the risk of being struck from behind by a speeding driver. Often, motorists drive too fast and follow too closely to a bike rider, which affects their ability to brake on time.

Collisions That Occur When a Driver Makes a Left Turn

Drivers making a left turn on a green light can fail to recognize an oncoming cyclist, particularly during the night hours or when there is low visibility. According to the NHTSA, most bicycle-related deaths occur during the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Right-Hand Turn Collisions

Right-hand accidents are commonly referred to as “right hook collisions”. These accidents can occur when a cyclist and a driver are both stopped at an intersection or are traveling alongside one another when the driver decides to make a right turn without first checking for the cyclist.

Proving a Bicycle Accident Claim

Drivers in the State of California owe a duty of care to those they share the road with, and this includes bicyclists. Part of a driver’s duty of care involves following traffic laws, where failing to follow traffic laws and engaging in reckless behaviors can result in driver negligence. When a driver is found negligent in a bicycle accident case, he or she can be held accountable for the bicyclist’s injuries.

The following list includes dangerous driving behaviors. Depending on the case, these behaviors can amount to negligence in a bicycle accident case: Driving while texting, Driving too fast for weather conditions, Failing to signal when making a turn, Aggressive driving or engaging in road rage, Cutting a bicyclist off, Driving while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, and failing to check for a cyclist before merging into a bicycle lane.

It is important to note that reckless drivers are not the only parties that can contribute to a bicycle accident. For example, an employer can be held accountable for a driver’s negligence when the driver was on the job when he or she struck the cyclist. Other parties that can be held accountable for the injuries suffered by a cyclist include: The entity responsible for designing or maintaining the dangerous road where the accident took place, or the manufacturing company responsible for the bicycles defective components.

Risk Factors Among Bicycle Riders

Any person who rides a bicycle is at risk of suffering an injury, including experienced cyclists. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are a number of factors that can place a person at greater risk of injury or death when riding a bicycle. This includes the following:

Sex – Men are six times more likely to sustain fatal injuries and four times more likely to sustain injuries when riding a bicycle than females.
Age – Individuals with the highest fatality rates are those between the ages of 50 and 59. Riders with the highest rate of non-fatal bicycle accidents are those between the ages of 5 and 19.
Intoxication – Over a third of all deadly bicycle accidents involve a driver or a cyclist who was under the influence of alcohol.
Time – A majority of fatal accidents occur in the evening hours from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Land Use – A majority of fatal bicycle accidents occur in non-intersections and urban areas.
Use of Helmets – Although a helmet will not prevent a bicycle accident, it will make a significant difference in preventing serious head trauma. The lack of the use of a helmet is a significant contributing factor in fatal bicycle accidents or non-fatal accidents that result in catastrophic injuries.

Damages Available After a Bike Accident

Any party who has caused the bicycle accident can be held accountable for the injuries caused by the accident. The available damages can vary based on the severity of the injuries as well as whether the injuries resulted in the death of the cyclist.
Generally, an injured cyclist can seek compensatory damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit, where the damages can include: Hospital costs, Ambulance costs, Costs of prescription medications, Costs of medical equipment, Future medical bills, Physical therapy, Counseling, Loss of income, Loss of earning capacity, Loss of limb, Disfigurement, Scarring, Pain and suffering, and The loss of quality of life.
When the cyclist has perished as a result of the accident, the decedent’s survivors can seek the following damages by filing a wrongful death claim: Loss of moral support, Loss of affection and rotection, Loss of companionship, Funeral and burial expenses, The value of household services lost, The financial support the victim would have contributed to the family in his or her lifetime, and The loss of benefits or gifts the survivors could have expected from the victim.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

When compared to other forms of transportation, bicyclists are uniquely at risk for serious injuries because of their lack of protection when on the road. When colliding with a moving vehicle, cyclists are prone to serious injuries, including: Hand and wrist fractures, Broken collarbone, Loss of limb, Road rash, Traumatic brain injury, Neck injuries, Eye injuries, Dental fractures, Bone dislocations, Muscle strains, Spinal cord injuries, Internal bleeding, and Facial disfigurement.

Defend Your Rights As an Injured Cyclist and Speak to a Well-Versed Personal Injury Attorney

In the State of California, drivers and cyclists alike are afforded the same rights to use the roads when bicycle lanes are not available. Motorists are required to provide cyclists the same right of way as they would other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, a vast majority of bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence.

When a bicycle accident occurs, the injured cyclist can incur a great amount of losses. Depending on the extent of the injuries, a cyclist can require extensive medical treatment and lose the ability to return to work. If you or someone you know was injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek the immediate support of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Bicycle accidents demand a full investigation, a collection of critical evidence, and adept legal support. After a bicycle accident injury, discuss your case with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

After a Bicycle Accident, Obtain the Financial Compensation You Deserve – Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Attorney Today

Attorney Justin H. King has extensive legal experience in the field of bicycle accident cases . He has successfully represented clients who have suffered astounding losses, including accidents that result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Attorney King understands the impact a serious bicycle accident can have on a rider and his or her family. For this reason, Attorney Justin H. King advocates aggressively on behalf of his clients, ensuring they obtain the maximum compensation available. If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, consider contacting Attorney Justin H. King today.

Dedicated Law Firm, Helping Injured Cyclists Recover Compensation For More Than a Decade

If you or a loved one was injured while riding a bicycle, obtaining a monetary compensation may be available by pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Discuss your case with an experienced attorney who can investigate the case and defend your right to a maximum compensation.

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on October 25, 2020

17:05 25 Oct 24

Thank you so much to Oliver King and Garrett Tuckerman for helping me with my case. They've been outstanding. Although the process was overwhelming, I felt reassured, supported, and listened to. I highly recommend the Law offices of Justin King to anyone who needs help.

Savana Martinez

18:30 04 Sep 24

The team at Law Office of Justin King went above and beyond with my case.It was my first big automobile accident while being 6 months pregnant and I was terrified. I called them the same day and they took on my case immediately.Throughout the whole process they were communicative and on top of everything. I would recommend to everyone and would go back to them again if need be.Thank you to this amazingly firm !

Hate Nine

06:01 04 Sep 24

Wow! I can't say enough good things about the Law Offices of Justin King. Attitude starts at the top, & this firm is top tier. They represented me (& yes we won!) for an injury I sustained while riding my motorcycle westbound on the 10. Someone changed lanes without looking, which resulted in a knee injury, a lot of physical therapy, & a totaled motorcycle. I wasn't sure what to do or if this were even something worth pursuing. I found Justin's webpage & sent a quick message to him on a Saturday night then thought nothing of it. My first call from Justin was Sunday morning. I was immediately impressed. After hearing a bit of my story & asking a few questions I was ready to have Justin represent me. My first question was "How much do I need to come up with to get this started? Justin replied, you don't owe anything until we win. Not unless, until. That set the tone of the next 2 years of my life. As your case progresses it'll require work from you & a whole team working to represent you. Staci will call & let you know she's emailing documents that require signatures; Garrett will call to ask for details they need to understand & yes, he will call to remind you that you forgot to sign a document 3 days earlier. These are great people who genuinely care. They will take time to understand your needs & they communicate every step of the way. If you are injured, you need to call Justin & his team right away. You will not be disappointed!Google only allows 5 stars, but these guys deserve 10!

Vivian Garcia

01:00 15 Aug 24

I was involved in my first big automobile accident last year, in Yorba Linda. I was a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. Friends suggested that I hire an attorney to handle my case and I was not quite sure how to proceed. I was very fortunate when I was referred to Justin King’s office.I met with Mr. King and found him to be very personable and he listened to my concerns. I felt very comfortable and confident that he would help me in getting a fair outcome to my case.I want to also thank Garrett Tuckerman for all he did in keeping me updated with everything going on with my case and for being there whenever I had any questions or concerns. I also want to mention Leoni Barrera who was always pleasant and supportive when I called.I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King for your personal injury needs. I feel that Mr. King and his whole staff, with their knowledge, expertise and professionalism will help make your experience a less stressful one.

Lisa Perchez

21:53 29 Jul 24

Last July I was struck by a falling case of liquor at Total Wine in Rancho Cucamonga which led to a slip and fall. My friends and family urged me to contact a lawyer after discovering I needed surgery to repair my broken wrist. A friend found Justin King on Google. Justin was compassionate, accessible, and took charge from the very first meeting. He was able to obtain the surveillance video capturing the entire incident, and made an appointment for me to see a prominent neurologist after the video showed the case struck the front of my head. The entire staff at The Law Offices of Justin H. King were very easy to work with, and I always felt like my case was getting personal attention. Thank you Garrett, Staci, and Leoni! My case went to mediation and settled for more than 3x what they originally offered. If you have been injured in an accident, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King.

Leslie S.

18:26 13 Jul 24

I want to thank Justin and his amazing office. They made a very traumatic/ nightmare of a situation into a more bearable situation every step of the way. They kept us updated and we were reassured that we were in good hands. I want to also express my gratitude to Garrett for being so empathic and supportive through the ups and downs that comes with a case. We are so blessed to have had them handle our case. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional and dependable office. Thank you again Justin King Office!!!

Melinda Jordan

09:02 18 Dec 22

I went from feeling like a basket case from all the stress to feeling calm and collected after talking to Justin. He is a phenomenal personal injury lawyer and is a truly calming and reassuring presence. This firm helped me in ways I can't even adequately put into words, other than to say Thank You, Justin, to you and your awesome team.

Marjorie Harris

04:14 18 Dec 22

After an auto accident, I felt really nervous calling an attorney because I had never worked with one before. But from the first conversation I had with Jessica, I felt so at ease. Justin then called me and was so easy going and we had a nice conversation too. The entire staff took great care of me and I am very happy.

Sheila Hughes

03:45 18 Dec 22

I was in a car accident that was not my fault two years ago. A friend of mine had a family member who had been helped in the past by Justin King, and they suggested I call him. I'm so glad I did! Justin and his team took great care of my situation and got a great settlement for me. I highly recommend them if you have been in an accident. You will be very happy with what this firm. They are smart, hard-working, honest, and take great care of their clients.

Margaret James

04:43 01 Dec 22

Justin's entire staff is the best car accident lawyer team in Rancho Cucamonga. Justin, Oliver, Jessica, and Garrett all provided me with excellent service and treated me like family. They are all such great people, and always so honest and responsive to me. I gladly recommend them to anyone needing the services of a car accident lawyer in the Inland Empire.

Wm Holland

06:13 17 Nov 22

When I needed a lawyer following a car accident on the Interstate 15 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, Justin King, and his team were there for me. I appreciated how his entire staff always seemed happy to answer my questions and were so good about returning all my phone calls and emails. I could tell this firm has immense experience in helping people get their life back after an unfortunate car crash. I was so happy with the outcome of my case and the results Justin obtained from the insurance company on my behalf. I have recommended their office to all my family members and neighbors. I hope you never need to call them. But if you need the best car accident lawyers, I can vouch that they are excellent.