The Primary Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Southern California

Following a bicycle accident, a top-rated attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Southern California is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic routes in the world, and many cyclists flock to the state’s many roads to enjoy the atmosphere and pleasant weather. Regrettably, the roads in the state have become very congested over the years and they are constantly filled with reckless, distracted, and inattentive drivers.

Motorists who disregard the rules of the road and subsequently endanger cyclists should be held accountable when their actions cause bicycle accident injuries. When a bicycle accident occurs, the injuries can cause a lifetime of pain and grievance for the cyclist and his or her family alike. Fortunately, a successful bicycle accident claim can help alleviate some of the financial burdens and losses caused by the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can be a helpful resource that could achieve the highest compensation available.

Unparalleled Experience in Bicycle Accident Cases

For over a decade, the award-winning legal team at the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has prevailed on behalf of those injured as a result of another’s negligent actions. The proficient legal team firmly believes that when a reckless driver causes the injuries of an innocent cyclist as a result of negligent actions or intentionally careless behavior, the driver should bear the consequences of the cyclist’s financial losses.

The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has a longstanding reputation of not only being determined champions on behalf of those who are injured as a result of another’s negligence, but they are also tenacious in the pursuit of maximum compensation for their clients. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, consider contacting the Law Offices of Attorney King. You can receive a non-obligatory, complimentary consultation by calling (909) 297-5001 or filling out the completely private online form today.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

The top cause of serious injuries and death among cyclists is speeding by motor vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, even small increases in vehicle speed can translate into a significant risk of serious injury or death for a cyclist. When a driver speeds, the act increases the vehicle’s stopping distance and the force upon collision. According to an information sheet published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cyclists are more likely to suffer fatal injuries when collisions with drivers involve drivers who were speeding at the time of the accident.

Other common causes of bicycle accidents in the state are caused as a result of: Drivers running stop signs and red lights, Drivers making illegal U-turns, Drivers making left turns without first checking for oncoming cyclists, Drivers failing to provide sufficient buffer space when passing cyclists, People failing to check for oncoming cyclists when opening the door of their vehicle, Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other types of intoxicating substances, and Driving while distracted as a result of changing the radio station, cell phone use, or other activity that diverts attention from the road.

In some cases, there are non-driver factors that lead to bicycle accidents. Some of these factors include hazardous road conditions, construction sites that are poorly marked, road debris caused by construction, lack of bicycle lanes, or other dangerous road conditions.

When a public agency is at-fault for causing the bicycle accident, the agency can be held accountable for the financial losses of the injured rider. In the State of California, the deadline to file a bicycle accident claim against a public agency is six (6) months from the date of the accident.

Increase of Bicycle Accident Leads to Changes

According to the NHTSA, bicycle accident rates have been increasing since 2009. Based on data compiled by the agency and published in California Healthline, bicycle accident fatality rates in the State of California have reached a 25-year high. The published report states that between 2016 and 2018, more bicyclists died in traffic accidents than during any other three year period in the previous 25 years.

Many factors contribute to the rise in bicycle accidents. To help combat the dangers of the road, California has strengthened cycling provisions and infrastructure. In addition to this, there are multiple laws in place that aim to prevent bicycle accidents and preserve the safety of cyclists on the road.

The California Three Feet for Safety Act, codified under the Vehicle Code §21670, mandates that motorists who pass cyclists who are proceeding in the same direction on the road must do so at a safe distance, which does not affect or interfere with the cyclist’s safe operation.

Based on this law, motorists must provide cyclists with a minimum of three feet of buffer space between their vehicles and the cyclists upon passing. In spite of this, the law recognizes that it might not always be possible to provide space as a result of roadway conditions or traffic. Consequently, drivers must slow to prudent speeds when passing and should only pass cyclists when this does not endanger the safety of the cyclist.

Obtaining Financial Compensation After Your Bicycle Accident is Possible

After a bicycle accident, injured cyclists have the legal right to pursue legal action against the driver when the driver’s negligent actions led to the accident. Still, cyclists often encounter aggressive rebuttals from the driver and their insurance carriers who will fight to place blame on the injured cyclist. Additionally, cyclists can also face blame for the bicycle accident. Even when this is the case, it is important to know that financial compensation can still be recovered. If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, obtaining the support of a skilled law firm will ensure the case is thoroughly reviewed and the at fault motorist is held accountable for his or her negligent actions.

The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has worked tirelessly on behalf of injured cyclists who have suffered extensively as a result of another’s careless actions. The firm understands the challenges cyclists face following the accident, including the counter-arguments presented by drivers and their insurance companies. Through their knowledge and experience, the firm is prepared to advocate for maximum recovery allowed under the law. To schedule a free case review and analysis, consider contacting the Law Offices of Attorney King today by calling (909) 297-5001 or filling out the online contact form today.

Categories : Bike Accident

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on February 5, 2021

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.