San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After being struck when riding your bicycle, you deserve financial compensation – we can help.
The State of California is recognized as one of the best states to ride a bicycle. The state’s year-round warm climate, its condensed urban environments, along with significant investments in bicycle transportation infrastructure makes biking an attractive mode of transportation for many Californians. Across the nation, California consistently ranks as one of the friendliest states for bicycle enthusiasts.
In spite of all of this, bicycle accidents occur throughout the state, including local cities like San Bernardino. Even with the many improvements that have been made to intersections, bicycle paths, and bike lanes, the State of California continues to lead the nation in bicycle accident deaths. Injuries that result from a bicycle accident can be life changing, but it can also be fatal.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, speaking to a well-versed bicycle accident attorney can help you understand the legal options available to you. A skilled attorney will help you pursue a claim for maximum compensation.
Over a Decade of Dedicated Experience Handling Bicycle Accidents in California
Bicycle accidents are common in San Bernardino. When an accident is caused as a result of a careless driver, there may be an opportunity to recover compensation from the negligent driver. Bicycle accident cases can sometimes be difficult to pursue, and what you do after the accident can dramatically affect the outcome of your case. When you have been struck by a driver while riding your bicycle, contacting the legal assistance of a knowledgeable attorney will ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King is committed to representing victims of negligence. For more than a decade, the law firm has successfully represented bicycle accident victims. With passion and perseverance, the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King can help you win the damages award you deserve. Consider contacting the law firm today for a free initial consultation.
The Primary Cause of Bicycle Accidents
In San Bernardino, the number one cause of serious injuries and death among bike riders is reckless driving. Whether it is a motorcyclists, regular passenger vehicle, or large commercial truck, reckless drivers are to blame for the increase of bicycle accidents throughout the state. Sadly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rate of bicycle accidents has been increasing since 2009. In 2017, a total of 783 bicyclists lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions.
Reckless driving can pose a danger to anyone near the careless driver. Even a few seconds of negligent driving can result in a serious injury for a bike rider. The following are common actions drivers can commit, which can result in a bicycle accident: Speeding, Road rage, Running red lights, Making an unlawful left turn or U-turn, Failing to provide cyclists sufficient space when passing, Unlawfully entering bicycle lanes, Suddenly opening the door to the car without first checking for approaching cyclists, Driving while talking on the phone, Texting while driving, and Driving while under the influence.
A Driver’s Duty of Care
In the State of California, motorists have a responsibility to use reasonable care when driving. This means that they must be mindful of others they share the road with and avoid taking unnecessary reckless actions that could result in the injury of another. When a driver fails to use reasonable care, this could amount to negligence and the driver can be held responsible for the injuries he or she has caused.
There are also other laws that serve to protect bicyclists:
- In accordance with California’s Three Feet for Safety Act, drivers must provide bicyclists with enough space when passing them. The law mandates drivers to provide bicyclists with sufficient space so that it does not interfere with the safe operation of the cyclist. When possible, drivers must provide three feet of buffer space between their vehicles and riders when passing.
- Based on the California Vehicle Code §21209, drivers can enter bicycle lanes in limited circumstances. This statute restricts motorists from driving in bike lanes except when parking where it is permitted. They can also enter the lane when entering into or leaving a driveway or when preparing to make a turn within 200 feet of the intersection where the turn is being made.
Common Catastrophic Bicycle Accident Injuries
When compared to other forms of traffic accidents, bicycle accidents are most likely to result in catastrophic accidents because they are not as well protected as others on the road. Unlike most motorists, bicyclists are not equipped with a metal cage that surrounds their body to prevent serious injuries. When a traffic collision occurs between a moving motor vehicle and bicyclists, the direct impact can cause a rider to suffer devastating injuries that can affect him or her for the rest of his or her life.
Common catastrophic injuries typically associated with bicycle accidents include the following:
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries occur when the bike rider has suffered a serious impact to his or her vertebrae. These injuries can affect a person in a variety of ways, but will mostly affect his or her mobility. Some of the ways a spinal cord injury can affect a person includes: A person can suffer from spinal shock, which causes stiffness in the spinal cord and back; Muscle weakness, which can result in the inability to breathe properly; This can also make spinal cord injury victims more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia; Neurogenic shock, which leads to low heart rate and low blood pressure; Altered temperature regulations, which affects a person’s ability to control his or her body temperature; The ability to control bowel or bladder will be affected.
Facial Injuries
Upon collision with an oncoming vehicle, bicyclists can sustain facial injuries upon impact with the vehicle’s windshield or upon hitting the ground. A facial injury can involve the following; Broken jawbones, Broken cheekbones, Broken nose, Skull fractures, and Dental injuries.
Traumatic Head Injuries
The consequences of a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on the extent of the injury, the area where the injury was impacted, the age of the victim, and whether the injury was rapidly treated. Traumatic head injuries are unfortunately extremely difficult to predict, as some injuries can appear within several days of the accident while others can take many weeks to become apparent. It is important to recognize that not all severe traumatic brain injuries will result in a loss of consciousness. The opposite is also true, however. Even when a person sustains a loss of consciousness, this does not mean he or she sustained a severe traumatic brain injury.
The symptoms of a mild form of a traumatic brain injury can include: Headaches, Confusion, Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Ringing in the ears, Blurred vision, Sleepiness or tiredness, A change in sleeping habits, Mood changes, Difficulty in concentration, thinking, or memory, Sensitivity to sound or light, and Vomiting and nausea.
Discuss Your Bicycle Accident Case With a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney
When a bicycle accident occurs, the injured victim can face extensive medical expenses and the outcome of the injuries can affect him or her for an extended period of time. Many bicycle vs. motor vehicle accidents result in a lifetime of physical, emotional, and emotional trauma for the injured bike rider.
If you have been injured in a bike accident, you will need to discuss your case with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Bicycle accident cases can sometimes be difficult to pursue, as drivers and their insurance companies work aggressively to discredit the injured person’s version of events. To ensure you recover the compensation you are owed, speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney shortly after the accident occurred.
The Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King has successfully championed on behalf of injured bike riders for more than a decade. With tenacity and dedication, the firm prevails in seeking justice for those who have been injured as a result of another’s negligence. After a bike accident, consider seeking the legal support of the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King. Obtain a free consultation by dialing (909) 297-5001 today.
