Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riverside Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicyclists can find paradise in Riverside and the surrounding areas, with its beautiful roads, ideal climate, and usually bike-friendly environment. However, as the number of cyclists on the roadways has increased, so too have bicycle accidents. A Riverside bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand the legal ramifications of bicycle accidents, including their types, the common causes, and what to do if you get into one.

Why Choose Us?

At Duque & Price, our experienced Riverside personal injury attorneys are advocates who put up endless effort to make sure that our clients can obtain the highest possible compensation. Our client-focused strategy, which comprises taking the time to hear your story, comprehend your goals, and modify our legal tactics accordingly, demonstrates our commitment to quality.

With our great reputation and case record, we offer the peace and confidence that come with having an accomplished and trusted legal team on your side. Selecting Duque & Price means choosing a partner who can support you from the first meeting until the issue is resolved.

Types of Accidents on Bicycles

Bicycle accidents can take many different forms, and they frequently involve multiple people and situations. You can identify possible risks and take preventative action if you are aware of the many kinds of bicycle accidents. The following are a few of the most typical varieties of bicycle accidents:

• Vehicle and cyclist collisions. This is the most common kind of bicycle accident, typically happening when a motor vehicle hits a cyclist. A number of factors, including inattentive driving, failing to yield, and inappropriate lane changes, might result in these collisions. Given the size and speed difference between cars and bicycles, the injuries incurred in these collisions can be rather serious.
• Dooring mishaps. When a person inside a parked car opens the door without looking out for passing bikes, it’s known as a “dooring” mishap. Riding near parked cars puts a biker in danger of colliding with the door, which frequently results in significant injuries.
• Accidents at intersections. Bicyclists should use extra caution at intersections because numerous cars may be turning or using the crosswalk. A typical example occurs when a car turns left and misses a bicyclist crossing the intersection, which results in an accident. Furthermore, right-turn collisions happen when a motorist makes a right turn and cuts off a bicyclist, who is riding straight ahead.
• Sideswipe accidents. When a car passes too close to a bicycle, it might graze or push them off the road, resulting in a sideswipe accident. When there is little to no bike lane, bicycles are forced to share the road with cars, which increases the likelihood of these incidents.
• Hit-and-run accidents. When a hit-and-run occurs, the at-fault vehicle leaves the scene without exchanging information or helping the wounded bicyclist. Due to the fact that the injured victim must handle the consequences alone, these accidents are very painful and costly.
• Road hazards. Not every cycling accident occurs with a car. Road hazards like potholes, debris, and bad road conditions can result in single-bike accidents. Occasionally, a cyclist may lose control because of a path barrier or a mechanical issue.

Reasons for Bicycle Accidents

There are many different reasons why bicycle accidents happen, most of which are avoidable. Both drivers and bikers in Riverside, CA can lower the likelihood of accidents by taking preventative measures after becoming aware of these causes.

• Driving while distracted. In California, one of the main reasons for bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Bicyclists may go unnoticed by drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted from the road, which can result in crashes. Similar to distracted drivers, inattentive bikers run the risk of colliding with objects or people.
• Failing to yield. When a driver doesn’t give the right of way to a bike, it frequently results in bicycle accidents. This may occur when turning, at crosswalks, and at intersections. Bicyclists are entitled to yield to vehicles in California, particularly in bike lanes and crosswalks.
• Speeding. Cycling and driving at high speeds can both slow down reaction times, which makes it harder to prevent accidents. High-speed collisions frequently result in more serious injuries or fatalities.
• Driving while intoxicated. Drunk or drugged drivers are a big contributor to all types of accidents, including bicycle-related ones. Impaired drivers are more likely to crash into bicycles because they have slower reaction times and lowered inhibitions.
• Traffic risks. Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can all contribute to poor road conditions, which can throw cyclists off-balance and into collisions. Road hazards may occasionally result in accidents, for which the local government or other entity in charge of maintaining the road is held accountable.
• Weather conditions. Unfavorable weather, such as rain or fog, can make it harder to see others on the road and increase the chance of bicycle accidents. In bad weather, drivers and cyclists should both drive and ride with additional caution.
• Poor infrastructure. Accident risk is increased when there is inadequate infrastructure for bicycling, such as bike lanes, traffic lights, and signage. Bicyclists are obliged to share the road with cars in locations lacking dedicated bike lanes, which increases the risk of crashes.

How to Handle a Bicycle Accident

Knowing what to do in the event of a bicycle accident can help you preserve your rights and increase the likelihood that you might be fairly compensated for your losses and injuries. After an accident, you should perform the following right away:

• Make sure everyone is safe, and get medical help. Following an accident, your safety should come first. If you can, move to a secure area while you evaluate your injuries. It’s important to get medical help, even if you feel okay, because some injuries might not show up right away. Additionally, a medical evaluation documents your injuries, which is crucial for any future legal claims.
• Speak with the police. Inform the police about the collision, particularly if someone is hurt or there is substantial property damage. An official report from the police might be very helpful evidence in your case. Make sure you give the officers precise, in-depth information.
• Collect proof. At the accident scene, gather as much evidence as you can. Take pictures of the surrounding area, your bicycle, the involved vehicle, and any visible injuries. Request the statements and contact details of any witnesses, if there are any.
• Exchange information. Give the other driver involved in the collision your contact and insurance information, and obtain theirs. If the driver refuses to cooperate or drives off, try to get the make, model, and license plate number of the car.
• Do not accept responsibility on site. It’s crucial to avoid making any remarks that can be read as an admission of guilt or admitting responsibility. It’s possible that the accident had more causes than one, and anything you say at the scene could be detrimental later.
• Speak with a bicycle accident lawyer. It is imperative that you speak with a skilled bicycle accident attorney following a bicycle accident. A lawyer can guide you through the legal system, assist you in understanding your rights, and help you bargain with insurance companies to get the money you are entitled to.

FAQs

Who Is Usually at Fault If a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

The person who is at fault in a bicycle crash depends on what happened. It could be the driver if they were not paying attention, were going too fast, or failed to stop. If the cyclist broke traffic rules, like going through a red light or riding against the flow of traffic, they could be at fault. To figure out who is at fault, police records, traffic cameras, and witness statements are often looked at.

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

A lot of California car accident lawyers only get paid if you win your case. This is called a contingency fee basis. Suppose that your lawyer’s contingency fee is 33%. This means that they will take 33% of any money you win. This number could be different based on what you and your lawyer agree on, how hard the case is, and what stage it is in.

What Is the First Aid Treatment for a Bike Accident?

When someone is hurt on a bike, first aid includes checking for major injuries, like broken bones or head trauma. As long as the person is awake, tell them to stay still. Put pressure on cuts with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, and cover any scrapes to keep them from getting infected. If moving the injured person could hurt their back, don’t do it. If someone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away.

Can I Claim If I Get Knocked Off My Bike?

If someone else’s carelessness causes them to knock you off your bike, you can file a claim for money. This could pay for hospital bills, lost wages, damage to property, and pain and suffering. To make your case stronger, get proof, like photographs, medical records, and statements from witnesses. Then, talk to a lawyer who can help you through the legal process.

Contact Duque & Price Today

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, an attorney at Duque & Price can help you navigate your next steps. Contact us today to get started.