San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyers Help Injured Victims Seek Compensation
Biking offers health advantages and saves money for most San Bernardino residents. Cyclists, however, are more vulnerable to accidents than motorists due to their lack of protection. Contact our San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 if you or a loved one has been in a bike accident.
There is more to San Bernardino County than just historical museums and concert venues. With more than a dozen national and regional parks, the county is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Biking on its mountain trails is one of the locals’ most recommended outdoor activities. That being said, San Bernardino frequently experiences bicycle accidents.
Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his team of over 100 lawyers have been supporting victims and other personal injury claimants for many years.
Aside from bicycle accidents, our San Bernardino lawyers have experience handling various areas of personal injury matters involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more. If you need help, fill out this contact form to speak with our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Do I Need San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyers To Assist With My Claim?
No law prohibits you from pursuing your case without the assistance of a lawyer. However, consulting with a lawyer can be helpful in recognizing unfair settlement offers and in building your claim. We are a client-focused law practice, and we wish you nothing but a fast healing. Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino can help you with the following while you attend to your injuries:
- Gathering evidence, including the following:
- Police report
- Medical assessment
- CCTV footage
- Incident photos
- Medical bills
- Expert opinions
- Physical evidence
- Coordinating with eyewitnesses
- Communicating with the at-fault party’s insurance and legal team
- Filing your insurance claim
- Filing court legal documents, if needed
- Attending court hearings, if necessary
Above all, our wide range of experience with accidents can be an advantage in pursuing potential compensation for your losses.
Benefits Of Working With Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Here are some of the benefits of working with our lawyers, who are ready to help with your claim:
- We stay up-to-date on complex bicycle laws specific to California.
- We’ve handled numerous clients involved in bicycle accident cases.
- We have connections with bicycle mechanics and engineers who can calculate the value of your bicycle and the extent of its damage.
It can be helpful to consult an attorney experienced in personal injury claims related to this type of accident.
How Our Lawyers Help Bicycle Accident Victims In San Bernardino, CA
When you hire our attorneys to help you with your bicycle accident claim in San Bernardino, we will advocate for your rights and help you pursue compensation. These obligations include all the legwork, such as evidence gathering, insurance claim filing, document submission to all involved government offices, and representing you in court if needed.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino can also do the following with your interests in mind:
- Prevent you from taking less money when the at-fault party contacts you to settle the damage.
- Keep you from divulging sensitive information to the at-fault party that may risk your claim.
- Connect you with qualified doctors who can evaluate your condition, potentially supporting your claim.
- Consult with economic experts who can assess your financial losses and inability to provide for your family because of your situation.
- Advocate for your rights and prevent any form of coercion or intimidation by the other party.
- Assist you in obtaining payment for your bills, such as hospital, laboratory tests, therapy, caregiving, car rental, and more.
If your injuries make it difficult to come to our office, we can visit you at home, in the hospital, or anywhere in California you choose. Call (888) 488-1391 to learn more about your case and how we can help you with your legal issue. We will let you know right away if you have a valid case.
Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents
Injuries cyclists sustain in a bicycle accident are more severe than in any motor vehicle accident, as they are more exposed and lack protection. A study revealed that helmets only provide 63% protection for cyclists in an accident.
Here are the common injuries often seen in bicycle accident victims:
- Bone Fractures — A forceful impact can severely break bones. Consult an orthopedic doctor if you feel any of these signs:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discoloration
- Inability to move the body part
- Unusual body deformity
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — They are common sports injuries, including cycling. An impact on the head can move the brain partially, causing:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Clumsy movements
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- Neck Injuries — Neck injuries can range from minor to severe, requiring prompt medical intervention as soon as these symptoms manifest:
- Extreme pain
- Numbness
- Balance problems
- Headaches
- Spinal Cord Injuries — These injuries can result in paralysis and cause physical, mental, and social side effects. Be wary of these signs:
- Immobility
- Loss of sensation
- Spasms
- Intense pain
- Loss of balance
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Breathing difficulties
- Paralysis — It happens when your muscles are unable to move voluntarily. There might also be a nervous system disruption resulting in:
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of sensation
- Numbness in the limbs
- Muscle cramps
- Internal Organ Damage — This injury can cause complications and even death if left untreated. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience:
- Nausea
- Blood in the urine or stool
- Pain in the abdomen and groin areas
- Bruising in the abdomen and groin areas
Other Bicycle Injuries
- Burns — Cyclists may sustain friction burns from falls or collisions; these injuries are commonly referred to as abrasions or “road rash.” These symptoms, though typically mild, need to be promptly treated to avoid infections. Symptoms include:
- Bleeding
- Burning sensation
- Clear fluid is leaking from the wound
- Discoloration
- Scarring and Disfigurement — They are the most underestimated injuries. But make no mistake, as they are challenging to treat and leave permanent markings on the body, as well as chronic psychological side effects. Their symptoms are:
- Severe itching
- Pain
- Redness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disturbed sleep
Whether minor or significant injuries, you have the right to hold the at-fault parties liable and make them pay for all of your medical bills and financial losses. Our skilled attorneys in San Bernardino can help you file a compensation claim.
Wrongful Death In Bicycle Accidents
The National Safety Council (NSC) reported 1,230 bicycle-related deaths in 2021 alone. The number, while low in comparison to car accidents, is still concerning as more individuals take up cycling for a variety of reasons.
Due to a lack of protective gear, cyclists are prone to accidents, injuries, and even loss of life because of the negligence and recklessness of a few motorists on the road.
If your loved one passed away due to an unfortunate cycling incident, you might have a case. Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino can assist your family in filing a wrongful death claim.
Usual Causes Of Bike Crashes
There are numerous reasons why cyclists get into accidents. Among the 256 bicycle crashes recorded in San Bernardino, motorist-caused incidents are the most common, followed by road conditions and under-maintained bicycles.
If you ride a bike going to work, vice versa, or simply to exercise, you should be aware of reckless motorists who:
- Violate cyclists’ right of way.
- Are not aware of the rules of the road regarding bicycles.
- Fail to signal when turning to and from a curb.
- Choose not to share the road with cyclists and motorcycle riders.
- Open their car doors in the bicycle lane without checking their side mirrors.
- Are engaged in distractions while driving.
- Are intoxicated or high.
Likewise, you should also be aware of the unsafe road conditions to avoid getting injured and damaging your bike:
- Potholes
- Road debris
- Unfinished shoulders
- Puddles
- Unclear lane markings
- Road cracks
- Uneven pavement
- Gravel shoulders
- Unclear road signs
- Construction sites
Other Risk Factors Contributing To Bicycle Accidents And Injuries
Aside from the major causes of bicycle accidents and injuries mentioned above, there are a few other risk factors that every bicyclist should be aware of, such as:
- Not wearing a helmet.
- Cycling under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.
- Pre-existing psychological conditions that impair decision-making.
- Not using a light when biking at night.
- No blinkers or reflector vests to alert vehicles from behind.
- Cycling in prohibited areas, especially roads with motor vehicle speed limits of greater than 35 mph.
To prevent accidents, cyclists must be aware of the rules and regulations as well as their own physical and mental conditions, even if motorists have a greater driving responsibility.
Liability In Bicycle Accidents In San Bernardino, CA
Typically, motorists are at fault when they collide with cyclists, causing injuries and property damage. However, California is a comparative negligence state, which means the authorities or the court can consider both parties and calculate their percentage of liability in an accident. Thus affecting the total compensation amount for the claimant.
For example, a speeding car struck a cyclist on a highway, causing broken bones and damage to the bike. However, CCTV footage shows the biker ran the red light, causing the car to hit him. The judge may find the cyclist 40% at fault based on the evidence. Suppose he gets $100,000. The biker will only receive $60,000 after deducting $40,000, which is 40% of the settlement award.
To know if you are partially liable in your case, reach out to our San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyers. We can help you understand your situation and your options. Even if you were partly at fault or not, our legal team can assist you in pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs.
Four Essential Components Of Negligence
For cyclists to hold motorists responsible, they must prove their negligence. Negligence, by definition, is when someone does not act with care as a reasonable person would in the same situation, and this causes harm, injury, or loss of life. It also has four essential components:
- Duty of Care — Motorists should always be mindful and exercise reasonable care to keep cyclists safe on the road.
- Breach of Duty — The motorists failed to provide the duty of care they owed the cyclists by not behaving as a reasonably responsible person would in the same situation.
- Causation — The motorists’ breach of duty resulted in the cyclists’ suffering harm, such as injury or loss of life. There are two parts to causation: factual and legal causation.
- Factual Causation — Determines if the motorists’ actions directly resulted in the cyclists’ injury.
- Legal Causation — Assesses the fairness of holding motorists legally responsible for the cyclists’ injuries.
- Damage — Refers to the damages that the cyclists sustained because the motorists failed to fulfill their duty, such as physical injuries, psychological trauma, and financial difficulties. Proof, such as medical bills and documents showing lost wages, can help prove this.
If negligence is confusing for you, you can schedule a free initial consultation with our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino. We can explain it further in relation to your case.
Kinds Of Compensation For A San Bernardino Bicycle Claim
If you sustained injuries in a bike crash, you may have a case, and you could file a compensation claim against the at-fault motorist. Since San Bernardino is under the jurisdiction of the State of California, the following compensatory damages might be available in your case:
Economic Damages — These are the finances that you lost because of:
- Hospital bills
- Laboratory tests
- Therapy bills
- Salary for absence from work
- Bike repairs
- Broken equipment
Non-Economic Damages — These are non-monetary losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health issues (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Body disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., intimacy with spouse)
- Loss of life
Punitive Damages — These are rarely imposed by the court and only in cases involving extreme negligence or willful misconduct. It is awarded to deter guilty parties from repeating the same behavior in the future. However, in some cases, the judge requires the guilty parties to pay the victims in cash. Punitive damages are also uncommon in California.
Here’s an example to illustrate punitive damages. You were driving down a bike lane when a cab driver intentionally opened the door, leading you to collide with it, resulting in a fractured arm and bike damage. Aside from monetary compensation, the jury may suspend the driver’s license to prevent him from injuring anyone else again as a result of his negligence.
Should you find compensatory damages confusing, connect with our San Bernardino car accident lawyers with experience in bicycle law accidents. We can explain them to you in line with your case and calculate the compensation you can pursue.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Steps To Take Following A Bicycle Incident In San Bernardino
Getting into a bicycle accident can be stressful and confusing, regardless of how severe your injuries are. Here are some examples of important steps you can take to protect yourself legally after a bike accident in San Bernardino.
- Call 911 — Give them the full details of where you are and your injuries.
- Seek Medical Care — Get checked by paramedics on the scene. Then, visit a doctor promptly to know your full condition and secure a medical certificate.
- Gather Information — If you can, get the name, address, phone number, email, and insurance details of the at-fault driver.
- Document the Scene — Take videos and photos of your injuries, damaged bicycle, and surroundings, as they will play essential roles in your claim.
- Speak to Witnesses — Their statements will back up your story. Get their details, too, and ask for their permission to testify to the police during the initial investigation.
- Do Not Discuss Fault — Never apologize. Your apologies may be misinterpreted as guilt and exploited against you.
- Keep a Journal — Document your condition daily. Keep a log about the pain and suffering you experience following the accident and how your injuries affect your everyday life.
- Consult a Lawyer — Our attorneys can guide you on what to do and say to help protect your rights and claim.
Our San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you on your next legal steps.
Can I File A Bike Accident Claim Without A Lawyer?
You can. However, bicycle accidents are painful and problematic. Getting well after an injury is only one of the many things you have to do. You also have to file a claim and talk to the other party’s insurance company, which is stressful and could delay your rehabilitation. Additionally, you must gather all the necessary documents to file your claim. Having a lawyer to represent you allows you to concentrate on your healing while we take care of the legal matters.
How Long Do You Have To File A San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Claim?
The California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, also known as the statute of limitations, states that all cycling and other accident victims have two years to file a claim or case. The date of the incident marks the beginning of the filing deadline.
However, the law gives an exemption to the rule if:
The Victim Is a Minor — The two-year deadline will be paused and will only resume if the victim reaches legal age. The two-year time limit starts on the victim’s 18th birthday.
Your Injury Was Discovered Late — Some symptoms may appear months or years after the accident. The two-year deadline starts after your injury is clinically diagnosed.
The Accident Happened on Government Premises — You only have six months to file a claim if you were injured in an accident on government property.
Two years may seem long enough to file a bicycle accident claim. But it is not, considering all the steps that you need to take in the entire process. Filing the actual claim is just one of the many steps; there are still gathering evidence, attending court hearings, and others that are exhausting and could derail your rehabilitation.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino will assist you with these tasks while you’re healing injuries at home. Our legal team has in-depth experience representing bicycle accident victims in San Bernardino. No need to worry about the legal fees and other payments, as we work on a contingency fee approach, which means you won’t pay attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you, but you might be responsible for some case costs.
California Bicycle Law
On the one hand, many motorists do not know that bicycle laws exist. They have no idea that there are bicycle lanes on most roads, which sometimes become the cause of bicycle-related accidents.
On the other hand, some bikers are unaware of their rights and, out of fear and not wanting to waste time, simply let the incident go despite their injuries.
Building on our experience in this legal field and our involvement in numerous bicycle accident cases, we would like to share these bicycle laws in California that could be useful if you are involved in a bike accident.
- All cyclists must stay on the right side of the road in the direction of traffic.
- Gas-powered bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes) may not be used on bike lanes.
- It is illegal to stop or park in any bicycle lane.
- Underaged cyclists are required to wear CPSC-certified helmets.
- Cyclists are permitted to use a handheld mobile phone while riding.
You can reach out to us after any bicycle-related incident. Our San Bernardino lawyers will guide you on the necessary steps to take following a bicycle accident.
Basic Bicycle Maintenance Tips To Prevent Accidents And Injuries
Above anything else, your bicycle should be in good running condition to be safe at all times while on the road.
Our lawyers in San Bernardino have handled hundreds of bicycle accident cases. Here are our bike maintenance tips to help you avoid road accidents:
- Inspect Your Brakes — Check if the brake pads are making proper contact with the rotor disc or brake lines on your rim.
- Keep Your Tires Inflated — Under-inflated tires cause unstable cruising, while over-inflated ones can explode due to road friction. The tires must be properly inflated based on the tires’ recommended psi: 30-50 for mountain bikes and 80-130 for road bikes.
- Check Your Chains — An old or worn-out chain can slip while you are pedaling, which can be dangerous. The chains must be well lubricated or replaced if needed.
- Check Your Frame — Look for cracks anywhere on the frame, particularly on the welded parts. Cracked frames are unsafe to ride; bring them to a bike shop for repair.
- Check Your Hubs and Spokes — Accidents could happen if a tire or rim set comes loose. If you hear an odd noise coming from your bike’s wheels, get them checked out.
Apart from daily bike inspections, bring your bicycle regularly to a mechanic every six months for proper maintenance to promote the safest possible environment.
Bicycle Accident Statistics In San Bernardino
According to San Bernardino officials, there were 222 bicycle fatalities and injuries in 2020. Meanwhile, there was a slight increase in 2021, which saw 230 victims.
Given that San Bernardino has only 222,203 residents, 230 bicycle casualties, or 0.11%, is quite alarming, which is why the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has been reminding bike riders to follow the same road rules as cars would and wear CPSC-certified helmets.
Authorities also advise cyclists to take extra caution or avoid traversing near these dangerous roads as much as possible to prevent any accidents:
- Bear Valley Road
- Interstate 10
- Interstate 15
- State Road 138
- Cajon Pass
- Needles Freeway
- Interstate 215
Our San Bernardino attorneys are ready to assist you in proceeding in the event of a bicycle accident or any personal injury.
What Our Skilled San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Do For You
Finding the right attorney after an accident can be such a headache if you don’t know where to begin. If you don’t know how to choose bicycle accident lawyers in San Bernardino, there’s one thing you should know: Not all lawyers have handled bicycle accident cases before.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino offer a distinct range of services and benefits to support our clients. Should you decide to partner with our San Bernardino law firm, you will be eligible for the following additional benefits:
- Get assistance in getting your bicycle repaired or replaced.
- Gain access to skilled medical practitioners for your physical healing.
- Connect with qualified economic specialists to help calculate the value of your claim.
- Provide you with complimentary transportation.
- Appoint a case manager who will check up on you from time to time.
Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Our law firm has extensive experience handling a variety of personal injury cases for clients. We can assist you in pursuing potential compensation for your injuries and losses. Schedule a free initial consultation with our legal team. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to find out how we can approach your case.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers In San Bernardino!
As a client-centric law firm, we wish you nothing but continuous healing. Do not stress out about handling your claim on your own. You can entrust the long and tedious legwork to us.
Do not jeopardize your overall health and well-being because you only have two years to file a claim. Our San Bernardino bicycle accident attorneys can manage the deadlines and paperwork. We can help hold the at-fault party accountable and seek compensation for your losses and damages.
Discuss your situation with us, and we will let you know right away if your case is valid. We will also provide you with a tailored guide on how we will approach your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 and tell us your story.
We do not only service San Bernardino; we also have on-duty bicycle incident attorneys in Fontana, Alta Loma, Claremont, Montclair, Pomona, La Verne, Chino, Corona, Mira Loma, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Rialto, Moreno Valley, Woodcrest, Yucaipa, Cherry Valley, Banning, Coronita, Norco, Eastvale, Pedley, Arlington, La Sierra, Bloomington, and Rochester.
