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 Will Get You Compensation For Your Injuries
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 hundred-strong legal staff have been supporting victims and other personal injury casualties for many decades, winning them hundreds of millions in compensation claims.
Aside from bicycle accidents, our San Bernardino lawyers have handled over 3,000 difficult cases 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. We’ll reach out to you with a complimentary consultation.
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, we urge you to consult with us to avoid aggravating your injuries and agreeing to unfair settlement offers. We are a client-focused law practice, and we wish you nothing but a fast recovery. Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino will help you with the following while you attend to your injuries at home:
- Gathering all the 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 extensive expertise with accidents will assist you in securing the highest compensation possible. The at-fault’s initial offer does not easily pressure us; we always go for the maximum amount because your injury is far more valuable than their proposal.
What Sets Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Apart From Our Competitors?
- We stay up-to-date on complex bicycle laws specific to California.
- We’ve handled hundreds of bicycle accident cases, securing millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
- We have connections with bicycle mechanics and engineers who know the exact value of your bicycle and the extent of its damage.
- Our lawyers are cyclists and bicycle advocates, too. So you can expect a personal approach from them.
How Our Lawyers Help Bicycle Accident Victims In San Bernardino, CA
- Prevent you from taking less money when the at-fault party contacts you to settle the damage.
- Keeping you from divulging sensitive information to the at-fault party that may risk your claim.
- Connect you with the most qualified doctors who can assess your actual condition, which could boost your claim amount.
- Consult with economic experts who can prove your financial losses and inability to provide for your family because of your situation.
- Shield you from any form of coercion or intimidation by the other party.
- Get all your bills paid, including hospital, laboratory tests, therapy, caregiving, car rental, and others.
If you are badly hurt, there is no need to come to us; we will visit you at home, in the hospital, or anywhere you choose. We will let you know right away if you have a valid case. Call (888) 488-1391 to learn more about your case and how we can help you win.
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 our lawyers in San Bernardino often see in bicycle accident victims:
Critical Bicycle Injuries
- 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
- Headache
- 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 treated as soon as possible to avoid infections. Symptoms include:
- Bleeding
- Burning sensation
- Clear fluid 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 and chronic psychological side effects. Their symptoms are:
- Severe itching
- Pain
- Redness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disturbed sleep
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 help your family with their wrongful death claims.
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.
- who violate cyclists’ right of way
- who are not aware of the rules of the road regarding bicycles
- who fail to signal when turning to and from a curb
- who choose not to share the road with cyclists and motorcycle riders
- who open their car doors in the bicycle lane without checking their side mirrors
- who are engaged in distractions while driving
- who are intoxicated or high
- Potholes
- Road debris
- Unfinished shoulders
- Puddles
- Unclear lane markings
- Road cracks
- Uneven pavement
- Graveled shoulders
- Unclear road signs
- Construction sites
Other Risk Factors Contributing To Bicycle Accidents And Injuries
- Not wearing a helmet
- Cycling under the influence of either alcohol or drugs
- Pre-existing psychological conditions that can impair their 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. No matter if you were partly at fault or not, our legal team will make sure that your medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs are paid.
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 – The motorists must ensure the cyclists’ safety all the time.
- 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.
If negligence is confusing for you, schedule a free consultation with our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino. We will 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, you are entitled to the following compensatory damages:
- Hospital bills
- Laboratory test
- Therapy bills
- Salary from absence at work
- Bike repairs
- Broken equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health issues (e.g., PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, etc.)
- Body disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment in life (e.g., intimacy with spouse)
- Loss of life
To illustrate punitive damages. You were driving down a bike lane when a cab driver 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 lawyers specializing in bicycle accidents. We can explain them to you in line with your case and calculate how much you could get.
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 the important steps you should 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 ASAP 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 advise you on what to do and say to preserve your rights, innocence, and claim.
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. With a lawyer representing you, you can rest assured that all of these things are covered.
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.
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.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino will assist you with these stressful tasks while you recover at home. Our proven track record and client testimonials speak volumes about our integrity. No need to worry about the legal fees and other payments as we work on a contingency fee approach, which means you will not pay us anything unless we win your case.
California Bicycle Law
On the one hand, many motorists do not know that bicycle laws exist. They even 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.
Having vast experience in this field and having managed hundreds of relevant 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.
- Under-aged cyclists are required to wear CPSC-certified helmets.
- Cyclists are permitted to use a handheld mobile phone while riding.
Basic Bicycle Maintenance Tips To Prevent Accidents and Injuries
Above anything else, you should also make sure that your bicycle is 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 – Ensure that the brake pads make 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. Make sure that it is 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. Make sure it is 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.
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.
- Bear Valley Road
- Interstate 10
- Interstate 15
- State Road 138
- Cajon Pass
- Needles Freeway
- Interstate 215
Our San Bernardino attorneys are available 24/7 and 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 Will 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 the best bicycle accident lawyers in San Bernardino, there’s one thing you should know: Not all lawyers specialize in bicycle accident cases.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in San Bernardino will not only hold the at-fault party responsible for your injury and bicycle damage but also provide what other law offices cannot offer. Should you decide to partner with our San Bernardino law firm, you will be eligible for the following additional benefits:
- Get your bicycle repaired or replaced
- Give you access to the top medical practitioners for your physical recovery
- Connect you with top economic specialists to help value your claim to the last cent
- 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 track record of securing over $500 Million in settlements and awards for our clients speaks for itself. We’re confident we can help you get the fair compensation you deserve. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today with our legal team – call us at (888) 488-1391 to find out how we can win your case.
Contact The Bicycle Accident Lawyers San Bernardino Turns To First!
As a client-centric law firm, we wish you nothing but a speedy recovery. Do not stress out about handling your claim on your own. You can entrust the long and tedious legwork to us. We’ll work to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Do not jeopardize your overall recovery and well-being because you only have two years to file a claim. Our San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyers will make sure that everything is filed in a timely manner, assist you in holding the at-fault party accountable, and ensure they cover 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 to win your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 today.
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.
