Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Attorney

Cycling in Rancho Cucamonga offers a great way to stay active, but it can also be dangerous, especially when sharing the road with vehicles. If you’ve been injured while cycling, a Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries and damages incurred. The team of Rancho Cucamonga personal injury attorneys at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen are standing by, ready to guide you through your options and support you during this difficult time.

Understanding your rights as a bicyclist and knowing how to proceed after an accident is critical to protecting your health and your legal interests.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, radios, or other in-car activities may not see cyclists, leading to collisions. Distracted driving is a significant cause of bike accidents and can result in serious injuries to the cyclist.
2. Failing to Yield: Motorists often fail to yield to cyclists when they have the right of way at intersections or while making turns. This can lead to dangerous collisions, especially when drivers don’t check for cyclists before merging or crossing traffic lanes.
3. Dooring Accidents: “Dooring” occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. These sudden obstacles can cause severe injuries to cyclists who have little time to react.
4. Pedestrian and Dog Bite Accidents: Cyclists can also be injured in collisions with pedestrians or due to dog bites when riding in residential neighborhoods or parks. Even though these accidents don’t involve motor vehicles, they can still cause significant personal injury.
5. Car Accidents Involving Bicycles: In accidents between cars and bicycles, the cyclist almost always sustains more severe injuries. Motorists are expected to exercise caution and share the road with bicyclists, but when they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.

Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to injuries because they lack the protection that cars and trucks provide.

Some common injuries cyclists sustain in accidents include:

• Head Injuries: Cyclists can suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures in a serious accident, even when they’re wearing a helmet.
• Broken Bones: Cyclists frequently sustain fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones due to the impact of a fall or collision.
• Spinal Injuries: Injuries to the spine or neck can result in long-term disabilities or paralysis, requiring extensive medical care.
• Road Rash: When cyclists are thrown from their bikes, they may slide across the road, leading to serious abrasions on their body known as road rash.
• Internal Injuries: Serious collisions can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may require emergency surgery.

The recovery process for these injuries can take weeks, months, or even years, depending on the severity of the injuries. The team at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen can help you pursue a personal injury claim to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim

After a bicycle accident, filing a personal injury claim is the first step toward recovering compensation for your injuries. The damages you can potentially seek in a bicycle accident case include:

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages, including potential future earnings, if you are unable to return to work)
• Pain and suffering (hours spent in the emergency room, in therapy)
• Property damage (repair or replacement of your bike)

A Rancho Cucamonga bicycle accident lawyer plays a critical role in helping injured cyclists recover compensation after an accident. We can:

• Investigate the Accident: We can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review accident reports to establish who was at fault.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your settlement offer. We can negotiate with them to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Represent You in Court.: If your case cannot be settled, we can represent you in court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident FAQs

Q: How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in Rancho Cucamonga?

A: Accident attorneys in California typically charge a contingency fee for cases they take on, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the final settlement or judgment. This makes filing a claim in California affordable and accessible for everyone. Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer.

Q: Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

A: Fault in a bicycle accident can vary depending on the circumstances. In most cases, the fault lies with the driver of the vehicle, especially if they were distracted, speeding, or failing to yield to the cyclist. However, cyclists can also be found partially at fault if they are not following traffic laws or are riding recklessly.

Q: What Happens if I Get Hit While Riding My Bike?

A: If you are hit while riding your bike, the first priority is to seek medical attention for your injuries and file a report in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Afterward, you should contact a bicycle accident lawyer who can help you file a claim for compensation. You also need to document the accident by gathering evidence, such as witness statements and photos of the scene, to support your case.

Q: What Is the Injury Rate of Bicycle Accidents?

A: Bicycle injury rates can vary, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cyclists face a higher risk of injury compared to other road users. On average, thousands of cyclists are injured in accidents every year in the U.S., with a significant number of those accidents involving motor vehicles.

Protecting Your Rights as a Cyclist

California law provides strong protections for bicyclists, requiring motorists to share the road and give cyclists adequate space; however, these protections are often violated, leading to serious accidents. Cyclists have the same legal rights as any other road user, and when those rights are infringed upon, they are entitled to pursue compensation for their injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact Belgum, Fry & Van Allen. We can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim to seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.