Even a seemingly minor bicycle accident can lead to a major disruption in your life. When a negligent driver injures you, a bicycle accident lawyer in Riverside can help you hold them accountable.
Whether you decide to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can compassionately guide you through the legal process. Since we founded our law firm in 1992, we have recovered millions of dollars for clients.
Our legal team has decades of collective experience serving injured victims in California. Call us today for a free initial consultation to learn how our Riverside personal injury lawyers can help.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Riverside
Bicycle accidents are an unfortunate reality in Riverside, where a mix of urban streets, high-speed traffic, and recreational cycling routes increases the risk of collisions.
In 2022, a UC Berkley SafeTREC bicycle safety study ranked Riverside fourth among the top five California counties for bicycle accident fatalities, with a total of 14 bicyclist fatalities.
Below are some of the most frequent factors contributing to bicycle accidents:
Driver Negligence
Our Riverside bike accident lawyers have seen the following forms of driver negligence cause or contribute to bicycle accidents:
- Distracted driving: With the rise of smartphone use, distracted driving remains a leading cause of collisions. Distracted drivers often fail to notice cyclists in their blind spots, particularly at intersections or in bike lanes.
- Failure to yield: Many bicycle accidents occur at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, especially during left or right turns.
- Speeding: In areas like Magnolia Avenue and other busy thoroughfares in Riverside, speeding vehicles significantly increase the likelihood of severe accidents involving cyclists.
Poorly Designed or Hazardous Roadways
Riverside’s infrastructure, while improving, still has areas that are less than ideal for cyclists. Specific challenges include:
- Lack of bike lanes: Although some areas, such as the Santa Ana River Trail, are cyclist-friendly, urban streets often lack designated bike lanes, forcing cyclists to share lanes with vehicles.
- Uneven surfaces and potholes: Roadway hazards and poorly maintained roads can cause cyclists to lose control, particularly along older streets like University Avenue.
- Inadequate signage: In some parts of Riverside, insufficient signage alerting drivers to the presence of bicycles increases collision risks. Intersection accidents involving bicyclists are common for this reason.
Dooring Accidents
On streets with parallel parking, such as Mission Inn Avenue, cyclists are at risk of “being doored” when parked drivers open their doors without checking for oncoming bicycles. This makes for preventable bike accidents.
Reckless or Impaired Driving
Just as with vehicle collisions, bike accidents often result from alcohol-impaired drivers. Intoxicated drivers pose an even greater threat to bicycle accident victims since they lack the protection a vehicle offers.
Aggressive driving and road rage also contribute to bicycle collisions. Impatient drivers may cut off cyclists or engage in aggressive maneuvers, putting lives at risk.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Bicycle Collision
Liability in a bicycle collision often depends on the circumstances of the accident. Commonly responsible parties include:
- Drivers: Motorists are frequently at fault due to distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield, or violating traffic laws.
- Government entities: Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes or inadequate signage, may place liability on the city or county responsible for road upkeep.
- Third parties: In some cases, another cyclist or pedestrian may cause a collision by acting recklessly, such as ignoring traffic signals or obstructing the cyclist’s path.
Determining liability can be complex, so working with a Riverside bicycle accident lawyer ensures all responsible parties are identified and held accountable.
The Insurance Company is Not Your Friend in a Bicycle Accident Claim
After a bicycle accident, claim adjusters may contact you, trying to convince you to accept a quick settlement without involving a lawyer. However, insurance companies often try to diminish the severity of your injuries or your compensation to protect their profits.
Working with Omega Law Group, you won’t have to worry about insurance adjusters trying to take advantage of you. We will protect your best interests throughout the negotiation process and help you get just compensation. If we can’t reach a favorable solution through negotiation, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Damages Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Riverside Can Pursue
In contrast to drivers, bicyclists don’t have the protective enclosures provided by vehicles, which makes them vulnerable to direct impacts.
Furthermore, bicycles offer limited structural stability and lack essential safety features like airbags or seat belts, heightening the risk of sustaining more severe injuries in the event of a collision.
If you’ve been hit by a car while cycling, you may experience severe bicyclist injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Road rash, leading to permanent scarring
- Internal injuries
Our injury lawyers in Riverside know the many ways in which such injuries can alter your life and want to help you recover.
Potential Forms of Compensation
After a bicycle accident, our Riverside bicycle accident attorney can work to recover the following economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, and medication
- Future medical costs, such as physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression
We can quantify how much you spent after the accident and how much more you are likely to spend until you fully recover. Our Riverside bicycle accident lawyers will build an evidence-based case that will show the full extent of your losses.
Understanding California’s Pure Comparative Negligence System
California allows you to seek compensation even if you are primarily responsible for the accident, as long as you are not fully at fault. However, any awarded compensation is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 90% at fault for an accident and are awarded $25,000 in damages, you could still get 10% of that amount, resulting in a final award of $2,500.
After reviewing the details of your case, a bicycle accident attorney in Riverside will determine how California’s pure comparative negligence laws impact your claim. We will fight to make sure you receive a just amount for your losses.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Bicycle Accident
If you have lost a loved one in a tragic bicycle fatality, please accept our deepest condolences. Our wrongful death lawyers in Riverside recognize the immense pain you may be experiencing. Allow us to support you in preserving the memory of your loved one during this challenging time.
In California, surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party to seek compensation for their losses. With compassion and dedication, we will navigate you through the legal proceedings.
Wrongful death damages after a fatal accident include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of household services
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
While the compensation you receive cannot replace a loved one, it can offer financial stability for you and your family. Additionally, seeking justice through legal action may offer a sense of closure and provide some measure of comfort.
Why You Need to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Riverside Sooner Rather Than Later
Hiring a Riverside bicycle accident lawyer promptly after an accident can help protect your rights and strengthen your case. Securing legal representation early on helps with the following:
- Preserving evidence: Witness accounts, surveillance footage, and physical evidence can disappear or degrade over time. An attorney ensures all evidence is gathered promptly.
- Meeting deadlines: California law allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but cases involving government entities may have shorter timelines. Acting early avoids missed deadlines.
- Handling insurance companies: Insurers often offer low settlements right after an accident. A lawyer protects you from unfair offers and negotiates for what you deserve.
Early action allows your lawyer to build a strong case while you focus on recovery. At our law firm, you are our top priority. We uphold a client-centric approach, offering personalized attention tailored specifically to your needs.
Our team is always available to address any concerns you may have regarding your bicycle accident case.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
The statute of limitations imposes a deadline for initiating legal action following an accident. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years.
Failure to adhere to the prescribed time frame may lead to the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Consult an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and take appropriate action within the statute of limitations period.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Ensure safety: Move to a safe area, away from traffic, if possible. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, filing a police report is critical for documenting the incident. Request a copy of the report for your records.
- Gather information: Collect the driver’s name, contact details, insurance, and license plate number. Also, document witness information and take photos of the scene, including damage to your bike, injuries, and road conditions.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation establishes a record of your injuries, which is important for your claim.
- Avoid admitting fault: Be cautious in your statements to others, including the driver or police, as they may be used against you later.
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer: A Riverside bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and help you pursue fair compensation.
Taking these steps ensures your safety and strengthens your case for recovery.
Call Us for Help from Our Riverside Bicycle Accident Attorneys
At Omega Law Group, we recognize the uniqueness of each bicycle accident case, which is why we offer personalized legal strategies that align with your objectives.
Our team of Riverside bicycle accident lawyers is committed to gaining a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding your accident and how it changed your life.
After carefully evaluating your case, we can tailor our approach to serve your needs and pursue a successful outcome on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.