c Bicycle Accident Lawyer

San Dimas Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycling continues to be a popular mode of transportation for many Americans. Biking helps the environment, saves money, and improves your health. However, bicyclists are at a higher risk of injury in accidents. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident and were hurt, contacting a San Dimas bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation.

Here at Amendt Law, we pursue personal injury claims and offer free consultations to residents of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing after experiencing a potentially traumatic event.

California Law Surrounding Bicycle Accidents

The most common biking area in Los Angeles County is Washington Boulevard, between Ocean Avenue and Grayson Avenue. California Vehicle Code Section 21200 outlines the legal responsibilities of cyclists. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. They must obey traffic signals and stop signs and yield the right of way.

When involved in accidents with cars, it is most often the bicyclist who receives the more severe injuries. Common causes of bicycle accidents in San Dimas include:

• Driver negligence. This includes drivers distracted by phones, speeding, or failing to yield.
• Failure to share the road. Drivers often do not give adequate space when passing bicyclists.
• Intersection collisions. Drivers making left or right turns often fail to see oncoming cyclists.

In California in 2022, there were 177 bicyclist fatalities. Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Due to a lack of physical protection and often unused protective gear, injuries can be serious and life-altering. Typical injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Fractures to arms, legs, and ribs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash and severe lacerations
• Internal organ damage
• Dislocations and sprains
• Amputations in extreme cases

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, seeking medical attention is essential. Even if your injuries seem minor, they can lead to severe chronic health conditions later on. Internal injuries or concussions often take longer to be recognized. Getting copies of all medical reports can help further strengthen your case.

How Liability Is Determined in Accidents in San Dimas, CA

Like many other states, California follows a comparative negligence system. This means that even if the harmed party is found to be partly at fault, they can still receive compensation.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 after a successful case but are found to be 20% at fault for the incident, you would receive $80,000. While other states require that the person filing a claim cannot be more than 50% at fault for the incident, California allows claims to be pursued even if the person filing is found to be 99% at fault for the incident.

The key issue in personal injury claims is proving that negligence caused the accident, making strong evidence vital to a successful case. Negligence is when someone fails to use reasonable care or follow traffic laws, resulting in an accident.

Proof can come in many forms. You’ll want to take photos and videos of the accident site and any injuries right away, as the scene can be disturbed quickly after an accident. Getting copies of incident reports and medical records is also recommended.

Be sure to get the contact information of the driver or other involved parties and information from any witnesses. Amendt Law can help compile evidence and gather witness statements and professional opinions to bolster your claim.

Types of Damages Recoverable in Bicycle Accident Claims

The amount of compensation you can receive after a successful claim can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Bicycle accident victims may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses. This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages. Income lost due to the inability to work during recovery can be part of the settlement.
• Reduced earning capacity. This is compensation for any permanent disability that affects future employment.
• Property damage. Repair or replacement of bicycles and personal property is generally covered.
• Pain and suffering. Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including loss of enjoyment of life, may be considered.

FAQs About San Dimas, CA Bicycle Accident Laws

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

Because California requires bicyclists to follow the same laws as drivers, fault can vary case-by-case. During your free consultation with Amendt Law, our attorneys can help evaluate the facts of your case and see what damages can be pursued. California’s comparative negligence law allows damages to be allocated according to each party’s degree of fault.

Can I Recover Damages Without Wearing a Helmet?

Under California’s Vehicle Code 21212, only cyclists under 18 are legally required to wear a helmet. In Los Angeles County in 2022, only 22% of bicyclists used helmets. This means that adults injured in a bicycle accident who weren’t wearing a helmet can still pursue a legal claim. The other party and insurance company may use this against you, claiming partial fault.

What if I were Hit by a Car That Left the Scene?

If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver, call 911 immediately and report the incident. Law enforcement can investigate. After contacting a car accident lawyer to represent you, speak with your insurance company with your lawyer present for the meeting. Your own insurance policy may be able to provide coverage through uninsured motorist protection. Getting the contact information of any witnesses is a vital step, as they can help law enforcement track down the driver.

How Long Does a Bicycle Accident Case Take?

The timeline for these cases can vary broadly depending on several factors. If the driver is identified, the injuries are minor, and the case is simple, it could settle quickly. More serious injuries or disputes over responsibility can take longer. Cases that require a trial generally take the most time. Gathering and preserving strong evidence alongside a personal injury attorney is key to the timeline of your case.

Contact a Trusted San Dimas Law Firm

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in San Dimas or surrounding cities, having clear guidance on your rights and legal options is essential. Our team is experienced in handling personal injury claims under California law. Contact Amendt Law today to discuss your case in a free consultation.