San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Request Free ConsultationIn San Bernardino, bicyclists have to face many accident and injury risks, from dangerous road defects and inadequate bike lanes to distracted and reckless drivers. If you have been injured or a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, the services of a bicycle accident lawyer can be invaluable during this difficult time. Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is here to help.
Our top-rated personal injury lawyers in San Bernardino will fight to hold someone responsible for causing or contributing to your bicycle accident, delivering the justice and financial compensation that you need to move forward. We know how gravely a bicycle accident can impact a victim. Contact our San Bernardino attorneys today for exceptional legal care.
Why Choose Our San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Attorneys?
- We are skilled at dealing with insurance companies as well as litigating bicycle accident cases in court. Our attorneys have decades of experience in this practice area and can handle even the most complicated bicycle accident claims.
- When results matter, we win, and we win big. We have secured more personal injury verdicts and settlements over $10 million than any other law firm in California history. Our legacy of outstanding results comes from our dedication to client success.
- You won’t pay us anything unless you win your bicycle accident case. Our San Bernardino accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you do. There will be $0 in fees charged upfront if we take your case.
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Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in San Bernardino
Recovering from a bicycle accident is already taxing enough without roadblocks placed in front of you by insurance companies that want to protect their own profits. Unfortunately, this is exactly what you can expect during the typical bicycle accident injury claim.
As a bike accident victim, you will have to contend with strategies that insurance carriers use to protect their own profits, such as downplaying bicyclists’ injuries, attempting to blame bikers for their own accidents, and even rejecting valid claims. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can protect you from these strategies and improve your odds of success.
A lawyer will be able to navigate California’s bicycle laws, gather critical evidence to prove your claim, accurately gauge how much your case is worth, and negotiate for the greatest possible settlement while you focus on healing. A law firm will also have connections to experts such as accident reconstructionists and medical experts to strengthen your claim.
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Steps to Take After a Bike Accident in San Bernardino
It is important to have a clear idea of what to do next after you get hurt in a bicycle accident in San Bernardino. Taking the right actions from the very beginning can allow you to better protect your health, recovery, and injury claim.
If you can, here’s what to do:
- Remain where you are and check for injuries. Limit any sudden movements until you can get checked by paramedics.
- Get medical care immediately. Even if you think you are fine, see a doctor to double-check. Your adrenaline from the collision may be masking symptoms.
- Call 911 to report the accident right away. It is important to get a police report to serve as evidence during your claim.
- Get the driver’s information. Write down the driver’s name and contact information, a description of what happened, and details about the vehicle that struck you.
- Use your cellphone to take pictures at the accident scene. Capture images of your damaged bicycle, the other vehicle, and the surrounding roadway.
- Start the claims process by contacting the driver’s car insurance company to report the accident. Do not admit fault, give them a recorded statement, or accept a settlement without first speaking to an attorney.
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer. Before you enter into negotiations with an insurance claims adjuster, consult with an attorney about your legal rights.
While you may not be able to trust an insurance claims adjuster, you can depend on a personal injury lawyer to give you advice and guidance that serves your best interests. From the moment you contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we can step in to ensure you are protected.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bicycle Accident?
In a bicycle accident case, the party that can be held liable (or legally and financially responsible) will depend on factors such as the state’s insurance laws and the circumstances surrounding the crash. California is an “at-fault” or “tort-based” state, which gives injured bicycle accident victims the right to bring a claim against the at-fault party.
After a bike accident in San Bernardino, the person who is responsible for causing the collision will be liable for paying for the injured bicyclist’s expenses. The injured person must prove fault using evidence to receive damages or financial compensation. In most cases, a negligent driver is held responsible for colliding with a cyclist.
Negligence refers to the failure to act with proper care, such as a driver breaking a traffic law. Drivers in California are required to keep minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to ensure that they can pay for accidents they cause. Other potentially liable parties include a driver’s employer for an on-duty accident, a part manufacturer for a defective product and the government for an unsafe roadway.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Bernardino
Bicyclists, along with pedestrians, are California’s most vulnerable road users. In 2023, 1,106 bikers and pedestrians were killed in California traffic accidents – a 56 percent increase from 2014. The City of San Bernardino reported 38 bicyclists injured and killed in 2022. Bicycle-vehicle collisions are often caused by human error.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Cellphone use or texting and driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield to cyclists
- Dooring
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Poor road conditions
- Dangerous road infrastructure
- Bicycle or vehicle part defects (mechanical failure)
At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we can conduct a comprehensive investigation of your bicycle accident to determine its cause. Then, we can bring a claim against one or multiple parties on your behalf, preserving evidence from the scene and working with experts to build your case.
San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists are prone to suffering serious and life-threatening injuries when struck by motor vehicles. Bikes lack the safety features, such as seat belts and airbags that protect motorists; helmets, when worn, are often not enough to prevent severe injuries. Motor vehicles are also much larger and heavier than bicycles, imparting a large amount of force on the bike and its rider.
Common injuries that arise from bicycle accidents include:
- Head and skull injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Facial and dental injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Soft-tissue damage
- Road rash
- Internal injuries or bleeding
Bicyclists may get ejected from their bikes in an accident and either strike the pavement and suffer impact injuries or fall beneath a vehicle’s tires. Sadly, many bicycle accidents are fatal for the cyclist. Our attorneys offer legal representation during San Bernardino wrongful death claims for family members who are seeking answers and accountability for the loss of a loved one.
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident in San Bernardino
A bicycle accident may place you in the hospital, resulting in expensive medical bills and time off of work. If you suffer a severe injury, you may be faced with ongoing medical costs and changes to your lifestyle.
A successful bicycle accident claim in San Bernardino can compensate you for all of these losses, among others:
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost income and future earnings
- Permanent injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or anguish
- Diminished enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, in some cases
It is important to keep a record of all medical care you receive and expenses you incur after a bike accident. Keep any hospital bills, notes from your doctor, pay stubs, receipts, pictures of your injuries, out-of-pocket expenses, and a diary of your pain and suffering. Your lawyer can use these records to seek fair compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Bicycle Accident?
There is no “one-size-fits-all” average settlement for bicycle accident cases in San Bernardino. Every case is unique, and settlement values can vary significantly from person to person. These cases can result in $10,000 or less for minor injuries, up to several million dollars for catastrophic damage.
Factors that can affect settlement value include:
- Injury severity
- Amount of pain and suffering
- Any long-term impacts
- The number of liable parties
- Insurance policy limits
- Comparative negligence
Searching for an average can give you a misleading number that interferes with your ability to advocate for yourself during settlement negotiations. Instead, contact our attorneys for an evaluation of how much your case is truly worth. We have been fighting for maximum settlements and outstanding jury verdicts for bicycle accident victims for many years. We will give you an honest, accurate, and transparent case assessment.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bike Accident Claim?
In California, you typically have no more than two years to file a bicycle accident injury lawsuit. This is the statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If you wait too long and miss this filing window, the courts will most likely bar you from receiving a financial recovery.
There are some exceptions to the rule that can shorten or extend your statute of limitations. For this reason, you should always contact an attorney as soon as possible. Note that you must file an insurance claim much sooner: as early as possible after the accident. The two-year window only applies to a personal injury lawsuit, not the insurance process.
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents in San Bernardino
Do I need to call the police after a bike accident?
California law requires the police to be notified of any accident that causes injuries, deaths or more than $1,000 in property damage. You should report even a minor bicycle accident, however, to obtain a police report. This document can contain important information about the accident that can support your claim.
Should I go to the hospital for minor injuries?
Yes. It is recommended to always go to a hospital or doctor following a bicycle accident due to the possibility of serious hidden or delayed injuries. A medical evaluation can catch injuries early on so that you receive the urgent medical care you need. Prompt medical attention also shows an insurance company the connection between your injuries and the accident.
Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, you can still receive financial compensation if you weren’t wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the accident. However, not wearing one could reduce your compensation under the comparative negligence law if an insurance company shows that doing so would have prevented or reduced your injuries. You can expect an insurer to try to use the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet against you. An attorney can help you fight back.
What if the at-fault driver takes off or doesn’t have insurance?
If you have automobile insurance, you may have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy that can pay for the accident in these scenarios. This can cover your damages if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance or flees the scene. Another option may be filing a lawsuit against a third party for coverage.
Will my claim have to go to court?
The answer to this question depends on the circumstances and should be discussed with an attorney. While the vast majority of bicycle accident cases reach settlements without having to go to trial, some cases do end up in court due to liability disputes or unreasonable insurance companies. It is important to hire a trial attorney so that you are prepared.
Contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for a San Bernardino Free Bicycle Accident Case Review
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in San Bernardino, the attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP can help you understand your rights and seek fair financial compensation from the at-fault party. We understand how devastating bicycle accidents can be. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to pursuing justice.
Contact us today to request your free consultation, where we will review your situation and guide you to the right next step forward. We are here to protect your rights and fight for the case results you deserve. Call (310) 928-6200 to speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in San Bernardino about your case today.