Huntington Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Huntington Beach is the ideal location for riding a bicycle. Our beautiful views and sunny weather inspire countless people to hop on a bike and ride around. Dozens of vendors also rent bicycles to visitors so that they can see more of our community while enjoying the fresh air.

Unfortunately, cyclists confront many of the same dangers as pedestrians—usually, aggressive or negligent drivers who are not using sufficient care. After a collision, many cyclists are laid up in the hospital in extreme pain and unsure of how they will pay for all their medical care. Please contact a Huntington Beach bicycle accident attorney at El Dabe Ritter Trial Attorneys to learn more.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Understanding the common reasons behind bicycle accidents is crucial for staying safe on the road. By recognizing these factors, you can take steps to prevent accidents and protect yourself while cycling:

1. Vehicle Collisions: Accidents involving vehicles are a significant risk for cyclists. Drivers may fail to see cyclists or misjudge their speed, leading to collisions at intersections, when making turns, or while overtaking.
2. Dooring Incidents: Opening car doors without checking for cyclists can result in serious accidents. Cyclists riding near parked cars are at risk of being “doored” if a driver suddenly opens their door into their path.
3. Unsafe Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, and other hazards on the road pose risks to cyclists. These conditions can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes and suffer injuries.
4. Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other activities are less likely to notice cyclists sharing the road with them. This increases the risk of accidents due to inattentive driving.
5. Failure to Yield Right of Way: Both cyclists and drivers are required to yield the right of way in certain situations. Failure to do so can lead to collisions, especially at intersections and crosswalks.
6. Riding Against Traffic: Cyclists who ride against the flow of traffic increase the likelihood of accidents. Drivers may not expect cyclists to approach from the wrong direction, leading to dangerous situations.
7. Lack of Visibility: Cyclists who are not easily seen by drivers are at a higher risk of accidents. Poor visibility due to inadequate lighting, dark clothing, or obstructed bike lanes increases the chances of collisions.
8. Impaired Cycling: Cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Who is Responsible for Your Bike Accident?

Many people could have caused your crash, including:

• A driver who struck you or forced you off the road
• The owner of a bicycle if a defect or improper repairs contributed to the crash
• The government is in charge of the road, when a road defect causes a crash

Before we can seek compensation, we need to fully understand how the accident happened. Your memories are helpful, but we can also visit the accident scene or interview witnesses. We might also want to check the bicycle, so hold onto it. Of course, if you rented it, you can’t keep it, but document its serial number, if possible.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Huntington Beach?

Taking the following steps will help you build a compensation case:

• Stay calm. Getting hit or falling is very scary. Nevertheless, you should try to remain as calm as possible so you make good choices. Take some deep breaths.
• Call emergency services if you are badly injured. Your health should be the primary focus.
• Call the police. You should tell the officer what happened to include it in the police report.
• Identify witnesses. They can testify about what happened leading up to the crash.
• Request personal information from a driver who hit you. Get the name, address, license information, registration, and insurance documents.
• Photograph the scene, including the vehicles involved or any road defects. Photographs document what happened.

Can You Receive Compensation For Your Accident?

You can receive compensation if you can prove fault. Essentially, this means you need to show someone did not follow their legal duties to protect you. For example, a driver must use reasonable care when on the road so they don’t hurt anyone, including cyclists.

Similarly, the government must keep roads in decent condition. If someone reports a giant pothole in the street, the government can’t ignore it. We strive to obtain the most compensation available under the law:

• Medical expenses, including past and future medical care. Many accident victims need extensive rehabilitation or physical therapy. They might also need to visit the doctor or therapist for months after the crash. Someone with permanent injuries could need continuing care.
• Lost income. Bicycle accident injuries often leave a person holed up in bed. They cannot leave the house so they can’t work. They will lose out on weeks and months of income.
• Property damage, including damage to a bicycle. If you own a bike, you will probably need repairs or have it replaced. Don’t get it fixed until a bicycle crash attorney can inspect it.
• Pain and suffering. In California, this term refers to non-financial losses, such as depression, anxiety, physical pain, mental anguish, and inconvenience.

Our bicycle accident lawyers in Huntington Beach can analyze the amount you might receive in a free consultation. There are so many different factors in play, and no two cases are exactly alike, that it’s best to get an individualized case evaluation.

What are Important California Bicycling Laws?

California has passed many laws to promote bicycle safety, such as:

• Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, not against traffic. (California Vehicle Code 21650)
• Cyclists should ride as close to the right-side curb as they safely can. (California Vehicle Code 21202)
• Cyclists have the same responsibilities on the road as other drivers, including the duty to signal when they are turning. Likewise, cyclists can face punishment when they break the law. (California Vehicle Code 21200)
• Cyclists under age 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. (California Vehicle Code 21212)

If you follow these rules, you should reduce the risks of an accident—though you can’t eliminate the risk.

Contact Our Huntington Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys

The team at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers knows bicycle accidents and can assemble a strong compensation claim. Call us today or fill out our free initial consultation form to schedule a meeting.