Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Irvine, California

What are Bicycle Accidents?

When cyclists and motor vehicles collide, cyclists are the most vulnerable. Because many roads have shared bike lanes, collisions can happen and be life-threatening. Additionally, with the rise of electronic bikes, injuries can become more devastating. As a result, bicycle accidents in Orange County rose over 50% compared to previous months, amounting to 14 deaths in one year.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Irvine because of another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation.

What are Some Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Irvine?

• Driving while using smartphones: As technology becomes more integrated into modern transportation, many bicycle accidents happen because of distractions. Similarly, cyclists can be in danger of accidents if they are not aware of their surroundings due to technology use
• Driving past the speed limit: Many cars on the road go past the speed limit. As a result, they may not be able to slow down in time for cyclists in their lane or cyclists who are turning.
• Driving under the influence: Drivers can be impaired due to alcohol use or other drug use. Recently, with the legalization of Cannabis in many states, there has been a rise in DUI. It is important to note that even if a drug is legalized, it does not permit drivers to operate a vehicle under the influence.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving often leads to unintended accidents as the vehicle goes out of control. Reckless driving can include unnecessarily weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating. Bicycles have the same rights as any other motor vehicle. Vehicles that try to pass cyclists endanger them in the lane. Drivers are responsible for determining whether they can drive safely, especially if they feel fatigued or emotionally unstable.
• Poor weather and road conditions: Traction is important for cyclists, as they can easily slip out of control. Similarly, poor road conditions can kick up debris or cause the bicycle to spin out of control. Some hazards a cyclist can encounter include potholes, uneven pavement, and barriers/items on the road.
• Improper protective gear: Cyclists should wear protective gear, such as a helmet, to minimize injuries in an accident.

While these are only some common causes of injury, many other cases can qualify as personal injuries.

What Damages are Covered Under Bicycle Injuries Under California Law?

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents can be life-threatening. Common damages that you may have suffered from includes, but are not limited to

• Medical bills: Medical treatment can be expensive and often is not a one-time treatment. As a result, compensation can include both past and future medical treatment. Medical treatments can also include rehabilitation, equipment, and medication. Some of the common injuries include:
  1. Broken bones: collision from a car, even if the car was driving at the speed limit, is enough to break bones in a cyclist’s legs, arms, etc. Recovery can take several weeks to months. In severe cases, victims can suffer permanent disabilities and disfigurement from amputations and burns.
  2. Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries lead many cyclists to lose the ability to control certain parts of their body. Specifically, spinal cord damage below the waist can lead to the inability to move body parts below the waist. If victims are fortunate enough with the treatment, they may be able to go through rehabilitation but for many victims, they may never be able to walk again.
  3. Brain trauma: bicycle accidents often cause cyclists to fall on their head or skull with extreme force. Even with proper protective gear, high-speed collisions and injuries can be fatal. While minor injuries can include small fractures, it can lead to serious injuries such as facial disfigurement, physical or cognitive impairment, and death.
  4. Internal bleeding: While many injuries are easy to identify, some are not. Collisions can lead to internal organs or blood vessels rupturing. If not treated immediately, it can lead to organ failure.
• Expenses: If there were costs that were out of pocket, it can be included for compensation.
  1. While unfortunate, some pedestrians will not survive their injuries. As a result, expenses for burials and funerals can be filed.
• Emotional and psychological distress: There can be emotional and psychological pain/suffering due to the injury. Compensation can include damages for the pain and suffering experienced from the injury and afterward. Furthermore, some injuries can have lasting impacts, such as a permanent scar or losing the ability to walk, which can be hard to recover from emotionally.
• Loss of wages or earnings: injuries can prevent an individual from working, causing them to lose their main sources of income or wages.
• Loss of Consortium: This can include one’s ability to have children or deprivation of relations due to injury

Evidence That Can be Collected and Used to Prove At-Fault Driver’s Negligence

Several pieces of information can help the case. For instance, cyclists should call the Irvine police to file an accident report. Even if the driver flees the scene, cyclists should report the incident. This creates a physical, official record of the accident. It can also confirm that the injuries resulted from the recorded accident.

Also, take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any other relevant damage. Within those pictures, include a copy of the at-fault driver’s license, his/her insurance card, and the license plate. Contact information can be vital for reaching eyewitnesses, who can confirm any claims you made about the accident and injuries.

Even if the injuries are minor, see a doctor for a medical evaluation. A doctor can identify any injuries caused by the accident and document the required treatment.

What Should I do if I have Suffered from a Bicycle Injury in Irvine, CA?

If you need medical assistance, seek immediate medical attention. If you are able to collect any evidence at the scene of the injury, take as many photos/videos and physical evidence as detailed above.

Be sure to report the incident to the police or public agency in charge so that they can file an incident report. You can also request security footage that captured the incident and the surrounding areas.

We recommend contacting Alipour Law Group for expert legal assistance at (949) 997-9999 before signing documents or making any statements. Our Irvine personal injury lawyers are ready to assist you with bicycle accidents in Irvine, CA.

We Also Handle the Following Types of Bicycle Accident Cases:

• Intersections
• Poor Road Conditions
• Involving Electric Bikes or Scooters
• Involving Rideshare Drivers
• Bike Lanes and Trails
• Car and Bicycle Collisions
• Child Bicycle Accidents
• Dooring
• Fatal Bicycle Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
• Hit-and-Run
• Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents with Uninsured Motorists
• Nighttime
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Collisions
• Truck and Bicycle Accidents
• Weather-Related Bicycle Accidents
• What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Frequently Asked Questions: Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Irvine