Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Irvine, California

What are bicycle accidents?

When cyclists and motor vehicles collide, cyclists are the most vulnerable. Since many roads have shared lanes for bikes, collisions occur and can 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 has increasingly been integrated into modern transportation, many accidents occur with bicycles due to 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, 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 trying to go past cyclists are endangering the cyclists in the lane. It is the driver’s responsibility to determine if they are capable of driving, especially if they feel fatigued or emotionally unstable.
• Poor weather and road conditions: Traction on roads is important for cyclists as they can easily slip out of control. Similarly, poor road conditions can lead to debris flying upwards or spin the bicycle out of control. Some of the hazards that a cyclists can encounter are potholes, uneven payment, and barriers/items on the road.
• Improper protective gear: cyclists should wear protective gear such as their helmet to minimize the injuries when in an accident.

While these are only some of the common causes for injuries, there are many other cases that can qualify under personal injuries.

Our Irvine Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Clients In The Following Practice Areas:

• Brain Injury
• Car Accidents
• Dog Bite
• Electric Scooter
• Electric Bike
• Hotel, Resort & Vacation Injuries
• Truck Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Medical Device Injuries
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Premise Liability
• Turo Accidents
• Slip and Fall Injuries
• Uber/Lyft Accidents

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 times are not one-time treatments. As a result, compensation can include both past and future medical treatment. Medical treatments also can mean 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 cyclists’ legs, arms, etc. It can take several weeks to even months to recover. In severe cases, victims can suffer permanent disabilities and disfigurement from amputations and burns.
  2. Spinal cord injuries: spinal cord injuries lead to many cyclists to lose the ability to control certain parts of their body. Specifically, a 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 on, collisions and injuries at fast speeds 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 can be easily identifiable, some are not that obvious. Collisions can lead to internal organs or blood vessels to rupture. 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 it can be 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 these damages for the pain and suffering that was experienced from the injury and post-injury. Furthermore, some injuries can have lasting impacts, such as a permanent scar or losing the ability to walk, which can be hard to recover emotionally.
• Loss of wages or earnings: injuries can prevent an individual from working, thus losing their main sources of income or wage.
• Loss of Consortium: This can include one’s ability to have children or depravation of relations due to injury

Evidence that can be collected and used to prove at-fault driver’s negligence

There are several pieces of information that can be helpful to the case. For instance, it is important for the cyclists to call the Irvine police for an accident report. Even if the driver flees the scene, cyclists should report the incident. This allows a physical and official record of the accident that proves the incident took place. Additionally, this can confirm that the injuries were from the recorded accident.

Furthermore, it is helpful to take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the accident, as well as any other damages that are relevant. Within those picture, include a copy of the at-fault driver’s license, his/her insurance card, and the license plate. Contact information can be vital to reach out to eyewitnesses as they can confirm any claims you made about the accident and injuries.

Additionally, even if there were only minor injuries, it is important to visit a doctor to have a medical evaluation. The doctor can determine any injuries that are present and caused by the accident, and can record what treatments are required.

What should I do if I have suffered from bicycle injury In Irvine, CA?

If you are in need of 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 highly recommend that you contact 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.

Frequently Asked Questions Bicycle Accidents Attorney in Irvine