Huntington Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
While cycling home from work, a car disregards a red traffic light and collides with you, which is a typical incident on Huntington Beach streets. Frequently, bigger motor vehicles neglect to notice bicycles since they focus more on other similarly sized vehicles. The main reason for bike accidents is passing through their blind spots.
Extreme helplessness and distress come with devastating accidents; mishaps can completely alter the course of your life. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries since they bear the brunt of the impact directly, without additional protective barriers. Treating such injuries can be exorbitantly costly, and being subjected to the consequences of someone else’s actions is unjust. In regards to this, the personal injury legislation in California offers a specific amount of compensation to alleviate your burdens during difficult times.
This article will guide you on the roles of a Huntington Beach bicycle accident lawyer in securing fair compensation after your accident.
Who is Responsible for Your Bicycle Accident?
In California, the legal principle of “comparative negligence” is applied to accidents, which means that each party involved can be held responsible to a certain degree. For example, when it comes to collisions between cyclists and drivers, the cyclist may be found partially responsible if they didn’t wear a helmet or were riding outside the designated lane.
However, most of the blame would still fall on the driver, as they owe a higher level of care to vulnerable cyclists due to the weight and size disparity between the two modes of transportation. As a result, the driver may face significant liability in an accident, regardless of the circumstances.
For instance, if a cyclist is found to be 20% responsible for an accident and the driver is 80% responsible due to reckless driving, the victim or their family members may still receive compensation. Still, the cyclist’s 20% liability may reduce it.
California Laws on Bicycle
The Huntington Beach Bicycle Trail is an excellent spot for cycling enthusiasts in the area. The paved path runs along the Pacific waterfront, providing picturesque views of the beaches. The trail attracts diverse people, including families with young children, joggers, cyclists, and beachgoers, who all appreciate the path’s appeal.
The California legislative information websites provide the state vehicle codes that all cyclists must adhere to. These regulations include:
- According to Vehicle Code 21202(a), bicyclists must ride on the right-hand side of the street, except when passing through or making a left turn.
- As per Vehicle Code 21206, bicycles are prohibited from using sidewalks if they have a designated lane on the shared roadway.
- Vehicle Code 21211(a) prohibits motor vehicles, except for tow trucks and garbage trucks, from stopping or parking in a bicycle lane.
- Bicycles are not permitted to use the freeway, as stated in Vehicle Code 21960 by the California Department of Transportation.
- Under Vehicle Code 21212(a), anyone under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet that fits properly and is securely fastened.
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Why Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident?
Although it is possible for individuals to handle their personal injury cases and negotiate with insurance companies or represent themselves in court, it is not recommended. Involving a Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer can lead to better outcomes. Seeking their advice or collaborating with them can be extremely beneficial.
A Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer provides credible information on your legal rights, potential benefits, and insurance policies. These law professionals also manage communication channels, including emails, phone calls, and meetings, handling all necessary paperwork and ensuring statute of limitations compliance. By properly documenting evidence, a lawyer can positively drive the investigation and negotiation process in your favor.
How Can a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Huntington Beach Help?
Upon contacting a bicycle accident lawyer, they will assist you in determining if your case necessitates retaining their services or if simply seeking their advice is sufficient. However, it is advisable to seek legal representation when there are complex issues surrounding the allocation of fault among several parties or significant and long-lasting injuries.
After assessing your case, an accident attorney will gather evidence, investigate the situation, and negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company. Additionally, they will handle all the necessary paperwork, including application forms and documentation of evidence. The attorney will also handle communication with the insurance company and all meetings, minimizing the possibility of errors.
That said, Nordean Law is here to help you. We will represent you to the best of our abilities during the settlement meetings. If a settlement agreement is reached, the necessary release forms are compiled, and your compensation is ensured. However, if negotiations do not result in a settlement, we will guide you through filing a lawsuit and provide legal representation throughout the case.
Types of Bicycle Accidents That Occur in Huntington Beach, California
Below are some frequent occurrences of bicycle accidents witnessed in Huntington Beach:
- Cyclists disregard traffic regulations and run red lights.
- Speeding motor vehicles fail to observe cyclists on the road.
- Bicycles collide with car doors that are suddenly opened.
- Rear-end collisions occur when motor vehicles rapidly enter bike lanes.
- T-bone accidents happen when bikes are turning left or crossing roads.
- Motor vehicles entering streets from the bike lane curb.
- Bikers are being hit by cars that swipe past them.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Huntington Beach
The reasons behind bicycle accidents can vary widely. Below are some of the most commonly reported scenarios in Huntington Beach:
- Drinking alcohol before riding/driving
- Road rage and aggressive driving/riding
- Inexperienced riders
- Mechanical defects
- Brake malfunction
- Losing balance due to objects on the road
- Fatigue
- Unsafe weather and road conditions
- Riding a bike of improper size
- Bags or clothes getting caught in the chain or wheels
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Common Injuries Bicyclists Suffer in Accident in Huntington Beach, CA
In 2020, the National Safety Council report showed that 325,173 bicyclists suffered injuries in accidents, and 1,260 lost their lives due to fatal bike accidents in California. Due to their vulnerability, cyclists are at risk of experiencing severe injuries. The following injuries are frequently reported in the city:
- Fractures in the legs and forearms
- Fractures in the ribs
- Spinal cord damage or injuries
- Amputation
- Lacerations
- Muscle injuries
- Injuries to the head and brain
- Facial injuries
- Cuts and bruises
What to Do After you get into a Bicycle accident in Huntington Beach?
In a bicycle accident in Huntington Beach, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial. Someone should call the paramedics on your behalf if emergency support is required. Regardless of the pain or severity of injuries, getting checked out as soon as possible is essential to ensure that injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.
After seeking medical treatment, if possible, report the accident to the police or California Highway Patrol (CHP). Once the accident has been reported, it’s time to consult a personal injury lawyer about your situation. You can consider Nordean Law your ideal option; we will review all the details from your perspective, investigate the case thoroughly, and recommend the best course of action. We offer free consultation and start immediately to solidify your personal injury claim.
Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Claim in Huntington Beach
In Huntington Beach, the compensation you may receive for damages is calculated by adding up three types of compensation: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to direct losses that can be measured in monetary terms, such as medical expenses, property repair costs, lost work wages, therapy costs, etc. You may have initially covered such expenses from your budget or insurance, but economic damage compensation is granted to cover them.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are losses that cannot be measured in monetary terms. These may include the pain you experience, the inability to enjoy activities you used to do or the degradation of your quality of life. This type of compensation is intended to balance your loss with a different gain at a certain price.
Contact Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
If you or your loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident and are lost in how to claim fair compensation, we are here for you. Remember, the defendant’s Insurance company is not on your side. They will minimize the compensation as much as possible to benefit their client. It is our duty to protect your rights and demand a price after everything you had to suffer from the defendant’s fault. You need the best law firm to understand and align with your needs.
At Nordean Law, we are a team of personal injury lawyers specializing in bicycle accidents. Our bicycle accident attorneys have a reputation for winning far compensations for our former clients. We work with a wide scale of resources when gathering evidence and bring in expert witnesses to better assess your situation. In our first consultation, we will help you decide the best approach to your accident case and immediately dedicate our time and effort to building a solid case.
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Conclusion
If you’re caught in a bicycle accident, you will significantly benefit from consulting a personal injury lawyer. Since cyclists are particularly susceptible to severe injuries, accidents can have life-altering consequences. A Huntington Beach personal injury lawyer can offer legal support to navigate California’s complex personal injury laws.
At Nordean Law, we’re here to help with your bicycle accident case. We’ll assess whether your case necessitates legal representation or if seeking advice is enough. Our accident attorney will collect evidence, investigate the situation, and bargain with the defendant’s insurance company on your behalf. We handle all the required paperwork to reduce the possibility of mistakes and ensure compliance with the statute of limitations.
Contact Nordean Law for a free consultation without hesitation. We aim to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially from your accident. Schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward receiving the compensation you’re entitled to.
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents In Huntington Beach, CA
What is the Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in California?
Can a Lawyer help me when a Roadway Defect causes my Bicycle Accident?
Are Bike Helmets required in California?
How much does my Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
How can I prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident case in Huntington Beach, CA?
Will my Bicycle Accident case go to Trial?
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