Irvine Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Imagine you are biking home from work, and a car runs a red light, sending you crashing to the pavement. Bike accidents like this are common on Irvine streets. Often, distracted drivers pay little attention to bicycles, keeping their focus on other vehicles, text messages, and phone conversations. Severe injuries inevitably result.
Nordean Law’s legal team understands how a bicycle injury can leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed, Especially because cyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries, such as head trauma, broken bones, and chronic back pain. Treatment of serious injuries is extremely expensive. California law allows compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
This blog post guides you on the legal process and roles of an Irvine bicycle accident lawyer.
California Laws On Bicycles
All cyclists must follow traffic laws, just like motor vehicle drivers. Irvine has an organized on-road and off-road system designated for bicycle riders, consisting of around 113 miles of trails. At the same time, the right lane of many main roads is designated bike lane In total, 286 miles of road and trail are reserved for bicycles Cyclists must remain on a trail or in a bike lane where they are available. When no bicycle lane is present, cyclists must proceed with traffic, obeying all traffic laws.
California law requires cyclists and motorists to abide by the following regulations:
Vehicle Code 21202(a): A bicycle must stick to the right-hand side of the street at all times, except when it is passing or making a left turn.
Vehicle Code 21206: Bicycles are not allowed on the sidewalks when a lane is designated for them in the roadway.
Vehicle Code 21211(a): A motor vehicle cannot stop or park in a bicycle lane, except for tow trucks and garbage trucks.
Vehicle Code 21960: The California Department of Transportation doesn’t allow bicycles on freeways.
Vehicle Code 21212(a): Cyclists under 18 must wear helmets.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Bicycle Accident Claim In Irvine?
Having to deal with the hassles of insurance companies when recovering from your injuries can be extremely difficult and overwhelming on your own. The state allows pro se litigants (self-representation). But legal representation often differentiates between winning a large award and receiving a short settlement or nothing.
Always consult a lawyer if injured in a bicycle accident. A lawyer can guide you through the process, gather evidence, argue motions, negotiate settlements, and bring your case to trial by jury.
How Can A Bicycle Accident Attorney In Irvine Help?
A bicycle accident lawyer plays multiple roles throughout your injury case:
- A bicycle accident attorney explains your situation from a legal perspective and educates you about your legal rights. They help you understand the case and determine the exact compensation you deserve.
- Your lawyer does all the paperwork, gathers all necessary documents, fills out forms, and handles all conversations and meetings with the defendant’s insurance company. You will get the chance to recover in peace and avoid any form of miscommunication or misunderstanding from your side to the defendant.
- Lawyers gather evidence, assess reports, and talk to witnesses. All evidence, photos, and videos of the accident will be properly documented. They may also hire and expert witnesses if necessary.
- Your lawyer will negotiate a just amount with the insurance companies. If a dispute arises, they will help you file a lawsuit, undergo all the pretrial processes, and represent you in court before a judge or a jury.
Types Of Bicycle Accidents That Occur In Irvine, California
Here are some common types of bicycle accidents observed in Irvine:
- Cyclists ignoring traffic rules, such as running red lights.
- Speeding and distracted motorists.
- Dooring accidents (a car door opened in a cyclist’s path).
- Rear-end collision as motor vehicles switch into bike lanes at high speed.
- T-bone accidents, such as when bikes are crossing roads or making a left turn.
- Motor vehicles intrude into bike lanes.
- Vehicles side-swiping cyclists.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents In Irvine
There can be many causes of bicycle accidents. Here are some of the most reported scenarios in Irvine:
- Drinking before riding/driving
- Road rage and aggressive riding/driving
- Inexperienced riders
- Defects in mechanical parts
- Brake failure
- Losing balance due to external objects on the road
- Tiredness
- Dangerous weather and road conditions
- Riding an improperly sized bike
- Bags or clothes stuck to the chain or wheels
Common Injuries Bicyclists Suffer In Accidents In Irvine, CA
According to the 2020 data from the National Safety Council report, 325,173 cyclists were injured in bicycle accidents, while 1,260 fell victim to fatal bike accidents in California. Bicyclists are prone to sustain severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries reported in the city are:
- Leg and forearm fractures
- Rib fractures
- Spinal cord injuries/damage
- Amputation
- Laceration
- Muscle injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Cuts and bruises
What To Do After You Get Into A Bicycle Accident In Irvine?
Seek medical attention immediately after an accident. If you need emergency services, have someone call the paramedics for you. No matter the severity or the pain level, get yourself checked as soon as possible to ensure the injuries are discovered and treated promptly. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. He or she will thoroughly review all the facts, delve deeper into the case, and suggest the best way forward.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Bicycle Accident Lawyer In Irvine
Here are some common mistakes many clients make in their personal injury cases and when hiring an attorney:
- Talking to the insurance company without an attorney.
It is extremely important to seek guidance from a lawyer before starting a conversation with the insurance company. If you accept what the insurer offers without consulting a lawyer, you will likely receive a short settlement. Also, you may say something that can be used against your claim during the negotiation.
- Depending on the defendant’s insurance company documents.
The defendant will also gather evidence to present in court. You must be prepared with your own evidence with the help of your lawyer, as the perspectives are different.
- Rushing to hire any personal injury lawyer available.
A positive outcome hinges on your choice of a personal injury lawyer. You must look into a lawyer’s experience and past work. Talk to their former clients if possible. Check reviews and ratings online. It is important to learn enough about a lawyer before hiring them to understand whether the values and practices align with what you need.
- Not considering the possibility of trial.
Some personal injury lawyers may not do court representations, and their services may only be limited to handling insurance companies. When filing a claim, you must consider the possibility of taking the case to court. Hire a lawyer who does court representation, as it may be difficult and prolong the process to switch attorneys.
Compensation For Your Bicycle Accident Claim In Irvine
In California, the total compensation for a personal injury is calculated by adding the following three types of damage compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to direct losses like medical expenses, property repair costs, lost work wages, therapy costs, etc. Initially, you may have covered such expenses from your personal budget or insurance. The economic damage compensation is granted to cover them.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that aren’t measurable in dollars, like the pain you endure, withholding activities you enjoy doing, or degradation of the quality of your life. This type of compensation attempts to make up for your non-monetary losses.
Punitive Damages
Courts rarely award punitive damages in accident cases because there was no intent on the part of the defendant to cause harm. However, if the defendant acted in an egregious manner, such as by driving drunk or with extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded.
Contact Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The right Irvine bicycle accident lawyer will provide you peace of mind through effective legal representation. Whether your injuries require more time for recovery or the defendant’s insurance company is offering you an inadequate amount, working with a top-rated attorney improves the outcome
Nordean law has a team of expert attorneys with intensive experience in winning the best compensation for our bicycle accident clients. We are just a call away to guide you through these difficult times. Call us at 888.527.1267 for a free consultation today.
Conclusions
Bicycle accidents are common on Irvine streets. It is never fair to suffer the consequences of another driver’s negligence. You deserve the right compensation that covers your injuries, personal damages, and all the sufferings you had to tolerate. When you work with an experienced attorney, there is no chance of mistakes or miscommunication. Rather, clients There is a much higher possibility of gain.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
FAQs About Bicycle Accidents Lawyer In Irvine, CA
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in California?
In California, the statute of limitation for personal injury is 2 years, and property damage is 2 years from the date of the accident.
What Can I Claim From a Bicycle Accident?
You can claim both economic and non-economic damages for your losses in a bicycle accident. It may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Cost of medication and therapy
- Property repair cost
- Compensation for the pain and suffering
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in the State of California?
You must file a bicycle accident claim immediately after receiving medical treatment. The statute of limitation for personal injury is only 2 years. If you delay claiming compensation with the defendant’s insurance company, you may not have enough time to file a lawsuit if the statute of limitations passes.
How to Win a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in California?
You can win a bicycle accident lawsuit with strong evidence backed by expert witnesses, concrete proof of your injury with detailed descriptions, and legal representation by a bicycle injury lawyer.
Who Is Responsible for Paying My Medical Expenses After a Bicycle Accident in Irvine?
After a bicycle accident in Irvine, the at-fault party is responsible for paying for your medical expenses.
Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault for the Bicycle Accident in Irvine?
Yes, in Irvine, you can receive compensation even if you were partly at fault in a bicycle accident. The pure comparative negligence rule is applied where the fault is distributed among all parties in percentages. The court reduces your award in accordance with your percentage of fault.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Irvine?
You pay nothing until you collect. Your lawyer will receive 30% to 40% of the total compensation amount.
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