At Nordean Law, we strive to keep our community safe. We pursue justice for the injured and we share critical information on how to keep you and your family safe.
Follow the link below for the best tips to prevent accidents of all kinds. If you have a specific question, or if you were injured in an accident, reach out to one of our attorneys today.
Cycling combines exercise, recreation and a reasonable mode of transportation. However, bicycles, being small and lacking protective shields like cars, expose riders to increased risks. Unlike four-wheelers, cyclists are more vulnerable to injuries in the event of an accident.
If you recently had a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. And having a personal injury lawyer by your side can enhance your chances of securing the compensation that you lawfully deserve.
Dealing with a bicycle accident goes beyond addressing physical injuries or bicycle damage. It demands you to work vigorously to establish liability and negotiate fair compensation. In such situations, the support of a reliable and experienced lawyer is invaluable. A good legal professional can guide you and fight for your rights.
Here are some areas where Nordean Law extends to provide support to you:
Our history, marked by successful settlements and verdicts, speaks to our ability to advocate for your justice effectively. We have recovered the compensation of up to $8,700,000 for our clients.
With years of experience handling various bicycle accident cases, our legal team recognizes the uniqueness of each case and can customize strategies accordingly.
We make sure you feel heard, understood and well-supported throughout the legal process.
We are well-acquainted with specific legal thresholds and requirements that can impact the outcome of your case. Our legal team stays abreast of legislative updates to align our representation with recent developments.
Bicycle accidents occur due to multiple factors, including cyclists' behavior, other drivers’ actions on the road, and improper infrastructure. Here are some of the causes of bicycle accident in Fontana:
Distractions like texting or eating while driving can shift a car driver's focus, reducing their awareness of nearby cyclists and causing potential accidents.
Riding with one hand on the bicycle handlebars can compromise the ability to steer and react to changing road conditions. It increases the risk of losing balance whenever the cyclist encounters an unexpected situation like road debris or an oncoming vehicle.
When car drivers make turns without checking for the presence of cyclists, they significantly increase the risk of causing bicycle accidents. One common scenario is "right-hook" accidents, where the car's right side collides with cyclists approaching from behind or riding alongside, especially at intersections.
Cyclists often use hand signals or body language to indicate their intentions when riding on the road. However, when the drivers don’t understand these cues, they misinterpret the cyclists’ actions, leading to serious collisions.
When weaving through traffic in urban areas, cyclists can come dangerously close to parked cars. This can put them at risk of “dooring” accidents, where a car door suddenly opens into the cyclist’s path.
Cyclists weaving through slow traffic also face risks due to speed differences with other vehicles, particularly when overtaking. This can create risky situations, especially when passing slower-moving vehicles.
Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can distort the perception of distances and speed. Intoxicated driving can lead to miscalculations and potentially aggressive encounters with cyclists.
Injuries caused by bicycle accidents can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the protective measures taken by the cyclist. Here we have highlighted some injuries caused by bicycle accidents:
It is a friction-related injury that occurs when a cyclist’s skin comes into contact with the road surface during a fall. Road rash can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe abrasions requiring medical attention.
Cyclists can suffer cuts and lacerations from contact with sharp objects or broken glass on the road. Lacerations can lead to infection and affect muscles, tendons or ligaments, causing long-term functional impairment.
Bicycle accidents can lead to fractures or breaks in the bones, such as the collarbone, wrist, arm, leg, or ribs. Depending on the location and the severity of the fracture, you may have pain and discomfort, swelling and bruising and joint stiffness.
While helmets are designed to protect the head, they may not prevent all facial injuries. Facial injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries, can happen if a cyclist’s face makes contact with the ground or a vehicle.
A sharp blow to the head can cause your brain to twist within your skull, leading to a concussion. Symptoms may emerge slowly but can lead to severe injuries if not promptly identified. Those suffering from a concussion may experience intense headaches, memory problems, and in some instances, enduring cognitive impairments.
Determining fault and liability in a bicycle wreck is a complex process that involves various steps and considerations. Each step plays a vital role in piecing together the events that led to the accident. Here are some of the crucial elements to determine the liabilities:
Police reports help objectively discern key details like the point of impact, the position of the vehicles, and traffic violations. Having an official police report can lend credibility to your account of the accident, especially when the other party disputes your version of the event.
Witnesses offer perspectives that might not be apparent from physical evidence alone. For instance: a witness might see a driver’s distraction over a call. These statements can challenge the accounts provided by the at fault driver.
A robust collection of evidence substantially enhances the likelihood of a positive legal resolution. It helps establish facts by providing a clear account of what happened, who was involved and the circumstances of the accident. This factual foundation can help determine the claim's validity and sway the court’s decision in your favor.
In complex cases, the legal team often brings in accident reconstruction experts. These experts scientifically analyze the accident's cause with their knowledge of physics, vehicle dynamics, and road conditions.
Issues like potholes, lack of proper signage, inadequate street lighting, or improperly maintained road surfaces can contribute to accidents. In such cases, the entity responsible for road maintenance, like a local government or a private contractor, can be held liable.
The condition of both a vehicle and a bicycle can give essential insights into maintenance practices, adherence to safety regulations, and potential mechanical failures.
For example: if an accident occurs due to a faulty brake or worn tyre, the cyclist may be found partially or wholly liable for the accident.
Likewise, vehicle brakes and steering failure, leading to an accident, make the driver accountable.
If injured by another driver, the cyclist will be eligible to recover various types of compensation depending on the seriousness of the injury, impact on daily life, and property damage.
Generally, the compensation is categorized into three types:
These are the quantifiable monetary losses that the victim incurs during the accident. The compensation includes medical expenses, lost earnings, and other out-of-pocket costs.
This category covers intangible losses such as pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and mental distress resulting from the bicycle accident.
The primary purpose of punitive damage is to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions. It is typically awarded when the defendant's behavior is considered willful, malicious, or reckless.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it's essential to take certain steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. The steps may differ depending on the seriousness of your injury. However, these are the basic guidelines to follow after a bicycle accident:
First, check your injuries before you get off the ground. If you do feel seriously injured, don’t risk moving too much. Instead, call for help to get first aid. If you are seriously injured, it is wise to rush towards the hospital.
The necessity to call 911 depends on several circumstances. Some of them are:
If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information. Witness accounts can be crucial for insurance claims or legal purposes.
Likewise, exchange contact and insurance information if the accident involves another party, such as a motorist or cyclist.
However, at this point in time, you need to avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame.
Take photographs of your bicycle, any vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Note the location, time, and any relevant road signs or signals. Having a comprehensive record of the accident simplifies the process of reporting the incident to the police, insurance companies, and other relevant entities.
Even if you don't think you are seriously injured, some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. So, you must consult a medical professional after the accident.
Depending on your location, you must report the accident to the police. They can create an official accident report that will be critical for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, correspondence with insurance companies, and any repair costs for your bicycle. Having thorough records can help your attorney understand the case and provide appropriate guidance.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights as a cyclist, identify liabilities, and negotiate for your rightful compensation.
Remember, the immediate priority is to ensure everyone's safety and get medical attention for any injuries. After addressing these urgent needs, you can focus on the legal and insurance aspects of the incident.
A good lawyer shoulders the legal burden, enabling you to concentrate on your recovery and well-being. Here are some skills and expertise that you should look for in a good lawyer.
The lawyers specializing in bicycle accident cases are more familiar with the nuances of personal injury claims, like the negotiation process of the insurance companies. Likewise, the lawyers are well-versed in the specific laws of a bicycle accident, including comparative fault rules and specific filing requirements.
With experience comes the ability to foresee potential problems and the knowledge of how to avoid or address them. Experienced lawyers are adept at finding creative legal solutions to complex issues.
While many car accident cases are settled out of court, it’s important to have a lawyer who is prepared and skilled in trial advocacy. Experienced lawyers are not intimidated by the prospect of going to trial if it means securing a better outcome for you.
Legal matters can be complex, especially in personal injury and car accident cases. A lawyer with good communication skills can break down these complexities into understandable terms, making it easier for you to make informed decisions.
A responsive lawyer ensures that you are regularly updated about the progress of your case, including any developments, changes, or upcoming deadlines. This keeps you in the loop and avoids unnecessary anxiety or confusion.
Having a lawyer with a strong professional network and resources means that expert-driven insights will support your case. With these capabilities, your lawyer will be able to prepare your case and represent you effectively.
Most bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Ensure you know the percentage they will take and any additional costs you might incur.
Bicycle accident cases can involve discussing personal injuries, emotional traumas, and financial hardships. Having a good rapport makes it easier to discuss these sensitive topics.
A local bicycle accident lawyer will better understand the area’s roads, common traffic issues, and frequent accident spots. This knowledge can be invaluable in understanding the context and investigating the accident.
Likewise, each jurisdiction can have its own court procedures and practices. A lawyer familiar with the local judicial system, including the judges and opposing counsel, can navigate these effectively.
Ethical behavior is fundamental to the legal profession. It safeguards clients' interests, upholds the rule of law, and maintains the integrity and credibility of the legal system.
Sam Nordean has made a commitment to helping victims get back what was taken away from them. He fights for people that are injured and can’t fight for themselves.
“Going to court or negotiating a settlement is not akin to my client winning a lottery ticket. It’s about balancing the scales; it’s what they’re owed.”
Sam Nordean
At Nordean Law, we have a seasoned legal team that can handle the legal process seamlessly through their skills and expertise. We understand that you are going through significant financial burdens after the bicycle accident. So, we don’t charge you anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you can pay us only after we win the case.
Our dedicated team of bicycle accident lawyers in Fontana is committed to relentlessly advocating for your rights. We will utilize every resource to ensure you receive fair compensation for the losses you have endured.
Contact us today for a free consultation at (888) 254-3222
Fontana is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The city is home to 213,739 residents.
Fontana is governed by the codes adopted by the State of California legislators and the Fontana City Municipal Code. The city is governed by an elected Mayor and four Council Members.
We’re proud to have helped countless clients across California achieve justice and compensation.
"After my car accident in Irvine, I didn’t know where to turn. This team took care of everything, from dealing with insurance to getting me a fair settlement. Highly recommend!"
"I was injured in a truck accident on the freeway near Riverside. They fought hard for me and won my case in record time. Professional and caring every step of the way."
"Nordean Law is working in my injury case and can't thank them enough. Sam and his team have been reaching and keeping me informed with all pending matters. I appreciate that because with all that is currently going in right now, I need some stress off my shoulders. Thank you Nordean Law!!!"
"The best lawyer in the area! He and his team will take great care of you. They are very good with taking questions and answering them without lying to you. I will use Sam and his firm for any cases I might encounter. Highly recommend!!"
"If you are worried about your claim you should contact Nordean Law. Sam Nordean and his team are not only true professionals with integrity, but also sincerely care about their clients well being and state of mind throughout the process."
We understand that you have questions about bicycle injury cases. Our bicycle injury attorney in Fontana answers some of the most frequently asked questions about bicycle injury claims for you.
