Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Experienced Riverside Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicyclists don’t have the same padding that a car or other vehicle provides, so when they are involved in an accident, they can be at higher risk for injuries and damage to their bike. If you have been in an accident, contact a Riverside bicycle accident lawyer right away to receive legal help.

At The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson, you will receive personal, accessible assistance directly from Mr. Johnson. He is a native Riverside personal injury lawyer who uses a client-centered approach to support his clients. When you need help after an accident, come to Mr. Johnson’s personal injury law firm.

Bike Accidents in Riverside

While Riverside may have some beautiful places to bike, including Fairmount Park overlooking the Santa Ana River, its infrastructure is not always built with cyclists in mind.

Throughout Riverside County, there were 80 bike collisions outside of established bike routes in 2022, and 301 total collisions with bicycles throughout the county. Many busy roads don’t have bike lanes or have awkward intersections that can make crashes more likely. Magnolia Ave and Van Buren Boulevard are both busy roadways that have seen many crashes.

California as a whole also has many popular cycling destinations, and the state had a 56% increase in bicyclist and pedestrian deaths in accidents between 2014 and 2023. Clearly, bicycle accidents are a serious concern for cyclists who want to enjoy all the things Riverside has to offer.

Causes of Bike Accidents

There are many factors that lead to bike accidents, but some occur more often than others. Being aware of these factors can help you avoid them or be more prepared to respond to them in the moment. They can include:

• Distracted or drunk driving
• Poor visibility
• Speeding
• Poorly maintained roads
• Failing to yield at intersections
• Faulty bicycle parts
• Not paying attention to surroundings

Whatever led to an accident, you might be able to receive compensation. It is important to understand how to pursue that option.

Pursuing Compensation for Riverside Bicycle Accidents

In California, the most important part of pursuing compensation is proving that the other party was at fault for the accident. This isn’t always as easy as it sounds, but without this determination, you may not be able to receive anything.

Some situations, such as drunk driving, can make it very clear who was at fault for an accident. In others, you will have to rely on other evidence to build your case. Your Riverside bicycle accident attorney can help you collect and examine this evidence, which might include:

• Dashcam footage
• Cell phone recordings
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Medical records

In addition to proving fault, you must be able to show that you sustained damages or injuries from the accident. It is always important to be examined by a medical provider after a collision, even if you feel alright. Some injuries won’t immediately be apparent but could appear after a few days or even weeks.

If a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, you might also be able to file a wrongful death claim to help cover the costs of a funeral or other preparations.

Reasons to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a life-changing experience, and it is important to have quality legal representation when dealing with the aftermath. When you work with a lawyer, you can receive assistance with:

• Understanding your rights and responsibilities
• Gathering the evidence you need
• Pursuing compensation for injuries or other expenses
• Proving who was at fault for the accident
• Covering your legal bases, allowing you to focus on recovery

While you can try to pursue compensation and argue your case alone, insurance companies can be notoriously difficult to deal with. Having a thorough knowledge of relevant bicycle accident laws helps you create a more robust plan. Mr. Johnson brings that knowledge and experience to each one of his cases.

FAQs

Who Is at Fault When a Cyclist Gets Doored?

When a cyclist gets doored, the fault usually lies with the person exiting the car. However, this is not guaranteed, and there may be situations where a cyclist is found at fault for a dooring accident. Proving fault is not easy and benefits from the eye of a trained attorney with experience in similar cases.

How Much Can I Get for a Bicycle Accident in a Settlement?

The amount of money you can obtain for a bicycle accident settlement depends on the specifics of the accident and if you are found to be partially at fault. Compensation can help cover costs such as medical expenses and property damage, and the amount will be based on the expenses accrued from the accident.

What Is California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule?

California’s pure comparative negligence rule governs compensation after an accident. Under this rule, a person can obtain compensation even if they are found to be 99% at fault for an accident. After liability is determined and the percentages of fault are assigned, an individual’s compensation will be reduced by the percentage they were considered to be at fault.

How Soon After a Bicycle Accident Should I Contact an Attorney?

After a bicycle accident, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can. Insurance companies may contact you and attempt to blame you for the accident or try to have you accept a low offer before you are aware of all of your damages. Evidence such as camera footage may disappear if you wait too long as well. Protect your claim by contacting a reputable Riverside bicycle accident attorney right away.

Why Choose The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson?

When you are dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident in Riverside, you want a supportive lawyer who knows Riverside and is willing to pursue full compensation for your damages. Mr. Johnson is a Riverside native who works tirelessly to support his clients through tough times like these.

Riverside was ranked below average for bicycle friendliness, meaning that it is a less welcoming environment for cyclists. Bicyclists sometimes face additional bias in accident cases and may find it harder to obtain compensation. Mr. Johnson helps clients push back against that bias and advocate for the compensation they are entitled to.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get help. At The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson, you don’t pay anything unless you successfully obtain a settlement. Schedule your consultation today to get started.

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