Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Located on the banks of the Santa Ana River, the town of Riverside is known for its delicious oranges, bustling economy, and many historical landmarks. As a city that strives to reduce carbon emissions, Riverside is home to many bicyclists. While cycling is an affordable, easy, and environmentally friendly option for many commuters, there are risks associated with riding bicycles, as well. Each year, through no fault of their own, hundreds of cyclists are involved in serious bicycle accidents across the state of California, and Riverside is no exception.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident in Riverside, you may be entitled to compensation. The Riverside personal injury lawyers of OnderLaw are dedicated to providing all our clients with excellent legal counsel as they pursue justice. Our hardworking team of attorneys has been protecting victims of bicycle accidents since 2002, reaching favorable outcomes in the form of awards and settlements for many of our clients.

Are you ready to take the next step in your bicycle accident case? Call OnderLaw today. We’ll schedule a free case evaluation to help you determine the best course of action for pursuing the compensation to which you’re entitled.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

It can be difficult to deal with the effects of a bicycle accident on your own. Because local regulations surrounding bicycle accidents can change from city to city, it’s important to have an attorney fighting for you who is well acquainted with this legislation.

In the same way, when you’re building a bike accident case, you’ll need access to resources that will help you to reach the most favorable outcome. At OnderLaw , we have many resources for our clients, including time-tested strategies, many legal connections that span both the state and the nation, and over nineteen years of experience handling cases just like yours.

At OnderLaw , we put our clients first. A big part of this commitment is the way we handle communication. When you hire an OnderLaw attorney, you’re trusting us with all the details surrounding your case. We’re dedicated to managing all discussions with insurance companies, law enforcement, and third parties so that you can avoid accidental self-incrimination and focus on what’s important while we build your bicycle accident case.

Why Choose OnderLaw ?

In addition to the professionalism and experience we bring to each case we take on, OnderLaw has garnered recognition for our hard work on local and national levels. We’ve been recognized by organizations like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and The American Society of Legal Advocates for the legal counsel we’ve been providing to clients for the last nineteen years.

James G. Onder, our founding attorney, is eager to fight for justice for any and all those who deserve it. Onder, a 1988 graduate of the Saint Louis University School of Law, has been putting equality at the heart of his work throughout the length of his career. He’s been named a Super Lawyer, a Million Dollar Advocate, and a Multi-million Dollar Advocate for his hard work and tenacity in each case he’s taken on. Onder’s legacy of attention to detail and dedication has allowed OnderLaw to flourish into the top-rated law firm it remains today.

Bicycle Laws in Riverside

While there are many laws surrounding the use and sale of bicycles in Riverside, there are a few regulations that may be useful to know if you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident.

• According to RMC 10.64.230, “Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by the laws of this State,” meaning each cyclist is afforded the same rights in the eyes of the law as those operating motor vehicles.
• At the same time, RMC 10.64.240 holds cyclists to the same standard for the observation of traffic laws as those operating motor vehicles, requiring cyclists to, “obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.”
• RMC 10.64.340 requires each bicycle sold to be outfitted with proper brakes, handlebars, pedals, and reflective gear.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Because of the wide range of vehicles and conditions found on the road, there is an equally wide range of circumstances in which a bicycle accident may occur. Many things may potentially cause you to become injured in a bicycle accident. A few examples of these are:

• Driving under the influence: If someone operating a motor vehicle should be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are putting themselves and those around them at risk. Drugs and alcohol may blur a driver’s vision, affect their depth perception, and impair their judgment. A drunk or drugged driver is a risk to all surrounding motorists and cyclists.
• Distracted driving: Should a motorist become distracted while operating a vehicle, they are a hazard to surrounding drivers and cyclists. Distracted driving may include “zoning out,” cell phone use while driving, becoming distracted by navigation, or becoming distracted by other passengers, though these are not the only circumstances that may be considered distracted driving.
• Reckless behavior: Motorists who ignore traffic laws, carelessly operate a vehicle, or participate in hazardous driving habits can be dangerous to surrounding drivers and cyclists. Examples of reckless driving include speeding, failing to observe traffic signs (stop signs, traffic lights, yield signs, etc.), failing to check doors/blind spots, and weaving/cutting into designated bicycle lanes.
• Outside factors: There are also outside factors that can cause a bicycle accident that may be outside a driver or cyclist’s control. Examples include weather conditions, roadside accidents, construction, or mechanical malfunction.

Common Injuries Suffered in Bicycle Accidents

As you might expect, there are many ways in which a cyclist may be injured through no fault of their own in a bicycle accident. The type of injuries you sustain may have an impact on the amount of compensation you might expect.

Some common injuries associated with bicycle accidents include:

• Spinal cord damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Traumatic brain injury
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Paralysis
• Contusions
• Neck trauma
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Road rash

 

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries

Two types of damages are available for victims of bicycle accidents. Damages are the payment you may receive in a settlement or a court-ordered award for the losses you incur because of your bicycle accident. You may be entitled to compensation for one or both of the following types of damages, depending on the losses you suffered from your specific bicycle accident.

Economic damages are the expressly financial costs associated with an accident. These may include any of the following:

• Medical expenses: These are the costs of any diagnostic procedure, treatment, or doctor’s appointment you scheduled as a result of injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. The best way to document medical expenses is to keep track of all medical records.
• Repair costs: These are the costs to repair or replace any personal property that was damaged or destroyed in a bicycle accident. To best document repairs costs, take note of all receipts, estimates, and quotes for repairs to your property.
• Loss of income: If you were forced to take time off work in order to recover or recuperate from a bicycle accident and lost wages or income because of it, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss. The best way to document these costs is to keep track of all time cards and pay stubs.

Noneconomic damages are the more general losses from pain and suffering you may experience as a result of a bicycle accident. Examples of these damages include:

• Loss of mobility: If you are forced to use a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or cane as a result of a bicycle accident, you may have a reduced or limited range of mobility.
• Loss of companionship: If you lose a loved one in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship you experience as a result.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your overall quality of life decreases as a result of a bicycle accident in which you have been involved, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
• Emotional or psychological trauma: If you experience emotional or psychological trauma as a result of a bicycle accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety, you may be entitled to compensation for these damages.

The best way to keep track of noneconomic damages is to document all therapy and/or counseling services you receive post-accident and to keep a journal where you describe the effects of the accident and your injuries on your daily life and activities.

Riverside and California Bicycle Accident Statistics

Between the years 2015 and 2019, there were 1,822 bicyclists involved in collisions in Riverside, and 44 of these cyclists suffered fatalities, according to data from UC Berkeley’s California Active Transportation Safety Information Page.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that statewide, there were 133 bicycle accident-related fatalities in 2019.

A 2018 report from the California Department of Public Health claims that, statewide, over four percent of all traffic-related fatalities were bicyclists.

Need Help? Call OnderLaw Today

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, today’s the day to begin your journey to justice. Call OnderLaw now to connect with one of our personal injury attorneys and to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve.