Menifee Bicycle Accidents
Attorneys

It may come as no surprise that California has one of the highest bicycle accident rates in the United States, as it boasts one of the most populous bicycling communities in the country. Consulting with a Menifee bicycle accident attorney can be critical should you ever have a collision with a vehicle while on your bike.

Given the high population of the Golden State, which naturally leads to greater traffic volume, and the extensive bicycling community, car accidents involving bicyclists have become rather common.

At Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers has been committed to providing results on behalf of injured victims throughout California’s Inland Empire since 1985.

From bicycle accidents, car accidents, workers’ comp, medical malpractice, and all other types of personal injury cases, our trial-ready attorneys understand what it takes to deliver justice to our clients and ensure that they secure the full compensation they deserve in order to recover from their injuries.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

Bicycle accidents are unfortunately quite common occurrences in California and often result from a variety of factors that range from distracted driving to adverse weather conditions. Every bicycle accident in California occurs under its own unique set of circumstances. However, there are a variety of common factors that often result in accidents involving bicycles.

Similar to accidents involving multiple automobiles, distracted driving stands as a primary cause of bicycle accidents in California. Motorists who are engrossed in their phones, blaring loud music, drinking or eating food, or simply lost in conversation with passengers, may fail to notice cyclists sharing the road, which increases the likelihood of collisions.

Another common cause is speeding. Drivers of vehicles traveling at excessive speeds possess reduced reaction times, which makes it all the more challenging to respond appropriately to unexpected situations and increases the risk of accidents involving bicyclists. Vehicles that are driving at excessive speeds can also deliver far more severe damages in the event of a collision.

Furthermore, failure to yield at intersections, crosswalks, and other critical points poses a significant threat to cyclists’ safety, as well as pedestrians, often resulting in severe accidents and bodily injuries. Additionally, the occurrences of dooring, wherein a driver opens their car door unexpectedly without checking for passing cyclists, presents another dangerous hazard for cyclists.

Lack of visibility due to adverse weather conditions or low light situations can significantly contribute to the likelihood of a bicycle accident. Even during clear skies and high visibility situations, car accidents involving bicycles can occur due to the driver not seeing the bicyclist. Riding a bicycle during dawn or dusk has proven to amplify the risk of accidents, further emphasizing the importance of enhancing cyclist visibility through measures such as wearing reflective clothing and utilizing bike lights.

These accidents can lead to a wide spectrum of injuries, creating the need for immediate medical attention, surgical intervention, and sometimes extensive rehabilitation for victims. In such situations, it is vital for victims to understand their rights and seek appropriate legal guidance to ensure they receive the compensation they are entitled to in order to cover their damages.

Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries in California

Bicycle accidents can lead to various types of injuries. These injuries are often classified into external, internal, and neurological categories. External injuries, the most prevalent type, can range from minor scrapes and bruises to severe lacerations and bone fractures, similar to injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.

Internal injuries, which include damage to organs, skeletal structures, and internal bleeding, are typically more severe and necessitate immediate medical attention or even surgical intervention. Additionally, neurological injuries, such as concussions, skull fractures, and spinal cord injuries, pose significant long-term consequences and require specialized treatment and rehabilitation due to the overall importance of the brain and spine to the body.

Regardless of how the injury is classified, it is highly recommended that any person who has sustained injuries as a result of a bicycle or car accident seek medical attention as soon as possible. In many cases, the injuries may not be obvious right away, but can worsen as time passes and the initial adrenaline from the collision wears off.

What You Should Do Immediately Following a Bicycle Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident in Menifee involving a collision with a vehicle, prioritizing safety and ensuring appropriate legal recourse is paramount. Taking these immediate steps can help safeguard both your physical well-being and legal rights:

• Move to Safety: If feasible, relocate to a safe area in order to prevent further accidents and injuries.
• Seek Medical Attention: The initial adrenaline that kicks in right away after a life-threatening event like a car or bicycle accident can often mask any pain from injuries that were just sustained moments prior. Take a moment to promptly assess injuries in order to prevent potential complications and to facilitate effective communication with emergency responders arriving on the scene of the accident.
• Contact Local Law Enforcement: Notify the relevant authorities, such as the California Highway Patrol or local police department, to document the incident.
• Document the Accident: Record comprehensive details of the accident scene, including capturing images of any physical damages to your body and property. Take note of essential information, such as location, surroundings, time of day, and any potential eyewitnesses.
• Identify Witnesses: Engage with eyewitnesses of the accident and exchange contact information. If possible, attempt to get them to stick around until law enforcement arrives on the scene so that they can give testimony of their accounts of the incident to provide support to your claim in potential legal proceedings.
• Remain in Place: Fully cooperate with law enforcement officials and medical responders. Awaiting instructions and ensuring a thorough investigation can likely help your case.
• Inform Family or Friends: Utilize available support networks to arrange transportation and prioritize your safety in the aftermath of the accident.
  
  

In addition to the steps detailed above, it’s crucial to contact a trusted personal injury lawyer who has direct experience handling bicycle accident cases in California.

This can help provide you with a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome and securing the compensation you deserve to the fullest extent for any serious injury and damages you sustained as a result of the accident, while also providing you with sound legal advice and ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Legal Considerations and Settlements

Understanding the potential legal ramifications and seeking appropriate representation is crucial for securing fair compensation following a bicycle accident. In California, average settlement amounts vary based on the severity of injuries:

• For minor cases, settlements typically range around $30,000, whereas severe injury cases may yield settlements exceeding $100,000.
• Settlement amounts for accidents involving bicycles hit by cars can range from $5,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of injuries.
  
  

Navigating legal proceedings and insurance negotiations requires experience and advocacy to ensure victims receive adequate compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other associated costs.

What Is the Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in California?

In California, the average bicycle accident settlement is right around $30,000 for more minor injury cases and more than $100,000 for cases with severe injuries. Overall, some cases can be settled for just a few thousand dollars when damages are minimal, but can also exceed millions of dollars for victims who suffer severe damages or wrongful death cases.

Here are some settlement ranges based on the severity level of injuries sustained for bicycle accidents involving a car in California:

Regardless of the perceived level of severity, it’s essential that you receive medical attention as soon as possible following the events of a bicycle accident involving a vehicle in Menifee, California. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process that follows and ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of your options and that your legal rights are upheld throughout the recovery process.

Consulting with a Trusted Menifee, California Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have experienced serious injuries while riding your bicycle as a direct result of negligence committed by a driver, then you are entitled to compensation. For over three decades, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers has aggressively represented bicycle accident victims throughout the Menifee area and California.

At Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, our track record of success winning over $250 million in settlements for our clients speaks for itself. We understand that each and every case deserves a personalized approach and we attack every personal injury case with both diligence and compassion. Our team would be honored to represent you in your personal injury case. Our firm works on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay us if we win your case.

You deserve to have all expenses covered after an accident so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and we will get started reviewing your unique case.