San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Compassionate San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Cycling is a popular recreational activity and sport enjoyed by bicycle enthusiasts throughout San Diego County. The favorable weather and beautiful landscape make San Diego an optimal place to go on a bike ride. There is an abundance of cycling routes available to travel with varied terrain and scenery. Unfortunately, there is a lot of traffic congestion in this bustling city and bicycle accidents are not an uncommon occurrence. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a San Diego bicycle accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. Don't deal with the insurance company alone. Consult with an experienced San Diego bicycle accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation.

At Harbor Accident Lawyers, we understand that injured cyclists may be dealing with severe injuries, medical bills, lost wages, ongoing medical treatment, pain, and suffering. Our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers can help you file a personal injury claim and recover the compensation you are entitled to. Call our law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.

San Diego Bicycle Accident Statistics

San Diego is bike-friendly and has an extensive public transportation network to accommodate cyclists. However, San Diego also sees over 35 million visitors a year and has a lot of traffic congestion. It's little to no surprise that auto accidents are common in San Diego, including bike crashes. In 2019, there were 5,578 total persons killed and injured in San Diego traffic accidents. Of this total, 356 accounted for bicyclists. There were 436 hit-and-run accidents in 2019 and 1,519 DUI arrests in San Diego.

Due to the high number of serious injuries and fatalities caused by auto accidents each year, San Diego is working to implement Vision Zero by 2025. Vision Zero is a road safety project that's goal is to help eliminate fatalities and serious injuries caused by traffic accidents.

Common Causes of San Diego Bicycle Accidents

Common causes of San Diego bicycle accidents include:

Speeding

When motorists speed, it reduces the time required to slow down and make decisions on the road. High-speed crashes are more likely to cause a fatal bike accident, however, low-speed collisions can also cause severe injuries to bike riders.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a common cause of bicycle accidents. When drivers fail to see cyclists because they are preoccupied with their phone, GPS, or radio, they can cause serious bicycle accidents. When motor vehicle drivers fail to check their blind spots and bike lanes, it greatly increases the risk of a bicycle accident. Cyclists should check for traffic before entering the left-turn lane and look over their shoulder and extend their left arm out to signal a left turn.

Driving Under the Influence

Drunk driving is a leading cause of auto accidents in the United States. In 2020, 11,654 people died in crashes involving at least one alcohol-impaired driver. Even a small amount of alcohol can impact driving ability, reducing the motorist’s cognition and decision-making.

Right-Turn Accidents

Right-turn accidents usually occur when a motorist turns right in front of a cyclist or collides with a cyclist while turning. The driver is usually liable in this scenario, however, there are some cases where a cyclist could be at fault for the collision. Motorists much check their blind spots, bike lanes, and oncoming traffic before performing a right turn at an intersection.

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents can occur when a motor vehicle and a cyclist are approaching an intersection from opposite directions and the motorist turns left in front of the bike rider. In this scenario, the cyclist usually has the right-of-way and the motorist should yield to the oncoming bicyclist.

Dooring

Dooring occurs when a motor vehicle door is opened or left open and is accessible to oncoming traffic. A cyclist may be unable to anticipate the open door and could be knocked off their bike. Dooring is illegal according to California law and can lead to serious bicycle accidents. In bicycle accidents involving dooring, liability is placed on the person who opened the door, not on the bike rider.

Failure to Provide an Adequate Buffer

Motorists driving too close to bicycle riders increases the likelihood of a serious bike accident. These motorists are more likely to strike cyclists and cause bike accidents. In California, it is illegal to follow a bike too closely. If a motorist fails to leave enough of a buffer and hits a cyclist they can cause catastrophic injuries.

Bicycle Equipment Failure

When bicycles have defective parts or there is a mechanical failure it can cause a bicycle accident. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you hold the bicycle manufacturer accountable for damages sustained in the bike accident.

Proactive Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Call the Police

Remain at the scene of the bicycle accident and call the police. Let the authorities know if you have injuries and property damage. Ensure you get a police report.

Get the Driver's Information

Swap information with the persons involved in the accident including full name, address, phone number, insurance policy number, insurance company, driver's license, driver's license plate number, and the color, make, and model of the vehicle(s) involved.

Speak to Witnesses

Talk to any witnesses, get their contact information, and ask if they are willing to provide a statement of how the accident happened.

Seek Medical Care Immediately

Even if you don't think you are injured, it is vital to seek medical care immediately after a bicycle accident. An adrenaline rush can mask the symptoms of your injuries. Seeing a doctor and collecting medical records is essential to your bicycle accident claim.

Take Photos and Gather Evidence

Take photos at the scene of the bicycle accident. Ensure you get images at different angles of the scene, property damage, car parts, and skid marks. Also, take photos of your injuries. Gather evidence like pay stubs, medical records, medical expenses, and other costs related to the San Diego bicycle accident.

Contact a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Schedule a free case evaluation to consult a San Diego bicycle accident attorney who can assess your case and let you know your legal options. A bicycle accident attorney can help you calculate the extent of your losses and pursue just compensation. A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you collect evidence and build a strong case for your personal injury claim.

We are like family

You're not just a number but a member of our family with us. Expect courtesy calls and constant updates from our team. Our friendly staff is available to take your calls whenever you need anything.

We strive for maximum recovery

We are your loyal advocate who understands your needs. You can expect honest advice and aggressive representation from us. Together, we will decide on the best strategy to benefit you and your recovery.

No money out-of-pocket

Because we work on a contingency basis, you do not pay a thing up-front until your case is settled. We take pride in providing you with free legal advice whether or not you hire us.

Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

After a cycling accident, it's crucial to contact a bicycle accident lawyer in your area who can take on the insurance company. If an insurance company reaches out to you immediately after the bicycle accident, it's best to exercise caution and consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. An insurance adjuster is well-trained to find reasons to offer an injured victim a low offer or deny their bicycle accident claim entirely.

At Harbor Accident Lawyers we fight tirelessly to help injured accident victims recover the maximum compensation available. We serve the greater San Diego County area and are committed to helping San Diego bicyclists obtain justice after a bicycle accident. Our San Diego law firm maintains a 99% success rate and has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for accident victims.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

Check your equipment to ensure your bike is operating properly.
Check that your tires are inflated adequately and that your seat is at the proper height.
Ensure you wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
Wear bright and fluorescent colors, especially at night.
Wear reflective clothing and use lights and flashlights at night.
Always remain alert and look out for hazards including open doors.
Become familiar with California traffic laws.
Use hand signals when turning and merging.

"Harbor Accident Lawyers was amazing! I strongly recommend them. The attorney did an excellent job on my case! He showed such care and professionalism. Can say enough great things about him!"

Stuart G.

"Harbor Accident Lawyers are awesome. They kept me in the loop and were very respectful. I can tell you they care about their clients. I would definitely recommend this firm if you are involved in a car accident for injuries."

Benito S.

Contact a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Cycling accidents are life-altering and can cause catastrophic injuries including severe head injury, spinal cord injury, and paralysis. If you sustained a personal injury in San Diego County due to another person's negligence, don't hesitate to contact an experienced San Diego bicycle accident attorney. Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in California bicycle laws and will fight to hold the at-fault party accountable.

At Harbor Accident Lawyers, we ourselves are bicycle enthusiasts. Bicycle riders may deal with financial strain, chronic pain, and mental distress after a serious bicycle accident. We want to be able to focus on your family and healing during this difficult period. We will handle the insurance companies and protect your best interests. Call us to schedule a free consultation.