Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Orange County Bicycle Accident Attorney

As a bicyclist, you are always at risk when you share the road. While you can take precautions and use your best judgment, you still never know how other drivers or cyclists will act. Unfortunately, thousands of bicycle accidents occur every year in California, many of which result in serious injuries. If you were harmed by a negligent individual while riding your bike in southern California, it’s imperative that you talk to our Orange County bicycle accident lawyers.

Compassionate, Bilingual Bicycle Accident Attorneys

The Corrales Law Group is much different than your average law firm. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves effective legal representation, our firm has been advocating for the rights of our California clients for more than a decade. We believe in passionately protecting our clients, whether it’s through complex immigration issues or during a difficult personal injury claim.

Our skilled lawyers are also bilingual, allowing us to provide accessible services that can help native Spanish speakers take legal action as well. With our extensive experience working through personal injury cases, you can trust the Corrales Law Group to help you navigate an Orange County bicycle accident claim. Discuss your bicycle injury with our team today to learn more about your options and whether you’re eligible for compensation.

What Qualifies as a Bike Accident in California?

Bicycle accidents can involve more than just negligent drivers. In fact, many California biking accidents are caused when two bikers collide or when pedestrians fail to pay attention. Generally, any accident that involves an individual riding their bike and sustaining injuries is considered a bicycle accident in Orange County. In most scenarios, a cyclist who sustains serious injuries may take legal action to request damages.

Understanding What a “Serious Injury” Entails

California law defines a “serious injury” as any injury that seriously impairs an individual’s physical condition or results in permanent damage. Common serious injuries that are caused by bicycle accidents include the following:

• Broken and Fractured Bones: Whether you’re hit by a vehicle or collide with another cyclist, a bicycle offers virtually no protection in an accident. This often results in broken and fractured bones that can cause temporary or permanent issues.
• Loss of Consciousness: Depending on how fast you and the other party are traveling, you may be thrown off your bicycle and lose consciousness. Because loss of consciousness has the potential to cause permanent brain damage, it is considered a serious injury in CA.
• Concussions: While all concussions vary in severity, there are categories of serious injury because they can cause memory loss, brain damage, impaired muscle function, and more.
• Impairment of an Organ or Body Part: If you sustain a bicycle injury that impairs the function of one of your organs or body parts, this is considered a serious injury because it can cause permanent, catastrophic issues.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs are one of the most serious injuries a cyclist can receive. They have the ability to cause permanent brain damage and sometimes even death, making it crucial that someone receives consistent medical care if they have one.
• Disfigurement: Many severe bicycle accidents can result in disfigurement due to the impact of the equipment involved. Any type of physical disfigurement is classified as a serious injury due to its ability to cause problems in the victim’s daily life.

Damages that Our Lawyers Can Fight for During Bicycle Injury Cases in Orange County

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to receive various benefits when you file a claim. Our Orange County personal injury attorneys can help you better understand the benefits you qualify for and help you fight for them in court. The following are the different types of damages that cyclists may be able to receive compensation for:

Medical Bills

One of the most apparent issues of cycling accidents is the medical bills that you face after. Whether you were seriously injured or were hit hard enough to sprain or tear a muscle, emergency medical care is never cheap. You deserve assistance for the medical bills you will collect, especially if your injuries were serious enough to require extensive care. Compensation for medical bills can cover:

• Doctor’s visits
• Physical therapy
• Treatments that aid in recovery or day-to-day living
• Medications
• Emergency medical care
• Counseling

Lost Wages

Most serious injuries take a while to heal. This often renders a cyclist out of commission from both their hobby and their career. If you sustained serious injuries that caused you to miss work, our team can help you fight to recover the wages that you lost. In general, you can usually request compensation for lost wages if you have missed at least seven days of work. The benefits would then cover missed wages starting after the seventh day.

Lost Earning Capacity

Sometimes, serious injuries result in permanent damage to the muscles, disfigurement, or even disabilities. If an injury from your cycling accident now impacts your ability to work and lowers your earning capacity, you can request compensation to help make up for the income you once had. Our team believes that when an injury changes your life forever, you deserve assistance that helps you feel comfortable and recover properly.

Lost Ability to Help Out at Home

A cycling accident can impact more than just your favorite hobby. Unfortunately, many serious injuries impair someone’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks. It may be hard for someone who is hurt to feed themselves, brush their teeth, or even stand on their own. This means they can also lose the capability to help out at home, whether with chores or with their family. Added stress at home is just another valid reason to request financial aid after being injured on your bike.

Property Damage

If you sustained serious injuries, it’s most likely that your bicycle was harmed, too. If a negligent individual causes your accident and damages your bike, you have the right to request compensation to help you repair or replace the property that was affected. Many avid cyclists have one-of-a-kind bikes with modifications that can be pricey, so it’s important that you recover the damages you’re owed. Talk to our team if you’re ready to file a personal injury claim in Orange County.

Pain and Suffering / Emotional Distress

Damages are classified into two categories: “economic” and “non-economic” damages. Economic damages like medical bills and lost wages revolve around recouping money that is lost. However, non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and emotional distress, involve compensation for the emotional trauma someone endured. The emotional distress a victim deals with should always be recognized in court so that the liable parties are held accountable.

How to Take Legal Action After Your Orange County Bike Accident in California

When your injury results in you having to seek medical care, miss work, or struggle to perform daily tasks, you can take legal action against the person who is liable. Our lawyers at Corrales Law Group can evaluate your accident and help determine what legal steps make sense for your situation. If you’re looking to file a personal injury claim for a bicycle accident, you’ll generally have to follow the steps below:

1. Discuss your case with an Orange County personal injury lawyer. If they believe you have a valid claim, you can then move forward to begin your case.
2. Before filing your claim, you and your lawyer need to collect evidence that demonstrates the extent of your injury and the liability of the other party.
3. Once you’ve built a sufficient background for your claim, you can then file it.
4. After your claim is filed, you’ll need to wait for a judge to approve its validity. If your claim is approved, a hearing date will then be scheduled to discuss your case.
5. Your initial hearing is usually used to discuss your accident and find potential solutions. It is the hope that both parties can make an agreement on compensation outside of court to avoid trial.
6. If no compromises can be found in the initial hearing, your case will continue to trial, and you must present it to a judge. The judge will be the one who makes a final decision on your benefits and whether you receive compensation.

Common Causes of California Biking Accidents

You never know when an accident can occur while you’re riding your bike. Even if you put your safety and the rules of the road first, there are no promises that other people will. Because of this, negligent and aggressive behaviors are the leading causes of bicycle accidents across the state. The most common cycling accidents our team has seen in Orange County include:

Distracted Drivers

Changing radio stations, sending texts, or even answering a phone call can all take a driver’s attention away from the road. When a driver fails to keep their eyes in front of them, they can easily miss a biker sharing the road with them. Because bikes don’t offer much defense against larger vehicles, a driver can easily cause severe injuries to any cyclist that they hit. If you were hit by a negligent driver while riding your bike in Orange County, you deserve financial compensation for the physical and mental trauma you’ve had to endure.

Collisions with Aggressive and Negligent Cyclists

While most people initially think of a car and a bike when they hear the phrase “bicycle accident,” these scenarios can often involve multiple cyclists. For example, one cyclist may be following the rules of the road and is then approached by an aggressive cyclist. If the aggressive cyclist tries to overtake you, hits you, or causes you both to collide, they are responsible for the accident.

Getting Struck by a Car Door

It seems silly to think that even parked cars have the potential to cause accidents– but they do. Because California is well known for street parking, it’s critical that both cyclists and drivers pay attention to their surroundings. Unfortunately, many drivers and passengers forget to look outside before opening their car door. This can result in them striking an oncoming cyclist who had no idea they were even in the car.

A Pedestrian Walks Into You

Pedestrians and cyclists share common rules, such as having to obey local traffic laws. However, many California pedestrians are known for ignoring traffic laws, jaywalking, and sometimes not even paying attention to the road they’re walking on. This leads to pedestrians causing a large chunk of bicycle accidents yearly. When pedestrians ignore traffic signals or are staring at their phones while walking, they can easily collide with a cyclist and cause injuries to everyone involved.

Poor Roads or Environmental Conditions

While property owners can’t control the weather, they still have a great deal of power when it comes to keeping the areas they own safe. Poor road conditions are a frequent threat for cyclists, especially if they decide to travel to new areas. Potholes, large cracks in the road, and dangerous environmental conditions can all cause injuries to cyclists passing by. If you were biking and got in an accident because of a dangerous pothole or street, you may be able to file a legal claim.

California Laws Regarding Cars and Bicyclists

It’s critical that both motorists and cyclists understand the varying traffic laws in California to help each other stay safe on the roads. Here’s what you should know about vehicle-related laws dealing with cyclists in Orange County:

1. California Vehicle Code Section 21670 (The Three Feet for Safety Act)

California’s most recent bicycle safety law implemented in 2023 aims to protect the thousands of cyclists who are harmed every year by oncoming vehicles. The Three Feet for Safety Act mandates that all drivers leave at least three feet of space between their car and a cyclist if they want to pass the cyclist on the road. If the driver cannot pass the cyclist at a safe distance, they must wait until they have an opportunity with ample space to do so.

2. California Vehicle Code Section 21209 (Bike Lanes Are Restricted to Vehicles)

Bike lanes were designed to give cyclists a safe, designated area where they can travel on the road. Because bikes also have to follow traffic laws and are not often allowed on sidewalks, bike lanes offer protection for cyclists while they share the road with big vehicles. Bike lanes are restricted to cars and can only be driven on in a few conditions, such as:

• If you are street parking
• If you are leaving your parking spot and entering the road
• If you have to get on or get off a certain road
• If you are preparing for a sharp turn within 200 feet of an intersection

3. California Vehicle Code Section 21200 (Bicyclists Must Obey Traffic Laws)

The California Vehicle Code requires that cyclists obey the same local and state traffic laws as motorists. However, many drivers are unaware of this law and become confused when they see bikes following the same rules as their vehicles. This often causes confusion, leading drivers to try and aggressively pass bikes or give them the right of way when they shouldn’t. All drivers should educate themselves on how cyclists operate to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads.

Why You Need an Orange County Bicycle Accident Attorney

Dealing with any kind of injury is hard enough, let alone when you have to deal with the legal aspects of a cycling accident in Orange County. When you suffer a serious injury in a biking accident, the smartest thing you can do for yourself is talk to a lawyer who can help you understand your situation. This allows you to work together to see how you can hold the at-fault party accountable and fight for the compensation that you’re rightfully owed.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers have handled countless bicycle accident claims and can help you navigate the complicated laws that come with them. At the Corrales Law Group, we understand how vulnerable any kind of accident can make you feel. Our adept lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and devote the time and energy needed to make sure your needs are acknowledged.

It’s imperative that you work through a bicycle accident case with a knowledgeable attorney. Otherwise, other legal teams will do everything in their power to pay you as little as possible. No matter how severe your accident may be, do not put off retaining a bicycle injury lawyer who can represent your needs.

The Benefits of Working with the Corrales Law Group

At the Corrales Law Group, our lawyers share comprehensive legal experience that allows them to navigate the toughest of personal injury claims. Our goal is to help our clients get the aid they need to recover safely and comfortably. Just a few advantages that come with choosing the Corrales Law Group for bicycle accident assistance include:

• Our services are available in both Spanish and English.
• We prioritize fast, consistent communication.
• Our firm is comprised of multiple skilled personal injury and immigration lawyers, which gives our clients the chance to find an attorney who is right for them.
• Our firm has been handling personal injury claims in California for over a decade, giving us an advantage when we represent cyclists in court.
• Our lawyers can teach you about the laws surrounding cycling accidents, liability, and what your options are.
• We are devoted to the unique needs of every client, making sure that we recognize your concerns and advocate for them how you wish.

How Do You Find Bicycle Accident Lawyer Who’s Right for You?

Taking legal action is far from simple. It’s also incredibly intimidating to most people who have little experience with it. This can make finding the right lawyer challenging, especially when you’re already questioning the process.

While finding a skilled personal injury lawyer can seem daunting, there are a few questions to keep in mind that may help make your search a bit easier. When you decide to take the step to hire a lawyer in Orange County, consider these elements before working together:

Do They Have Experience With Your Case-Type?

One of the most vital factors to consider when hiring a lawyer is whether or not they have experience with your case type. For example, you’re not going to go to a family law firm for assistance filing a bike accident claim. You not only need to find an attorney who works in the right legal field, but you also need to find one who has experience with the type of case you have. For instance, some personal injury lawyers have not worked on cycling accident claims.

Do They Have a Solid Reputation?

Researching potential lawyers is another smart way to make your case easier. The internet makes it much easier to find reviews, learn about law firms, and find attorneys who can actually help you. If you’re able to find client testimonials or reviews, it’s always important to keep in mind the positive comments that you read. At the Corrales Law Group, we take great pride in building a reputation that represents our high-quality services.

How Long Have They Been Practicing?

While the number of years an attorney has been practicing does not always add up to their skill level, it is still important to consider. If you’re able to find how long a firm has been operating or the amount of experience an attorney has, it may help you feel more comfortable moving forward with your case. Our firm has now been aiding California residents for over ten years, in addition to our lawyers’ sharing decades of legal experience.

Talk to Us About Your Orange County Bicycle Accident

Like other personal injuries, cycling accidents can change your life in a variety of ways. Don’t wait to take legal action after a bicycle accident in Orange County, and reach out to a team that can help you instead. No matter what kind of injury you sustained, you deserve assistance when you are harmed because of someone else’s negligence. Contact the Corrales Law Group to see how our team of personal injury lawyers can fight for you today.