Pomona Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Dedicated Bicycle Accident Attorney in Pomona, CA

Pomona is a beautiful city, making it a natural draw for bicyclists. Whether taking a leisurely jaunt for recreation or commuting to and from work on a bicycle to avoid the stressful Southern California roadways, riding a bike can be dangerous. In a flash, a driver’s negligence can cause a collision that leaves the bicyclist with serious injuries.

From head, neck and back injuries to broken bones, the ramifications of a bicycle accident can be devastating. Bicycle fatalities across California fell nearly 21 percent, from 183 in 2022 to 145 in 2023, but cyclists in busy areas of the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County still face real risk from distracted and speeding drivers. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident can make all the difference to any lawsuit you bring forth.

Minutes After the Accident

Immediately after a collision with a motor vehicle, a bicyclist is left dazed, emotionally overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps. You are likely to see damage to your bicycle and gear. You may also feel pain, but oftentimes the pain comes later. Your first step should be to call the local Pomona police, regardless of your pain level or immediate appraisal of your injuries. Filing a report and reporting damages is vital, especially since your injuries and pain will likely grow more severe over time. As you wait for the police, begin to document the accident with photos and notes if you are able.

Once the Pomona police have arrived, be sure to speak to them directly to get your story properly recorded in the police report. This is also the time to gather the contact information of witnesses and the driver involved with the accident.

Days After the Accident

Call your attorney as soon as possible and keep a detailed log of any physical symptoms on paper along with dates and times. Your memory of the events is most reliable immediately following the accident.

Your Duque & Price personal injury attorney will recommend that you seek medical attention as evidence of the injuries caused. Documenting your injuries, no matter how small you think they are, is a crucial step.

Be sure that you retain as much evidence as possible. This means that fixing your bike will have to wait as you will want it in the same condition as it was when you left the accident. If a commercial truck was involved in your crash, consulting an experienced Pomona truck accident lawyer can help preserve vital crash data. If you have any other damaged property from the accident (including clothing or a helmet), keep that available as well as our attorneys may request photos of the pieces.

Weeks After the Accident

By this time, you will probably have met with your lawyer and discussed the details of the accident. Your attorney will review the facts of your case to help you pursue the compensation the law allows.

If you are contacted by an insurance company, advise them that they will need to contact your attorney to discuss the issue. Your lawyer may wish to hire an independent expert to analyze the situation before you communicate with insurance agents. For riders injured by automobiles, consulting a reliable Pomona car accident lawyer ensures all insurance policies are properly evaluated.

California Bicycle Accident Laws

California drivers have specific legal duties toward cyclists. Knowing these rules can help show that a driver broke the law and caused your crash.

Under California personal injury laws, cyclists also have strict deadlines to protect their right to sue. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle or an unsafe public road was involved, you may need to file a claim with that agency within six months, well before the two-year deadline. Missing either deadline can end your case before it starts, so it is best to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can after a crash.

Cyclists also have deadlines to protect their right to sue. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle or an unsafe public road was involved, you may need to file a claim with that agency within six months, well before the two-year deadline. Missing either deadline can end your case before it starts, so it is best to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can after a crash.

Where Bicycle Accident Cases Are Filed in Pomona

Most personal injury lawsuits arising from bicycle accidents in the Pomona area, including cases from Claremont, La Verne, and San Dimas, are filed at the Pomona Courthouse South. This courthouse handles civil claims, including personal injury cases, for the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s East District. Understanding filing deadlines is crucial, as explained in our guide on the California personal injury statute of limitations.

Filing a lawsuit is often just one part of a bicycle accident case, since many claims settle with the driver’s insurance company before trial. Even so, having a lawyer who is familiar with the local court and its procedures can help keep your case moving if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

Talking to a Lawyer about Your Case

Personal injury cases are tedious, confusing and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself. The Pomona lawyers at Duque & Price want to get to the bottom of the case and help you receive any compensation for injuries, damage or pain and suffering that you may deserve.

Contact our Pomona Personal Injury Attorney at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your legal options. A free consultation is just a phone call away. You can also use our online contact form, and we will reply to you quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is usually at fault in a bicycle versus car accident?

Fault depends on the facts of the crash, including who had the right of way and whether either party broke a traffic law. A police report and witness statements often help sort this out.

What is California’s three-foot passing law?

California law requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle going the same direction. If a driver cannot leave that much room, they must slow down and wait for a safe chance to pass.

Do I need a police report after a bike accident?

Yes. A police report creates an official record of the crash and often includes the other driver’s information, witness names, and the officer’s initial assessment of fault.

What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?

You may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you carry it, or by pursuing a personal claim against the driver.

Should I speak with the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?

It is usually best to avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company, including your own, until you have talked with an attorney. Insurers may use your words to reduce what they pay later.

What compensation can a bicycle accident case cover?

Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage to your bike and gear, and pain and suffering.

Pomona, California Related Bicycle Accident Resources

• California Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Examples
• How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in California?
• Chances of Winning a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California
• How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer in California

Pomona, California Bicycle Accident Legal Resources

• Los Angeles County Superior Court – Pomona Courthouse South
• Pomona Police Department – Online Traffic Collision Reports
• California DMV – Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (Form SR-1)

About Pomona, California

Pomona is home to the historic Fairplex, which hosts the annual LA County Fair and serves as a vital community hub. However, heavily traveled corridors along Holt Avenue and Garey Avenue see ongoing traffic risks, where bicycle accidents pose ongoing threats to local commuters. In response, local authorities have advanced the Pomona Safe and Active Improvements project to construct enhanced bike lanes and safer crosswalks. These civic efforts reflect Pomona’s commitment to improving infrastructure and protecting cyclists across the city.