Rancho Cucamonga Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Many commuters in Rancho Cucamonga choose to ride bicycles even over the convenience of cars. Whether taking a ride to unwind after a long day or commuting to work on a bicycle to avoid the notoriously busy Southern California roadways, riding a bike can be dangerous. In mere seconds, a driver’s negligence can cause a collision that leaves the bicyclist with painful injuries.
From head, neck and back injuries to broken bones, the ramifications resulting from a bicycle accident can be devastating. In 2023, 145 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes across California, and many more were hurt. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident is crucial.
Minutes After the Accident
The commotion and overwhelming emotions after a collision with a motor vehicle can leave a bicyclist terrified and unsure of the next steps. You are likely to see damage to your bicycle and feel pain. Your first step should be to call the local Rancho Cucamonga police, even if you do not feel injured immediately.
The Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, staffed through the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, runs a Bicycle Enforcement Team and can be reached at the non-emergency line, (909) 477-2800, if you do not need an ambulance.
Filing a report and reporting damages is essential, especially because your injuries and pain may grow more severe over time. As you wait for the police, begin to document the accident with photos and notes if you are capable.
Once the Rancho Cucamonga police are on the scene, be sure to speak with them directly. You want your story written down and you need the police to acknowledge your injuries and include them 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
Contact your attorney as soon as possible, but do not wait too long. Document any physical injuries along with dates and times. Your memory of the events will be most reliable immediately following the accident.
Our professional personal injury attorneys at Duque & Price will likely recommend that you seek medical attention as evidence of the injuries caused by the collision. Documenting all damages, no matter how small you think they are, is a crucial step.
Save as much evidence as possible. Leave your bike and any other damaged property (clothing or helmet) in the same condition as it was when you left the accident. Keep the evidence available in case your attorneys request photos of the pieces.
California Bicycle Accident Laws You Should Know
California law gives bicyclists specific protections. Three of them come up in almost every bike accident case:
Three feet of passing room. Under California’s Three Feet for Safety Act, a driver passing a bicyclist must leave at least three feet of space, or slow down if three feet is not possible. A driver who passes too close and hits you may have broken this law.
Shared fault does not end your case. California follows a comparative negligence rule, so even if you were partly at fault, for example not signaling before a turn, you may still recover compensation. Your share of fault can reduce, but does not automatically erase, what you can recover.
A filing deadline applies. Under California’s statute of limitations, yyou usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This can be longer if you were a minor at the time, or much shorter if a government vehicle or government-owned road was involved.
Waiting past this deadline can bar your claim entirely, so it is best to talk to an attorney well before then.
Not sure if your case still qualifies? Reach out for a free case evaluation.
Weeks After the Accident
By this time, you will probably have met with your attorney and gone over the specifics of the accident, including the facts that could support a claim for compensation the law may allow.
If you are contacted by an insurance company, direct them to your attorney to discuss the issue. Your attorney may wish to hire an independent expert to step in and analyze the situation before you communicate with insurance agents.
Talking to a Lawyer about Your Case
Personal injury cases are difficult and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself. The Rancho Cucamonga lawyers at Duque & Price want to get to the bottom of the case and help you pursue the compensation the law may allow for your injuries, damage, or pain and suffering. Our attorneys work out of four Southern California offices, including nearby Riverside, and have represented injury victims across the Inland Empire.
Contact our Rancho Cucamonga 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 even use our online contact form, and we’ll reply to you quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?
You usually have two years from the date of the accident to file, under California’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can bar your claim regardless of how strong it is.
Do I have to wear a helmet while biking in Rancho Cucamonga?
California law requires a helmet only for riders under 18. Not wearing a helmet does not stop you from filing a claim. Whether it affects the amount you recover can depend on the facts of your case, so it is worth asking your attorney directly.
How much space must a driver give me when passing?
At least three feet, under California’s Three Feet for Safety Act. If a driver cannot give three feet, the law requires them to slow down before passing.
What if I was partly at fault for the crash?
California’s comparative negligence rule usually still lets you recover compensation. Your share of fault can reduce the amount, but it does not automatically bar your claim.
Do I need to call the police after a bike accident?
Yes. A police report from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department creates an official record that your attorney and the insurance company may both rely on later.
What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?
You may still have options through your own uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can review your policy to see what applies.
Should I talk to the insurance company before contacting a lawyer?
It is usually best to speak with an attorney first. Insurance adjusters may ask questions designed to reduce what they eventually pay.
How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?
Personal injury lawyers typically work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and fees usually come out of a settlement or award.
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