Redlands Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle Accident Attorney in Redlands, CA
Many commuters in Redlands 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. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident is crucial.
Bicycle crashes are a real safety problem across the region. In 2022, 177 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes across California, and San Bernardino County had the third-highest bicycle fatality count of any county in the state that year.
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 Redlands police, even if you do not feel injured immediately. 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 Redlands 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.
Weeks After the Accident
By this time, you will probably have met with your attorney and gone over the specifics of the accident and which circumstances may allow you to recover compensation under California law.
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.
Not sure where your case stands? Call 1-877-241-9554 for a free case evaluation — there is no cost to talk it through.
California Bicycle Laws Every Redlands Rider Should Know
California’s Three Feet for Safety Act (Vehicle Code § 21760) says a driver passing a bicycle must leave at least three feet of space, or slow down and wait until it is safe to pass. If a driver breaks this rule and hits you, that violation can help prove the driver was at fault.
California also lets you recover money even if you were partly at fault for the crash. Your compensation is simply reduced by your share of the blame. This means a driver cannot avoid all responsibility just by pointing to something you did.
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Some situations can shorten or extend that window, so it is worth checking with a lawyer as soon as you can.
If your child was riding, Vehicle Code § 21212 requires anyone under 18 to wear a properly fitted helmet. Adults are not required by law to wear one, so a missing helmet on an adult rider should not, by itself, be used to blame the crash on you.
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 Redlands lawyers at Duque & Price want to get to the bottom of the case and help you pursue compensation for your injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering under California law.
If your case becomes a lawsuit, it is generally filed with the Civil Division of the San Bernardino County Superior Court, which handles civil cases arising in Redlands out of its San Bernardino Justice Center location.
Contact our Redlands 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
Does not wearing a helmet hurt my claim?
Only riders under 18 are legally required to wear a helmet in California. For adult riders, a missing helmet generally should not be used to blame the crash on you.
What is the three-foot law?
It is a California rule requiring drivers to leave three feet of space when passing a bicycle, or slow down and wait for a safe gap. A violation can help show the driver was at fault.
Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?
It is usually better to direct the insurance company to your attorney. Adjusters work to protect the insurance company, not you.
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