Huntington Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Huntington Beach is the ideal location for riding a bicycle. Our beautiful views and sunny weather inspire countless people to hop on a bike and ride around. Dozens of vendors also rent bicycles to visitors so that they can see more of our community while enjoying the fresh air.

Unfortunately, cyclists confront many of the same dangers as pedestrians—usually, aggressive or negligent drivers who are not using sufficient care. After a collision, many cyclists are laid up in the hospital in extreme pain and unsure of how they will pay for all their medical care. Please contact a Huntington Beach bicycle accident attorney at El Dabe Ritter Trial Attorneys to learn more.

Who is Responsible for Your Bike Accident?

Many people could have caused your crash, including:

• A driver who struck you or forced you off the road
• The owner of a bicycle if a defect or improper repairs contributed to the crash
• The government is in charge of the road, when a road defect causes a crash

Before we can seek compensation, we need to fully understand how the accident happened. Your memories are helpful, but we can also visit the accident scene or interview witnesses. We might also want to check the bicycle, so hold onto it. Of course, if you rented it, you can’t keep it, but document its serial number, if possible.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Huntington Beach?

Taking the following steps will help you build a compensation case:

• Stay calm. Getting hit or falling is very scary. Nevertheless, you should try to remain as calm as possible so you make good choices. Take some deep breaths.
• Call emergency services if you are badly injured. Your health should be the primary focus.
• Call the police. You should tell the officer what happened to include it in the police report.
• Identify witnesses. They can testify about what happened leading up to the crash.
• Request personal information from a driver who hit you. Get the name, address, license information, registration, and insurance documents.
• Photograph the scene, including the vehicles involved or any road defects. Photographs document what happened.

Can You Receive Compensation? If So, How Much?

You can receive compensation if you can prove fault. Essentially, this means you need to show someone did not follow their legal duties to protect you. For example, a driver must use reasonable care when on the road so they don’t hurt anyone, including cyclists.

Similarly, the government must keep roads in decent condition. If someone reports a giant pothole in the street, the government can’t ignore it. We strive to obtain the most compensation available under the law:

• Medical expenses, including past and future medical care. Many accident victims need extensive rehabilitation or physical therapy. They might also need to visit the doctor or therapist for months after the crash. Someone with permanent injuries could need continuing care.
• Lost income. Bicycle accident injuries often leave a person holed up in bed. They cannot leave the house so they can’t work. They will lose out on weeks and months of income.
• Property damage, including damage to a bicycle. If you own a bike, you will probably need repairs or have it replaced. Don’t get it fixed until a bicycle crash attorney can inspect it.
• Pain and suffering. In California, this term refers to non-financial losses, such as depression, anxiety, physical pain, mental anguish, and inconvenience.

Our bicycle accident lawyers in Huntington Beach can analyze the amount you might receive in a free consultation. There are so many different factors in play, and no two cases are exactly alike, that it’s best to get an individualized case evaluation.

What are Important California Bicycling Laws?

California has passed many laws to promote bicycle safety, such as:

• Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, not against traffic. (California Vehicle Code 21650)
• Cyclists should ride as close to the right-side curb as they safely can. (California Vehicle Code 21202)
• Cyclists have the same responsibilities on the road as other drivers, including the duty to signal when they are turning. Likewise, cyclists can face punishment when they break the law. (California Vehicle Code 21200)
• Cyclists under age 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. (California Vehicle Code 21212)

If you follow these rules, you should reduce the risks of an accident—though you can’t eliminate the risk.

Contact Our Huntington Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys

The team at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers knows bicycle accidents and can assemble a strong compensation claim. Call us today or fill out our free initial consultation form to schedule a meeting.