Long Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycling is an enjoyable activity and extremely popular in Long Beach, California. Whether these bicyclists are tourists or residents, they enjoy the warm weather and exercise that a bicycle affords. We expect bicycling to increase in popularity, as the price of gas explodes.

Unfortunately, cyclists can suffer some of the worst injuries in a collision out on the road. They might even be stuck in the hospital for weeks fighting for their lives after suffering major injuries. Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers if you were hurt in a bicycling accident. Cyclists and their families need an aggressive, detail-focused Long Beach bicycle accident attorney in their corner at this difficult time. We are the team that will fight for you to get you the financial compensation you and your loved ones deserve.

How Accidents Happen

Bicyclists are often injured by dangerous or careless motorists, many of whom don’t like sharing the road with those traveling on two wheels. These drivers can become aggressive around cyclists, passing too closely or even cutting them off.

Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Inattentive drivers. A driver could lose focus while looking at a cell phone, typing a text message, eating, or talking to a child in the back seat. These drivers will never see a bicyclist up ahead and might drive straight into them.
• Impatient drivers. A driver who is impatient will often cut off a cyclist or make a left-hand turn right in front of them. Drivers in a hurry often drive too fast, which means they need more time to come to a complete stop. Some of them might smash into a bicyclist even if they see them up ahead.
• Driver intoxication or drug use. Any chemical impairment reduces a person’s ability to drive safely. As a result, a motorist could easily crash into a bicyclist due to delayed reflexes or impaired vision. Drunk driving is an unfortunate reality in Long Beach.
• Aggressive drivers. A motorist suffering road rage could intentionally hit a bicyclist. Some drivers get angry when confronting a slower cyclist. Under California law, motorists and cyclists must share the road, but many drivers ignore these rules.

In other cases, road defects contribute to a bicycle accident. The following defects could force a cyclist to lose control of their bicycle:

• Potholes
• Debris in the road
• Oil or other chemicals
• Inadequate traffic control
• Poorly constructed work zones

Seeking Financial Compensation & Accountability

If you were injured, then you are probably curious about whether you can seek financial compensation. It depends on who is to blame for the accident. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we often seek money from:

• Negligent or reckless drivers. We can submit a claim on the motorist’s liability coverage for financial compensation.
• Government agencies. The agency responsible for the road should pay if a defect caused an accident, like a poorly designed work zone. 
• Rental companies. If you rented a bicycle, then you might sue them for any defect on a bicycle that contributes to an accident.

Bicycle Accidents Cause Major Injuries

A cyclist can suffer a serious, painful injury in any crash. There is the initial impact, which can break bones and cause whiplash. And then the cyclist suffers a secondary impact with the hard pavement or curb.

Serious injuries include:

• Abrasions and road rash
• Broken bones
• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
• Skull and facial injuries
• Shoulder dislocation or other injury
• Herniated disc
• Spinal column injury
• Lung, heart, and liver injuries

California’s Helmet Law for Bicyclists

Helmets dramatically reduce the possibility of a serious head injury. A helmet that fits a person’s head properly can protect against TBIs, skull fractures, and other injuries. Unfortunately, California does not mandate helmets for all cyclists.

According to the California Vehicle Code § 21212, only bicyclists under 18 need to wear helmets approved by either the American Society for Testing and Materials or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Adults have the option of wearing a helmet but aren’t required.

A cyclist who didn’t wear a helmet can still seek compensation in most cases. However, your injuries are likely more serious. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we always promote public safety, so we encourage everyone to strap a helmet on before heading out on a ride. It could save your life.

Frequent Bicycle Accidents

A cyclist could get clipped anywhere, even when pulling out of their driveway. Nonetheless, we see some recurring accidents:

• Rear-end collisions. A distracted motorist can crash into the back of a cyclist, especially one stopped at a red light.
• Left-hand crossing accidents. A motorist anxious to make a left-hand turn could pull in front of a cyclist coming through an intersection.
• Lane change accidents. A motorist might not see a bicyclist in their blind spot when they make a lane change, causing them to collide.
• Open door accidents. Many bicyclists ride close to the curb for safety. A passenger in a parked car might open their door without looking to see if someone is coming from behind, and the cyclist rides straight into it.

After a crash, an injured cyclist should do whatever is necessary to protect their health. If you need an ambulance, call one or ask someone else to call. Otherwise, you should report a bicycle accident to the police and try to collect information, such as the driver’s insurance and personal details.

Compensation for a Bicycle Accident

Our legal team is focused on winning your case. We strive to obtain fair compensation to cover all sorts of expenses, such as bicycle repairs, lost income, and medical bills. Our clients often need ongoing care in the form of prescription medications and rehabilitation.

Your settlement should also cover your pain, suffering, mental anguish, and other losses of that nature. Bicycle accidents change lives. Many of our clients will never get on a bike again, and some cannot leave home. Hold the defendant accountable.

Our Consultations Are Free

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers is a law firm that makes a difference. To find out more about how we’ll help, call (213) 985-1120 to schedule a meeting with our Long Beach bicycle accident attorney.