Riverside Bicycle Accident Attorney

How can a Riverside bicycle accident attorney help you?

If you are among the nearly 50 million Americans who cycle regularly, you know that Southern California and Riverside, in particular, are great places to ride. Plenty of bike lanes, heightened public awareness of how to share the road safely, and ideal weather are just a few of the perks that make cycling so popular in the region.

However, pedaling on two wheels alongside bigger motorized vehicle does have inherent risks, and sometimes accidents occur. If you have been injured in such an incident, a bicycle accident lawyer can provide the legal representation you need to pursue just compensation.

Recent Cycling Accident Statistics

With the exception of Florida, California has the highest number of bicycle accident fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If you live in Riverside County, or any other area of the state, this fact makes it vitally important that you take care to follow traffic regulations when going out on a ride.

The California Department of Public Health recently compiled the following statistics for bicyclist traffic injuries and deaths:

• About 30 percent of injuries occurred during the afternoon commute
• Four percent of traffic fatalities in California were bicyclists
• 77 percent of cyclists injured in traffic accidents were men
• The most injuries, over one-third of the total, happened during the summer months

If you have suffered serious injuries in an accident during a bike ride, or if a loved one has been killed in a bicycle accident, contact a Riverside bicycle accident lawyer.

Chances are you are facing high medical bills for treatment of your injuries. And to overcome the dirty tricks used by insurance companies and their insurance adjuster to avoid paying your personal injury claim, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer with knowledge of California bicycle laws to help you plan and file your personal injury case.

California Bicycle Laws

The League of American Bicyclists ranks California as one of the top three bicycle-friendly states in the country. These rankings reflect the state funding and infrastructure for the sport, plus the education, policies, and planning for cycling throughout the state.

California law generally provides cyclists with the same rights as motorists, as well as similar responsibilities. You must maintain your bike in good repair, and you must be capable of safely riding it. If you (or a passenger on your bike) is under the age of 18, you have to wear a helmet. Also, it is against the law to ride when you are over the legal blood alcohol limit or are under the influence of drugs.

At night, you have to have a headlight and visible reflectors. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when applicable. All of these laws are designed to help keep you safe on California roadways.

How to Avoid Accidents

Bicycle riders must take precautions to ride safely and avoid accidents. The following strategies are effective in making your pedaling adventures safer and more fun:

• Avoid riding in rush-hour traffic or on extremely busy roadways.
• Always follow traffic laws for bicyclists.
• Stay aware, especially if you are sharing the road.
• Make sure others can see you by using riding lights and wearing bright clothing during the day.
• Use a headlight and reflective gear at night.
• Do not drink and ride.
• Be prepared for an emergency by learning evasive maneuvers in advance.

When you are riding a bicycle, you are particularly vulnerable to being injured should an accident occur. Your best approach to this risk is avoidance. When that is impossible, and you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should make contact with a bicycle accident lawyer who can help you determine whether you should pursue compensation.

What to Do After an Accident

If an accident occurs despite your best efforts, your next steps after a bicycle crash are the same as if you were involved in a car accident:

• Collect yourself and check for injuries.
• Call 911.
• Get the other party’s contact information.
• Take photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved.
• Speak to witnesses and get their contact information.
• Ask witnesses to email you a report of what they saw.
• Avoid accepting any responsibility for the accident.
• Remain at the accident site until the police arrive and gather the information they need.
• Seek medical attention for your injuries, and follow through with your medical care.
• Document your medical expenses and property damage.
• Get a copy of the police report.
• Get in contact with an experienced Riverside bicycle accident attorney.

If your injuries prevent you from taking the above steps, ask a family member or a friend (or your bicycle accident lawyer) to follow through for you as your representative. Otherwise, you risk losing witness testimony and/or photos and documentation of the incident that will be useful later.

Rizio Lipinsky Heiting Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Rizio Lipinsky Heiting, we are personal injury attorneys who specialize in bicycle accident cases and in helping those who have suffered severe bicycle accident injuries. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Riverside CA and want to pursue an injury claim against a negligent driver and their insurance company, our bicycle accident lawyers in Riverside are here to help. We can walk you through your legal rights with a bicycle accident case, as well as explain the time limit (statute of limitations) you have for filing a claim.

We offer compassionate legal services to bicyclists who have been hurt in accidents caused by others. We also represent the loved ones of fatal bicycle accident victims. We care about your case and work hard to win the maximum compensation you are entitled to by law.

Get in touch with our bicycle accident attorneys in Riverside today by calling 1-888-292-8888. Or you may also filling out our online contact form and one of our attorneys will reach out to you for a free consultation.