Arvin Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Practice Areas Arvin Lawyers Arvin Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycling in California is becoming increasingly popular. In high-traffic areas where parking is difficult, biking is a healthy, cost-effective alternative. While many cities — like Arvin, California — have created bike lanes, some automobile drivers fail to respect those dedicated lanes. 

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, more than 130 bicyclists were killed on California roads in 2019 alone. 

The experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Clark represent victims of biking accidents. Our team is dedicated to serving the residents of Arvin. Negligence should not get a free pass. We are here to to support you in pursuing damages from the liable party. Contact our team today if you or a loved one have been injured in a biking crash in Arvin, California. 

Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

You would think that the at-fault party or insurance company would readily compensate you after you or a loved one were hit by a car while cycling. However, this is often not the case. 

Sorting through the logistics that come after a biking accident can be incredibly frustrating. Most insurance companies will try to pay you far less than what you will need to fully cover all of your accident-related expenses. This is likely to be the case even if you were following all the rules of the road.

Sometimes you may even be eligible for compensation you are not aware exists. A thorough accident investigation led by an experienced attorney can discover that  multiple negligent parties were involved in your accident. For example, if your bicycle had faulty parts, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer.  

This is why it is incredibly important to hire a lawyer. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we will fully explore all routes for compensation; which may come in the form of economic, non-economic, and even punitive damages. 

Free Consultation Attorneys in Arvin, CA

At Chain | Cohn | Clark, consultations for potential clients are both free and private, and there is no need to commit after our first meeting. Any lawyer that pressures you to pay or work with them after one meeting should be avoided.

Common Arvin Bicycle Accident Causes

Driver negligence is often the cause of a collision between a car and a bicycle. There are also situations when a diver’s poor choices can cause a cyclist to crash, even though the car and the bicycle do not come into contact.

Here are some common forms of driver negligence:

• Drivers who don’t share the road
• Drivers who do not signal 
• Drivers who open doors in the bicyclist’s direction
• Drivers passing a bicyclist without looking
• Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
• Drivers ignoring a bicyclist’s right-of-way 
• Drivers who are distracted 
• Drivers who do not know (or know and do not follow) the rules of the road

Bicycle accidents can also occur as a result of other factors, including:

• Faulty bike parts
• Misaligned bike pathways
• Potholes
• Broken traffic lights
• Poor lighting 

Types of Compensation for Bicycle Accidents

There are three primary forms of compensation.

Economic damages:

• Medical bills & expenses
• Lost income & wages
• Inability to earn future wages 
• Inability to care for your home
• Destruction of property
• Cost of bicycle repairs

Non-economic damages:

• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Long-term mental health issues
• Loss of consortium (also called loss of companionship)

Punitive damages:

These damages are reserved for especially outrageous behavior. They serve as a deterrent to the liable party continuing undesirable behavior. This type of compensation is not awarded as often as economic and non-economic damages.

Bicycle Accidents in Arvin, CA

Listed below are some common types of bicycle accidents that can occur in Arvin:

• • Head-on collisions: When a vehicle and bicycle meet front-to-front
  • Rear-end collisions: When a cyclist is struck from behind by a vehicle, throwing them forward off their bike
  • Sideswipes: When a driver turns into the bike lane and hits a biker with the side of their vehicle
  • Right turns: When a motorist and a cyclist are moving in the same direction and the driver cuts off the biker
  • Left turns: When a motorist turns across an intersection in front of of a cyclist
  • Drunk driving accidents: When the driver of a vehicle is under the influence of alcohol and cannot respond accordingly to a biker
  • Failing to yield: When a driver does not see or understand that a biker has the right-of-way
  • Distracted driving: When a driver is talking on the phone, daydreaming, texting, or talking to passengers and makes a driving error

Bicycle Accident Injuries in Arvin, CA

Types of injuries that result from the above accidents may include:

• Neck & spinal cord injuries
• Fractures
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Lacerations
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Internal bleeding injuries

If the bicycle crash ultimately lead to a death, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for your loved one or family member who died. 

Bicycle Accident FAQs

What should I do if I’m hurt in a bicycle accident?

The first thing you should always do after an accident is to seek medical attention. Sometimes people are unaware of the full extent of their injuries—internal bleeding, for example—after an accident. But remember, no dollar amount is more important than your health.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, the next thing you should do is to contact your local law enforcement immediately to file a police report. Then, if possible, take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can. If there are any bystanders, get their contact information in case you need to dispute liability later down the road. 

It is also important to note that you shouldn’t further discuss the accident with anyone but your lawyer. It is especially important that you don’t post anything on social media. Anything you say or do can be used against you in a future case.

What is the statute of limitations on bicycle accident lawsuits in California?

The timing for filing a case—also known as the statute of limitations—depends on whether you are filing for yourself or for a loved one.

You have two years from the date of collision to file for personal injury and property damage. 

In the case of wrongful death, you have two years to file from the date of your family member’s death.

Will I still get paid if the accident was partly my fault?

In most states, if you had any amount of negligence, your reward will be reduced by a certain percentage. California law calls this “comparative fault.”

According to California Vehicle Code Section 21650.1, “A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway.” 

Insurance companies will try to prove you were at least partially at fault if you violated this code. You still have a case, but we advise you to contact a lawyer at Chain | Cohn | Clark as soon as possible if this is your situation. 

Do I need to file a police report for a bicycle accident?

After ensuring your health is in order, filing a police report is the first thing you should do. A police report can help guide your case through later disputes and your insurance company will most likely request a copy. You will also need a copy if you or your property have been injured/damaged.

When speaking to the at-fault party, you should always try to obtain the following information:

• Name, phone number, and address
• Date of birth
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Vehicle license plate number

Reach Out to a Chain | Cohn | Clark Bicycle Accident Attorney

The Arvin bicycle accident lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Clark are here to represent you when you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a bicycle accident. We have been representing clients in Arvin and the state of California for more than 85 years. Our experience and knowledge of personal injury and bicycle law allow us to guide you on your path to justice. 

From the moment you walk through our doors, the Arvin bicycle accident lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Clark will be working to handle your case. Our dedication helps our clients focus on recovery.

If you are interested in filing a claim with an experienced Arvin bicycle accident attorney, the lawyers at our firm are ready to help! Call us at 661-616-9833 or fill out an online contact form for a free consultation. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible about your case.