Bicycles are an excellent mode of transportation as they are good for the environment, reduce traffic congestion, and provide exercise.
Unfortunately, they also offer no protection from the impact of a vehicle strike so riding them can be dangerous for adults and children alike. In fact, tragically, 125 riders were killed in California bike crashes in 2021, as reported by the California Office of Traffic Safety.
If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a bike accident, you must understand your rights under the law. JSM Injury Firm APC can help. Our Anaheim bike accident lawyers have represented clients in many bike accident claims, helping them to recover compensation through out-of-court settlements or in litigation.
We’re ready to go the distance to fight for you and we don’t charge legal fees unless we win. Give us a call today at (949) 404-4826 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Your Legal Rights After an Anaheim Bike Accident
Drivers are expected to behave carefully on California’s roads. This means following the rules of the road, including those protecting cyclists, as well as making sure they exercise reasonable care. When they fail to fulfill these obligations, the law holds them accountable.
California Civil Code Section 1714 establishes the rule that can make drivers responsible for bike crashes. The law makes clear that individuals are legally responsible “not only for the result of their willful acts but also for an injury occasioned to another by their want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property or person.”
If a driver behaves unsafely, they can be made to compensate bike crash victims for all resulting losses that can be traced back to their careless behavior. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress resulting from a bike crash.
Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 532 P.2d 1226 (1975) also made clear that victims who share responsibility for a crash can still recover partial damages, no matter how great their own share of blame is. As California Civil Code Section 1431.2 explains, their damages are simply reduced by their percentage of blame so if a bicyclist was 80% liable for a collision, they could recover compensation for 20% of their damages from the other motorist.
JSM Injury Firm APC helps bicyclists to gather evidence, consult experts and witnesses, and demonstrate that motorists who behaved carelessly were the direct cause of the crash so those cycle riders can maximize the compensation they receive after they suffer harm.
How an Anaheim Bike Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Bike accidents can be devastating due to the lack of physical protection cyclists have when a car hits them. Even a helmet, which helps, can’t prevent catastrophic injuries since cars outweigh bikes by so much.
It’s crucial to work with an experienced Anaheim bike accident attorney after a crash to be “made whole” or fully compensated for resulting losses. The Anaheim injury attorneys at JSM Injury Firm APC has the necessary experience to help you make the strongest possible bike accident claim. Schedule a free consultation today at (949) 404-4826 to find out more about the help we can offer.
