San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyer | Bicycle Laws & Injury Claims
Bicycling can be a convenient way to travel, exercise, and get around San Bernardino. However, cyclists often share busy streets with cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. When a collision happens, a bicycle rider may suffer serious injuries with very little protection from the impact.
People searching for information about bicycle laws in San Bernardino may want to understand road safety rules, what can happen after a bicycle accident, and what options may be available when another person may have contributed to the crash.
Every accident is different. Learning more about bicycle accidents and keeping important information may help after an injury.
Learn more about bicycle accident claims.
Bicycle Laws in San Bernardino
Bicyclists generally have many of the same responsibilities as other road users when traveling on public streets. Depending on the circumstances, cyclists may need to follow traffic signals, signs, right-of-way rules, and other applicable road-safety requirements.
Rules can also vary depending on where and how someone is riding. Factors such as bicycle lanes, direction of travel, nighttime equipment, helmets, and local regulations may become relevant.
Because the circumstances of every accident differ, someone with questions about how bicycle rules affect a particular injury claim may want to discuss the situation with an attorney.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle crashes can happen in many different ways.
Potential causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Drivers failing to yield
- Unsafe turns
- Vehicles entering bicycle lanes
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Opening vehicle doors into a cyclist’s path
- Poor visibility
- Dangerous road or property conditions
Determining what happened may require looking at the accident scene, vehicle damage, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and other available evidence.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists have little physical protection when struck by a vehicle or thrown onto the pavement.
Injuries may include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Cuts and road rash
Some injuries may require emergency treatment, rehabilitation, physical therapy, or continued medical care.
For additional information about serious head injuries, visit DAG Law Firm’s brain injury page.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Health and safety should come first after a serious bicycle crash. Depending on the circumstances, getting appropriate medical attention may help identify injuries that are not immediately apparent.
It may also be useful to preserve information about the accident.
Helpful records may include:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of injuries
- Vehicle information
- Witness names and contact information
- Police or incident reports
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Photos of bicycle damage
- Available video footage
Evidence can disappear over time, so preserving available information may help provide a clearer picture of what happened.
Who May Be Responsible for a Bicycle Crash?
Responsibility depends on the facts surrounding the accident.
Potentially involved parties may include:
- Drivers
- Businesses
- Property owners
- Employers
- Other responsible parties
Some accidents may also involve roadway conditions or public property. Claims involving a government or public entity can involve different procedures and potentially shorter deadlines, making the specific circumstances particularly important.
How Bicycle Laws May Affect an Injury Claim
Questions about traffic rules frequently arise after a bicycle collision.
An investigation may consider where the cyclist and vehicle were traveling, traffic signals, right-of-way, available bicycle lanes, visibility, witness accounts, and the actions of everyone involved.
An accident does not necessarily become an all-or-nothing situation simply because there is disagreement about responsibility. How responsibility affects a potential claim depends on the particular facts.
Why Medical Care Matters
Some bicycle accident injuries are immediately apparent. Others may become noticeable hours or days later.
Medical evaluation can help identify injuries and establish an appropriate treatment plan. Medical records can also document symptoms, treatment, and recovery following the collision.
Following appropriate medical recommendations may be important for both health and documenting how an injury develops over time.
How a Bicycle Accident Can Affect Daily Life
A serious bicycle crash can affect much more than someone’s ability to ride.
An injured person may face:
- Medical expenses
- Time away from work
- Lost income
- Physical therapy
- Continued medical treatment
- Pain and limitations
- Difficulty completing normal activities
The impact of an accident varies from person to person, and more serious injuries may require a lengthy recovery.
Bicycle Accidents in San Bernardino
San Bernardino includes major roads, intersections, residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and other locations where cyclists and motor vehicles may interact.
Drivers and cyclists may encounter one another during commuting hours, near businesses, at intersections, and throughout local neighborhoods.
Understanding the circumstances surrounding a collision can be an important part of evaluating a potential bicycle injury claim.
Learning More May Help
Bicycle accident cases can involve questions about road rules, driver conduct, insurance, injuries, evidence, and responsibility.
Every case is different. A San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyer can review the circumstances surrounding an accident and explain what options may be available based on those facts.
You Do Not Pay Unless We Win
DAG Law Firm, APC handles qualifying personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis.
There are no upfront attorney fees. You do not pay attorney fees unless we win your case.
Speak With a San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident in San Bernardino, learning more about your options may help you determine what to do next.
Call (323) 930-2020 or contact DAG Law Firm today for a free consultation.
