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Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle Accidents Can Result In Life-Changing Injuries
San Diego’s weather is perfect for bicycle enthusiasts, but with so many cyclists come inevitable bike accidents. Determining your next steps after a crash can be stressful and confusing. Seeking help from a San Diego bicycle accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your recovery and compensation. Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries, financial burdens and emotional stress. Recognizing the potential injuries and understanding your rights can better prepare you for dealing with an unexpected bike accident.
San Diego Bicycle Accident Liability Claim
Bicycle riders are at particular risk for collisions and falls. As cyclists are essentially unprotected, even a low impact collision has the potential for serious injury. Laws in California requiring anyone under the age of 18 to use protective helmets have reduced the incidence of fatalities from head injuries in children, but adult bicyclists remain vulnerable to injuries, many of which are life-threatening or life altering.
Collisions with motor vehicles present the greatest threat for serious injury to bicycle riders. Over the past 10 years, as cycling becomes increasingly popular among adults, both for exercise and as a mode of transportation, the number of adult cyclist fatalities and injuries has increased proportionately.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in San Diego County
Approximately 700 bicycle accidents occur each year in San Diego County, according to the California Highway Patrol. A significant number are the result of collisions with motor vehicles when a bicycle is turning, drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, and cars miscalculate a cyclist’s rate of speed. Alcohol involvement is also a contributing factor in bicycle accidents in San Diego County.
Because bicyclists do not have the same level of protection that a vehicle affords, bicycle accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries or deaths. In San Diego County, 90% of bike crashes resulted in injury to the cyclist, with 20% severe. Male cyclists were also statistically at higher risk of injury or death.
Since 2018, San Diego County has had:
- 4,876 bicycle collisions
- 60 bicycle accident fatalities
- The highest rate of bike accidents occurred between 3 and 6 p.m.
- 716 bicyclists and riders of other non motorized cycles were killed in traffic collisions in 2008. Another 52,000 were injured.
- 87% of the cyclist fatalities were males; 79% of injured cyclists were males.
- In 2008, the average age of cyclists killed was 41; the average age of cyclists injured was 31.
- Of the 716 cyclist traffic fatalities that occurred in the 50 states, 109 were killed on California roadways
Common Bicycle Accident Locations in San Diego & Carlsbad
Bicycle accidents in San Diego and Carlsbad have become increasingly common as riders collide with motor vehicles and swerve to miss open car doors and pedestrians. A combination of factors, such as crowded intersections, a lack of designated bike lanes, vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, and an increase in e-bikes in the area, has contributed to more bicycle-related injuries and fatalities.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, reach out to a San Diego bicycle accident lawyer at Kroger-Diamond & Campos APC to explore your options. Common bicycle accident locations in San Diego and Carlsbad include:
- Pacific Beach, between Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue
- Downtown San Diego, especially Broadway and 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenues)
- Intersection of Midway Drive and Rosecrans Street
- Carlsbad Boulevard, especially near the coast
- Intersections on El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road
- University Avenue, from Hillcrest to North Park
- Pacific Highway
- El Cajon Boulevard
- Mission Bay Drive
- Carlsbad Village, along the coast
Common Bicycle Accident Locations in San Diego & Carlsbad
Bicycle accidents in San Diego and Carlsbad have become increasingly common as riders collide with motor vehicles and swerve to miss open car doors and pedestrians. A combination of factors, such as crowded intersections, a lack of designated bike lanes, vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, and an increase in e-bikes in the area, has contributed to more bicycle-related injuries and fatalities.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, reach out to a San Diego bicycle accident lawyer at Kroger-Diamond & Campos APC to explore your options. Common bicycle accident locations in San Diego and Carlsbad include:
- Pacific Beach, between Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue
- Downtown San Diego, especially Broadway and 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenues)
- Intersection of Midway Drive and Rosecrans Street
- Carlsbad Boulevard, especially near the coast
- Intersections on El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road
- University Avenue, from Hillcrest to North Park
- Pacific Highway
- El Cajon Boulevard
- Mission Bay Drive
- Carlsbad Village, along the coast
Get In Touch With Kroger-Diamond & Campos Injury Law Today.
Arranging a free consultation with our skilled San Diego bicycle accident lawyers is risk-free, commitment-free and confidential. A free legal consultation with the Law Offices of Kroger-Diamond & Campos APC is a prudent way to gather information on your rights, legal options and available resources while having your questions answered.
While bicyclists and drivers of motor vehicles have similar legal responsibilities, bicyclists also have specific rights and protections under the California Vehicle Code and the California Streets and Highways Code, such as the restricted right of way in designated bicycle paths, lanes and routes. Studies have shown that bicyclists who share the roadway with motor vehicles are typically alert and take special care when making turns, accelerating or braking, but the majority of collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles occur when a motorist fails to yield the right of way, especially at an intersection.
You may also have a liability claim against an entity that controls or maintains the roadway if you have been injured as a result of a hazardous condition such as debris, potholes, or poorly maintained roads or parking lots. Injuries can also be caused by manufacturing or design defects in your bicycle or by faulty safety equipment, in which instance you may have a claim against the manufacturer, assembler, distributor or seller.
How a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A skilled San Diego bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process to recover the compensation you deserve. Our firm has a track record of securing favorable case results for our clients, including $1.8 million for a bicycle accident victim. Our compassionate team can handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court.
By working with a knowledgeable attorney with extensive experience with San Diego’s bicycle, roadway and motor vehicle laws, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the finer details of your case. Our goal is to recover fair compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Types of Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Bicycle accidents can result in severe and life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord damage, as well as death. Some of these injuries require ongoing medical treatment for the remainder of the victim’s life. If you or a family member was involved in a bicycle collision, you may be entitled to compensation:
Economic damages:
Past and anticipated medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and loss of future earnings are examples of economic damages a court may award to a bicycle accident victim.
Non-economic damages:
Physical pain, mental suffering, loss of consortium or marital relationships with a spouse, and emotional distress.
If the at-fault driver’s recklessness caused an accident, the court may also award punitive damages to punish them for their behavior. Kroger-Diamond & Campos’s San Diego bicycle accident lawyers can help you determine the compensation you may be entitled to.
What Are The Common Types of Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents can occur in many ways. Understanding the common types of accidents can help you be more vigilant and take preventive measures. These accidents can occur from driver negligence, poor road conditions or unexpected obstacles. Awareness and education about these accidents are important for cyclists and motorists can improve San Diego road safety.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring occurs when a vehicle’s occupant opens the door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This sudden obstruction can cause bicyclists to crash into the door or swerve into traffic, leading to serious injuries. Dooring is more common in urban areas, such as San Diego, where vehicles park along busy streets.
Sideswipe Bicycle Accidents
Sideswiping happens when a vehicle passes too close to a cyclist, making contact with the bicycle’s side. These accidents can occur when drivers maneuver aggressively, fail to give sufficient space while passing or are unaware of the cyclist’s presence. A sideswipe can result in the cyclist being thrown off balance or pushed into obstacles or oncoming traffic.
Left & Right Hook Accidents
These accidents occur when an oncoming vehicle overtakes a cyclist and turns across their path. A left hook occurs when the vehicle turns left across a cyclist’s path, while a right hook involves the vehicle turning right across the path. Both types are particularly dangerous at intersections and can lead to collisions, severe injuries and even wrongful death
California Bicycle Laws & Their Impact on Accident Claims
California cyclists are responsible for following the same traffic laws regarding traffic signals and lane markings as motor vehicle drivers. California follows a comparative negligence standard for assigning fault in accident claims. If a cyclist is found to have violated traffic statutes or is partially at fault for an accident, they can still recover compensation, but the award settlement is reduced by the percentage of fault the cyclist is assigned.
For example, a bicycle rider who failed to signal at an intersection is found to be 20% at fault for the accident. If they receive a $200,000 settlement payout, the most they can receive in compensation is $180,000.
It’s important to note that adults over 18 are not required to wear helmets while riding a bicycle in California. However, a court may find a cyclist partially at fault for their injuries if they weren’t wearing one at the time of an accident.
Establishing liability and negligence is crucial to successful bicycle accident claims in California. A knowledgeable San Diego personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, assist in proving fault, and significantly increase your chances of receiving full potential compensation.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Let’s answer some of your most frequently asked questions regarding San Diego bicycle accidents.
Stop immediately and assess the situation. Call for medical and police, and render aid to any injured parties. When possible, take photos of the accident scene and collect contact information from bystanders who witnessed the crash.
The amount of compensation a bicycle accident victim can receive depends on who was at fault, whether the cyclist shared partial blame for the accident, and the severity of the cyclist’s injuries.
The statute of limitations to file a personal injury bicycle accident claim is typically two years from the date of the accident.
Personal injury cases are quite complex, involving insurance company negotiations, evidence gathering, and litigation in court if the case isn’t settled sooner. Lawyers who specialize in bicycle accident cases have a distinct advantage during the settlement process.
A plaintiff must prove the defendant was liable for the accident and that it caused them injury. Medical records, police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and eyewitness accounts help you prove your case.
Contact a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Your Free Consultation
Contact Kroger-Diamond & Campos to arrange a free consultation. Call us in San Diego at (619) 682-5100, in North County at (760) 931-2900, or fill out our online form and one of our team members will follow up with you promptly.