Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

With its beautiful weather and scenic views and routes, Orange County is a great destination for riding your bicycle. But there’s also a risk of getting into an accident while riding. According to data from the California Active Transportation Safety Information Pages (CATSIP), Orange County had 3,959 bicycle accidents between 2017 and 2021.

So, it’s crucial to know how these accidents can happen and what you can do if they do occur.

Experienced Legal Support From Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyers

After experiencing a bicycle accident, it’s important to explore your options and get guidance from our team of skilled Orange County personal injury lawyers. By working with us, you can be confident that we will protect your best interests and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you while you recover.

At Maison Law, we genuinely care about understanding the impact the accident has had on your life. If you decide to work with our team after your bicycle accident, your satisfaction becomes our top priority. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Orange County?

Orange County is similar to other areas in California when it comes to the causes of bicycle accidents. However, there are some unique factors that contribute to these accidents throughout the county. To understand them better, let’s look at how these accidents usually happen:

• Distracted driving – Drivers who are busy with their phones, GPS, or other things may not see bicyclists on the road, leading to accidents.
• Failing to yield – Motorists not letting bicyclists go first, especially at intersections or when turning, can cause crashes.
• Changing lanes incorrectly – Drivers who don’t check their blind spots or signal properly may accidentally hit a bicyclist while switching lanes.
• Opening car doors – These accidents happen when a driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for bicyclists, causing a collision.
• Driving too fast – Going too fast makes it harder for drivers to react quickly, increasing the chances of hitting a bicyclist.
• Unsafe roads – Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, or a lack of bike lanes can make it more risky for bicyclists.
• Impaired driving – Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication may react slower and make bad decisions, increasing the risk of hitting bicyclists.
• Ignoring traffic rules – Both drivers and bicyclists who don’t follow traffic signals, stop signs, or other rules can cause accidents.
• Limited visibility – When it’s dark, bicycles without reflectors or lights, or when people wear dark clothes, it’s harder for drivers to see bicyclists, increasing the risk of accidents.

Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents can help you be aware of potential dangers while riding. However, knowing these causes alone cannot completely prevent accidents. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the different types of injuries that can be suffered in these accidents.

Common Orange County Bicycle Accident Injuries

By far the most consequential outcome of a bicycle accident in Orange County is the range of injuries that you or a loved one can suffer. The fact is, riding a bicycle provides very little protection in case of a collision or accident, making the rider vulnerable to injuries all over their body.

Even if you take precautions like wearing a helmet and following traffic rules, accidents can still occur. When they do, they often result in the following injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – These occur when the brain gets injured due to a strong impact to the head. It can result in problems with memory, thinking, and even changes in behavior.
• Concussions – This is a type of brain injury that happens when the brain gets jolted or shaken inside the skull. It can cause dizziness, confusion, headaches, and problems with concentration.
• Head and neck injuries – These include injuries to the head, such as cuts, bruises, or fractures, as well as injuries to the neck area. Neck injuries can involve strains or sprains, which are when the muscles or ligaments get stretched or torn.
• Back injuries – These refer to injuries to the back area, such as the spine or muscles. They can range from strains or sprains in the muscles to more serious injuries like fractures or damage to the spinal cord.
• Muscle sprains or strains – These injuries occur when muscles get stretched or torn. A sprain typically happens when ligaments, which connect bones, get injured, while a strain refers to an injury to the muscles themselves.
• Broken bones – This happens when a bone in the body gets fractured or cracked due to a strong impact or force. Common bones that may break in bicycle accidents include arms, legs, wrists, or collarbones.
• Spinal cord injuries – These are injuries to the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that runs down the back. Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or loss of sensation in different parts of the body, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
• Internal organ damage – This refers to injuries that occur to organs inside the body, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries may not be visible from the outside, but they can be serious and require medical attention.
• Lacerations – These are cuts or deep wounds that can occur from sharp objects or when the skin gets torn. Lacerations may need stitches or other medical treatment to heal properly.

While these injuries are common in bicycle accidents in Orange County, each accident is unique. Some are more severe than others and may involve a combination of the injuries listed above. This often requires extensive medical treatment, leading to bills and other damages.

Do You Need an Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Bicycle riding is quite popular in Orange County due to its ideal conditions. However, with the popularity comes a higher risk of accidents. It’s possible that you or a loved one could find yourselves in one of these unfortunate accidents, even though nobody expects it when they get on a bicycle. Being prepared is always a good idea.

Part of being prepared involves considering your options if an accident occurs. While there’s no legal requirement to have a bicycle accident lawyer for an injury claim, having one can make the process much easier for you. Our proven system of success includes:

• Determining who is liable for your accident.
• Gathering and analyzing necessary evidence.
• Interviewing witnesses and experts.
• Handling day-to-day responsibilities and communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Negotiating and litigating your claim for damages.

Bicycle accidents often result in injuries, which means you’ll likely be dealing with doctor’s visits, surgery, and physical therapy. Trying to handle claim-related issues with insurance companies on top of your recovery can be overwhelming. That’s where our team becomes vital. We take that burden off your shoulders, allowing you and your family to focus on your health and recovery.

Damages in an Orange County Bicycle Accident Claim

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Orange County and suffered injuries, you have the right to pursue legal action against the party responsible for causing the accident and your injuries.

There are two primary avenues for pursuing legal recourse to recover damages: filing an insurance claim or proceeding with a personal injury lawsuit. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, but both provide opportunities for you to seek the benefits and support necessary to address your injuries and other related losses.

The specific circumstances surrounding your bicycle accident will determine the extent of the compensation you can seek from the at-fault party. Generally, the following damages may be available to you:

• Medical expenses and associated treatment costs
• Bills for physical therapy
• Lost wages due to missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life

It’s important to note that every case is unique, and the most suitable course of action will depend on the specific details of your situation. Consulting with our team of personal injury lawyers, who are experienced in handling bicycle accident cases, will help you understand your rights and provide you with the necessary support and guidance throughout the legal process.

Dependable Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accidents are always unfortunate, regardless of how they happen. Riding a bicycle should be an enjoyable experience, especially in a beautiful place like Orange County. However, it’s crucial to recognize the significant risks associated with cycling, many of which are beyond your control.

If you’ve sustained injuries in an accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our dependable and experienced team of Orange County bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law. We are here to assist you by managing the responsibilities of your claim and providing the essential emotional and legal support you can rely on. To schedule a free consultation with our team, simply contact us today.