Maison Law helps people in Porterville that have been injured in a bicycle accident. Like a lot of other places in California, riding your bike in Porterville is an incredibly enjoyable experience–until an accident happens. With injuries and other losses to deal with, our team will be there with guidance and support. Set up a free consultation today.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Bicycle accidents aren’t minor fender-benders. When you’re on a bike, even a small mistake by a driver, poor road conditions, or unexpected issues can leave you with serious injuries. In Porterville, where roads range from busy Henderson Avenue corridors to quieter suburban streets, accidents can happen in a split second.
But you don’t need a lawyer officially to file a claim. However, given all the problems that come with a typical bike accident, having one can be extremely helpful. We can:
- Explain your rights so you know what to expect.
- Look into the accident to figure out who’s responsible—whether it was a negligent driver, poor road conditions, or another party.
- Handle all the back-and-forth with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- Collect and organize evidence like photos, witness statements, and police reports to build a strong claim.
With a bike accident, you have enough to deal with–you shouldn’t have to chase paperwork or argue with insurance companies. Focus on getting better—we’ll handle the legal side of things.
Where You’ll Find Bike Lanes in Porterville
All over Porterville, you’ll find different places where you can ride a bike. And because the city takes bicycle safety seriously, they’ve implemented an ongoing plan that’s put in a few different bike lanes and routes throughout the city. The main difference is how much separation there is between you and traffic:
- Class I Bike Paths. These are separated from the road and keep cyclists away from regular vehicle traffic. One of the most popular is the one along Tule River Parkway, pictured below right.
- Class II Bike Lanes. These are the painted bike lanes you’ll find on city streets. You have a designated space to ride, but you’re still next to cars and other traffic. There’s a few throughout Porterville, especially along Morton Avenue and D Street.
- Class III Bike Routes. These routes are different because there isn’t a separate lane for bicycles. Instead, bikes and cars share the road, with signs and pavement markings showing that the street is a designated bike route. A popular one is on Plano Street, but you’ll also find them on Main Street, Morton Avenue, and Orange Avenue.
Each type of bike route comes with its own challenges. A Class I path can keep you away from most vehicle traffic, while a Class II lane puts you next to moving cars. On a Class III route, you’re sharing the road with those cars. And no matter which type of route you’re using, accidents can happen. When it does, information is going to become important.
What Information Will Strengthen My Bicycle Accident Claim?
Being in a bike accident is scary and painful. But for as difficult as it is, you need to start thinking about what you’ll need for a strong claim. And nothing is more important than the information and evidence you can get your hands on. However, nothing is as important as your health. So the first thing you should do is:
- Call 911, report the accident, and get an ambulance and police to the scene.
Everything else can flow from that, but as you wait, you can try to get a few basics like:
- Pictures and videos of the scene, especially damage to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, the road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else that shows what the area looked like after the accident.
- Contact information for anyone who saw what happened. It’s also worth noting nearby traffic cameras, businesses, or other places that may have video of the accident.
- The driver’s license, registration, contact, and insurance information.
Yes, these things are important. But they’re not more important than your health and safety. Once paramedics arrive, let them take care of your injuries and get you to the hospital if you need to go. After that, though, there are other things you’ll want to start collecting as they become available, including:
- Medical records that connect your injuries to the bike accident
- The police report, which provides an official record of what happened
- Notes about what you’re dealing with, including your pain and how the injuries are affecting your day-to-day life
- Pay stubs and work schedules if you’re missing work or losing income because of the accident
- Video footage from nearby traffic cameras or businesses. We can help track this down, but the challenge is that this footage often isn’t kept for very long.
You don’t need to gather every detail right away—especially if you’re hurt or recovering. Getting what you can in the hours and days after the accident helps, but our team is here to help collect and organize everything so you can focus on healing without worrying about missing anything important.
Who Has to Pay For My Damages in a Bicycle Accident?
You might think that fault in a bike accident is simple. After all, if you’re hit by a driver while riding your bike, they’re probably responsible. But it’s not always straightforward, and comes down to what actually happened and who was negligent.
That can bring a lot of different people or groups into the fold, but usually, it’s the following that have to pay for your damages:
- Distracted, speeding, or reckless drivers.
- The city or Caltrans responsible, if there were poor road conditions, potholes, or unclear signage
- Companies that made or sold defective brakes, frames, or tires could make them partially responsible.
Sometimes liability is clear—like a driver failing to yield at an intersection on Main Street. Other times, it involves multiple people. But ultimately, figuring out liability is an important step in the process. With that said, to actually get financial help for your injuries, you have to actually go through the claims process.
What Options Do I Have for Filing a Claim After My Bicycle Accident?
Every bicycle accident is different, but your ability to get financial support is always the same: you get to file an injury claim. Now, it’s here that the process could follow one of two main paths:
- An insurance claim. Filing with the at-fault driver’s insurance is usually the first step. It’s often faster than going to court, but insurers may offer less than the true value of your losses. Solid evidence is key.
- A personal injury lawsuit. If insurance negotiations fail or coverage is insufficient, filing a lawsuit allows a judge or jury to determine the full value of your claim.
Damages in a bicycle accident can include:
- Medical bills and ongoing care
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential
- Bike repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal cases
In California, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a claim. That sounds like a lot of time, but it can go by quickly as you try to deal with everything else that comes with one of these accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was riding in a bike lane. Doesn’t that make the driver responsible?
Not automatically. Drivers still need to pay attention and watch for cyclists, but the details of the accident matter. Photos, video, witnesses, and other evidence can help show what happened.
I felt fine after the accident. Do I still need to see a doctor?
If you’re hurt or start having symptoms later, you should get checked out. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Medical records can also help document your injuries and connect them to the accident.
Nobody saw the accident. Does that hurt my claim?
Not necessarily. Witnesses can help, but they aren’t the only evidence that matters. Photos, video footage, the police report, medical records, and damage to your bicycle can all help show what happened.
Our Porterville Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Porterville is a beautiful place to ride, but a bike accident can change everything in an instant. Maison Law is here to handle the legal side, gather the evidence, and explain your options so you can focus on healing.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate. Set up a free consultation today and let our team help you through it.
