Bicycling has become part of the culture in Riverside, California, where plenty of residents cycle for commuting, exercise, or recreation. Unfortunately, bicyclists are exposed to serious accidents due to negligent motorists around them. And when a bicycle crash happens, it’s often the bicyclist who gets severely injured or tragically killed as they lack the protection that cars have.
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, Gavel Law Firm is ready to help you get fully compensated. We know these claims from the inside out, as we have previous experience in the insurance industry. We use this unique insight to the advantage of our clients, helping them receive their maximum compensation even in complicated bike cases.
See what we can do for you through a free consultation. Call Gavel Law Firm at (951) 289-0202 today.
The Risk of Riverside Bicycle Accidents
California has repeatedly ranked as a bike-friendly state, but statistics from Riverside paint a different picture. According to a 2022 analysis from UC Berkeley, Riverside County is among the 10 California counties with the most bicycle crashes. In 2022 alone, Riverside County had 308 bike accidents, resulting in 11 fatalities.
Locals are all too familiar with cyclist accidents in the area, particularly in downtown Riverside. In and around the city, certain roads have gained notoriety as being accident-prone, including:
- Arlington Avenue, Riverside (City)
- Magnolia Avenue, Riverside (City)
- Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside (City)
- Victoria Avenue, Riverside (City)
- Ramona Expressway, Riverside County
- State Route 74/Ortega Highway, Riverside County.
Even the most careful bicyclists can get in an accident when surrounded by reckless car drivers or other negligent motorists. If you or a family member was hurt in a crash caused by someone else, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Gavel Law Firm for legal assistance.
Who Pays for My Injuries in a Riverside Bicycle Accident?
Under California’s fault-based insurance system, the party who caused your injuries is liable to pay for them. In bicycle accidents, the at-fault party is commonly a careless car driver, but in some cases, other parties could be considered responsible as well. These are some examples of potential liable parties in a bike crash:
- Negligent motorists
- A manufacturer that produced unsafe bicycles or bike parts
- A company that sold substandard helmets
- The owner of a hazardous parking lot or driveway
- A public agency that designed an unsafe road or failed to maintain it.
It’s possible that more than one party is responsible for a single accident. To determine who is or are liable in your Riverside bike crash, consult with our experienced bicycle accident lawyer at Gavel Law Firm.
What If I’m Partly At Fault in My Bicycle Accident in Riverside?
It may still be possible to claim compensation for your injuries even if you believe you were partially at fault in your cycling crash. Remember not to admit any kind of fault. Instead, enlist an attorney to examine your case and speak on your behalf so you can avoid making innocent mistakes that could hurt your claim.
Unfortunately, bicyclists often get blamed for their own injuries, as many motorists think of bike riders as reckless road users. This can be significant in a California bicycle crash case because our state follows the comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, your compensation could be reduced if you were found to be negligent and partly at fault in your own accident.
This is why it’s crucial to have a bicycle accident lawyer protect you. As you try to claim your rightful compensation, the other party’s insurer could shift the blame on you in an attempt to minimize your claim. At Gavel Law Firm, we are thoroughly familiar with these insurance tactics, and we know how to counter them. Reach out to us for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Riverside Bicycle Accidents
- Distracted driving
- Motor vehicle making an unsafe turn
- Motor vehicle making an unsafe lane change
- Intoxicated driving
- Roadway hazards (like potholes, debris, or uneven pavement)
- Road construction lacking visible signage
- Adverse weather (slippery road or poor visibility)
- Car door opening and hitting a cyclist (known as “dooring”).
What Bicycle Injuries Qualify for a Claim in Riverside?
A wide range of injuries may entitle you to a personal injury claim in Riverside and elsewhere in California. Bicycle accident cases commonly involve the following injuries:
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Lacerations (wounds and scrapes)
- Facial injuries or disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Joint injuries (knees, elbows, wrists, ankles)
- Neck, shoulder, or back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Death.
How Much Can I Receive in a Bicycle Accident Claim in Riverside?
Bicycle accident settlements and verdicts vary widely and are unique in every case. Some are valued at thousands of dollars while others reach multi-millions. To understand what your claim is worth, it’s best to have it assessed by a personal injury lawyer.
In general, you may be compensated for economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are those with a concrete dollar amount such as:
- Medical expenses – hospital bills, doctors’ fees, medication, surgeries, and more
- Rehabilitation costs – like physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Lost earnings – such as missed wages
- Diminished ability to earn – if you develop a disability that prevents you from working at full capacity
- Disability needs – such as wheelchair and home modifications.
Meanwhile, non-economic losses are less tangible but can still be compensated with an appropriate monetary amount. Examples are:
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological distress – like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or insomnia
- Diminished enjoyment of life.
We maximize our clients’ compensation by exploring the many areas of their life impacted by their accident. At Gavel Law Firm, we look beyond their physical suffering, also taking into account their future costs, income projections, quality of life, emotional wellness, everyday capabilities, and more. With our thorough evaluation, we can get a fuller picture of what each client is entitled to.
Wrongful Death Claim from a Bicycle Accident in Riverside
If you lost a family member in a Riverside bike crash caused by someone else, you may be able to make a wrongful death claim. A successful wrongful death case compensates for accident-related losses such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills of the deceased
- Lost earnings from the deceased
- Lost benefits from the deceased
- Lost companionship.
We understand that monetary compensation can never replace the life lost, but it can relieve the financial strain caused by the accident. It can also allow you to access resources that help you heal and get back on track. If you want to know your options and next steps in a wrongful death claim, talk to us at Gavel Law Firm.
Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Riverside
Each state has a statute of limitations, which is a law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In California, the general time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date the injury occurred. Wrongful death cases also have a two-year statute of limitations in California.
Certain factors can lengthen or shorten this window. For instance, if you’re suing a government agency for a poorly maintained road, you’ll need to file within six months of the accident.
Don’t wait until the deadline to take action. This is a common mistake that has cost many claimants their chance at a fair outcome. To avoid missing deadlines in your bicycle accident claim, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as you can. Get a free consultation with Gavel Law Firm. You don’t have to pay us lawyer fees until we obtain compensation for you, which means you risk nothing by consulting with our trusted bicycle accident attorney.
Contact a Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer from Gavel Law Firm
Since 2016, Gavel Law Firm has helped Inland Empire residents get fully compensated for their cycling accidents. We have an advantageous background in dealing with insurers, and we combine that with strategic skills and fearlessness to fight for each client’s interests. This is why more and more people in Riverside trust us for their bicycle crash claims.
Tell us about your bicycling accident. Schedule your free consultation by calling us today at (951) 289-0202.
