An experienced Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer like those at Bisnar Chase has a long and successful track record of over 46 years representing the rights of severely injured victims and their families. Winning over $850 million for our clients, Bisnar Chase will help you secure fair and total compensation for all your injuries, damages, and losses.
We will provide you with our legal services without any money upfront or out of your pocket. Our program guarantees you that regardless of the outcome of your bicycle accident case, you will never have to pay any attorney fees or costs if your case is not successful. To find out how we can help you, please contact us at 949-203-3814.
- Almost one billion recovered
- 99% success rate
- 46 years serving Orange County plaintiffs
- Seasoned trial lawyers
Bisnar Chase is an outstanding firm! Everyone was extremely nice and accommodating every step of the way. I sure hope I never need them again, but if I do, they would be the only team I work with! Highly recommended!! L. Bradford via Google
Brian Chase, Senior Partner:
“I grew up my whole life in Orange County. This is my community and my clients are my neighbors and friends. We take bicycle safety very seriously because Orange County is full of cyclists.”
Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Orange County
What is Your Bicycle Accident Claim Worth in Orange County?
The compensation you will receive will depend on the severity of your injuries. A personal injury claim with minor injuries may only be worth a few thousand dollars in compensation. Still, a more severe bike accident injury could lead to a seven- or 8-figure settlement or verdict.
Economic and Non-economic Damages
California Injured cyclists can pursue compensation for all the financial and non-economic damages they have suffered because of someone else’s negligence.
All of your medical bills should be covered, including the cost of surgery, hospitalization, and physical therapy. Support should also be available for lost wages and the loss of earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to work at full capacity.
Types of Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement or scarring
Types of Compensation
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Punitive (if applicable)
In a serious injury, support may also be available for physical pain and emotional suffering. Victims must keep a journal of their daily struggles since the accident. Your journal can document your treatment and recovery process and what you can or cannot do during this period. Make notes of activities you cannot perform, family gatherings you have missed, and how your injuries have inhibited your quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages.
All of these factors will play into what your bike injury claim is worth. Because the injury occurred in Orange County and our bicycle accident attorneys are very familiar with Orange County courts, judges, and defense teams, we have a high rate of success pursuing these types of claims.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, you can file a wrongful death claim. Many bike accidents result in serious and often catastrophic injuries. Our trial attorneys have taken catastrophic wrongful death claims to trial many times. Contact our law office to discuss the wrongful death of a loved one. 949-203-3814.
How Long Will My Bicycle Accident Case Take?
There are varying time frames for the time it will take to settle or take your bicycle accident claim to court. Most personal injury claims settle out of court, but we are always prepared to go to trial if we can’t get an acceptable financial offer for you.
Depending on how complex your case is, you could be looking at between 3 months to a year or more for your case to be resolved. >To be specific about the time frame in your case, you’d need to talk to an experienced Orange County bicycle accident lawyer who can evaluate all of your evidence. Call the law firm of Bisnar Chase at 949-203-3814 for a free consultation.
How Much Do Bicycle Accident Attorneys in California charge?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, with no fee if they don’t win. If the case is successful, the average fee in California is 33%, and the law firm will collect their cost from the proceeds, not you.
If a complex case requires many resources, such as evidence storage, experts, and witness travel, it can be more, but not over 42%. This is the average sliding scale for personal injury fees in California; other states may differ.
The Legal Process of Your Personal Injury Claim
Many steps are involved in winning your personal injury claim, and the legal process can take time. The process for filing a personal injury case typically involves the following steps:
- Initial consultation
- Investigation
- Demand letter
- Filing the complaint
- Service of process
- Discovery
- Pre-trial motions
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial
- Appeal
It’s important to note that the specific process may vary depending on the details of your case and the lawyer you choose. Additionally, there are time limits of two years (known as statutes of limitations) for filing personal injury lawsuits in California, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Orange County bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident or injury to determine if you are entitled to financial compensation.
Protecting Your Bicycle Rights in California
Bicycling can be a healthy, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternative to driving. With Orange County’s bike lanes, beaches, and trails, bicycling is also a great recreational activity.
There are excellent mountain biking opportunities along the Santa Ana River Trail, and about 1,000 miles of bike lanes connect Santa Ana, San Juan Capistrano, and Brea. However, riding a bicycle comes with inherent risks.
When a bicycle collides with a motor vehicle, the bicyclist often suffers grave injuries. These injuries can have lifelong effects, and an experienced Orange County bicycle accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and compensate you now and in the future.
Orange County Bicycle Laws
In Orange County, California, bicycle riders must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicle drivers. Standard rules that apply to cyclists are:
- Helmet requirement
- Riding position (bike lanes)
- Riding direction (with traffic)
- Signaling
- Lights and reflectors
- Proper brakes
- Avoid Earphones
- Properly places passengers
California Bicycle Codes and Illegal Activity
- CVC 21200: Bicyclists have all the rights and are subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle.
- CVC 21201: Bicycle equipment requirements, including brakes, handlebars, and size.
- CVC 21202: Bicyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, with exceptions.
- CVC 21203: Hitching rides on vehicles is prohibited.
- CVC 21204: Riding on bicycle lanes and paths.
- CVC 21205: Riding on sidewalks.
- CVC 21207.5: Motorized bicycles in bicycle lanes.
- CVC 21208: Permitted movements from bicycle lanes.
- CVC 21209: Motor vehicles and motorized bicycles in bicycle lanes.
- CVC 21210: Bicycle parking.
- CVC 21211: Obstruction of bikeways or bicycle paths or trails.
- CVC 21212: Youth bicycle helmets.
- CVC 21650.1: Bicycles on roadways.
- CVC 21717: Turning across bicycle lanes.
- CVC 21750-21971: Overtaking and passing laws.
- CVC 22111: Bicycles and turn signals.
- CVC 23330: Bicycling under the influence.
- CVC 23336: Bicycling under the influence penalties. See all civil codes.
Injuries Suffered in Orange County Bicycle Accidents
Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 65% in the event of a bicycle crash. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 41,000 cyclists die in road traffic crashes worldwide each year. In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 938 cyclist fatalities, accounting for 3% of all traffic fatalities.
The nature, extent, and severity of injuries suffered in a bicycle accident usually depend on the impact of the collision, whether the bicyclist was wearing a helmet or other protective gear, the speed at which the crash occurred, and the condition of the roadway or trail.
The most common type of injury sustained in a bike accident is a head injury. This is because cyclists are thrown over the handlebars and could land on the roadway or hit the windshield of a vehicle.
Head injuries resulting from bicycle accidents could range from bumps, concussions, and gashes to skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries. Research has shown that brain injuries are more likely to occur when bicyclists are not wearing helmets.
Bicyclists may also suffer spinal cord trauma when they land on their back, neck, or head. This type of trauma could result in vertebral fractures or even paralysis. When bicyclists fall off their bikes, they could also land on their faces, leading to injuries such as eye damage, broken jaws, or broken noses or teeth. Bone fractures are also a common consequence of bike accidents.
Bicyclists may break bones in their legs, shoulders, arms, hips or back. Bone breaks require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. In extreme cases, bicyclists may also lose their limbs as a result of multiple fractures. Bicycle accidents also often result in internal injuries such as a punctured lung or ruptured spleen.
Safer Cyclist Infrastructure in Orange County
Bicycle infrastructure and safety are concerning to Orange County cyclists. Many bikers express frustration with the current state of bike lanes, which are often poorly maintained, discontinuous, or treated as an afterthought by city planners.
Cyclists face numerous hazards, including debris in bike lanes, a lack of physical separation from fast-moving traffic, and intersection designs that put them at risk.
While some cities like Santa Ana and Irvine have made strides in improving bicycle infrastructure with protected bike lanes and separated paths, progress across the county remains uneven. Cyclists point out that even in cities with better infrastructure, gaps in the network and dangerous intersections still pose challenges to safe cycling.
There is a need for a more comprehensive, connected network of dedicated bike paths and protected lanes to encourage cycling and improve safety for bikers.
For a free case evaluation, if someone else has injured you, get in touch with a top-rated Orange County bicycle accident lawyer. Call 949-203-3814 today.
What Should You Do after a Bicycle Accident?
File a Police Report: If you have been injured in an Orange County bicycle accident, you will likely require immediate medical attention. However, the actions you take in the aftermath of the accident may significantly impact whether you can receive compensation for your losses.
First and foremost, if you have been involved in an accident, wait for the police to arrive at the scene so they can file a police report. If you can, ensure your account of the incident gets into the police report. The police report will play a big part in your personal injury claim, so every detail matters.
Medical Attention: Always ensure you receive the medical attention you need immediately, even if you believe you’re not injured. Some bicyclists do not realize they have been injured until several hours after the accident. There are also instances where seemingly minor injuries later evolve into permanent and chronic issues. Head injuries are especially problematic but may not seem apparent immediately after the bike accident.
Remain Aware: When you remain at the scene, do not admit fault or divulge any specific details to anyone. However, do ensure you get the driver’s name and their contact information, driver’s license, vehicle, and insurance information. Also, try to get the name and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. Witness statements are critical to a solid personal injury claim.
Document Everything: Carefully document what occurred at the accident site. Try to make notes about traffic, roadways, and weather conditions. Document your injuries. Take photos and video of the accident scene as well as your injuries.
Preserve Evidence: Make sure that the physical evidence is preserved. Keep torn or bloody clothing. Do not repair your bike or dispose of your damaged helmet or any damaged property.
Make sure you seek the counsel of an experienced Orange County bicycle accident lawyer who can advise you regarding how to proceed, help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies, or help represent you in a lawsuit. Call 949-203-3814 for a free consultation today.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Orange County
Orange County is always filled with pedestrians and cyclists. Because we enjoy such excellent weather year-round, thousands of people walk and cycle daily.
Because of that, there are a lot of bike and pedestrian accidents throughout Orange County. Below are the latest statistics for bicycle accidents in OC. There are no bicycle accident statistics since 2022 that have been released as of April 2024.
| Year | Bicyclist Crashes | Crashes Per 100k Population | Bicyclist Fatalities | Fatalities Per 100k Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 817 | 25.58 | 13 | 0.41 |
| 2019 | 718 | 22.5 | 15 | 0.47 |
| 2020 | 595 | 18.89 | 20 | 0.64 |
| 2021 | 832 | 26.3 | 11 | 0.35 |
| 2022 | 976 | 30.62 | 17 | 0.53 |
Driver Negligence and Bicycle Accidents in Orange County
A significant number of Orange County bicycle accidents result from driver negligence. Motorists often fail to look for bicycles before changing lanes or turning. Drivers who are impaired, distracted, fatigued, or speeding may fail to notice a bicyclist before it’s too late.
Some common causes of bike accidents include drivers failing to see bicyclists, failing to judge a bicyclist’s speed or path, driving carelessly or at a high rate of speed, and passing bicyclists too close.
The most dangerous crashes for cyclists are those that occur at or near an intersection. Some of the common scenarios that our Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyers have seen in bike accident cases involve:
- Bike lane intrusions on the part of drivers.
- Drivers turning into the path of bicyclists.
- Motorists rear-ending bicyclists.
- Drivers or passengers opening doors in the path of moving cyclists.
- Sudden or unsafe lane changes by drivers.
- Large trucks turning at intersections.
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists at intersections while exiting a driveway or parking lot.
A study found that 41% of all electric bike injuries in California happen in Orange County despite accounting for 8% of the population.
If you think you were injured due to negligence, contact our Orange County bicycle accident attorneys for a free case review. Call 949-203-3814.
Bicycle Accidents Involving Dangerous OC Roadways
Bikes are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by roadway hazards. Due to their small size, relative instability, and thin tires, sudden and abrupt changes in road surface could be extremely dangerous.
These hazards could cause even the most careful and experienced bicyclist to lose control or fall off the bike. Dangerous roadway conditions for bicyclists include potholes, sewer grates, uneven pavement, damaged or cracked roadways, and debris on the street.
Poor roadway design or a lack of bike lanes could also cause serious injuries in bicycle accidents. Any time a dangerous or defective roadway causes a bicycle accident, the injured victim can file a claim against the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway.
California Personal Injury Law for Govt. Claims
Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental entity must be filed within 180 days of the incident. If you do not file in time, the statute of limitations will expire, and you’ll lose the right to seek compensation.
If your injuries resulted from a dangerous roadway, call our Orange County bicycle accident attorneys for a free case evaluation. Call 949-203-3814 today. We have decades of experience handling bicycle accident cases and a winning record.
Contact An Experienced Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Our law firm is committed to ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. We are a member of multiple bicycle safety organizations throughout Orange County. Bisnar Chase has represented tens of thousands of clients in the past four decades, most in California, and has collected over $850 million in settlements and verdicts.
Our legal team is dedicated and experienced, with a passion for plaintiff justice. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, don’t hesitate to contact our Orange County bike injury attorneys for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation. Call 949-203-3814.
