Covina Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Covina, CA

The scenery and landscape of Covina, California, lend themselves to a bicycling culture that helps shape the community’s active lifestyle. Residents can commute to work along Citrus Avenue or take weekend rides near the foothills. However, riding comes with risks because of the intersection of heavy suburban traffic.

If you or a loved one gets injured on the road, contact a Covina bicycle accident lawyer at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor to seek the justice you deserve.

The Rising Danger for Cyclists in Southern California

National data reveal that bicycle-rider deaths have seen significant fluctuations over the last few years. A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts bicyclist deaths in motor vehicle traffic crashes at 1,155 for 2023.

In Los Angeles County, the high density of vehicles and frequently distracted drivers creates a risky environment for people who get around the area on two wheels. 2023 also saw 3 victims injured and killed in crashes involving bicycles in Covina. Local traffic patterns in Covina, especially near major roads like Azusa Avenue and San Bernardino Road, can be particularly hazardous.

When a vehicle weighing several thousand pounds hits a bicyclist, the bicyclist almost always sustains a serious injury. This is because bikes don’t have the same structural protections as passenger cars and trucks. A Covina bicycle accident attorney sees and knows firsthand how these incidents disrupt lives. They can work to hold negligent parties accountable for the damages you suffer.

Understanding California Bike Accident Laws

Dealing with the legal aftermath of a collision takes a deep understanding of California’s vehicle code and personal injury statutes. In California, bicycles are considered vehicles for many purposes. This definition gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities that motorists operating passenger cars and trucks have. However, motorists have a heightened duty of care to avoid hitting bicyclists and pedestrians.

As a part of their duty of care, motorists in the Golden State are required to follow the Three-Foot Rule. This rule, under California Vehicle Code 21760, states that motorists must give a bicyclist at least three feet of clearance when passing them by. If they can’t do this because of certain traffic or road conditions, they must slow down and only pass when it’s safe to do so.

Why It’s Necessary to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who recognizes the true value of your claim. An effective attorney knows how to conduct thorough investigations and gather police reports, surveillance footage from Covina businesses, and witness testimonies. When your bicycle accident case is handled by the team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, it can account for:

• Medical expenses you racked up for emergency room visits, surgeries, and physical therapy at Emanate Health Inter-Community Hospital, on West San Bernardino Road, and other facilities
• Lost wages, compensating you for the time you missed from work because you had to recover
• Pain and suffering, which refers to non-economic damages related to the physical pain and emotional trauma you went through
• Property damage, paying you for the costs to repair or replace all the cycling equipment you lost in the collision

Proving Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case

Succeeding in a personal injury claim means showing how the defendant was negligent. Doing so involves establishing that: 

• The driver owed you a duty of care.
• They breached that duty through speeding or some other careless action.
• This breach directly caused your injuries.

Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor can investigate exactly how the collision occurred. This enables us to challenge the narrative provided by the driver or their insurance company with hard evidence. While the results of past cases don’t guarantee future outcomes, we have a commitment to doing everything we can to seek fair compensation for our clients.

FAQs

Who Is at Fault When a Bicyclist Gets Hit in California?

Who is at fault when a cyclist gets hit in California is determined by looking at who violated traffic laws or didn’t act with reasonable care. In many instances, the motorist is at fault for failing to yield or following too closely. However, a bicyclist may share liability if they rode against traffic or ignored a stop sign. California’s pure comparative negligence laws allow for fault to be split between the people involved based on the evidence from the accident.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Bicycle Accident in California?

How much compensation you can get for a bicycle accident in California depends on how severe the injuries sustained in the accident are and the available insurance coverage. A minor accident might settle for medical bills and a small amount of pain, but a catastrophic injury involving permanent disability can lead to significant settlements or verdicts.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in California?

The statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident claim in California is two years from the date of the incident. This is mandated in California Code 335.1 for personal injury cases. There are very few exceptions to this rule, which is why contacting an attorney quickly is essential for protecting your right to file a claim and seek compensation.

What Steps Should an Injured Bicyclist Take Immediately After a Covina Bike Accident?

Immediately after a Covina bike accident, an injured bicyclist should seek medical attention, even if their injuries seem minor. Then, if they’re able, they should document the scene by taking photos of their injuries, the bicycle, the other vehicle involved, and the intersection where it happened. After that, the bicyclist should gather contact and insurance information from the driver and any witnesses.

Contact a Covina Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Waiting too long to file a bicycle accident case can jeopardize your ability to recover any compensation at all. Start a case in a timely manner with Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor.

We can handle the legal process so you can focus on your physical recovery. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact our office today for a consultation to discuss your rights.