OC Bicycle Accident Attorney

Negotiations with Insurance Companies: In most personal injury lawsuits, including bicycle accidents, insurance companies are involved. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements if you agree not to sue immediately, but these initial offers typically fall short of providing fair and complete compensation. Our legal team, comprising experienced attorneys, knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure they pay what they owe.

• • Providing a Neutral Perspective: Bicycle accidents can be emotionally traumatic. During the healing process, you may lose the ability to view the situation objectively. You might refuse consultations with attorneys, believing there’s no way to receive compensation, or you might think you deserve more than you do. Hiring an experienced attorney ensures you receive a neutral perspective that accurately informs you about your compensation claims and awards.

California law allows bicycle accident victims to receive compensation for injuries caused by another person’s negligence. Calculating specific damages for a bicycle accident claim can be one of the most complex aspects of preparing a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced and competent bicycle accident attorney can help determine the compensation you may demand according to the law. Jimmie W. Kang, a bicycle accident attorney, is prepared to help you obtain the maximum compensation for your claim.

California Vehicle Code VC 21201 addresses bicycle requirements:

• Functional Brakes: Riding a bicycle with defective brakes is illegal and dangerous.
• Handlebars: Must be appropriately sized for the rider and not higher than the rider's shoulder height.
• Nighttime Riding Requirements: Bicycles must have lamps or headlights visible from 300 feet away from the front or side and red reflectors on the rear visible from at least 500 feet away. Pedals must have white or yellow reflectors.

Anyone involved in a bicycle accident in California has two years to file a lawsuit for damages. If you fail to file within this period, a judge may dismiss your claim. Exceptions may apply if the injured party becomes incapacitated or mentally incompetent, or if injuries become apparent later. Minors involved in a bicycle accident can file until they turn 20, with the statutory period beginning on their 18th birthday.

If you’re unsure about your claim, Jimmie W. Kang, a bicycle accident attorney, can help you decide whether and when to file your claim. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can help prevent your statute of limitations from expiring.

In California, fault lies entirely with the negligent party responsible for all damages. "Fault" is defined as the failure to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances.

To prove a driver's negligence, there must be property damage or personal injury resulting from the collision, and it must be proven that the collision occurred due to the negligent actions of either the driver or the cyclist. In cases of shared fault, California uses a pure comparative fault model to determine compensation based on the percentage of fault.

Bicycle accidents with vehicles can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Failure to Yield: The most common cause is drivers failing to yield to bicycles on bike lanes.
• Visibility Issues: Drivers may not easily see bicycles, leading to accidents.
• Door Collisions: Occur when a driver opens their door without checking for cyclists, causing serious injuries.