San Diego Bicycle Accidents Attorneys
Bike Accident Injury Lawyers in Southern California
When a bicyclist is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, it is usually the bicyclist that is most injured. The human body offers little protection from several thousand pounds of metal in motion. Bike accidents can result in very serious injuries and fatalities. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by driver negligence or recklessness, you are entitled to compensation. At the personal injury law firm of Martinez & Schill LLP, we are experienced in helping injured bicyclists obtain full compensation for their injuries. Whether we are negotiating with insurance companies or arguing your case before a judge, our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers vigorously represent clients’ rights.
The City of San Diego has been taking measures to make San Diego a bike friendly location. That said, driver awareness and willingness to share the roadway are key elements in keeping cyclist safe on our roadways. At Martinez & Schill LLP we are well versed in handling bicycle accident cases representing injured cyclist throughout Southern California.
Bike and Car Accidents in California
Biking is a popular pastime and mode of transportation throughout Southern California. According to the California Vehicle Code, drivers are obligated to share the road with bicycles just like they share the road with other cars. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Bicycle accidents have many causes including:
- Failure of the driver to maintain the proper distance when passing;
- Driver unable to see the bicycle because of distracted driving;
- Drivers making a turn in front of a bicyclist; and
- Drivers running a stop light or stop sign.
- Driver opening door and hitting cyclist
- Driver failing to yield to cyclist in making a left turn (This accident occurs most often with children crossing at crosswalks)
There are accidents in which the bicyclist may be at least partially at fault for the collisions such as:
- Bicyclist riding on the wrong side of the road;
- Bicyclist failing to stop at stop sign or stop light; or
- Reckless biking.
In California, if the biker was partially at fault, that can reduce the amount of the financial reward. For example, if the judge or jury decide the bicyclist was 50 percent responsible for the accident, then the amount of the award would be reduced by 50 percent. Even when you feel like you share a significant amount of the blame for the accident, it is wise to hire an attorney to investigate. Finding legal assistance immediately is recommended so that your attorney will be able to compile evidence and witness statements while events are still fresh and the accident scene is unchanged.
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a bicycle accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers will answer all your questions and get the ball rolling on your case. Martinez & Schill LLP maintains two regional offices, representing clients throughout Southern California. We have flexible office hours and are available to make “house calls” when your injuries prevent you from traveling.
