Mission Viejo Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Attorney Proudly Serving All of Orange County

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2012, 4,743 pedestrians and 726 bicyclists were killed in car crashes with motor vehicles. Riding a bicycle does pose a risk. Bicycle fatalities represent less than two percent of all traffic fatalities, and yet bicycle trips account for only one percent of all trips in the United States.

Bike riding is a popular activity in Orange County and across the State of California. When a California motorist negligently strikes someone riding a bike, that bicyclist can make a claim against them for his or her damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, disfigurement, lost wages, and other damages from the accident. Biking injuries are often severe when struck by a vehicle, as bikers have nothing protecting them. We see injuries to the back and neck, to multiple fractures, to serious head trauma. Even low impact collisions can cause serious injury.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

• In 2012, the average age of bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles was 43 years old, up from 32 in 1998, and 24 in 1988.
• 88 percent of those killed were male.
• 69 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas.
• 30 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred between 4:00 p.m. and 7:59 p.m.
• 24 percent of bicyclists killed had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 g/dL or higher.

A new law in California passed in September 2014. The law states that drivers must give bicyclists three feet as they pass them on the road. Here’s how the law works:

• The law applies to any place a vehicle passes a bicyclist, regardless of whether there’s a bike lane in the road.
• A law enforcement officer must witness a violation to issue a fine. Bystanders’ accounts or video recordings made by the bicyclist, on a GoPro, for example, are not admissible.
• Violators face at least a $35 fine, and a $220 fine if a collision occurs. Both can increase when court fees are added.
• There is one exception to the new law: If there’s not enough room for a driver to give three feet of space. In that case, they must first slow down before safely passing.

People not only ride bicycles as a form of exercise but as an attractive method to commuting to work or actually a part of their job throughout the day. Comparatively speaking it can be the most economical means of transportation short of walking in Orange County. More and more people are using bicycles to commute in Orange County. With an increase in riding bicycles as a form of transportation unfortunately comes an increase in accidents.

A bicycle accident can be caused from contact with a motor vehicle, either being hit by the motor vehicle or just colliding with a door being opened by an inattentive passenger or driver. Bicycle accidents arise from negligent maintenance of public roadways or negligent maintenance of private property. Lastly, some bicycle accidents arise from a product defect or negligence in the maintenance of the bicycle.

Bicycling is an important part of our lifestyle at Banner Attorneys. We know that many drivers are distracted and disrespectful when it comes to sharing the road with bicyclists. If you or a family member has been involved in a bicycle accident in Orange County, please contact our office today at 855-411-2266 for a free legal consultation. Please allow Banner Attorneys to fight for your rights as a bicyclist on public roads and to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. We can investigate your case in detail in order to assess the full extent of your injuries and to establish liability. With more than 15 years experience, our attorneys have what it takes to handle your bicycle accident case.