Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Orange

Bicycling is a great way to get around, becoming increasingly popular yearly. However, with the increase in popularity comes an increase in bicycle accidents. If you are injured in a bike accident in the city of Orange, it’s vital to know your rights and what steps to take next. An Orange County bicycle accident lawyer at the Dominguez Firm can help guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call today for your free consultation at (800) 818-1818.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?

First and foremost, if you are injured, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Once you have been seen by a doctor and have received any necessary medical treatment, the next step is to contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. 

The bicycle accident attorney you choose will be tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding your accident and building a strong case on your behalf. If the negligent party refuses to cooperate or offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will not hesitate to take them to court. You should also avoid giving any statements to insurance companies until you have spoken with your lawyer. Insurers are notorious for looking for any reason to deny claims or reduce payouts, so it’s best to let your lawyer deal with them directly. 

Injuries Suffered in Orange County Bicycle Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you may wonder what injuries are most common. Here, we’ll look at some of the most common injuries in Orange County bicycle accidents.

Head Injuries

One of the most serious types of injuries that can be suffered in a bicycle accident is a head injury. Because cyclists are not enclosed in a metal frame (like a car), bicycle accident victims are much more vulnerable to suffering severe head injuries in the event of an accident. Head injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries that can have lifelong effects. If you have suffered a head injury in a bicycle accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Spinal Injuries

Another severe type of injury that can be suffered in a bicycle accident is a spinal injury. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis and can dramatically impact every aspect of bicycle accident victims. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury in a bicycle accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately and to consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are another common injury that can be suffered in a bicycle accident. Soft tissue injuries include any type of damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons, and can range from minor strains and sprains to more serious injuries such as torn ligaments or ruptured tendons. Soft tissue injuries can often be painful and debilitating, and may require extended periods of rest and physical therapy to recover from. 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the experienced team at The Dominguez Firm today for help. Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf to help you secure the maximum compensation possible under the law. Call us today at (800)818-1818 to schedule a free consultation. 

Bicycle Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries

Every day, cyclists hit the streets of Orange, CA to enjoy the sunny weather and get some exercise. Unfortunately, this healthy activity can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 857 pedalists were killed in traffic accidents in 2018. That’s more than 2 people every day. 

Even more alarming is that bicycle accident fatalities have increased in recent years. There are several reasons for this increase, including more people cycling for recreation and commuting and distracted drivers who are not paying attention to their surroundings. 

No matter the cause, one thing is clear: bicycle accidents can have severe consequences. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to understand the potential injuries you may be facing and how to get the compensation you deserve. 

Frequent Risk Factors for Bike Crashes in the OC

If you were in a bike crash in Orange County, you’re not alone. In fact, California leads the nation in bicycle accident fatalities. While some accidents are beyond our control, there are many things we can do as cyclists to reduce our risk on the roads. By understanding the most common risk factors for bike crashes, we can take proactive steps to avoid them. 

Risk Factor #1: distracted driving 

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, distracted driving is a leading cause of bicycle accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road to text, talk on the phone, or fiddle with the radio, they put everyone around them in danger. As cyclists, we can’t control whether or not drivers are paying attention. But we can stay aware of our surroundings and avoid riding near cars whenever possible. 

Risk Factor #2: impaired driving 

Drunk driving is a serious problem on California roads. When drivers are drunk, they can’t drive well. This is a danger to everyone on the road, but it’s especially dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Risk Factor #3: poor road conditions 

Potholes, cracks, and debris on the road can cause serious accidents for cyclists. Most of us have probably experienced flat tires or handlebar-shaking vibrations from hitting a pothole at high speed. To avoid these hazards, stick to quieter side streets and be on the lookout for any potential dangers. If you see a pothole or other hazard, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to react. 

Risk Factor #4: riding without a helmet 

Whether you’re new to bicycling or have been riding for years, it’s essential to always wear a helmet when you hit the road. Head injuries are some of the most severe injuries resulting from bike accidents, but wearing a helmet can significantly reduce your risk. Studies show that helmets are up to 85 percent effective at preventing head injuries during bike accidents. 

If you don’t already own a helmet, find one that’s comfortable and fits snugly without being too tight. You should also make sure that your helmet has an expiration date—most helmets need to be replaced every five years due to damage from sun exposure and other wear and tear factors.  

By understanding the most common risk factors for bike crashes, we can take proactive steps to avoid them. Whether being extra cautious near traffic or making sure our helmets are up-to-date, small changes in our behavior can have a big impact on our safety on the roads.

Driver Negligence and Bicycle Accidents in Orange County

If you’re a cyclist in Orange County, CA, you know how dangerous the roads can be. From close calls with careless drivers to full-on collisions, it seems like cyclists are in danger daily. And all too often, these accidents are caused by driver negligence. 

Before we get into the dangers of driver negligence, let’s first define what driver negligence is. In short, driver negligence is when a driver fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would under the same circumstances. This can take many forms, but some of the most common examples include distracted driving, speeding, and running red lights. 

How Does Driver Negligence Lead to Bicycle Accidents? 

All too often, driver negligence is to blame for bicycle accidents. For example, if a driver is texting while behind the wheel and doesn’t see a cyclist on the road, they could easily collide with them. Or, if a driver is speeding and runs a red light, they could T-bone a cyclist crossing the intersection. In both cases, the cyclist would likely be seriously injured or even killed due to the driver’s negligence. 

What Can You Do if You’re Injured in a Bicycle Accident Caused by Driver Negligence? 

If you’re injured in a bicycle accident caused by driver negligence, you can do a few things. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately. Then, once you’re able to do so, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at The Dominguez Firm who can help you get the maximum compensation for your cycling accident. 

How to Win a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in California

1. Gather evidence

This is perhaps the most critical step in winning any kind of personal injury claim. You’ll need as much evidence as possible to prove that the other party is at fault—witness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, medical records documenting your injuries, etc. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better. 

2. Hire a powerhouse team of bicycle accident lawyers

While it’s certainly possible to represent yourself in court, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney will give you the best chance of success. Personal injury lawyers with expertise in bicycle accident cases will know how to effectively evaluate your claim, build a strong case against the other party, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. 

3. Be prepared for a long battle

Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with, and they will do everything in their power to deny or minimize your claim. If you’re not prepared for a legal battle, you’re likely to end up disappointed with the outcome of your case. Luckily, if you followed step 2, you will have secured a team of bicycle accident lawyers ready to fight on your behalf.

Let The Dominguez Firm Help Protect Your Rights as a Bicyclist

If you are injured in a bike accident, you must know your rights and what steps to take next. An Orange County bicycle accident lawyer can help guide you through the process and ensure you receive the greatest compensation. Let The Dominguez Firm help protect your rights as a bicyclist. Call today for your free consultation at (800) 818-1818.