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San Clemente Bicycle Accident Lawyer
With its beautiful coastline and climate, San Clemente is a perfect place to enjoy a bike ride. Sadly, not every trip ends well. Cyclists are at significant risk when they share the road with drivers. Even though bicyclists have the same rights as motorists on the roads, drivers do not always watch out for those on bikes. When they fail to see a cyclist in their path, it results in a crash and leaves the biker with serious injuries.
All injured cyclists must understand that when a negligent driver has caused their accident, they are able to file a claim for compensation. These claims are notoriously difficult, however. If you were hurt, you should speak to a San Clemente bicycle accident lawyer that could help you receive the full amount of compensation you deserve. Let a dedicated personal injury attorney advocate for you.
California Bicycle Laws
Under the California Vehicle Code, bicyclists enjoy the same rights as motorists on the roads. They may ride on the right-hand side of the street and must move with the flow of traffic and not against it.
All bicyclists in California should understand these laws. Not only does it help prevent an accident, but it could also protect a claim in the future if a crash does occur.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
There are many ways a cyclist might become hurt while on their bike. The most common causes of accidents, however, are due to a driver’s negligence.
Negligence takes many forms, including:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists
- Intruding on bike lanes
- Failing to stop at an intersection
- Dooring, when a parked motorist opens their door into a biker’s path
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
Although these are the most common causes of bike accidents, these crashes do not always occur due to a driver’s negligence. When roadways have large potholes or debris, or a road is poorly designed, it could also lead to a bicycle accident. When this is the case, it is sometimes possible for cyclists to file a claim against a municipality or government agency.
Determining Liability After a Bicycle Accident
When injured cyclists wish to file a claim for compensation for their injuries, they must prove another party was liable or at fault for the accident. Determining liability is often the most challenging part of personal injury claims, and those involving bicycle accidents are no different.
An experienced San Clemente bicycle accident lawyer understands the various ways to prove liability. A seasoned lawyer could use accident reports or citations to show a driver was speeding, impaired, distracted, or otherwise careless.
An attorney could also speak to eyewitnesses, whose testimony is crucial in bicycle accident cases. If there are businesses nearby that could have caught the accident on their video surveillance footage, an attorney could also subpoena this documentation.
In a Bike Crash? A San Clemente Bicycle Accident Attorney Could Help
If someone else caused an accident that resulted in injuries while on your bike, a San Clemente bicycle accident lawyer could help your case. Attorneys know drivers do not always uphold the rights of cyclists, and that this is a common cause of accidents. If a motorist has infringed on your rights, a legal representative could hold them accountable for paying compensation.
Attorneys could also assist with claims filed against government entities, some of the most difficult claims to pursue. Time may be running out, so do not wait. Call today.