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Irvine Bicycle Accident Injury Attorneys

California is the state with one of the highest bicycle accident statistics and fatalities, with Orange County being one of the highest counties in the state. Bicycle accidents are very common in Irvine, and could lead to severe injuries with permanent effects. 

If you or a loved one have been hit by another oncoming vehicle while riding a bicycle, you have the right to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions. Currently, the Department of Transportation is estimating that these numbers will be much higher in 2023, especially in the summer of 2023. 

Call our top rated Irvine attorneys today for more information on how we can help you get the care that you deserve. Irvine has busy intersections and city streets, which could pose a huge collision risk for bicyclists. There are several different types of vehicles that try to share the road in Irvine, including:

It is essential to have an experienced Irvine bicycle attorney on your side to help you through the legal process. After suffering injuries from a bicycle accident, your number one priority should be getting back on track and attending all your medical appointments. you should not have to worry about communicating with opposing counsel, or insurance adjusters. Our top rated Orange County lawyers will take care of the legal stress and hassles for you. We have been doing this for several decades, and work to make sure that our clients get the Justice they deserve.

Although California’s roadways have several regulations in place to prevent bicycle accidents, accidents are still bound to happen. When riding a bicycle, there are specific steps that you should take to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.

Irvine Bicycle Laws

Below are some common in general laws that apply to all bicyclists in Irvine, California.

  • Helmets: Riders under the age of 18 are required by law to wear a helmet at all times. The helmet must properly fit the bicyclist’s head and must be a helmet approved under the Department of Transportation. For more information on approved helmets, visit the Department of Transportation bicycle website. But, bicyclists older than 18 years of age do not need to wear a helmet.  Although it is not required that you wear a helmet over 18, our attorneys recommend you take proper safety measures to prevent a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are a very common injury that result from bicycle and vehicle collisions since the bicyclist is thrown off their bike and onto the floor. When this happens, and the bicyclist does not have a helmet to protect their head, severe head injuries may result.
  • Lights: bicyclists must follow all traffic rules as standard drivers. This means stopping at red lights, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to other oncoming vehicles.
  • Bike Lanes: Irvine bicyclists must always use a bike lane when there is one near them. But, in the event that there is no bike lane on the street, bicyclists are required to ride all the way to the left.
  • Reflectors: Irvine bicyclists must have a front and a back light reflector at all times. These reflectors not only are used during nighttime hours but during sunny daytime hours as well when it could be especially bright, making it hard for other motorists to see the bicyclists.

It is very important for bicyclists to follow these above Irvine bicycle laws. Failure to follow these laws could increase a bicyclist’s risk of being involved in an accident.

Irvine Bicycle Laws for Motorists

Other motorists must provide ample passing distance, usually 3 ft, for other bicyclists to pass. Also, motorists should give the right of way to bicyclists who are on the far right side of the lane.

Irvine Electric Bicycle Laws

Currently, there are also several laws in place that classify each type of electric bicycle. Each ebike has its own requirements and licenses. For example, a Class 1 ebike could only have a maximum speed of 20 mph. A Class 2 ebike must be propelled by a throttle, and a Class 3 ebike has a  maximum speed of 28 mph. If you have been injured while riding an electric bicycling in Irvine, contact our experienced attorneys today. 

What kind of compensation could I receive for my Irvine bicycle accident?

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident caused by another party’s negligent actions, you are entitled to a variety of compensation, including:

  • Economic damages:  these are damages that are measurable, and could be proved through invoices and receipts. this includes medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, damage to the bicycle, and other property damage. 
  • Non-economic damages: these types of damages are not easily calculated or could be a bit difficult for the courts and parties to quantify. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. 

Can bicyclists ride their bike on a sidewalk in Irvine?

Generally, it is legal to ride your bicycle on a sidewalk in Irvine unless it is specifically outlawed. Look for posted signs on the sidewalk, usually, they may say no riding. But, bicyclists who are using the sidewalk must provide space to oncoming pedestrians.

What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Irvine?

The most common causes of bicycle accidents in Orange County are:

  • Speeding
  • Low visibility
  • Motorists failing to comply with traffic laws
  • Distracted driving
  • Under the influence of alcohol or drugs (link DUI accident Irvine) 
  • Poor road conditions 

What are common injuries caused by a bicycle accident in Irvine?

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Road rash
  • Lacerations
  • Internal bleeding
  • Fractures
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Nerve damage  

How can I prevent a bicycle accident in Irvine?

  • Although it is not required for those over the age of 18, our attorneys recommend that you always wear a helmet and cover your head.
  • If driving during the night time, make sure to wear reflective clothing or clothing that has lights to increase your visibility with other motorists.
  • Prior to making any turns, make sure you use signals or communicate with other vehicles to alert them on what your next move may be.
  •  Irvine city streets could get very complex and difficult to ride on. Prior to riding your bicycle, make sure you are familiar with the area and know the proper bike lanes in Irvine. 

Irvine bicycle accident attorney near me

Our Irvine bicycle accident attorneys offer one-on-one complimentary case evaluations to review your accident details and determine what other parties could be negligent. Sometimes, the  motorist is not always the negligent party. There are other circumstances and parties that could be at fault. For example, if you were riding your bicycle on the road, and there was a bump in the road, and you then collided with another vehicle, the department responsible for maintaining the roads and streets could be liable. Other parties that could also be held liable include:

  • Bicycle manufacturer:  if the bicycle accident happened because of a defect, then the bicycle retailer and manufacturer could be held responsible with a product liability lawsuit.
  • Government entity:  if the poor road conditions were responsible for the accident, then the government entity responsible for maintaining and constructing the roads could be held liable in the bicycle accident.
  • Other pedestrians: sometimes, pedestrians who were walking or walking on the bike lanes could be responsible for the bicycle accident.

Since there are several different parties that could be at fault, we recommend that you speak to our Irvine attorneys who have the skill and expertise of representing bicycle accident victims. Call our Irvine legal staff for a free one-on-one case evaluation today.

Heidari Law Group Irvine Practice Areas