Moreno Valley Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Why Empire Accident Attorneys Is the Best Option for You

Serving Moreno Valley and the Inland Empire, Empire Accident Attorneys is the leading personal injury firm specializing in bicycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Our expert team of attorneys is dedicated to representing victims of bicycle accidents caused by negligent drivers. We approach every bicycle accident case with the utmost care and seriousness, and will thoroughly investigate your case so you come out on top.

In addition to our award-winning services, our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any upfront fees until we win the case. We understand that you may be suffering physical and emotional pain after your accident, and we will feel it is in your best interest, and ours, to proceed with transparency. We never side with the insurance company. Contact one of our bicycle accident attorneys in Moreno Valley to schedule a free case evaluation.

Benefits of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Attorney

In situations where a car and a bicyclist collide, the question of fault always comes into a play. Was each driver obeying the road laws? Who turned first? All of these questions will inevitably pop into your mind the minute an accident occurs. With a trusted bicycle accident lawyer on your side, you won’t have to sift through difficult details and murky liabilities. We will help you get the maximum compensation if you suffered severe injuries due to a driver’s negligence. 

After sharing your account of the crash, we will begin a thorough investigation into the details leading up to your bicycle accident. Was the driver on the phone and swerved into the bike lane? Did they speed through a red light? We will obtain a police report of your accident and contact any eyewitnesses to help support your injury claim. 

Here are more reasons why you should hire our law firm to handle your bicycle accident lawsuit.

1. We will investigate your case, gather all relevant evidence, and file a claim on your behalf.
2. We will aggressively pursue fair compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover your medical expenses and other losses. 
3. We will represent you if your case goes to trial. 
4. Our compassionate and diligent team is available 24/7 for all your needs. 

If you’ve been recently injured in an accident, reach out to one of our bicycle accident attorneys in Riverside County as soon as possible to begin the legal process. We promise to help all victims involved in such cases.

How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?

The process of filing a bicycle accident claim against the at-fault driver is never a straightforward one. It can take weeks or even months to negotiate with the parties involved in the accident, not to mention the insurance company who will try to swing the balance in their favor. However, our team of highly trained and professional attorneys tackle even the most complicated cases in pursuit of justice for bicycle accident victims. 

In a bicycle injury case, like any personal injury case, the value of your claim will depend on a variety of factors. The severity of your injuries, cost of medical treatment, and loss of income will all determine the value of your case. 

In cases where fault is determined, the plaintiff is able to recover monetary and non-monetary damages caused by the defendant. These losses include, but are not limited to: 

• Hospital bills
• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering, including loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, PTSD, and emotional trauma
• Property damage
• Ambulance fees

A bike lawyer can help you seek financial compensation by filing a personal injury case. However, you will need to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Accident victims are given two years from the date of the crash to take legal action. If you exceed California’s statute of limitations, you will be no longer eligible to file a claim.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Moreno Valley

The reality of a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle isn’t pleasant, but knowing what causes most accidents will prepare you for the potential dangers ahead. In California, bicycles are considered the same as cars, which means both sides need to respect the same laws at all times. The following are the most common causes of bicycle accidents:

Failure to yield: According to the NHTSA, failing to yield is the number one cause of fatal bike accidents in America. Many drivers treat cyclists as second-class citizens, even though California law stipulates that cyclists have the same rights to the road as motorists. While both parties need to respect the laws, drivers are obliged to drive defensively and obey the law.

Distracted driving: With the popularity of smartphones, drivers are more reckless on the road than ever. This spells disaster when it comes to situations involving a distracted driver and a cyclist. In addition, you may be doing your part to stay alert and focused on the road, but drivers could take part in other common distractions like talking to a friend, replying to emails, or applying makeup. 

Speeding: Drivers who disregard speed laws not only put themselves in danger, but everyone else around them. Excessive speed makes it harder for drivers to slow down, and the impact of a high-speed car with a bicyclist can result in catastrophic injuries.

Lane merging: A car making careless lane changes can be deadly to cyclists. A majority of bike accidents occur when a car merges into bicycle lanes without paying attention. 

Dooring accidents: Dooring accidents occur when a person opens their side car door along the road without looking. Not surprisingly, this happens quite often. Factor in a cyclist pedaling at a high speed and you have a cause for serious injuries. 

Other things to watch out for: moving around traffic areas, changing direction without checking, aggressive behavior, driver fatigue, and driving under the influence. To avoid serious accidents, the city of Moreno Valley offers these safety tips for bicyclists and motorists. Follow these rules the next time you get on a bike. 

What Are the Most Common Bicycle Injuries?

When you’re on a bike, you are far more exposed than within the confines of a car. Unfortunately, this means that injuries sustained in a bicycle accident can be severe and even life-threatening. Common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations and contusions
• Traumatic brain injuries

Even if you follow all the rules, such as wearing a helmet and staying on bike paths, you never know when you could be a victim of a serious bike accident. If you have serious bicycle accident injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t wait to contact a Moreno Valley bicycle accident attorney today.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

Immediately following an accident, you should never just leave the scene or disregard your injuries. It is also crucial to avoid discussing fault at the scene of an accident, as this could hurt your claim in the long run. Oftentimes, people will have different sides of the story, while insurance companies will do their own investigation without consulting you first. Follow these steps if you find yourself in a bike accident: 

• Call the police: Dial 911 immediately following the accident. An officer will arrive on the scene and create a report of the accident, including facts and opinions that may play a big factor in your case. 
• Exchange information: Do not let the driver leave without exchanging information first. Make sure to get their name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. 
• Take photos of the scene: If you have your phone with you, take photos or record videos of the damage, street signs, traffic signals, or any other information that will help support your case. Also, take photos of the damaged bike before repairing or disposing of it. 
• Seek medical care: Even if you feel fine, you must be thoroughly checked out by a doctor. Certain injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, can be subtle and may not show up immediately. However, the consequences for not treating these types of injuries can be fatal.
• Contact a bike accident lawyer: It’s important to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney if you’ve been injured in a bike accident. At the minimum, it’s beneficial to schedule a consultation so any questions you have may be addressed.

It is very important that you leave negotiations to a professional attorney who specializes in personal injury cases such as bike accidents. Insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind and will try to settle your case quickly. Seeking legal advice is one of the best plans of action following a serious accident. To discuss your Moreno valley bicycle accident, contact our legal team today.