Fontana Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Navigating Bicycle Accident Injuries: Expert Guidance from Fontana Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Fontana Bicycle Accident AttorneyCycling offers numerous benefits, from relaxation and exercise to eco-friendly transportation. However, the vulnerability of cyclists in collisions with vehicles often leads to severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Fontana, seeking experienced legal counsel is crucial. Banner Attorneys’ Fontana bicycle accident lawyer provides dedicated support to help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim.

The Stark Reality of Bicycle Accident Statistics

Understanding the risks associated with cycling is essential. Nationally, bicycle accidents result in nearly 1,000 fatalities annually, averaging approximately three deaths per day. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals critical insights:

  • Urban Concentration: Over 70% of fatal bicycle accidents occur in urban settings, highlighting the increased dangers in densely populated areas.
  • Alcohol Involvement: Approximately 35% of fatal bicycle accidents involve alcohol, whether on the part of the cyclist or the motor vehicle driver.
  • Severity of Injuries: While bicycle fatalities represent a smaller percentage of overall traffic deaths, the consequences of a bicycle-vehicle collision are often devastating. Cyclists who survive frequently sustain catastrophic injuries due to their lack of protective encasement.

These statistics underscore the inherent risks cyclists face and the critical need for legal representation following an accident.

California’s “Three Feet for Safety” Law: Enhancing Cyclist Protection

Recognizing the vulnerability of cyclists, California has implemented the “Three Feet for Safety” law. This legislation mandates that motorists maintain a minimum of three feet of distance when passing cyclists, aiming to reduce the risk of collisions and enhance cyclist safety. This law is an important tool that an experienced lawyer will use when representing a cyclist.

  • 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.

Despite the efforts of California lawmakers, few motorists seem to be aware of the law, and enforcement of it is spotty, at best. If a violation is indeed issued, the penalties themselves are hardly a deterrent. According to California AB-1371, violations of the rule are considered only an infraction and are punishable by a fine of a mere thirty-five dollars ($35). In the event a collision occurs between a motor vehicle and a bicycle causing bodily injury to the operator of the bicycle, and the driver of the motor vehicle is found to be in violation, a two-hundred-twenty-dollar ($220) fine shall be imposed on that driver. These mild punishments are not viewed by victims as a suitable consequence.

How Inland Empire Bicycle Accidents Happen

Fontana bicycle accident attorneysFontana bicyclists have just as much right to the road as motor vehicles such as motorcycles, autos, and trucks. In California, bicyclists’ rules are categorized under the same obligations of the vehicle code that applies to other motorists. As such, they have to follow all the same traffic laws, just like any other vehicle. Despite being as careful as possible, accidents can and do happen. Some of the most common types of bicycle accidents are:

As a good rule of thumb, drivers should leave at least three feet between themselves and bicyclists if they are passing a rider who is on the right side of the road. Blatant failure to observe this “unwritten” rule and inattentiveness is the main cause of sideswiping accidents.

This signifies any incident where vehicles and bicycles collide front end to back end and vice versa. This could occur if a motorist makes a sharp, unexpected stop causing you to hit the rear of their vehicle, or if a vehicle does not stop in time and impacts the back of your cycle.

This indicates an accident wherein a vehicle passes you on your left and then makes a quick “hooking” right turn, cutting you off and forcing you to hit them, or directly hitting you.

This is when a car pulls out, making a right turn from a driveway, side street, or parking lot directly into your path, or physically striking you.

Much like the above, this is when a vehicle which is traveling from the opposite direction, coming towards you and unexpectedly turns left in front of or into you.

The negligent maintenance of public roadways or private property can mean road hazards, debris in the road, or poor general road conditions. This can cause bicycle riders to slide, fall, crash or come into contact with other moving vehicles or stationary objects.

Some bicycle accidents arise from a manufacturer's faulty design or defective production.

Why Choose Banner Attorneys for Your Bicycle Accident Claim?

At Banner Attorneys, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a bicycle accident can take. Our Fontana bicycle accident lawyers possess:

  • Expertise: Deep knowledge of California traffic laws, including the “Three Feet for Safety” law, and extensive experience handling bicycle accident cases.
  • Experience: A proven track record of successfully representing injured cyclists and securing fair compensation for their losses.
  • Authoritativeness: We stay updated on the latest legal developments and safety guidelines related to cycling.
  • Trustworthiness: We prioritize clear communication, compassionate support, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Banner Attorneys today for a consultation and let our experienced Fontana bicycle accident lawyers advocate for your rights. Our compassionate team of Fontana Personal Injury Attorneys are experienced litigators. We know California law. We understand how the law applies to seeking justice against someone who wrongfully caused you injury and to obtaining compensation for your losses. Bicycle accidents can come with minor property damage, but MAJOR injuries.

Call Our Fontana Bicycle Accident Lawyer For Exceptional Legal Representation

Bicycling is an important part of our lifestyle at Banner Attorneys. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in the Inland Empire, please contact our office today at (909) 681-1622 to speak with a Fontana Bicycle Accident Lawyer.  Let us fight for your rights 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. We have almost two decades of experience and our attorneys have what it takes to handle your injury case. Call today for a free confidential consultation, or fill out our convenient online form.