If youโve been injured in a bicycle accident in Fullerton, youโre not just dealing with scrapes or a wrecked bikeโyouโre facing pain, mounting bills, and a fight for whatโs fair. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we get it. Whether you were hit while riding along the Fullerton Loop, crossing busy Nutwood Avenue near Cal State, or pedaling through downtown, we know how devastating these crashes can be. You didnโt ask for this, but you donโt have to face it alone.
Our experienced Fullerton bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal maze, stand up to insurance companies, and secure the compensation you deserveโso you can focus on healing. Donโt let your claim slip away or settle for less than youโre owed.
Call us today at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers? Feel The Difference
When youโve been hurt in a bicycle accident in Fullerton, choosing the right attorney can change everythingโturning a lowball offer into the compensation you need to rebuild your life. These cases arenโt simple; theyโre tough, high-stakes fights that demand a law firm with the skill, resources, and track record to stand up for you. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, weโre that firmโtrusted by thousands of Fullerton families. Hereโs why weโre the right choice for your case:
Hands-On, Personalized Care
Big firms might hand you off to paralegals or assistants. Not us. Our attorneys personally manage your caseโdigging into the details of your crash, from medical bills to lost wagesโso you get the maximum recovery possible.
Advocates for You, Not Giant Corporations
Insurance companies often downplay accidents, claiming injuries arenโt โthat badโ to cut their losses. We know their tricks and push back hardโnegotiating fiercely and taking cases to trial if thatโs what it takes to get you whatโs fair.
Nationally Recognized Expertise
Our attorneys arenโt just local players; theyโre respected legal analysts featured on major news networks, sharing insights on high profile cases. Thatโs the level of knowledge we bring to your Fullerton case.
Elite Training, Proven Skill
With education from Harvard Law School and other top-tier ABA-accredited institutions, our team combines world-class training with real-world experienceโgiving you the highest caliber of representation right here in Fullerton.
Results That Matter
Weโve recovered over $1.7 billion for our clients, including substantial settlements for accident victims. We know how to win these cases and secure life-changing outcomes for our clients.
No Costs Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basisโyou donโt pay a cent unless we succeed. No hidden fees, no upfront expensesโjust a commitment to getting you results without adding to your burden.
Fullerton-Focused Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Unlike firms that shuffle cases off to other law offices, we handle every detail ourselves. From the moment you call us our dedicated team is with you, start to finish.
Ready for the Courtroom
Some firms rush to settle and avoid a fight. We build every case as if itโs going to trialโgiving us the upper hand in negotiations and ensuring you walk away with what youโre truly owed.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we understand the pain and uncertainty youโre facing after a your accident. Weโre here to lift that weight, protect your rights, and deliver the justice you deserve.
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
If youโve been injured in a bicycle accident in Fullerton, you may be asking whether hiring a lawyer is necessary. The truth is, you have the option to represent yourself and file a claim on your own. Many consider it. However, navigating personal injury law without experience often leads to disappointing results. Companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, and without a strong advocate, you risk settling for far less than your case is worthโor worse, facing a denied claim.
Thatโs why Fullerton bicycle accident lawyers at West Coast Trial Lawyers make a critical difference. Our personal injury lawyers meticulously gather evidenceโwhether itโs witness accounts or footage from busy Fullerton intersectionsโand ensure every detail strengthens your case.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basisโyou pay nothing unless we secure a victory for you. This makes skilled legal representation accessible, regardless of your financial circumstances. Before accepting any settlement or signing documents from insurance companies, consulting a personal injury lawyer is essential to safeguard your rights under personal injury law.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fullerton
Understanding the primary causes of bicycle accidents in Fullerton is criticalโnot only for preventing future incidents but also for building strong legal cases when crashes occur. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, weโve seen how these factors play out on our cityโs streets.
Here are the most frequent contributors to these often-devastating accidents.
Driver Negligence
Many accidents stem from drivers who fail to respect cyclistsโ rights on the road. Whether itโs not yielding at intersections, running traffic signals, or misjudging a cyclistโs position, these lapses in attention or judgment frequently result in serious collisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is when a driver glances at a phone, adjusts the radio, or even eats behind the wheel and crashes into cyclists as a result. In a moment of inattention, a vehicle can drift into a bike lane or miss a rider entirely, amplifying the risk on Fullertonโs crowded roads.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris are more than inconveniencesโtheyโre threats to cyclists. Poorly maintained streets or sudden obstacles can force riders to swerve or lose control, leading to severe crashes, especially on well-traveled routes.
Equipment Failures
A bicycleโs reliability is only as good as its parts. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical issues can cause a rider to lose control at a critical moment, turning a routine ride into a dangerous incident.
Weather Challenges
Fullertonโs occasional rain or morning fog can reduce visibility and slick up surfaces. For cyclists, these conditions erode traction and make it harder for drivers to spot them, heightening the chance of a collision.
Cyclist Mistakes
While less frequent, errors by cyclistsโlike failing to signal turns, riding against traffic, or misjudging gapsโcan also contribute to accidents. These missteps, though avoidable, underscore the shared responsibility on our roads.
California Bicycle Laws
Familiarity with Californiaโs bicycle laws is essential for both safety and legal accountability, whether youโre a cyclist or a motor vehicle driver sharing the road.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we emphasize these regulations not just for compliance, but because they often play a pivotal role in determining fault after a bike crash. Hereโs what the law requires and why it matters.
Helmet Requirements
Under California Vehicle Code ยง21212, all cyclists under 18 must wear a helmet when riding on public roads, a rule designed to reduce the severity of head injuries in a bike crash.
Cyclists as Road Users
Per California Vehicle Code ยง21200, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means obeying traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markingsโjust like motor vehicles. Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also prohibited, carrying penalties like fines and heightening the chance of a crash.
Visibility at Night
California law (CVC ยง21201) mandates that cyclists use a white front lamp, a rear red reflector, and side reflectors when riding after dark. These requirements ensure visibility to motor vehicles, reducing the likelihood of a collision in low-light conditions.
Motorists and Bike Lanes
Motor vehicle drivers must follow specific rules near cyclists. When making a right turn, California Vehicle Code ยง21717 requires drivers to merge into the bicycle lane firstโsafely and with cautionโto avoid cutting off riders. This protects cyclists from being sideswiped or forced off the road.
Signaling Intent
Cyclists are required to signal turns and lane changes (CVC ยง22107), using hand gestures to communicate with motor vehicle drivers and other road users. Clear signaling fosters predictability, helping prevent misunderstandings that could lead to a bike crash.
These laws arenโt just rulesโtheyโre a framework for safer roads. They demand vigilance from both cyclists and motor vehicle drivers, ensuring shared responsibility. When a crash occurs due to a violationโlike a driver ignoring the right-turn rule or a cyclist skipping signalsโWest Coast Trial Lawyers use this legal foundation to establish liability and fight for the injured.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident can leave you shaken, but taking the right steps immediately afterward strengthens your bicycle accident case. Hereโs what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention โ Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a professional. Your health comes first, and medical records document the impact of the bicycle accident.
- Report the Incident โ Notify the police to create an official record of the bicycle accident, detailing what happened and who was involved.
- Gather Evidence โ Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage. Collect witness contact info if possibleโevery detail helps.
- Keep Medical Records โ Hold onto all medical reports and bills. These are critical for proving damages in your bicycle accident case.
- Contact a Lawyer โ Call West Coast Trial Lawyers before talking to insurance adjusters, weโll guide you and fight for what you deserve.
Acting quickly protects your rights and builds a solid case. Let us handle the restโreach out today.
Types of Compensation Available for Bicycle Accident Victims
If youโve been hurt in a bicycle accident, you shouldnโt be stuck footing the billโor dealing with the fallout alone. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we fight to get you compensation that covers what youโve lost, both in your wallet and your life.
Medical Expenses
Doctor visits, therapy, medsโthose costs stack up fast after a crash. You can claim every dime spent getting back on your feet, plus what you might need down the road. Itโs about making sure youโre not drowning in bills you didnโt ask for.
Lost Wages
Canโt work because of your injuries? You deserve to be paid for that time off, and not just what youโre missing now. If the accident messes with your ability to earn later, thatโs part of the fight too.
The Stuff Thatโs Harder to Measure
Itโs not all about money. The emotional toll, the strain on your relationships, or needing help just to get through the dayโthat counts too. Compensation for emotional distress or loss of companionship recognizes your lifeโs been turned upside down.
Our Fullerton bicycle accident lawyers know how to build a case that reflects what youโre going through. Donโt let a bicycle accident define your futureโcall us to get the compensation you need to move forward.
How to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Fullerton
Filing a bicycle accident claim in Fullerton involves several critical steps, starting with collecting contact and insurance details from the other party and any witnesses. This information is crucial for establishing your personal injury claim.
Collect evidence like photographs, police reports, and medical records to build a strong case. California law allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so act promptly. If insurance negotiations donโt yield a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can leave you with more than just a banged-up bikeโthey can change your life in an instant. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, weโve seen the toll these crashes take, from minor scrapes to catastrophic injuries that linger for years. Hereโs a look at the most common injuries victims face after a bike accident, and why getting help matters.
Broken Bones
A bicycle accident often means hitting the ground hardโor worse, a car. Broken bones are a frequent result, especially in the arms, legs, or collarbone. These injuries might sound straightforward, but they can sideline you for months, racking up medical bills and lost work time. In bicycle accidents, what starts as a fracture can spiral into a bigger fight for recovery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Few things are as devastating as spinal cord injuries from bike accidents. A bad fall or a collision with a vehicle can damage the spine, leading to partial paralysis or chronic pain. These catastrophic injuries donโt just heal with timeโthey demand long-term care and can strip away your independence. We see this too often in bicycle accident cases, and itโs why we fight so hard.
Head and Brain Trauma
Even with a helmet, a bike crash can rattle your skull. Concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries show up in bicycle accidents more than people expect. These can mess with your memory, your focus, or your ability to function day-to-dayโsometimes quietly at first, then as a life-altering burden.
Cuts, Bruises, and Road Rash
The pavement doesnโt forgive. In many bicycle accidents, sliding across asphalt tears skin and leaves deep cuts or road rash. While they might not sound as dramatic as broken bones or spinal cord injuries, infections or scarring can turn these into bigger problems than youโd think.
Speak to Our Fullerton Bicycle Accident Lawyers; For Free!
Donโt let a bike crash leave you buried under medical expenses or fighting an insurance company alone. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our experienced legal team is ready to take on your Fullerton bicycle accident claim and get you the compensation you deserveโwhether itโs for hospital bills, lost wages, or the pain youโre enduring.
As your trusted Fullerton bicycle accident attorney, weโll stand up to the tactics insurers use to undervalue your case. Take the first step toward justice with a free consultation.
Call us today at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our online contact form and let our legal team start building your path to recovery. You pay nothing unless we win
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents
Why Do I Need a Fullerton Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
When you hire legal representation, your lawyer can effectively gather evidence, negotiate with your insurance provider, and maximize your compensation, ensuring your rights are protected. This dedicated legal support can be extremely vital for achieving a fair outcome after an accident.
How Is Liability Assessed in a Bicycle Accident?
Liability in a bicycle accident is determined by evaluating negligence and duty of care, with California’s comparative negligence rule enabling claims even if the injured party shares some fault. It’s crucial to understand these principles to navigate any legal proceedings effectively.
How Much Will I Get in a Settlement for a Bike Accident?
The amount you will be awarded for your settlement will depend on different factors such the severity of your injuries and the scale of the accident. For example, bike accident cases where the victim has sustained serious injuries with long-term health complications such as a brain or spinal cord injury can earn anywhere within the six figure range.
