San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyer
| Feher Law
- Top Rated Trial Firm
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
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Recent legislation has introduced enhanced safety measures for cyclists, mandating that drivers must switch to an adjacent lane when feasible to overtake bicyclists. This builds upon the existing rule requiring a minimum distance of three feet between cars and bikes during overtaking maneuvers. These updates aim to foster safer interactions between motorists and cyclists on the road.
However, this isn’t always the case. In the unfortunate event of a bicycle accident, it’s best to get help from a San Bernardino bicycle accident lawyer. With a deep understanding of both local traffic laws and the unique challenges faced by bicyclists, our team is here to provide expert guidance and aggressive representation.
We strive to ensure that every client receives the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses, helping them navigate through this difficult time with professionalism and care.
Key Takeaways
- California Vehicle Code §21200 gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers – a motorist who violates traffic law and hits a cyclist is typically fully liable.
- Bicycle accident injuries are often catastrophic because cyclists have no physical protection – TBI, spinal injuries, and road rash are common and case values reflect that.
- You have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1.
- Helmet use is not required for adults in California, and not wearing one does not eliminate your right to compensation – though it may affect damages for head injuries.
- Feher Law handles bicycle accident cases on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Choose Feher Law
Selecting Feher Law for your bicycle accident representation brings distinct advantages, uniquely positioning us above other firms with our tailored approach to such complex matters:
- Reliability: We simplify the legal process on your behalf by gathering compelling evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and guiding you toward medical care options that expedite and enhance your recovery from injuries sustained in the collision.
- Compassionate Representation: Every client is met with compassion and empathy; we recognize the uniqueness of each situation and commit to providing supportive, empathetic legal advocacy throughout your journey toward recovery.
- Litigation and trial firm: We have the expertise to handle your case from the initial filing of a claim all the way through litigation and trial, if necessary.
- Exceptional experience: Feher Law has secured over $100 million across various personal injury cases. For bicycle accident claims specifically, our firm has settled for $720,000 in July of 2020.
Recent Case Results
Meet Our Team
Thomas Feher, Esq.
Founding Attorney
Stephen Wiard, Esq.
Senior Trial Attorney
Sandy Luu, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Alex Ballard, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Karen Parra, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Chase Nielsen, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Betsy Gomez
Managing Paralegal
Erica Feher
Chief of Operations
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents We Have Experience With
Bicycle accidents in California can result from a variety of factors, often involving complex interactions between cyclists, motorists, and sometimes pedestrians. Here’s a detailed look at some prevalent reasons behind bicycle accidents within the state:
- Vehicle Intersections: A significant number of bicycle collisions occur at intersections where vehicles fail to yield right-of-way to cyclists or do not notice them while turning or crossing. Misjudgments by either party regarding timing or distance can lead to serious accidents.
- Dooring Accidents: These happen when a driver or passenger opens their vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking for approaching bicycles first. Such incidents are particularly common in urban areas with heavy traffic and parked cars along streets.
- Distracted Driving: With the rise in smartphone use, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of all road accidents, including those involving bicycles. Motorists and negligent drivers not fully attentive to their surroundings may overlook cyclists until it’s too late.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time for both drivers and bicyclists alike; higher speeds also increase injury severity if an accident occurs. Speeding vehicles pose significant risks especially in residential neighborhoods popular among cyclists.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces debris—all present hazards that might cause a cyclist to lose control, potentially resulting crash. Other times, poorly designed bike lanes suddenly end with insufficient separation of shared roads contributing to dangerous situations.
How Our San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Law Firm Can Help
With a deep understanding of local California bicycle laws and extensive experience handling similar cases, we’re equipped to offer expert guidance every step of the way. Here is how we can help protect your rights in a bicycle accident claim.:
Gathering Evidence
When gathering evidence after a bicycle accident to determine liability, consider the following key points:
- Photographs of the Scene: Capture images of the accident location, including road conditions, traffic signals, and any obstructions that contributed to the incident.
- Witness Testimonies: Collect names and contact information from people who witnessed the accident. Their accounts can provide crucial insights into how and why the collision occurred.
- Police Report: Obtain a copy of the police report if law enforcement was called to the scene. This document often contains an officer’s assessment of fault.
- Medical Records: Keep detailed records of medical treatments received as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. These documents are vital for linking your injuries directly to the crash.
- Helmet or Gear Damage: Document any damage to your helmet or protective gear which could indicate force impact serve additional proof injury severity.
Our team will handle all of this for you while you recover from the fallout of your bike accident.
Determining Liability
Determining liability after a bicycle accident in California involves a meticulous examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Our experienced bike accident law firm plays an important role in this process:
- Analysis of Accident Reports: We start by reviewing reports from law enforcement agencies that responded to the scene. These documents often contain preliminary assessments of fault based on evidence collected by officers, including statements from involved parties and witnesses.
- Gathering Physical Evidence: The physical evidence at the crash site—such as skid marks, debris distribution, and damage to vehicles or bicycles—can tell much about how an accident occurred. Your personal injury lawyer assigned to your case may visit the scene themselves or consult with accident reconstruction experts to interpret these clues accurately.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can be pivotal in piecing together events leading up to an accident. Attorneys will interview witnesses to corroborate or challenge initial findings reported by police or involved parties.
- Reviewing Video Footage: If available, video recordings from traffic cameras, dashcams, surveillance systems nearby businesses residential areas reviewed This type visual documentation provides unbiased perspective collision dynamics which invaluable establishing sequence actions led to impact.
Calculating Damages For Compensation
Following a bicycle accident in California, victims may be entitled to various types of damages aimed at compensating them for their losses and suffering. These can include:
- Economic Damages: Cover tangible costs such as medical expenses (both past and future), lost wages due to time off work, loss of earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous job, and the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life activities previously engaged in prior to the accident, disfigurement from injuries sustained, and any long-term physical disabilities or impairments resulting from the incident.
- Punitive Damages: Though less common in personal injury cases including bicycle accidents these are awarded intention deter defendant others engaging similar conduct future They only applicable instances where behavior responsible party deemed particularly reckless malicious.
Important Initial Advice After A Bicycle Accident In San Bernardino
Taking the right steps can significantly impact your health and any future claims. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting checked for injuries immediately, even if they seem minor.
- Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement to have an official report filed.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, including road conditions, damages to your bike and any vehicles involved, and visible injuries.
- Collect Witness Information: Obtain contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident; their statements could be crucial later on.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of medical treatments received and any correspondence related to the incident.
- Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene: Statements made in confusion or stress post-accident can impact liability determinations later.
Consult with a knowledgeable bicycle crash attorney as soon as possible from Feher Law to understand your rights and options moving forward.
Deadlines To File Your Bicycle Accident Case
In California, the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a bicycle accident case. Victims have two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action against those responsible for their injuries. This timeframe is key; failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
Given this tight window, it’s essential not to delay seeking legal advice after an accident. Prompt consultation with a lawyer ensures that critical evidence is preserved and that your claim progresses efficiently through necessary pre-filing procedures. An experienced injury lawyer can help navigate these deadlines.
What Can I Expect to Pay For a Personal Injury Attorney?
Our San Bernardino personal injury firm recognizes the financial challenges that often accompany accidents and injuries. To alleviate these concerns, our services are offered on a contingency fee basis, meaning no initial fees are required from you for our legal assistance. Our compensation is contingent upon winning your case; we earn only when you are awarded compensation.
This payment structure enables us to deliver exceptional legal support without contributing to any financial strain during difficult periods. It ensures our goals align with achieving the highest possible outcome for your case since our remuneration is tied directly to securing a favorable settlement or judgment for you.
What to Expect
- Free Case Evaluation: We review the crash circumstances, the driver’s conduct, road conditions, and your injuries at no cost to assess liability and case value.
- Accident Investigation: We obtain the police report, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and road condition records to build a strong liability case.
- Medical Documentation: We help ensure all injuries – including traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and soft tissue damage – are fully documented to support maximum compensation.
- Insurance Negotiation: We push back against insurers who minimize cyclist injuries or try to shift blame. We respond with evidence and refuse lowball offers.
- Trial Representation: If the at-fault driver’s insurer won’t offer fair value, we take your case to a jury. Feher Law has tried 40+ cases including serious bicycle injury claims.
Speak to a San Bernardino Bike Accident Lawyer Today!
Our experienced California bike accident attorneys are ready to provide accident victims with guidance and advocacy tailored to their unique situation. Start on the path toward justice for your accident injuries and injury claim by contacting us today.
Let our dedicated team be your advocate during this challenging time, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Contact us at (310) 340-1112 for immediate assistance to schedule your free consultation.
Last reviewed by Thomas Feher, Esq. – April 2026
Other Locations We Serve
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Services We Offer
Our esteemed and skilled team of San Bernardino bike accident attorneys is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to secure the compensation you deserve.
We specialize in various personal injury areas, including the following:
FAQs
Who is liable if a car hits me while I'm riding my bicycle in San Bernardino?
The driver is liable if they violated a traffic law - such as failing to yield, running a red light, or making an unsafe turn - and that violation caused the crash. Under California Vehicle Code §21200, cyclists have the same right to the road as drivers. If the driver was negligent, you have a valid personal injury claim for all of your damages.
Does not wearing a helmet affect my bicycle accident claim in California?
Adults are not required to wear helmets in California. Not wearing one does not eliminate your right to compensation. However, the defense may argue that head injuries were more severe than they would have been with a helmet, potentially reducing damages for those specific injuries. All other injuries remain fully compensable. An experienced attorney counters this argument effectively.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?
You have 2 years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. If the accident was caused by a road defect on public property - such as a pothole or broken bike lane - a government tort claim must be filed within 6 months. Acting quickly also preserves witness accounts and physical evidence at the crash scene.
What compensation can I recover after a San Bernardino bicycle accident?
Recoverable damages include emergency and ongoing medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and bicycle replacement or repair. Bicycle accident injuries are often severe, and cases frequently result in six or seven-figure recoveries. Feher Law evaluates the full lifetime impact before any settlement.
What if I was hit by a driver who fled the scene?
If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation. California law requires insurers to offer UM coverage, and it applies to hit-and-run accidents. An attorney helps you file a proper UM claim and ensures you receive the full benefits available under your policy.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in San Bernardino?
Call 911 and request medical attention even if you feel fine - adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Photograph the vehicle, the driver, the road, and your bicycle before anything is moved. Collect the driver's license, plate, and insurance information. Get witness contact details. Do not give a recorded statement to the driver's insurer before speaking with a bicycle accident attorney.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
Our team is standing by and ready to assist you. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We will help you determine if you have a case.
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Get The Justice You Deserve
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