A Brief Summary of the Following Page
- Bicycling Laws: California’s bicycle laws, including the Three Feet for Safety Act and requirements for riding direction, lane usage, visibility, and helmet use, are crucial for establishing the duty of care and proving negligence in bicycle accident claims.
- Available Damages: Victims of bicycle accidents may pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Comparative Negligence: If you are partially responsible for a bicycle accident in San Diego, you may still recover damages with California’s comparative negligence system.
- How a Lawyer Can Help: Offering unparalleled legal support, Callahan & Blaine’s record-breaking verdicts and insurance expertise position us as strong support for bicycle accident victims, focusing on achieving maximum compensation while clients concentrate on recovery.
- To learn more about how we would approach your claim, call us at 714-241-4444 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Riding your bike around San Diego can be more affordable and environmentally conscious. With California initiating more cyclist-friendly projects, you can feel safer on the roads. However, even with these projects and more bike lanes available, drivers and other parties still neglect their duty to act responsibly and safely, causing accidents and injuries. If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own, our Callahan & Blaine San Diego bicycle accident lawyers are here to help.
In our 40 years as a law firm, our robust 29-lawyer team has achieved remarkable results for our clients, including the bad faith insurance judgment in Orange County history worth $58 million. This track record of success and our unbeatable comprehensive services give you peace of mind while you focus on recovery. Our trusted team handles every aspect of your claim with the utmost care and attention, utilizing our advanced negotiation and litigation skills to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve every step of the way.
5 Important California Bicycle Laws
As a bicyclist filing a claim, knowing your rights and the laws that may apply to your case is essential. Our knowledgeable San Diego bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand these aspects of your claim, which may include the following:
- Three Feet for Safety Act: The Three Feet for Safety Act requires all drivers to give bicyclists at least a three-foot buffer when passing them. If they cannot provide this amount of space, they must slow down and only pass when it is safe to do so.
- Same Direction: Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, keeping as far to the right as possible if no bike lane is available.
- Bicycle Lanes: Bicyclists must ride in the bike lanes if they go slower than traffic. If moving faster than traffic, passing other bicyclists, or preparing for a turn, they may ride in the lane of traffic. Motor vehicle drivers should not drive in bike lanes.
- Visibility: Bicycles or bicyclists must remain visible at night, so California requires a white light ahead, a red light behind, reflectors on the pedals, and reflectors on the front or back of bicycles.
- Helmets: Bicyclists under 18 must wear a helmet in California. Those over 18 do not legally have to wear one, but it is highly recommended.
These laws help establish a duty of care for bicyclists and drivers in California, so we may use them to prove the at-fault party neglected this duty and directly caused the accident and your injuries. Our attentive San Diego bicycle accident lawyers also conduct a detailed investigation to build a strong claim and hold the liable party accountable for their negligence.
Potentially Recoverable Damages After a San Diego Bicycle Accident
Due to your lack of protection as a bicyclist, injuries from a collision can impact your life physically, emotionally, and financially. These damages deserve recognition and reimbursement, so our bicycle accident lawyers in San Diego fiercely advocate for a just settlement. Based on your injuries and how they have affected you, you may recover the following costs:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from missed work
- Emotional distress
- Ambulance ride
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
We understand your injuries can have long-lasting effects, so when calculating your claim’s value, we consider every detail to ensure you do not settle for a lowball offer from insurance companies. Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages. With California’s comparative negligence system, each party involved receives a percentage of fault, which gets taken from their respective damages. Our knowledgeable San Diego bicycle accident lawyers understand this system and ensure you obtain a fair settlement.
How a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, and you deserve to focus on recovery instead of worrying about the intricate legal process. With the help of the dedicated bicycle accident lawyers at Callahan & Blaine, you can take the time you need to heal while knowing your claim is in the right hands. Our San Diego bicycle accident attorneys manage every aspect of your case with precision, providing the following benefits to you and your claim:
RECORD-BREAKERS
We have achieved unprecedented results for our clients, including the largest jury verdict in Orange County history worth $934 million. We also secured a stunning 12-0 defense jury verdict after a two-month trial in a major employment case brought against one of Orange County’s largest corporations. With these record-breaking verdicts, you can rely on us to handle your claim effectively and work hard to obtain the compensation you deserve.
VALUABLE INSURANCE INSIGHT
With one of the leading insurance experts in the U.S., Edward Susolik, as our managing partner, we have vast insurance knowledge that can further strengthen your claim. We work closely with you to help you understand insurance policies and the tactics they use to undermine your claim. This gives us the edge to negotiate on your behalf and create innovative strategies to stand up to adjusters.
TRIAL EXPERIENCE
At our core, we are trial lawyers with extensive experience in a courtroom. Therefore, if your claim needs to go to court, our robust legal team is prepared to present your case and speak to a judge and jury on your behalf.
Seek Guidance from the Reputable San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine
Dealing with insurance adjusters and the complex legal process after a San Diego bicycle accident is not easy, but our dedicated San Diego bicycle accident lawyers at Callahan & Blaine are here to take these burdens off your shoulders. Using our years of experience, knowledge, and resources, our San Diego bicycle accident attorneys create a personalized plan based on your needs that significantly improves your chance of securing maximum compensation.
Our 40-year legacy and exceptional services demonstrate our ability to take on your bicycle accident claim and protect your best interests. To learn more about how we would approach your claim, call us at 714-241-4444 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
