Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Santa Ana
A bicycle accident in Santa Ana leaves you with pain and questions, and the unsettling feeling that what happened just wasn’t fair. You don’t have to figure out what’s next all on your own. We’re here to help you get things right.
At Hicks Law Firm, our Santa Ana bicycle accident lawyers have been helping injured cyclists for years. We know what you’re up against and we know how to help. You’ve got enough on your plate dealing with your injuries and recovery. Let us handle the legal fight for you. Learn more about our firm.
Our office is conveniently located at 765 The City Dr S. Suite 120, Orange, CA, making it a quick and easy drive for anyone in Santa Ana and the surrounding Orange County area. We are located near W. Memory Ln and N. Bristol St, and not far from the Santa Ana River.
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Common Injuries After a Bicycle Accident in Santa Ana
When a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide, the cyclist is often the one who suffers the most. The human body, even with a helmet, simply isn’t designed to withstand the force of a car. Here are some of the injuries that can happen:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Internal organ damage
- Facial trauma
- Dental fractures
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains)
- Neck injuries (whiplash)
- Contusions (severe bruising)
- Wrist and hand pain
- Leg fractures
- Clavicle (collarbone) fractures
- Eye injuries
- Abdominal trauma
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Santa Ana?
Bicycle accidents don’t just happen by chance. They almost always stem from someone’s negligence. In Santa Ana, like anywhere else, most bike crashes involving cars happen because drivers fail to pay attention, follow traffic laws, or respect cyclists’ presence on the road. California Vehicle Code 21200 CVC makes it clear: bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
Here are some common ways driver carelessness leads to bicycle accidents:
Distracted Driving
This is a big one. A driver glancing at their phone, fiddling with the radio, or lost in thought can easily miss a cyclist. A moment of distraction can lead to a lifetime of consequences for a bike rider.
Failure to Yield
Drivers frequently fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections, crosswalks, or when making turns. They might assume a cyclist will stop or speed up, or simply not see them. This often happens when a driver makes a left or right turn without adequately checking for oncoming or parallel bicycle traffic.
Unsafe Lane Changes
A driver might change lanes without looking, merging right into a bike lane or hitting a cyclist riding alongside them in a shared lane.
Speeding
When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, including encountering a cyclist. Higher speeds also mean greater impact force in a collision.
“Dooring” Accidents
This is a particularly jarring type of accident that happens too often. A driver or passenger opens their car door directly into the path of an oncoming cyclist. California Vehicle Code 22517 prohibits opening a vehicle door on the side of moving traffic unless it’s “reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic.” This law exists because dooring can cause a cyclist to crash into the door, or swerve into traffic, leading to serious injuries.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and can’t operate a vehicle safely. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the risk to vulnerable road users like cyclists dramatically increases.
Disregarding Traffic Signals and Stop Signs
Just like speeding, running red lights or ignoring stop signs puts everyone at risk. When a driver blows through an intersection, a cyclist lawfully crossing or entering that intersection becomes an immediate target.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, honking, and other aggressive behaviors by drivers can intimidate cyclists and create dangerous situations, sometimes forcing riders off the road or into a collision.
Unsafe Passing
California law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Many drivers fail to maintain this safe distance, leading to side-swipe accidents or forcing cyclists into dangerous positions.
What Does a Bicycle Accident Claim Cover?
When a negligent driver injures you, a claim is how you get money for what you lost. This money is called “damages.” Damages are not just about medical bills. They cover many things that change in your life because of the crash.
A claim can cover your medical treatment, including future medical care if you need it. It also covers money you lose from not being able to work, both now and in the future. Beyond that, a claim can cover your pain and suffering, which is the physical and emotional distress you go through. If your bike was damaged, the claim can also cover the cost to repair or replace it.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?
The law sets deadlines for when you can file a lawsuit. This deadline is called the “statute of limitations.” In California, you generally have two years from the date the negligent driver injured you to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you usually lose your chance to sue.
There are some exceptions to this two-year rule. That is why it’s important to talk with a lawyer quickly to make sure you do not miss any deadlines.
Contact Our Santa Ana Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Dealing with the pain and uncertainty after a bicycle accident is incredibly tough. You might be out of work, facing mounting medical bills, and struggling with the emotional toll of what happened. You shouldn’t have to carry this burden alone, especially when someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
If you or someone you care about was injured in a bicycle accident in Santa Ana, you probably have questions. Get the answers you need and learn how to protect your future.
Call Hicks Law Firm today at 949-541-9944 for a free and private case review, or fill out our contact form. We are here to listen to your story and explain your options.
