The Santa Ana River Trail is a popular bicycle trail because it is paved and therefore suitable for new and seasoned pedal cyclists. Riders looking for mountain biking terrain frequently favor the Stagecoach Road, which is not necessarily marked as a bike trail but features two miles of irresistible scenery and gravel. Accessing these trails often requires cyclists to share the road with cars and trucks. Moreover, once on the trails, some challenges include dealing with pedestrians, navigating around homeless encampments, and avoiding collisions with riders on motorized bicycles.
It is not surprising that accidents happen and pedal cyclists in Anaheim get hurt. The friendly MKP Law Group team focuses on representing accident victims who may have been harmed while cycling. With little gear to protect you from injuries while riding a bicycle, it is critical to work with specialists who help protect your rights after a bike crash. Besides understanding the legal landscape, the team offers a free consultation and represents accident victims on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing up front.
Why You Need an Anaheim Bicycle Accident Attorney
Riders face unique challenges when cycling in Anaheim’s mixed residential and commercial areas. Besides that, many trails cross city boundaries. A good example is the Huntington State Beach to Talbert Regional Park loop that you access via the Anaheim Regional Transportation Center. When crossing into different cities, their bike lanes may have various levels of disrepair that you might not have anticipated. Now, navigating other streets and roads in addition to Anaheim’s, it is easy to get hurt. The MKP Law Group has a proven track record of assisting clients who have been injured in urban cycling accidents. The team puts its experience with Orange County courts and local jurisdictions to work for you.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Anaheim
You have been riding your bicycle in and around Anaheim. Then you got hurt. What does the law say?
What Constitutes a Bicycle Accident Case in Anaheim?
The law defines an Anaheim bicycle accident as a collision involving a bike. This is described as a mode of transportation propelled by human power with one or more wheels. The collision can involve another bicyclist, a motor vehicle, pedestrians, or stationary objects. The law also acknowledges that terrain features can contribute to bike accidents in Anaheim.
When gauging the resulting injuries of a bike accident, the law applies four elements that constitute negligence in California.
- A duty of care that the defendant has.
- A breach of duty that indicates the defendant failed in the duty of care.
- Causation, which connects the defendant’s actions to the plaintiff’s injuries.
- Damages resulting from the defendant’s negligence, including economic and non-economic losses.
In the OC, the law applies the principle of pure comparative fault, which means that an injured bicyclist can recover damages even if they are partially to blame for the accident.
Bicycle Accident Statistics and Trends in Anaheim
While DC, Delaware, and Florida lead the nation in pedal cyclist fatalities, California comes in fourth. In Anaheim, there were 120 bicycle-related collisions in the most recent data analysis. The collision rate translates to 0.35 per 1,000 residents, which is below the Orange County average but worrisome.
Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Anaheim
What is hurting Anaheim’s pedal cyclists? There is driver negligence, which we define as the motorist’s failure to yield right-of-way. However, bicycle riders also contribute to accidents by riding on the wrong side of the road. Both defendants and plaintiffs may violate traffic signal and sign rules. Moreover, there are improper turning maneuvers and distracted driving in commercial corridors.
High-Risk Areas for Bicycle Accidents in Anaheim
We have already discussed the area around Stagecoach Road and the Santa Ana River Trail. That said, there are additional corridors and intersections that are particularly dangerous for bicyclists.
- Harbor Boulevard and its major cross streets.
- Lincoln Avenue and the surrounding commercial district.
- Katella Avenue, particularly near Angel Stadium.
- Beach Boulevard’s intersections.
- The State College Boulevard corridor.
Of course, there are additional areas that may be risky for pedal cyclists. Examples include the Downtown Anaheim entertainment district, the neighborhoods around Canyon High School, and the Platinum Triangle centered around Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. To be fair, accidents can occur anywhere where drivers park their cars and open the doors without checking, fail to check their blind spots, or have some confusion about traffic laws.
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries in Anaheim
Because pedal cyclists lack the protection that a vehicle’s airbags and crumple zones provide, they may be subject to catastrophic injuries. Even when wearing protective gear, there is still the chance of severe injuries. You may encounter road rash, broken bones, or concussions. Depending on the crash’s force, you may also have to deal with soft tissue damage, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, or head trauma. In the most severe cases, pedal cyclists may succumb to fatal collisions.
Immediate Steps After an Anaheim Bicycle Accident
While at the accident scene, get yourself to safety. Contact the Anaheim Police Department to coordinate emergency medical response, preserve evidence, and take your report. If you are able, get witness names and contact information. Whenever possible, take pictures of the accident scene.
It is critical to get medical assistance. Even though you may not feel pain right now, this may be adrenaline masking physical damage. Nearby facilities, such as the UC Irvine Medical Center or Kaiser Anaheim, offer medical evaluations and help you document your injuries. Eventually, an insurance settlement negotiator may contact you. Consider consulting with an Anaheim bicycle accident lawyer to protect your legal rights before you agree to or sign anything.
Legal Framework for Anaheim Bicycle Cases
California bicycle laws prevail in Anaheim. For example, state law requires anyone under 18 to wear an approved helmet. You are required to know and follow bike lane usage and shared roadway rules. You are also bound by sidewalk riding restrictions and school zone cycling regulations.
On the other side is the statute of limitations that applies to Anaheim pedal cyclist claims.
- Two-year deadline for private party claims.
- Six-month deadline for City of Anaheim claims
- Timeline extensions for minor victims.
When going up against a driver, several types of negligence come into play. Examples include a failure to yield at intersections, distracted driving near entertainment venues, or speeding in residential neighborhoods. If the defendant is a municipality or property owner, liability shifts and focuses on road maintenance responsibilities, known parking lot hazards, construction zone safety obligations, and the adequacy of existing traffic signals and signage. You may also pursue a case regarding defective bicycle equipment or safety gear malfunctions.
Compensation Available to Anaheim Cyclists
In the aftermath of a pedal cycle accident in Anaheim, you may be able to recover economic damages. The damages could be the expenses for emergency care, medical treatment, physical therapy, and future medical care needs. You may also claim lost income and diminished earning capacity. Moreover, consider the cost of replacing your bicycle and equipment.
The law also recognizes non-economic damages you may be able to claim. Examples include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment.
Unique Challenges in Anaheim Bicycle Cases
Insurance companies have devised several strategies to minimize payouts to bicycle accident victims. Representatives may allege comparative fault, dispute the cyclist’s claim of reduced visibility, or minimize the risk of urban cycling altogether. Additionally, you may be subject to arguments over jurisdiction. There will be questions about who is responsible for maintaining city and county roads, how far private property extends, and what happens if the accident crosses into another city.
How the MKP Law Group Serves Anaheim Cyclists
We employ an Anaheim-focused approach because we understand the needs of the city’s diverse community demographics. Our team has built relationships with local medical provider, which helps us get you the care you need. Besides that, we are familiar with Anaheim’s roads, districts, and neighborhoods.
Our team conducts comprehensive case management that includes a thorough accident scene investigation. We coordinate with expert witnesses as needed and undertake aggressive insurance negotiation on your behalf. The MKP Law Group has successfully resolved commercial district accident cases, resort area incidents, residential area crashes, and complex multi-party liability cases.
Do not lose your legal rights. Contact our team today to receive more information and schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812884
