Our attorneys exclusively represent injury victims. For years we have fought on behalf of clients who were hurt in accidents due to the negligence of another party.
It is easy to consider Irvine a pedal cyclist’s paradise. The city has more than 113 miles of dedicated off-street trails and 286 miles of on-street bike lanes. However, areas like Culver Drive and Irvine Boulevard or Alton Parkway and Gateway are notorious for accidents involving pedal cyclists. The MKP Law Group, LLP, has a team of seasoned bicycle accident attorneys who assist cyclists who are injured while riding bikes in and around Irvine to protect their legal rights. The team offers a free consultation and operates on a contingency fee basis.
Why Hire an Irvine Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Pockets of heavy traffic and confusing intersections present unique cycling infrastructure challenges. Dooring and accidents involving pedal cyclists are not uncommon. The MKP Law Group, LLP, team is well-versed in Orange County’s legal system and local courts. With a proven track record of assisting bicyclists who suffered from personal injuries while riding bikes in planned communities, you need someone on your side to handle negotiations and, if required, litigation.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Irvine
What makes Irvine bicycle accident cases unique? For starters, the city is a planned community with a design that attempts to accommodate cycling expectations. That said, mixed-use development has led to the formation of traffic hubs like Jamboree Road and Walnut Avenue, where pedal cyclists encounter plenty of dooring incidents and worse. An added layer of tension is the legal understanding of negligence in planned communities. Here, you may be dealing with developers, homeowners’ associations, property managers, and, of course, motorists.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in Irvine
Orange County enjoys the reputation of being among the safest counties for residents and motorists, with Irvine being considered a shining example. However, 2022 California Office of Traffic Safety statistics show that Irvine ranks 9th out of 15 cities of that size for bicycle crashes. Of these, 29 involved pedal cyclists under the age of 15. This figure puts Irvine first among 15 cities. By comparison, the City of Orange only had 31 bicycle crashes, with two involving cyclists under age 15. One reason for this high number of cyclist crashes may correlate to University of California, Irvine campus-related incidents.
Leading Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Irvine
- Distracted driving in shopping center areas, such as the area around the Irvine Spectrum Center and the shops near Barranca Parkway and Harvard Avenue.
- Campus-area accidents involving student cyclists riding after dark or during high-traffic periods.
- Business district dooring incidents around Heritage Plaza and the Woodbridge Village Center.
- Construction zone hazards in developing areas where poor visibility makes it challenging for drivers and cyclists to share the road.
- Tourists and visitors’ unfamiliarity with bike lanes makes the area particularly dangerous during business conventions.
High-Risk Locations for Bicycle Accidents in Irvine
We have already discussed some of the more dangerous intersections and corridors. Even so, it helps to understand the risks that pedal cyclists face when riding bikes along the intersection of Campus Drive and University Drive, the commercial areas around Irvine Center Drive, and the commercial regions of MacArthur Boulevard business corridors. Another dangerous length of street to consider is Jamboree Road and its major cross streets. Riding bicycles is also risky around the Turtle Rock neighborhood and Newport Coast border areas.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Irvine
When a bicycle accident does happen, the pedal cyclist is usually the one with serious injuries. A possible exception might be an accident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian. There are several cycling accident injuries riders may suffer – even if they wore helmets and took all precautions necessary for safe bike riding.
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Orthopedic injuries and fractures.
- Facial injuries and dental damage.
- Soft tissue injuries and road rash.
In extreme cases, a bicycle accident may result in fatalities.
Immediate Steps After an Irvine Bicycle Accident
While you are at the accident scene, get yourself to safety. For example, if the crash occurred in the middle of an intersection, find a safe place to assess the damage. Next, contact the Irvine Police Department and emergency medical services when necessary. Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, the bike, and the witnesses nearby. Next, if you can, identify witnesses and take their statement.
After the accident, your priority is your physical condition. Even if you feel okay, get a medical evaluation at nearby hospitals (UCI Medical Center, Hoag Irvine). Remember that adrenaline surges may put you in shock or mask the pain of injuries. Remember to document ongoing symptoms and limitations you experience after returning home.
Legal Framework for Irvine Bicycle Cases
Avoiding premature insurance communications. The company would love to make you a low-ball offer and get you to sign away your rights. Therefore, it makes sense to consult with an Irvine bicycle accident lawyer. The legal team will talk with you about California bicycle laws, such as helmet requirements, bike lane usage regulations, and, if applicable, campus-specific cycling rules. At the time, you also discuss the statute of limitations for Irvine claims. These typically come with a two-year deadline for private party claims and a six-month deadline for City of Irvine claims. There are different rules for minor cycling accident victims and UC Irvine-related claim considerations.
Establishing Liability in Irvine Bicycle Accidents
There are typically three distinctive forms of liability to explore.
- Driver negligence. If you had an accident involving another motorist, did they drive distractedly? Did they fail to yield in roundabouts or speed in residential zones? Were they negligent about backing out of a parking lot space?
- Municipal and property owner liability. In this scenario, the accident does not necessarily involve a motorist. Instead, your crash may be directly related to Irvine’s road maintenance (or lack thereof), corporate property hazards, shopping center parking lot dangers, or campus facility maintenance problems.
- Product defects. Here, you may be a victim of bicycle equipment failures and safety gear malfunctions. Conversely, you may be the victim of a motorist’s vehicle design defects. In the age of self-driving technology, this is a serious consideration.
Compensation Available to Irvine Cyclists
While financial compensation cannot undo the accident, it can help you get back on your feet without having to foot large bills. For example, economic damage recovery covers the costs of current and future medical treatments, rehabilitation, lost income, and bicycle replacement. Courts may also award non-economic damages for physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of life enjoyment, permanent impairment, and adverse impacts on family relationships. There are typically special damage considerations for high-income professionals, students who experience severe academic disruption, and technology workers who will now have extensive accommodation needs.
Unique Challenges in Irvine Bicycle Cases
The insurance companies do not want to pay out large sums and will attempt to do anything possible to minimize your claim. They may minimize planned community safety expectations, dispute the cyclist’s visibility arguments, and allege comparative fault. When applicable, they may also question the severity of campus-area accidents.
There are also community-specific legal issues. Examples include HOA and community association involvement, university policies, multiple property jurisdiction questions, and high-value property damage assessments.
How the MKP Law Group Serves Irvine Cyclists
The personal injury attorneys at the MKP Law Group, LLP, are uniquely positioned to assist you due to our Irvine-focused approach. The team understands planned community dynamics, campus accident cases, collaboration with local medical provider networks, and brings an extensive familiarity with Irvine business districts to the table.
In addition, the team practices comprehensive case management that includes accident scene investigation, expert witness coordination (when needed), medical care facilitation, and insurance negotiation.
Protect your legal rights; contact an Irvine bicycle accident lawyer at the MKP Law Group, LLP, today. The team offers free consultations and will not charge for upfront legal fees. Attorneys well-versed in local Orange County representation will handle your case. Most importantly, the team has a solid commitment to the Irvine cycling community’s safety.
Call 310-285-5353 today or fill out our online contact form that is completely confidential and available 24/7!
Sources:
https://cityofirvine.org/transportation/biking
https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/crash-rankings-results/?wpv_view_count=1327&wpv-wpcf-year=2022&wpv-wpcf-city_county=Irvine&wpv_filter_submit=Submit
https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/crash-rankings-results/?wpv_view_count=1327&wpv-wpcf-year=2022&wpv-wpcf-city_county=Orange&wpv_filter_submit=Submit
