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.
The friendly team at the MKP Law Group specializes in Santa Ana bicycle accident cases by putting the victim first. With popular pedal cycling routes like the Santiago Creek Trail, the Santa Ana River Trail, and the Carl Thornton Loop, biking is one of the favorite pastimes for residents and visitors. Unfortunately, cycling can lead to accidents, and, when they involve cars, may result in serious personal injuries. The MKP Law Group wants to help in the aftermath of a Santa Ana bicycle accident with a free consultation and contingency fee basis.
Why You Need a Santa Ana Bicycle Accident Attorney
Cycling in Santa Ana’s urban environment comes with unique challenges. For example, on the Santa Ana River Trail, you may encounter inline skaters and horseback riding enthusiasts. Underpasses limit visibility, and intersections require cyclists and cars to share the road.
Some of the newest dangers are high-speed e-bikes that pose a threat to the safety of slower pedal cyclists. And, if you want to ride the Pacific Coast Highway, you know that high traffic volumes and speeds routinely present accident risks. If you get hurt, you want someone with local expertise handling your insurance negotiations. The MKP Law Group’s local expertise and track record are well known.
First Things First: What Constitutes a Bicycle Accident Case?
You ride your bike and get into an accident. Now, you are dealing with medical bills and injuries, and wonder if you have a case. The legal definition of a bicycle accident is a crash involving a bicyclist in which at least one party to the accident sustains injuries. Crashes may include cars, pedestrians, other pedal cyclists, or road hazards such as potholes.
Requirements for filing a claim involve four elements of negligence.
- The defendant had to take reasonable care to obey traffic laws to avoid hurting a cyclist.
- The defendant did not act like a careful person would when pedal cyclists are present.
- The defendant’s action (or lack thereof) caused or contributed to the accident.
- The plaintiff suffered damages because of this accident.
California’s pure comparative fault rule ensures that the plaintiff can recover damages even if they are 99% at fault. Therefore, accurately determining each party’s share of fault for a bicycle accident is a critical element in negotiating with insurance companies.
Statistics on Bicycle Accidents in Santa Ana
The California Office of Traffic Safety published its 2022 figures. It noted that there were 105 reported pedal cyclists who were either killed or injured. Speed played a significant role in overall vehicle crashes. Santa Ana ranks 6th out of 15, which puts pedal cyclists at average risk for being in a collision.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Santa Ana
Statistics show that motor vehicle drivers’ negligence in obeying speed laws may be a contributing factor to bicycle accidents. Other issues involve dooring incidents in downtown areas, poor road conditions, confusing construction zones, and overall aggressive driving behaviors by motorists and cyclists on e-bikes. Since 2020, when the average number of all crashes was 259, the number has increased sharply to 1,791 in 2024.
High-risk areas for bicycle accidents in Santa Ana include Edinger Avenue and South Orange Avenue, Civic Center Drive East and Main Street, and West MacArthur Boulevard and South Plaza Drive. Other areas to watch are the roads near Santa Ana College and downtown. The Civic Center area, French Park, and the Delhi area experience frequent pedal cycling accidents.
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries in Santa Ana
A bicycle accident may cause a broad range of injuries.
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries.
- Internal organ damage.
- Fatal injuries.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Santa Ana
Immediately after being involved in a bicycle accident, get to safety. Next, call 911 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch at (714) 245-8049. Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos with your cell phone camera. At the time, remember also to gather witness information.
With the authorities notified, do not put off seeking medical attention at a local emergency room. Preserve evidence and avoid early insurance settlements. The insurance company is likely looking to minimize its payout. Instead, contact a Santa Ana bicycle accident lawyer who will assist you with protecting your legal rights.
Navigating Santa Ana’s Legal Landscape
California bicycle laws require pedal cyclists to obey all traffic laws, ride on the right side of the road, and in bike lanes when they are available. Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you have specific rights but also responsibilities. For example, there is a two-year deadline for private party claims, which the courts refer to as a statute of limitations. There is a six-month deadline for filing claims against government entities. That said, injured minors receive special considerations.
Determining Fault and Liability
Who is at fault for the accident? We have already discussed comparative fault, which often means that insurers will seek ways to hold the accident victim partially or fully responsible for the accident. Accident attorneys will work with authorities to investigate driver negligence, such as distracted driving or speeding.
Municipal liability issues often involve hazardous road conditions or inadequate bike lane maintenance. Product liability may be a concern if you have defective bicycle equipment or faulty safety gear.
Types of Compensation Available
Which types of damages did you sustain? The courts recognize three distinctive types.
- Economic damages that include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages, which may refer to pain, suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement.
- Punitive damages for cases involving extreme negligence, DUI-related bicycle accidents, and hit-and-run incidents.
Insurers will seek to challenge Santa Ana bicycle accident cases by offering lowball settlement offers, disputing liability, or questioning injury severity. The companies will raise comparative negligence issues, including an evaluation of the cyclist’s behavior, compliance with traffic laws, and the use of visibility and safety equipment.
How MKP Law Group Helps Santa Ana Cyclists
You do not have to go it alone or accept a lowball offer from the insurance company. Our team includes a thorough accident investigation, complete with expert witness coordination and medical treatment assistance. We engage in aggressive negotiations with insurers. In the process, we rely on our local connections in Santa Ana, including accident reconstruction specialists and community cycling advocates.
Contact a Santa Ana Bicycle Accident Lawyer at MKP Law Group, LLP Today
Protect your legal rights and request a free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and our local office is easily accessible. Protecting accident victims is our commitment to the Santa Ana cycling community. Make the call today!
Sources:
https://newsantaana.com/the-most-dangerous-intersections-in-santa-ana/
