Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Despite cities and counties enacting rules and initiatives to protect pedal cyclists from harm, Riverside remains dangerous for those on two wheels. As noted by the California Active Transportation Safety Information Pages (CATSIP), there were 1,820 bicyclist collisions between 2015 and 2019 in Riverside. This puts the county as eighth-worst among the state’s communities.

Moreover, more cyclists are hurt than killed. Forty-three bicyclists died in the same period (2015-2019). While there is a slight decrease year over year, consider that, overall, bike accident statistics document a more alarming trend: fatal bike accidents are on the rise in the State and recently reached a 25-year high.

Men between the ages of 45 to 54 are the most likely to die in a cycling accident. For women, the dangerous age range is between 55 and 64. Overall, men are far more likely than women to die in a bicycle crash. Experts explain that the survival rate is highest when the impact occurs at 20 miles per hour. However, the survival rate goes down sharply as speeds increase.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Riverside bicycle accident, our team at MKP Law Group, LLP understands the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you may suffer from. We work hard to ensure our clients understand their rights as we help them negotiate their personal injury settlement. Having an experienced local Riverside bicycle accident lawyer by your side is important to navigate the legal process and recover damages.

Here at MKP Law Group, LLP, we always work on what is known as a contingency fee basis, meaning WE DON’T GET PAID UNLESS WE WIN. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket costs to our clients. Call us today at 323-483-4863 to schedule your 100% FREE consultation.

Who Hires a Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Families of bicycle accident victims may be at the forefront of those making a call to an attorney. They realize that their loved one’s life is likely changed forever.

Frequently, we also work with the accident victims themselves; typically, they have tried to deal with the aftermath of the accident, but it is proving an uphill battle they cannot undertake any longer.

If you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you need a Riverside bicycle accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Our team will work with you to:

• Help you get the medical treatment you need.
• Navigate the complicated insurance processes.
• Investigate the case to prove fault and negligence.
• Negotiate claims to maximize your compensation.
• Walk you through the legal procedures.
• Provide hands-on support and personalized service.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t go it alone; call MKP Law Group, LLP to set up your consultation today. The consultation is free, and, as always, MKP Law Group, LLP works on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket.

The Immediate Aftermath of a Bike Accident; Here’s What the Riverside Bicycle Accident Lawyer Says

Your health is of the utmost importance. You may not immediately feel physical pain. Shock may prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. In addition, you may feel so disoriented that you just want to go home.

However, it is vital that you call 911 before doing so. Request an ambulance so that a doctor can check for fractures and muscle tears. Besides that, you need to file a police report, which ensures that you have the names of the other motorists and similar information about the crash later on.

If you are able, take pictures of the scene. They should focus on your bike’s location, a selfie to show bodily injuries, and pictures of the vehicle that hit you. If you suffered an injury because of the roadway, take photos of the hazard and the nearby street signs.

To begin to understand your bicycle accident claim, contacting a lawyer is the best course of action.

When you call the offices at MKP Law Group, LLP to speak with one of our Riverside bicycle accident attorney, you get a 100% free case evaluation. Regardless of the severity of your injury, it is crucial to get a case evaluation from experienced personal injury lawyers in order to understand your rights.

Our law firm has Riverside bicycle accident lawyers with a trusted record of success in handling bicycle accident claims. We won’t hesitate to take your case to court if the insurance company does not offer the compensation you deserve. We always fight to get accident victims top-dollar while providing our clients with uncompromising legal representation.

Dangerous Roads in Riverside

Did you know that 39% of Riverside’s roads are rated “poor”?

This means that there are plenty of potholes and alligator cracks. While most annoying to drivers in cars, trucks, or vans, such road defects can even cause car accidents. When it comes to riding bikes, these holes can be deadly. Statistics suggest that one-third of traffic fatalities are caused by poor roads. A trip down Van Buren Boulevard will give you a good idea of what we're talking about.

If you or a loved one were hurt while riding in the area, contacting a Riverside bicycle accident attorney may be necessary. When injuries stem from the negligence of third parties, you need all the help you can enlist to receive fair compensation for the personal and property damage you suffered.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Bike Accident Claims

Were you aware that there is a 2007 Bicycle Master Plan in place locally? The last time it was amended was in 2012. Since then, not much has happened to benefit cyclists on Riverside’s roads.

City officials suggest that bikes “must be driven like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists.” This clearly puts the ball in the pedal cyclist’s court. However, it also highlights a somewhat dismissive attitude that cautions pedal cyclists to avoid construction plates, slippery manhole covers, and similar road hazards.

Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Urban Roadways: The majority of cyclist fatalities occur in urban areas (79%). The worst spots are intersections, roadsides, parking lanes, and sidewalks
• Other Drivers: Careless, impaired, or reckless drivers of larger vehicles can cause accidents. Don't forget motorcyclists, a bicyclist can also be injured in a motorcycle accident.
• Blind Spots: Drivers who fail to check blind spots often miss seeing cyclists near their vehicles as they turn or change lanes.
• Opening Car Doors: Beware drivers who have parked their car and open the car door without first looking to see if cyclists are approaching from behind.
• Time of Day: In the evening, the risk for accidents increases.
• Road Conditions: Uneven road conditions (e.g., potholes) and difficult-to-see traffic signs and signals.
• Defective Bicycles, Bicycle Parts, or Helmets: If a production malfunction in the bicycle leads to a crash or a helmet fails to properly safeguard against injuries in the event of a bicycle crash, manufacturers can be held responsible for the injuries sustained by bikers.
• Environmental or Animal Collisions: Whether that be untrimmed trees or dogs running around, this can cause serious injuries to bike riders. Sometimes dogs will even attack the bike they’ve collided with, resulting in more traumatic injuries like dog bites.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Bicycle Accidents Claims

An injured cyclist often just wants to get on the road to recovery. However, when it comes to filing bicycle accident injury claims, what’s important to know is the statute of limitations varies according to who is being sued and there are certain time limits for filing your claim.

The statute of limitations is a deadline to file a lawsuit. This means lawsuits filed after the statute of limitations will be entirely dismissed and void for being untimely.  Generally speaking, there are two statutes of limitations that apply to California bicycle accident cases:

Private Individuals: 2 years

For filing claims against private drivers, other cyclists, etc., following a bike accident, you have 2 years from the exact date the accident occurred.

Exception for Minors: If the bicycle accident victim is a minor at the time of the incident, a claim can be filed at any point until the minor’s 18th birthday. After the minor turns 18, the standard 2-year statute of limitations applies.

Note: If the individual being sued dies (whether in the bicycle accident or otherwise), a lawsuit must be filed within 1 year of the incident.

Governmental Entities: 6 months

Suing governmental entities like the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or governmental workers will trigger a statute of limitations of only 6 months.

Did Your (or a Loved One’s) Accident Have These Results?

California's cyclists face more than just the problems associated with poor road maintenance. Thirty-five percent of deaths occur at intersections. This number underscores the danger that other motorists represent for the average cyclist. While it is true that 62% of accident victims did not wear helmets, it is unknown how their outlook would have been better had they worn one.

Those who did survive have to deal with a variety of injuries.

• Brain injuries. Although the helmet can better your odds of surviving, there is still a chance that an injured cyclist walks away but is left with a traumatic brain injury. Some may be minor; however, others could leave you permanently disabled and in need of third-party care.
• Facial fractures. Helmets may also protect you from suffering serious facial fractures. That said, depending on the impact, you might still have to deal with broken teeth, fractured cheekbones or jaw, and damage to the nose and eyes. Some of it can be treated superficially; however, other injuries may require multiple surgeries.
• Bone and spinal cord injuries. Broken bones, particularly arms or legs, are painful and debilitating. Much more serious are spinal cord injuries that may become permanent and affect your quality of life. Some may improve with therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bicyclists in California allowed to drive on the roadways and highways?

Many drivers do not realize that California law allows bicyclists to use any road unless it is clearly indicated that it is prohibited. So bicycle riders can use highways and city roads just as any other motor vehicle. They must follow the same traffic rules, but they operate at a much lower speed, and other drivers sharing the road may get frustrated.

Is it illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in California?

No, it is not illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk according to state law. However, according to California Vehicle Code Section 21206, local governments have the right to regulate the laws for the use of bicycles on public sidewalks.

In Riverside, Section 10.64. 310 of the municipal code addresses sidewalk riding: "Except for authorized police bicycle patrols, no person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk or parkway unless signs are erected permitting use of such sidewalk or parkway by bicycles."

For more Riverside-specific bicycle ordinances, check out the City of Riverside page: Chapter 10.64 - BICYCLES.

Do you need a license to ride a bicycle in California?

No, there is no legal requirement to license your bicycle. However, certain cities offer programs to register your bike, such as the City of Long Beach.

In Los Angeles, the city has opted to eliminate this system because the administrative resources for maintaining the system are too costly. However, as of September 2020, the LAPD has a partnership with a free bike registry organization in efforts to recover stolen or lost bikes for bike owners. You can visit the Bike Index site to create your account and register your bike with the bicycle serial number, photos, or any other identifiers.

Can you ride a bike on the freeway in California?

Often the answer is no, but there may be exceptions. According to the California Vehicle Code Section 21960, freeways and other similar designated portions of roadways to which vehicle access is completely or partially controlled may prohibit the use and access by pedestrians, bicycles, or other non-motorized traffic (or motor-driven “cycle” vehicle such as a motorized scooter). This includes the prohibition of motorized bicycles.

So, it is necessary to be on the lookout for any signs indicating that a freeway or expressway prohibits access to bicycles. Our recommendation is to stick to the dedicate bike lane when possible.

Do bikes have to stop at stop signs in California?

Bicycles are considered vehicles and have the right to use highways and city roads, so it is obligatory to follow the vehicle code and adhere to all traffic rules including stopping at stop signs and red lights.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Cyclists in Bicycle Accident Cases?

Yes, most of the time.

Typically it comes down to who was at fault in the accident. If the accident was the fault of a vehicle driver, the driver’s auto insurance should cover the damages.

Cities in Riverside County & Near Riverside for Bicycle Accidents

Common Cities Near Riverside for Bicycle Accidents
Based on our research and inbound requests, these are the cities near Riverside with frequent bicycle accidents.

Corona
Corona is known for its scenic views and extensive network of bike trails, including the popular Skyline Drive and Santa Ana River Trail. However, the city's busy streets and intersections can pose risks for bicyclists.

Moreno Valley
With its mix of urban and rural areas, Moreno Valley offers varied biking experiences. Bicyclists can enjoy trails like Hidden Springs and Lake Perris, but should be cautious of the city's high-traffic zones.

Norco
Norco, often referred to as "Horsetown USA," is also a popular spot for cyclists. With its equestrian-friendly trails and rural atmosphere, it attracts many outdoor enthusiasts. However, the presence of both horses and bikes can sometimes lead to accidents.

Hemet
Hemet features a blend of urban streets and natural trails, such as those in Diamond Valley Lake and Simpson Park. These areas are popular with cyclists, but riders need to be aware of the potential hazards on both roads and trails.

Temecula
Temecula is famous for its wine country and scenic bike routes through vineyards and rolling hills. Cyclists frequent areas like the Santa Margarita River Trail, but must navigate carefully through the busy wine region.

Perris
Known for its adventure sports, Perris is a hub for outdoor activities, including cycling. The Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers beautiful trails, yet cyclists should remain vigilant due to the area's mixed-use paths.

Redlands
Redlands is a charming city with historic neighborhoods and popular bike routes, such as the Orange Blossom Trail. Cyclists can enjoy the scenic rides but should stay alert for traffic in the downtown area and surrounding streets.

Menifee
Menifee is rapidly growing and offers a range of biking opportunities from urban routes to trails around Menifee Lakes. The increasing traffic and construction in the area can pose risks to cyclists.

San Bernardino
Just a short ride from Riverside, San Bernardino offers a variety of cycling experiences, from urban streets to the San Bernardino National Forest trails. Bicyclists should be cautious of the city's busy roads and intersections.

Contact a Riverside Bicycle Accident Attorney at MKP Law Group, LLP Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact us today at 323-483-4863 so that we can start fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

At MKP Law Group, LLP, we have personal injury attorneys highly experienced in handling bicycle injury accidents and have obtained large settlements on behalf of our clients.

We know how to deal with insurance companies so that you do not have to and, instead, can focus on getting better. Our priority is for you to get the best care on every level.

MKP Law Group, LLP’s team strives to make the process as easy and quick as possible for you. The team at MKP Law Group, LLP is experienced, attentive, dependable, and tenacious, so call us today to schedule your 100% consultation. As always, if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

We proudly service clients in Riverside, Los Angeles, and other area cities, including Santa Monica, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, and more. We also represent clients in Orange County and San Bernardino County.