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Menifee Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Menifee or Riverside County?
Bicyclists have the same rights to use California roadways as motorists, but they often face serious risks when drivers fail to pay attention.
A collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle can result in devastating injuries, lengthy recovery periods, and significant financial hardship.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Kris Crawford represents injured cyclists throughout Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Hemet, Perris, San Jacinto, and surrounding Riverside County communities.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers fail to share the road safely with cyclists.
Common causes include:
Distracted driving
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Unsafe lane changes
Turning in front of a bicyclist
Opening a vehicle door into a cyclist's path
Following too closely
Speeding
Driving under the influence
Failure to check blind spots
Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic injuries for a cyclist.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because bicyclists have little protection during a collision, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Concussions
Broken bones
Facial injuries
Road rash
Shoulder injuries
Knee injuries
Internal injuries
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Some injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical treatment.
Who Is Responsible for a Bicycle Accident?
Determining fault in a bicycle accident often requires a thorough investigation.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may rest with:
A negligent driver
A commercial vehicle operator
A rideshare driver
A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions
Multiple parties
Evidence may include police reports, witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, vehicle damage, medical records, and accident reconstruction analysis.
Comparative Fault and Bicycle Accidents
Insurance companies frequently attempt to blame injured cyclists for causing or contributing to an accident.
California follows a comparative fault system, which means an injured bicyclist may still recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for the collision.
However, any recovery may be reduced by the cyclist's percentage of fault.
Because fault disputes are common in bicycle accident cases, it is important to gather evidence as quickly as possible and preserve information that supports your claim.
Medical Treatment and Insurance Issues
Prompt medical treatment is critical after a bicycle accident. Not only does treatment protect your health, but it also creates documentation connecting your injuries to the collision.
Insurance companies often scrutinize bicycle accident claims and may argue that injuries were caused by another incident if there are delays in treatment or gaps in care.
In addition, available insurance coverage may come from multiple sources, including the at-fault driver's policy, umbrella coverage, or uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits in certain situations.
Identifying all available sources of recovery can be an important part of maximizing compensation.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
The steps taken after a bicycle accident can affect both your recovery and your legal claim.
If possible:
Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention immediately
Obtain the driver's insurance information
Gather witness contact information
Take photographs of the scene
Preserve your bicycle and damaged equipment
Follow all medical recommendations
Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before obtaining legal advice
Compensation Available After a Bicycle Accident
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
Rehabilitation expenses
Permanent disability damages
Every case is unique, and the value of a claim depends on the nature of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and other factors.
Why Work With Kris Crawford?
Kris Crawford has lived in the Temecula Valley since 1985 and has dedicated his practice exclusively to helping injury victims.
With more than $10 million recovered for clients and over a decade representing Riverside County accident victims, he provides experienced legal representation with a personal touch.
Unlike many large firms, clients work directly with Kris throughout their case and receive personal attention from start to finish.
Contact a Menifee Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured while riding a bicycle in Menifee or anywhere in Riverside County, contact Kris Crawford for a free consultation.
Learn about your rights, your legal options, and the compensation that may be available for your injuries.
BICYCLE ACCIDENT?
CALL KRIS CRAWFORD TODAY!
(951) 229-0757