As a city committed to safety and conservation, Irvine, CA has seen cycling become a dominant alternative mode of transportation for residents. With more than 300 miles of bike lanes, bikers in Irvine have the luxury of choosing various routes for both transportation and recreation. However, this increase in bike lanes in turn increases bicycle accidents. Even though Irvine was named a “Bicycle Friendly Community” in 2009 by the League of American Bicyclists, it can still be a dangerous place for bike riders. In this case, it is important for Irvine residents to know how to locate a trustworthy Irvine bike accident attorney to help with their claims.
Most Common Bike Injuries
Although all accidents are serious, bicycle accidents cause greater concern due to the lack of protection a bicycle provides. According to NHTSA, 49,000 people were injured in bike accidents in 2019. More than 96% of cyclists died from single-vehicle traffic accidents.
Outside of a bike helmet, which is required by the California bicycle helmet law for those under the age of 18, the only protection a bicycle provides are reflectors, which allow other cars to spot them. Even in this case, a speeding car may not see the rider and could easily cause an accident. In comparison to the driver who is protected by a car with airbags, seatbelts and antilock brakes, a bicycle accident can cause fatal injuries.
Some of these injuries include:
- Head injuries such as concussions
- Neck or spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis
- Bone fractures
- Damage to internal organs
- Skin damage
- Mental and emotional distress
These injuries can take weeks to months of recovery. If you or a loved one were involved in a bike accident and received serious injuries, locate an Irvine bicycle accident lawyer like those at Avrek Law, who can walk you through the options for bike accident settlement amounts.
How to Handle Bicycle Injury Claims
It can be overwhelming to handle the aftermath of an accident alone. An expert Irvine personal injury lawyer at Avrek Law Firm can enlighten clients on each step of the process to maximize a successful compensation claim.
The first step to receive the maximum compensation for a settlement is to file a bicycle accident report. This report must be filed within 10 days of the accident. However, if injuries prevent the victim from doing so, a report can be filed after recovery.
When filing the report, it is important to provide any supporting documents surrounding the accident. Since the Irvine Municipal Code requires all residents to register their bikes, the registration information will make filing much easier. In addition to registration documents, gather any evidence from the time of the accident. This can include witness statements that record the time, date, location and any information from the other party. The more information, the better.
Where to Contact a Devoted Irvine Bike Accident Attorney
If any kind of bicycle injury comes from an Irvine traffic accident, you need to connect with an attorney who specializes in Irvine bicycle accident cases. Dedicated to serving the city of Irvine and other locations, Avrek Law Firm has a team with more than 50 years of combined experience ready to take your case.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to get help for your bicycle accident. With more than $1 billion recovered for clients in more than 45,000 cases, an Irvine bike accident attorney at Avrek Law will ensure you receive the maximum compensation in your case. Get started on your claim today with a free consultation. We can’t wait to hear more about your case!
