In Perris, cyclists share the road with heavy traffic and accidents happen. When they do, riders face potentially severe and life-changing injuries. A Perris bicycle accident lawyer helps victims pursue justice, recover compensation, and hold negligent drivers accountable under California law. To discuss your case and learn your legal options, call (951) 688-0006 or message Hanson & Mouri online to arrange a free consultation today.
Handling a bicycle accident claim alone places you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by blaming the cyclist or disputing medical treatment. A bicycle accident lawyer in Perris provides the following critical advantages:
Legal representation ensures you receive fair treatment and maximum compensation.
California drivers must share the road with cyclists, but too often they fail to do so. Bicycle crashes happen for many reasons, including:
Cyclists in Perris benefit from several legal protections under California law:
Three Feet for Safety Act (CVC §21760)
Motorists must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle.
Right to Use the Road (CVC §21200)
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
Bike Lane Requirements (CVC §21208)
Cyclists must use bike lanes when present, but they may leave them to avoid hazards or make turns.
Helmet Requirements (CVC §21212)
Riders under 18 must wear helmets, but adults are not legally required.
California law recognizes bicycles as vehicles when they travel on public roads. Cyclists must follow the same traffic rules as motorists, and drivers must respect the rights of cyclists.
Comparative Negligence in California
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule under Civil Code §1714. This means an injured cyclist can recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, the total recovery is reduced by the cyclist’s percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds the cyclist 20 percent responsible and awards $100,000 in damages, the cyclist would receive $80,000.
Statute of Limitations
California law sets strict deadlines for filing claims under CCP § 335.1:
Failing to file within these time limits usually results in losing the right to seek compensation.
To succeed in a bicycle accident claim, you must establish negligence. This involves proving:
In bicycle accident cases, proof often comes from multiple sources that document how the crash occurred. Useful evidence includes police reports, traffic camera or surveillance footage, photographs of the scene, skid marks, and damaged property. Medical records connect the injuries directly to the accident, while witness statements provide independent accounts of what happened. Expert testimony, such as accident reconstruction specialists, can also help explain how a driver’s actions caused the collision. Together, these pieces of evidence build a clear picture of fault and liability.
Bicyclists lack the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts. Even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries, including:
These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and support.
The actions taken immediately after a crash can affect both your health and the strength of a future legal claim. Cyclists should:
Quick legal guidance ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Injured cyclists may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Recoverable losses include:
The value of a claim is determined on a case to case basis, based on the extent of your harm, losses, and evidence of fault.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, our skilled Perris bicycle accident lawyer will fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Call (951) 688-0006 or contact us online for a free consultation.