San Bernardino Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Many people in San Bernardino ride their bicycles to commute to work, while others consider it a  preferred form of exercise or leisure. Regardless of what brings you out, riding a bicycle can expose cyclists to an increased risk of getting injured. Cyclists do not have the same protection drivers have when they are in a collision, and as a result, are likely to suffer far more severe injuries. In 2019, bicyclists and pedestrians made up five percent of all traffic victims in San Bernardino. 

If you or someone you love was injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal assistance. An experienced attorney at Hanson & Mouri can help you recover full compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.

What a Portland Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Do for You

If you have suffered injuries or losses from a bicycle accident, you need an experienced attorney who can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our team will:

• Provide you with guidance throughout the legal process
• Help you calculate the true value of your losses
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim
• Help establish fault due to the other party’s negligence or carelessness 
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to maximize your claim
• Answer any questions you may have at any point

Why Choose Hanson & Mouri for Your Case?

At Hanson & Mouri, we are experienced litigators and trial lawyers who have handled thousands of personal injury cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We have the resources, experience, and knowledge necessary to take on your bicycle accident case.

• We have over a decade of experience working as insurance defense attorneys – giving us deep insight into how insurance companies think, act, and evaluate claims. We use the knowledge we gained to our client’s advantage, making sure their settlement is never undervalued by the insurance company. 
• You will receive personal attention from an experienced attorney. You will meet with an experienced attorney from the start to the finish, never a paralegal. We will always be available to answer all of your questions.
• We take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees until we secure compensation on your behalf.

Steps to Take Following a Bicycle Accident in Portland

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, you may have suffered serious injuries that limit the next steps you are able to take. In many situations, an injured bicyclist will need to seek immediate medical assistance and have a police officer file an official report. If your situation allows it, you can also take the following actions:

• Get information from the reckless driver or another at-fault party, including their name, insurance, and contact info
• Make sure the police report is accurate
• Keep a written record of everything that occurred, including your injuries, any upcoming doctor appointments or treatments, and expenses related to your injuries

How Long Do You Have to File a Portland Bicycle Accident Claim?

It is important to contact an attorney and get started on your case as soon as possible, as there is a time limit, or statute of limitations, on when you can file a claim. In California, personal injury victims have two years from the time of the incident to file a claim. If you miss the deadline, you may completely lose your right to recovery.

In addition, you have even less time to file your claim if the accident was caused by a government agency. If you were hit by a government-owned vehicle, you have six months to file a claim. Get in touch with a San Bernardino accident attorney immediately to ensure that your claim is filed on time and any related evidence is preserved quickly. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Bernardino

Negligent or careless drivers are often the cause of bicycle accidents. Drivers may be distracted while driving due to cell phone use, and not see you on your bicycle right away. Vehicles may also drive too closely to bicyclists when sharing the road, or make right turns without properly checking for oncoming bicyclists. When a driver makes a fast turn, they may knock over a cyclist or collide with them. Unfortunately, in these situations, it is always the bicyclist who suffers the vast impact of the injury.

Portland Bicycle Accident Prevention

As a bicyclist, you cannot predict dangerous or reckless behaviors by drivers, but you can stay a little safer by wearing protective gear such as helmets and clothing that is visible to others. In a majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries were to the head and the highest percentage of bicyclist accidents happened between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. –  when there is less daylight. As a rule, never assume that a driver sees you. Make eye contact, and use hand signals to let other vehicles know what you are doing before turning.

Types of Compensation Available in a Portland Bicycle Accident Claim

When another person or party is responsible for causing your accident and injuries, you can recover compensation for your losses through a bicycle accident claim. An experienced attorney can help you receive compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are losses that can be easily measured, including any medical expenses and lost wages that resulted from your accident injuries. Non-economic damages are losses that are more difficult to measure and include the emotional distress or pain and suffering you have as a result of the accident.

Contact a Portland Bicycle Accident Lawyer

After a bicycle accident, you may suffer debilitating injuries, emotional distress, or other significant losses that could affect your job, your personal life, and your financial situation. An attorney understands the challenges you are facing and can help you protect your rights and maximize your recovery.  If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the San Bernardino personal injury attorneys at Hanson & Mouri. We are experienced personal injury lawyers who are ready to litigate for you. Call today to schedule your free consultation and get started.