Anaheim Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The experienced Anaheim bike accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase have a long and successful track record of representing those who have been seriously or catastrophically injured. We will fight for your rights and help hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions.

We've been serving Orange County residents for over three decades and are familiar with Orange County judges, courts and defense lawyers. Our Anaheim personal injury lawyers are top rated with Super Lawyers and AVVO. We also offer a free evaluation of your bicycle injuries. Please call us at 949-203-3814 today for a free consultation.

Anaheim Bicycle Accident Statistics

The city of Anaheim has a number of bikers who are riding to and from work or biking for exercise. Bicycle accidents can result in severe and debilitating injuries that can cause a lifetime of pain and disabilities.

According to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) Anaheim topped the list when it came to bike accident fatalities in Orange County. In Orange County as a whole, 12 people died and 1,199 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents during the same year.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that more than 500,000 people in the United States are treated in emergency departments and more than 700 people die as a result of bicycle-related injuries.

If a negligent driver or a dangerous roadway condition caused your bicycle accident injuries, it is important that you contact an experienced Anaheim bike accident attorney to examine your legal rights and options.

Which State Has the Most Bicycle Accidents in the Nation?

When it comes to fatal bicycle incidents the state of California takes the wheel. California has had 338 cyclist killed in crashes. What's even more shocking is that the death toll is increasing. From 2010 to 2012 California bicycle deaths rose from 23 to a staggering 123.

This begs the question, why has there been numerous amounts of deaths amongst cyclist in California?

Lead scientist Allan Williams told the Los Angeles Times that there are two main causes for these deaths: not wearing a helmet and alcohol. Williams also noted that even though there are not many drunk drivers anymore, it doesn't mean that the amount of drunk cyclist has decreased.

“What's notable here is that the percentage of fatally injured bicyclists with high BACs [blood alcohol concentrations] has remained relatively constant since the early 1980s and did not mirror the sharp drop in alcohol-impaired driving that occurred among passenger vehicle drivers in the 1980s and early 1990s.”

The second highest state with cyclist fatalities is Florida with 329 deaths.

Bicycle Car Collision Accidents

Over 818 lives were lost in 2015 due to bicycle/car accidents. Liability is challenging to establish at times. It seems as the cars would be the one to fault since they are the powerful vehicle in the incident. The Washington Post wrote that a 2004 city report revealed that cyclist were actually responsible for most accidents.

What causes these collisions though?

There are five main factors that lead to bicycle/motor vehicle crashes.

• Speeding
• Failure to pay attention to surroundings
• Cycling too close to the car lane
• Merging into a lane
• Riding in parking lots and driveways

Ways to Avoid Being Seriously Injured in a Bicycle Accident

As roads become increasingly crowded, the likely hood for bicycle accidents rises. There are steps that you can take to avoid a life altering accident.

Wear a helmet

Taking the time to put on a helmet can have you avoid a lifetime of traumatic brain injuries. The leading cause of brain injuries is falling, what follows after is being struck by a vehicle. Brain injuries such as concussions, contusions and open head wounds are just a few of the brain injuries you can steer clear from by simply putting on a helmet.

Maintaining a safe distance from motor vehicles

The National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL)states that in California that bikers and cars should keep a three feet distance from one another to avoid a collision. Being aware of the space between cars can create a safe cycling experience.

Placing front and rear lights on your bicycle

Having front and rear lights on a bicycle is not only safe, but it's against the law if you don't put them on. Essentially the rule of thumb is to have a front white light and a red rear light. Both lights also have to be in perfect functional condition. It is suggested that your bicycle's front and rear lights be switched on during sunrise and sunset.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicyclists are often left with serious or life-threatening injuries because they have very little protection other than a helmet or the clothes they are wearing. Some of the injuries that are commonly sustained in Anaheim bicycle accidents include:

• Head Injuries: These can be minor, moderate or catastrophic. An example of a serious head injury is a traumatic brain injury. This can occur when the bicyclist's head hits the pavement or the windshield of a vehicle.
• Spinal Cord Damage: Bicycle accident spinal cord injuries often involve a broken neck. This can be caused by the direct impact of the vehicle or other vehicle or simply by the force of the fall.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a fall during a bicycle accident can result in broken bones. Bicyclists may suffer a simple or compound fracture. In a simple bone fracture, there is no external wound because the broken bone has not penetrated the skin.
• Internal Injuries: When there is severe impact, bicyclists are likely to suffer severe internal injuries such as punctured lung or lacerated spleen. These injuries are extremely dangerous because they can cause internal bleeding, which can prove fatal.

Bicycle Accident Damages

Victims of Anaheim bicycle accidents can seek compensation for damages including but not limited to medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. If a dangerous roadway condition caused the bicycle accident, the city can also be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.

If you have been injured in a bike accident in Anaheim, contact our office to receive a free case evaluation. Call 949-203-3814 today.The call is free, the advice is free and the outcome may be priceless.

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys
1301 Dove St. #120
Newport Beach, CA 92660