Bicycle Accident San Dimas
Personal Injury Lawyers Near San Dimas For Bicycle Accident
Written by Daniel Benji, Esq. head attorney of Benji Personal Injury Accident Attorneys A.P.C.
San Dimas offers a variety of routes for cyclists, ranging from residential streets to the recreational trails near Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. While the city works toward implementing its Citywide Bicycle Master Plan to improve connectivity near the Metro A Line station, accidents remain a serious concern. Bicycle collisions often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for the rider compared to motor vehicles.
At Benji Personal Injury Accident Attorneys, we provide legal counsel to individuals injured in bicycle accidents throughout San Dimas and the surrounding Los Angeles County area. Understanding local traffic laws, liability standards, and proper evidence collection is essential for anyone seeking compensation after a crash.
Bicycle Laws and Rights in California
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) governs the behavior of both cyclists and motorists. Establishing a legal claim often begins with determining which party violated these specific statutes.
Under CVC 21200, bicyclists hold the same rights and are subject to the same provisions as drivers of vehicles. This means cyclists must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and ride in the direction of traffic. Conversely, this statute grants cyclists the legal right to share the road, obligating motorists to respect their presence.
A critical law for cyclist safety is the "Three Feet for Safety" Act (CVC 21760). This statute mandates that a driver passing a bicycle must maintain a distance of at least three feet between any part of the vehicle and the bicycle. If traffic conditions prevent this clearance, the driver must slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent. A violation of this law that results in an accident can serve as evidence of negligence per se, which streamlines the process of proving fault in a legal claim.
Determining Liability and Comparative Negligence
California operates under a system of pure comparative negligence. This legal standard allows an injured party to recover damages even if they bear partial responsibility for the accident. The court or insurance adjusters assign a percentage of fault to each party involved.
If a cyclist is found to be partially at fault, for example, by riding without required lights at night or failing to signal a turn, their total compensation is reduced by that percentage. If a cyclist sustains $100,000 in damages but is found 20% at fault, the recoverable amount becomes $80,000. Benji Personal Injury Accident Attorneys works to investigate the facts and minimize the percentage of fault unfairly assigned to the victim.
The following table outlines key liability concepts relevant to San Dimas bicycle accidents:
| Legal Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Negligence Per Se | Legal doctrine where an act is considered negligent because it violates a statute (e.g., speeding or violating the Three Feet Act) designed to protect the public. |
| Pure Comparative Negligence | Allows a plaintiff to recover damages regardless of their share of fault, though the amount is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. |
| CVC 21200.5 (CUI) | Cycling Under the Influence (CUI) is illegal for bicyclists and can affect liability assessments and result in criminal penalties. |
| Statute of Limitations | In California, injury victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the at-fault party is a government entity (such as a city, county, or state agency), the deadline to file an administrative claim is typically much shorter, often six months from the date of the incident. |
Local Accident Risks in San Dimas
Los Angeles County consistently records high numbers of bicycle collisions. From 2018 to 2022, the county averaged 1,221 bicycle accident victims per year. In 2021 alone, Los Angeles County reported 27 bicyclist deaths and 240 serious injuries, ranking among the highest in the state. Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County saw 815 traffic collisions involving bicyclists between 2019 and 2022, resulting in 12 deaths and 121 severe injuries. San Dimas is not immune to these trends. Specific intersections and thoroughfares present heightened risks due to traffic density and speed. The vast majority of bicycle fatalities on LA County roads occur on multi-lane roads, often those without dedicated bike lanes, and over half occur at night.
Past incidents highlight the dangers present on major roads. For example, collisions have occurred along San Dimas Avenue near East Baseline Road. These arterial roads often feature multiple lanes, higher vehicle speeds, and significant traffic volumes, making them particularly hazardous for cyclists despite safety laws. The San Dimas municipal code also dictates specific rules regarding bicycle parking, prohibiting obstruction of sidewalks or streets, which can be a factor in premises liability or obstruction claims.
Damages Recoverable in Bicycle Accident Claims
Injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are often catastrophic, ranging from road rash and fractures to traumatic brain injuries. State law permits victims to seek compensation for various economic and non-economic losses.
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency transportation, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care required for long-term injuries.
- Lost Wages: Victims may recover income lost during recovery time. If the injury results in a permanent disability that reduces earning capacity, claims may include future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: These non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: Compensation covers the repair or replacement of the bicycle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
Steps to Take Following a Collision
The actions taken immediately after a bicycle accident significantly impact the outcome of a legal claim. Prioritizing health and evidence preservation is vital.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries appear minor. Adrenaline often masks symptoms of serious conditions like internal bleeding or concussions. Medical records serve as the primary evidence linking the accident to the injuries sustained.
Gather evidence at the scene if physical condition permits. Take photographs of the vehicle, the bicycle, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs. Obtain contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Request a police report, as this document provides an official account of the incident and may contain the officer's determination of fault.
Avoid negotiating directly with the driver's insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters prioritize minimizing payouts. Benji Personal Injury Accident Attorneys handles communications with insurers to protect the rights of the injured and ensure fair evaluation of the claim.
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