Irvine Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Our great state of California is the nation’s leading pioneer in green initiatives; we hold some of the strictest rules in the country when it comes to emissions and recycling. In light of this, biking has become a more common mode of transportation in recent years.

Unfortunately, the number of bicycle accidents has also risen. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, cyclists are more likely to be hurt or killed on the road in California than anywhere else in the country. Even if you are a vigilant biker, the congestion in Irvine leads to inattentive and frustrated drivers, which is a dangerous mix.

Being in a Bicycle Accident

When cars hit bicyclists, the damages can be devastating. If the injuries sustained by bicyclist are severe, the police will typically not come to you for a statement until you are already in the hospital. At this time, you may be woozy, light-headed, or unable to think clearly because of the injuries you have sustained and the medications you are on. Unfortunately, this also means the police talked to the driver first.

Police officers are likely to fall prey to what is known as the confirmation bias. That means instead of conducting a thorough and objective analysis of events, they tend to assimilate information they want to be true before hearing information that might conflict with what they expect. It is often much easier for police officers to find cyclists at fault so they can close the case. Our law office understands the difficult task of deciphering fault in the aftermath of an accident, even after authorities have been misled.

Part of what makes investigating these cases so complex is the fact that cyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road, just as drivers are. However, they sometimes must ride against traffic for short distances to reach their destination. Consider this example from one of our previous clients, “Mr. S.”

Mr. S was riding his bike to the store, which was on the opposite side of the street. He crossed at a crosswalk, requiring him to ride in the opposite direction of traffic for a short distance. As he was crossing a freeway exit ramp, a woman turned right at a red light without looking both ways, striking Mr. S.

In this case, Mr. S was deemed 100% at fault for the accident. Our law office successfully argued that while Mr. S may have been partially at fault for riding against traffic, the other driver was equally at fault for not being aware of her surroundings. The case was settled out of court.

Bicycle cases can become quickly complicated, which is why some law offices do not even practice bike accident law. However, we at the Law Offices of Mann & Elias believe each case poses a unique challenge that we rise to meet. Unlike the police, we are committed to your best interests, so we will evaluate the facts of the case fairly and objectively to see if you have a case worth pursuing. 

Serving Mission Viejo | Irvine | Costa Mesa 

Whether you have been in a bike accident in Irvine, Mission Viejo, or Costa Mesa, our attorneys can help you secure fair compensation. Being injured in a bike accident can lead to head injuries, neck, and orthopedic injuries capable of creating a lifetime of discomfort and hardship.

Our office has a reputation for doggedly representing the best interests of cyclists when the authorities look the other way. If you would like us to review the facts of your case, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation.