Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Orange County Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Thousands of people ride bicycles through Orange County each year, and most are able to reach their destinations without issue. However, bicycle accidents can happen in various ways, often with devastating effects. If you or a loved one recently experienced a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, an Orange County bicycle accident lawyer is the most effective resource you can have on your side as you pursue compensation for your damages.

Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Orange County, CA

In the Man of La Mancha, Don Quixote’s squire observes:
“Whether the pitcher hits the rock or the rock hits the pitcher, it’s going to be bad for the pitcher.”

The same holds true for pedestrians and bicyclists who are hit by automobiles or trucks. Pedestrians or cyclists are at high risk for serious injury or death, and they need the serious personal injury attorneys at Easton & Easton, LLP who have a combined 70 years of experience in representing injured persons in these types of accidents.

Because of their speed and mass, motor vehicles are capable of inflicting great damage and injury to a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist and must be operated with these risks in mind. Even if the initial police report is against you, Easton & Easton, LLP has had great success in recovering monetary compensation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists after we have investigated and established that most if not all of the fault belongs on the defendant motor vehicle driver.

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$175,000 Bike Accident in Freeway Gore Point

This year our firm resolved a hard fought bicycle accident case against the State of California where our client – a weekly cyclist with over 10 years of extensive cycling experience – crashed on Northbound Newport Coast Drive in the gore point for the SR-73 toll road on-ramp due to ground down asphalt in the gore point. As our client approached the gore point, he was unaware that roadwork had occurred and the asphalt had been ground down on the on-ramp and gore point because there were no warning cones or roadwork signs.

As cyclists are not permitted to ride on freeways and the gore point is considered part of the SR-73 freeway, the State of California contended that it did not need to place any warnings at the gore point. The State of California’s Safety Expert testified at his deposition that cyclists needed to merge into the middle lane of the roadway in order to stay off the freeway on-ramp lanes. When it was pointed out that vehicles on Newport Coast Drive were traveling in excess of 60 MPH, the State’s Expert realized his ridiculous position. Through further litigation, we showed that the only reasonable path for cyclists on this roadway was to pass through the gore point, resulting in a settlement of $175,000 one month before trial.

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

Bicycles are common sights throughout Orange County, California. Many people use them for exercise and leisure while some prefer them at an alternative means of getting to work. Whatever the case may be, it is essential for a bicyclist to understand their vulnerability on California roads. The same rule applies to pedestrians. Both bicyclists and pedestrians have virtually no protection from the force of an impact of a motor vehicle, and both are much less visible to drivers than other vehicles on the road.

There are many dangerous places to drive in Orange County, and some of these roads and intersections are especially hazardous to bicyclists. On any road on which bicycle travel is permitted, bicyclists should remain within designated bike lanes at all times. When they need to turn, they should signal that they intend to do so, and they must also remember they have the same obligation to yield the right-of-way when necessary as motor vehicle drivers.

Bicyclists should strive to make themselves as visible as possible to passing motorists. This may include wearing brightly colored clothing, attaching reflectors to their bicycles, and riding with the flow of traffic. California law allows bicyclists to “take the lane” and occupy space in a lane of traffic like any other vehicle would on most roads. Motorists have a duty of care to treat bicyclists in the lane with the same respect as other drivers, and bicyclists are expected to follow the same rules as drivers when it comes to lane possession, turning, and signaling.

Pedestrians must avoid crossing roads outside of designated crosswalk spaces. While many pedestrians cross outside of crosswalks when the road is completely clear, it is not only illegal to do so but also dangerous. If a smaller vehicle suddenly turns near the pedestrian or enters the road in such a way that they cannot avoid hitting the pedestrian, the pedestrian can be seriously hurt. Pedestrians should only walk on sidewalks whenever available and only cross streets at designated crosswalks when the crossing signal indicates it is safe to proceed.

Another common cause of bicycle accidents in Orange County is car doors suddenly opening in the path of an oncoming bicyclist who does not have time to stop. For example, a driver parallel parks at a curb, and the bicycle lane is on the right side of the adjacent lane of traffic. The driver takes a moment to collect their things before opening the driver-side door, but the driver did not look in their rear-view mirror before opening the door. A bicyclist in the bike lane cannot stop in time to avoid either hitting the now open car door or swerving into traffic on the other side of the bike lane. In this situation, the driver could have prevented this accident by taking a moment to ensure the bike lane next to their vehicle was clear before opening the door.

Distracted Driving and the Risk to Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous. California has implemented laws banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel without the use of hands-free attachments, but phone use while driving is just one possible form of distracted driving. When drivers fail to pay attention to the road for any reason, they put everyone nearby at serious risk and that includes pedestrians and bicyclists.

A distracted driver may not notice a bicyclist taking a lane nearby or fail to notice a traffic light changing colors to allow pedestrians to cross the road. When a driver causes a pedestrian accident or bicycle accident due to distraction, this is a clear example of negligence. The injured pedestrian or bicyclist in this situation would have solid grounds for a personal lawsuit against the distracted driver.

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Proving Negligence in an Orange County Bicycle Accident or Pedestrian Accident Case

When a pedestrian injuries due to a driver’s negligence, the injured party can secure compensation for their injuries through a personal injury claim. An Orange County, California personal injury attorney will be the best resource available to injured pedestrians and bicyclists in this situation. The Orange County pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyers at Easton & Easton, LLP have the skills and experience to hold negligent drivers accountable for the injuries and economic damages they cause.

A plaintiff’s attorney must identify the defendant responsible for causing the plaintiff’s damages and then provide the court with evidence that establishes the four key components of negligence:

  1. Duty. The plaintiff’s attorney must show the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, such as driving free from distractions, abiding by posted traffic signals, and yielding the right of way as the law requires in the area where the accident occurred.
  2. Breach. The plaintiff’s attorney must provide evidence that the defendant breached their duty of care, either through a direct action such as driving under the influence or committing a moving violation, or inaction when a particular action would have been reasonable and appropriate, such as yielding the right of way as the law requires in a given situation.
  3. Damage. A plaintiff can only file a personal injury claim if the incident at the root of the claim resulted in some kind of tangible damage, such as medical expenses or lost income from missed time at work due to an injury. If the plaintiff suffered no losses, there are no grounds for a personal injury claim even if the defendant in the claim was negligent in some way. The plaintiff must provide documentation that shows the full extent of the damages they intend to claim in the case.
  4. Causation. Finally, it is essential for the plaintiff’s attorney to prove the plaintiff’s claimed damages would not have occurred but for the defendant’s negligence. This means providing evidence that shows the plaintiff would not have incurred their claimed damages if the accident in question had not occurred.

Pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents are potentially quite damaging. It is the pedestrian or bicyclist who will suffer the most. They have little to no protection in the event of an accident with a motor vehicle, and they may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other serious wounds. They may lose income from missed time at work during recovery or develop disabilities that prevent them from working at all.

A bicycle and pedestrian accident attorney is an important resource for any bicyclist or pedestrian who suffers such injuries due to the actions of a negligent driver. Even if the plaintiff was partially at fault, such as by crossing the road outside of the crosswalk or failing to signal for a turn or lane change on a bike, California’s pure comparative negligence statute will still allow injured pedestrians and bicyclists to recover compensation for their damages.

It’s important to remember that while most bicycle accidents happen because of negligence, they may also occur from intentional and illegal misconduct. This can lead to criminal prosecution of the defendant, and their penalties will increase due to the harm they caused to the victim. If a defendant broke the law and caused great bodily harm or death, they are likely to face a felony charge and various penalties alongside their liability for the victim’s damages.

Claiming Compensation for a Bicycle Accident in Orange County

Your first option for recovering compensation for the damages you suffered in your recent accident is to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. State law requires every driver to have auto insurance that meets basic coverage requirements, and a bicycle accident qualifies as a vehicle accident for insurance purposes. However, there is no guarantee they will have enough coverage to fully compensate you.

Your Orange County bicycle accident lawyer can help file an insurance claim and resolve any problems you encounter with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. If they do not have insurance or they do not have enough coverage to fully compensate you for your losses, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them. Under the state’s personal injury statutes, you have the right to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages they caused.

Economic damages are generally proven with the appropriate documentation. You need to prove that your financial losses directly resulted from the defendant’s actions and not from any other cause. When it comes to non-economic damages, specifically the pain and suffering compensation you seek with your claim, you have the right to seek whatever amount you believe to be reasonable to reflect the severity of the harm you experienced.

When you choose Easton & Easton as your bike injury attorneys in Orange County, our goal will be to maximize your recovery and minimize the time it takes for you to recover your damages. We have decades of professional experience in personal injury law and know all the various challenges you might encounter as you seek the compensation you need to recover from your accident.

Three Things You Should Know After A Pedestrian Or Bicycle Accident

Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver.

Do not talk to the insurance company or give a written or recorded statement to the insurance company without talking to Easton & Easton, LLP.

Call Easton & Easton, LLP as soon as possible so we can advise you what to do next.

You have a relatively short time in which to pursue recovery from your recent bicycle accident. If you were struck by a motor vehicle, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy but have only a few days in which to do so. If you intend to file a personal injury suit, there is a two-year statute of limitations in which you must file the claim with the court. Find an Orange County bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to meet these deadlines.

FAQs

Q: How Do I Prove Liability for a Bicycle Accident in Orange County?

A: Before you can claim any compensation for your damages from a bicycle accident, you must prove how the accident happened and identify the party or parties responsible. Evidence you may need could include physical evidence from the scene of the crash, cell phone records, traffic camera video footage, and testimony from eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen. Your attorney can help gather the evidence needed to prove liability in a timely fashion.

Q: How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth in Orange County?

A: The total value of any civil claim for damages hinges on the severity of the harm done by the defendant and the extent of long-term effects the victim faces. You have the right to claim full repayment of all economic damages the defendant caused, as well as compensation for projected future economic losses. Additionally, you can seek whatever compensation you believe is appropriate for your pain and suffering.

Q: What Happens if a Bike Accident Is Fatal?

A: If you have lost a family member in a fatal bicycle accident, a bike injury attorney can help pursue a wrongful death suit against the at-fault driver. This type of civil claim is functionally similar to a personal injury claim in some ways, with a few key differences. State law restricts eligibility to file wrongful death suits as well as the damages available if you succeed with this type of case.

Q: Can a Bicyclist Be at Fault for Their Accident in Orange County?

A: Bicyclists have many of the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, so it is possible for an injured bicyclist to bear partial liability for their recent accident. Under California’s pure comparative fault rule, they can still claim compensation for their damages, but their fault percentage will be taken from their case award as a penalty, leaving them with the remainder.

Q: What Are Attorney Fees for an Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

A: The team at Easton & Easton does not charge upfront or ongoing legal fees to our clients in personal injury cases. We take these cases on contingency, so you will pay our firm a fee only if and when we win your case. Additionally, our contingency fee is a percentage of the total compensation we secure for you, and you pay nothing if we are unable to obtain compensation for your damages.

Contact Our Experienced Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyers

At Easton & Easton, LLP, our combined 70 years of experience allow us to seamlessly assess and coordinate medical care to make certain the full extent of our clients’ injuries are identified, treated, and provable.

We understand the tricks, stratagems, and defenses the insurance companies and their attorneys use to defeat or minimize a claim, and at Easton & Easton, LLP we utilize our experience, skill, and dedication to make certain our clients do not fall victim to the insurance companies’ tricks and stratagems.

Please call us at 800-461-8259 for a free initial consultation with our bicycle accident attorneys in Orange County. If we do not take your case, there is no charge.

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Firm Awards
Accredited Business Bbb Rating A+

The superior client service Easton & Easton provides has earned the firm an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Best Law Firms Orange County 2020

Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.

Reader's Choice 2019 Best Law Firm

Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018.

Top 100 Trial Lawyers

Doug and Brian Easton have been selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers for California each year since 2014 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.

The Best Lawyers in America

Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.

Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California 2016

Brian and Matt Easton were recently honored for their efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client in 2016, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California by TopVerdict.com.

Super Lawyers

Doug and Brian have each been selected by Super Lawyers, an honor given to less than 5% of attorneys. Matt Easton has been selected among Super Lawyers' Up-and-Coming Top 25 in Orange County and Top 100 in Southern Califonia, an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys under 40 years old.

10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms in all of Southern California

Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen as one of the "10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms” in all of Southern California" each year Since 2015 based on client satisfaction — one of the highest honors we could ever hope to achieve.

People Love Us On Yelp

Easton & Easton received the “People Love Us On Yelp” award in 2016 due to the exceptional client satisfaction reviews given by our clients over the years.

Premier 100 Trial Attorneys for 2015

Doug and Matt Easton have each been featured as Premier 100 Trial Attorneys for California since 2015 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.

Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Brian and Matt Easton have each earned lifetime appointment to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — The Top Trial Lawyers in AmericaTM through the results achieved for their clients. This is an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys in the United States.

Top Rated Lawyers AV Preeminent

Doug Easton has held the “AV Preeminent” Rating for over 30 years and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The "AV Preeminent" rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, and is based on the legal profession’s oldest peer review rating system, dating back to 1887.

10 Best 2015 Client Satisfaction

Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been chosen as one of the "10 Best" Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California each year since 2015 based on client satisfaction, an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys - and Easton & Easton houses three of them.

American Board of Trial Advocate

Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a certain number of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board.

The National Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40

Matt Easton has been selected each year since 2014 as one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 for California by The National Trial Lawyers — an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys.

Avvo Rating Top Attorney Personal Injury

Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.

Nation's Premier Top Ten Attorney Personal Injury

Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 based on their skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews.

Nation's Premier Top Ten Attorney Personal Injury

Matt Easton has been selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys Under 40 in California for 2015 by the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys — an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys under the age of 40.

Nation's Top One Percent

Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been selected by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel among the Nation's Top One Percent of Attorneys each year since 2017.

Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer | Costa Mesa Auto Accident Attorney | Catastrophic Injuries

“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”

Partner W. Douglas Easton

What Our Clients Say

Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…

Sara McClelland
My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…
Caila Dean

Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…

Lisa Bluemel

The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…

Sofia Sanchez

I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…

Dan Campbell

Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…

Kyle Keith

What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…

Logan Ross

I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!

-Allee

Ashlee A.

Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.

Jeffrey N.

I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!

Mark B.

They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.

Vamsi P.

Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.

They are the BEST!

Jennifer P.

I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.

Claudia C.

I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way

Linda M.

The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!

Ericka P.

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