Best Bike Accident Lawyer in Laguna Beach
If you live in Laguna Beach then the odds are you ride a bicycle around town quite often. The nice weather and beautiful scenery make Laguna Beach a prime spot to spend time riding a bike. Famous for the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: Big Bend, Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, and Crystal Cove State Park.
Unfortunately, riding a bicycle comes with a built-in danger, and if you are hit by a car while riding a bike the injuries can be very serious. Accidents happen randomly, a bicyclist could get hit by a guy towing a car, or when a neighbor backs out of their driveway in a hurry.
If you or a loved one was injured in a bike crash, our bike accident lawyers in Laguna Beach for a free consultation. Don’t wait to get medical help, go immediately to the hospital or urgent care. Then, contact the top-rated personal injury attorney in Orange County at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim.
Why Contact A Bike Accident Lawyer in Laguna Beach?
The reality is that if you’ve been injured in a bike accident here in Laguna Beach then you are going to want to hire a top injury lawyer. Daniel Kim is a top-rated bike accident lawyer with a proven track record of helping clients recover compensation. In addition, we have over 1,000 positive reviews on Google and Yelp.
Dealing with insurance companies can be very messy and frustrating. This is because insurance companies aren’t in business to pay out money. Daniel Kim is here to help whether you suffered minor injuries like a broken arm, or major injuries like a concussion, call us today.
Practice Areas We Specialize In
At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, our accident lawyers exclusively handle motor vehicle accident cases. In fact, our outstanding attorneys focus on motor vehicle accidents, setting us apart from other firms.
Car Accidents – This can involve any type of crash from an Uber wreck, to maybe a teenage driver hitting you, or maybe an old lady ran a red light and rear-ended your car.
Motorcycle Accidents – As we all know riding a motorcycle is very dangerous. Also, almost all motorcycle accidents lead to severe injuries.
Truck Accidents – Accidents involving commercial trucks, big-rigs, tractor-trailers, or other oversized vehicles are complicated. However, our law firm has years of experience dealing with these types of cases.
Pedestrian Accidents – These are always bad accidents because a pedestrian has no chance against a 2,000 lb. car that runs them over.
Uber and Lyft Accidents – Uber and Lyft have unique commercial insurance policies. Therefore, passengers and other cars who were hit by a driver are eligible to file a claim.
Catastrophic Injuries – In саtаѕtrорhіс іnjurіеѕ, the vісtіm іѕ еntіtlеd to rесеіvе muсh hіghеr compensation соmраrеd tо the ones whо ѕuffеr mіnоr іnjurіеѕ.
Wrongful Death – In California, the deceased’s spouse, child, partner, and other entitled individuals can file a claim and receive damages.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Californians are leaders of the green movement when it comes to trying to reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, beach communities have always been known to be health-conscious, as well. Both of these factors are what have made biking in Laguna Beach so popular.
However, due to busy roadways, bicyclists are always at risk of being involved in an accident with motor vehicles. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to be aware of the common causes of these dangerous accidents.
- Distracted – Drivers are often on the phone, talking, texting, emailing
- Speeding – Driving too fast allows for less time to react to a dangerous situation
- Running a red light – Bike riders and motorists are both guilty of running red lights which is very dangerous
- Car doors – Incredibly dangerous to open a door of a vehicle without looking
- Poorly marked roads – If bike lanes are not clearly marked accidents are more likely
- Potholes – This can lead to tire blowouts and loss of control of the vehicle or bike
- Construction zones – Creates confusion on the roadways, proceed with caution
- Inexperienced drivers – Lack of driving knowledge can be dangerous
- DUI – Driving under the influence is especially dangerous when bike riders are involved
- Driving at night – Riders must always make themselves visible at night
- Aggressive bicyclists – Racing in and out of traffic, changing lanes is dangerous
- Weather – If raining and a car or bike is on a slippery road the risk of injury increases
How Bicycle Riders Can Avoid Accidents
There will always be some risk as a bike rider, so it is important to understand the rules of the road and take the necessary safety precautions to avoid accidents.
- Obey All Traffic Laws – When a motorist fails to yield to traffic lights or signs accidents are more likely to occur. Therefore, become a defensive rider, and proceed with caution when riding next to motorists.
- Wear a Helmet – Head trauma causes a wide variety of injuries that can result in brain damage. Wearing a helmet is the difference between a life-changing injury and a less serious one.
- Ride with Traffic – The best way to stay safe is to ride with the flow of traffic. Cars are usually driving much faster than you and can come out of nowhere in an instance.
- Install Lights and Reflectors – Bicyclists are much smaller and harder to see on the roads.,When driving at night, front and rear lights are mandatory for the safety of everyone on the road.
- Bike maintenance – A full inspection of the bike before getting on it should be a habit for smart and safe riders. The tires need to be checked for proper inflation levels and the brakes checked to make sure they are ready for the ride. Always tighten seats and handlebars and make sure there are no loose parts of the bike that can lead to an accident.
Laguna Beach Bicycle Accident Statistics
Laguna Beach has a population of 23,147, making it one of the smaller communities in Orange County. Many residents that live and work in Laguna choose to commute via bicycle.
Bike Accident Injuries and Fatalities
In 2017, more than 300 Laguna Beach bicycle accidents were reported. The California statewide average sits at just around 95% of all bicycle accidents reporting and injury. Common bike accident injuries include:
- Breaks and Fractures
- Traumatic Head Injury
- Concussion
- Rotator Cuff
- Nerve Damage
- Meniscus Injuries
- Cuts and Bruise
- Amputation
- Facial and Dental
- Spinal Damage
- Wrongful Death
Accidents Involving Drugs or Alcohol
Over the last half-decade, California motorists have seen an increase in nearly 30% of DUI charges and arrests. In addition, 11% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities – including those involving cyclists – were linked to drivers getting behind the wheel after using some type of drug.
Distracted Driver Accidents
Distracted driving is a major problem along California State roadways, just as it is throughout the rest of the United States right now.
75% of motorists report that they text while they drive. 90% report that they use their phones while they are driving. In addition, 80% of all accidents can be traced back to some form of inattentive driving in the state of California, as well.
Dangerous Intersections in Laguna Beach for Bike Accidents
Because PCH is a major highway that passes through the city, Laguna Beach experiences much high-volume traffic. The main roadways and intersections that are prone to accidents typically intersect with Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). They include the following:
- Anita St.
- Skyline Dr.
- Brooks St.
- Hill St.
- Locust St.
- Linden St.
- Astor St.
- Myrtle St.
- Nyes Pl.
- Park Ave.
- Laguna Canyon Rd.
- PCH and Broadway St.
- Holly St. and Magnolia Dr.
- High Dr. and Jasmine St.
- El Toro Rd. and Laguna Canyon Rd.
The Law Offices of Daniel Kim – Costa Mesa Office
Address: 611 Anton Boulevard, Suite #1000, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone: (714) 790-3519