Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycling in Newport Beach offers scenic routes, ocean breezes, and well-marked bike paths. But it also carries real risks. Traffic congestion, distracted drivers, and street design flaws contribute to bike crashes throughout the city. From Pacific Coast Highway to Balboa Island, local cyclists face hazards daily. When someone gets injured while riding, the aftermath can include serious medical problems, lost income, and questions about how to cover expenses.

A Newport Beach bicycle accident lawyer at Bentley & More LLP can provide guidance after a crash. Our legal team works to secure full financial recovery for injured cyclists. With deep knowledge of California injury law and insurance practices, we know how to build strong claims. Whether the case settles or heads to court, we aim to hold the at-fault party fully accountable.

You don’t have to take on the legal process alone. Reach out to Bentley & More LLP for a free consultation to learn how we can help.

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What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Newport Beach?

There are many causes of bicycle accidents, and they often involve more than just bad luck. In many cases, someone else’s careless behavior or system failure caused the crash. Newport Beach has seen collisions at intersections, near shopping centers, and along crowded bike lanes. These incidents happen for several reasons.

Cyclists regularly suffer multiple injuries in a single bicycle collision, as there might be multiple points of trauma. They might hit the vehicle, the ground, or any objects nearby.

Driver Negligence and Traffic Violations

Many accidents happen when drivers fail to look for cyclists. Distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, and failing to yield often put bikers at risk. For example, a cyclist crossing near the Newport Center Drive area may get hit by a driver who ignores a stop sign.

Poor Road Conditions and Infrastructure Issues

Uneven pavement, potholes, and poorly marked lanes can easily cause crashes. In areas like Dover Drive, lack of proper bike lanes or warning signs forces cyclists into vehicle traffic. These types of hazards can lead to serious accidents.

Defective Bicycle Equipment

When a brake system fails or a frame breaks mid-ride, the results can be devastating. Faulty tires, gears, or handlebars can cause a rider to lose control. These problems may point to a design defect or improper assembly by a manufacturer or shop.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Conflicts

Busy areas such as the Newport Pier boardwalk see a mix of walkers, runners, and riders. Crowded paths increase the chance of collisions between cyclists and pedestrians, especially when space is limited or people move unpredictably.

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

There are many types of bicycle accidents, from dooring incidents to vehicle collisions and falls caused by road hazards. Because cyclists lack the protection of enclosed vehicles, even minor crashes can result in serious injuries. Riders hit by cars, ejected from bikes, or thrown onto pavement often need extensive medical care.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

A helmet helps reduce head injuries, but it doesn’t prevent all of them. Cyclists can suffer from concussions or more severe brain trauma, which may impact memory, mood, speech, or mobility.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A hard impact to the back or neck can injure the spinal cord. Some riders may deal with permanent paralysis, while others face ongoing pain, weakness, or limited movement.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Wrists, arms, collarbones, and legs break often during a crash. Riders instinctively put out their hands to break a fall, which leads to fractures that may require surgery and lengthy recovery.

Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage

Sliding across pavement during a fall causes painful scrapes and cuts. Road rash may need stitches, skin grafts, or infection care. Muscle tears and sprains can also take weeks or months to heal.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma during a crash can damage internal organs. These injuries may not show up right away but could become life-threatening if left untreated.

Who Is Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Newport Beach?

More than one party may share blame for a bicycle crash. Liability depends on how the accident happened and what actions led up to it. A thorough investigation helps identify everyone who played a role.

Motor Vehicle Drivers

A distracted or reckless driver often holds the most responsibility. Running stop signs, opening doors into a bike lane, or failing to check blind spots are all behaviors that endanger cyclists.

Government Entities for Road Maintenance

If the city or another agency fails to fix road hazards or post proper signs, it may bear liability. For instance, if a cyclist crashes due to a dangerous curb or missing lane markings on San Joaquin Hills Road, the local government might be held accountable.

Bicycle Manufacturers and Retailers

Design flaws or manufacturing errors can cause bike parts to fail during use. Retailers who sell unsafe or recalled equipment may also be legally responsible for injuries.

Property Owners and Business Establishments

Businesses that block sidewalks or create unsafe bike routes near their property may cause accidents. For example, a restaurant on Newport Boulevard that sets up outdoor seating and forces riders into traffic could be liable if someone gets hurt.

California Bicycle Laws and Cyclist Rights

California bicycle laws outline how cyclists must behave on the road, and the protections they’re entitled to. Understanding these laws is essential for determining fault in a bicycle accident. From signaling turns to where riders can legally travel, these laws help clarify what each party’s responsibilities were leading up to the crash.

Helmet Requirements and Safety Regulations

Riders under 18 must wear helmets by law. Helmets should meet safety standards and be worn correctly. While adults aren’t legally required to wear them, doing so adds protection.

Right-of-Way Rules for Cyclists

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. That means obeying traffic signals and stopping at crosswalks. Drivers must yield to cyclists when required, especially at intersections.

Bike Lane Usage and Traffic Laws

When a bike lane exists, cyclists should use it unless making a turn or avoiding a hazard. Cyclists may ride in traffic lanes if necessary for safety. In areas without marked bike lanes, riders must stay as far to the right as practical.

Comparative Negligence in Bicycle Accidents

California follows comparative negligence rules. This means a cyclist can still receive financial recovery even if they were partly responsible. For instance, a rider without lights at night may share some fault but can still hold a driver accountable for unsafe passing.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in California?

Time limits apply to injury claims, and missing a deadline can result in losing the right to recover anything. Several different timelines may apply based on who is responsible.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If the injuries aren’t discovered right away, the clock may start when they’re first diagnosed.

Government Claim Filing Deadlines

If a city, county, or state agency caused the accident, special rules apply. You may need to file an administrative claim within six months before filing a lawsuit.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Some cases involve minors, mental incapacity, or delayed discovery of injury. These situations may pause or extend the usual time limits, but only under specific legal rules.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Newport Beach

Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can make a big difference in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your chances of recovering fair compensation. Taking the right steps early on makes a difference.

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

• Call emergency responders right away so police can document the event.
• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
• Get contact information from witnesses and anyone involved.
• Avoid saying anything about fault or talking to insurance adjusters on the spot.

After Receiving Medical Treatment

• Save every record related to care, prescriptions, and therapy.
• Follow all medical instructions and keep up with doctor visits.
• Don’t sign anything from insurance companies until speaking with a lawyer.
• Contact a bicycle accident attorney to learn your legal options.

How Our Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Legal representation can shift the burden off your shoulders and onto our team. At Bentley & More LLP, we handle every aspect of the case while you focus on healing.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We review crash reports, talk to witnesses, inspect bike damage, and consult with specialists. These steps help build a solid case from day one.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurers often downplay injuries or delay responses. We take over all communication to push for a full and fair settlement.

Establishing Liability and Proving Damages

Our attorneys work to establish personal injury liability by clearly connecting the dots between the accident and your injuries. We use records, photos, and expert testimony to prove the extent of the harm caused.

Trial Representation and Litigation Support

If the insurance company refuses to settle on fair terms, we prepare to take the case to trial and present it before a jury.

Maximizing Your Compensation Recovery

Our goal is to recover the full amount needed to cover current and future expenses, lost income, and other impacts tied to the crash.

Why Choose Our Newport Beach Law Firm?

Greg Bentley &
Keith More, Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bentley & More LLP brings local insight, proven results, and a people-first approach to every case. We focus on protecting injured cyclists and helping them rebuild their lives.

Local Knowledge of Newport Beach Traffic Patterns

Our personal injury attorneys understand the city’s streets, intersections, and traffic issues. This helps us pinpoint exactly where and how the crash occurred.

Proven Track Record in Bicycle Accident Cases

We’ve handled many bike-related claims and know how to present a compelling case to insurers and juries alike.

No Fees Unless We Recover Compensation for You

You pay nothing upfront. Our fees come out of the amount we recover for you through settlement or judgment.

Personalized Attention and Client Communication

We keep you informed, answer your questions, and treat your case with the respect it deserves.

Contact Our Skilled Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Newport Beach Now

California limits the time you have to act after a bicycle accident. Waiting too long can hurt your ability to recover funds for medical care, missed work, and more.

Call Bentley & More LLP today at (949) 870-3800 for a free consultation. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions. You won’t pay anything unless we recover funds on your behalf. Reach out now to protect your rights and begin the road to recovery.

Newport Beach Bicycle Accidents FAQs

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company seems cooperative?

Even when an adjuster seems friendly, the insurance company’s goal is to pay as little as possible. A lawyer makes sure your rights are protected and that no money is left on the table.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

You can still pursue a claim. California law allows financial recovery even if you share some blame, though the amount may be adjusted.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. Not wearing a helmet may affect your case slightly, but it doesn’t block your ability to recover unless it directly caused the injury in question.

How much does it cost to hire a bicycle accident lawyer?

You pay nothing upfront. Our fees come out of the amount recovered. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t owe anything.

What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?

You may still have options. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, that policy can step in. Other sources of recovery may also be available depending on the situation.

Client Testimonial

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Bentley & More for the past 5-6 years. Their drive and compassion to earn great results for their clients is obvious to everyone who works with them.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with the firm to help serve their clients.” – Nicole S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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