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Bike Accident Attorneys in Santa Barbara

Legal Representation After a Bicycle Accident in Santa Barbara

car and bicycle accident

Even the most cautious, law-abiding bicyclist may be unable to avoid the opening of an adjacent car door, an inattentive or intoxicated driver, or a dangerous road condition. When accidents occur, bicycle riders are often thrown from their bikes, and require extensive medical care. They often suffer broken bones, head and brain trauma, damage to internal organs, spinal cord injuries, amputation, and wrongful death.

NordstrandBlack PC has represented injured bicycle riders and their families for 30 years, and collected millions of dollars for clients. For each case that we accept, we will aggressively pursue all avenues to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Our Santa Barbara bicycle accident lawyers will provide you with personal service and assist you through the legal process. Call today for a free consultation at (866) 298-2041.


Bike Accident Case Results

  • $595,000 Judgment at Trial - Bike Accident - Struck by Pick-up Truck
  • $525,000 Settlement for Policy Limit - Bike/Truck Accident
  • $100,000 Settlement for Policy Limit - Bike/Auto Accident - Hit at Intersection
  • $85,000 Settlement - Bicycle/Auto Accident - Broken Bones
  • $80,000 Settlement - Bicycle Accident

∗ Selected cases listed. Every case is different. Past case results are not a guarantee, and similar results may not be obtained in your case. View more case results here.


Who Is Liable for a Bike Accident?

Liability ultimately comes down to who was negligent. Driver negligence is a major contributing factor in bicycle-car collisions. For example, if a driver did not check his side mirror, and opened a door into your path, you may be able to bring a civil lawsuit against the driver. It is the responsibility of drivers to share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians, who are more vulnerable to injury. Drivers must be aware of their actions and environment, and act reasonably to ensure you remain safe on a bike.

Of course, you must also observe the right-of-way laws while riding a bike. You must follow the same laws as motorists and obey traffic signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, and signal when changing lanes or turning. You should be able to use bicycle lanes without vehicles obstructing them or coming dangerously close to you. Since 2013, California requires motor vehicles to maintain a distance of three feet of clearance when passing or driving around bicycles. This safety buffer is vital, and whether drivers ignore it or are ignorant of it, they may receive a traffic ticket and be held liable in civil court for a bicyclist’s injuries.

What Should I Do After a Santa Barbara Bike-Car Collision?

After a serious Santa Barbara bicycle accident, you must act immediately to protect your rights. Ask for medical care. Call law enforcement to take an accident report. If you speak with a police officer at the scene, describe what happened accurately, but do not take any blame for what occurred. You may take responsibility for something you later learn happened because of someone else's actions! Follow through on any medical advice or treatment regimen that your physician recommends. If you don't, you make it possible for the insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not related to the accident, are not severe, or that you made your injuries worse by not following medical advice.

What If I Hit My Head?

Bicyclists often receive head injuries in accidents, even while wearing a helmet. Oftentimes, signs of serious head injury go unnoticed for a significant amount of time. Head injury can result in impaired vision and hearing, and loss of sense of smell. It may impair cognitive function, cause fatigue, and myriad other symptoms. NordstrandBlack PC has extensive experience assisting accident victims with head injuries. If the bicyclist’s head hit anything, examine the head and helmet. Photograph any bruises, bumps, and other injuries as well as scrapes to the helmet and pavement or other areas of contact. We will direct you to the specialty doctors and medical providers you need to determine, document, and treat a head injury.

What Should I Do If My Child Was Involved in a Bike-Car Collision?

When a child is involved in a bicycle accident, make sure he or she receives immediate medical attention. You may feel like you should sign what your own insurance company provides to you, but they may ask you to sign away certain rights. Always have an experienced Santa Barbara child injury lawyer look at documents before signing them - even if they are given to you by someone you believe works for your best interests. When clients call us, we waste no time in beginning our own independent investigation of the collision. We visit the scene, preserve evidence, identify and interview potential witnesses, and work with a variety of experts to determine the cause of the accident. Before settling a claim with an insurance company or responsible party, it is important to know your rights as well as the full extent of your injuries and damages.

If death occurs after a bike accident, it is more important than ever to have an experienced wrongful death lawyer. No one grieving the loss of a loved one should have to deal with a civil lawsuit alone.

What Should I Do If It Was a Hit-and-Run?

After a motor vehicle/bicycle collision, motorists must remain at the scene and provide necessary assistance and information. Anyone who leaves the scene of a bike accident commits a crime known as hit-and-run. If you can, try to record details about the vehicle, including the make and model, color, and license plate number. Even partial information can help. Provide all of this information to law enforcement, and make sure you remain at the scene to give any other details that may be needed. NordstrandBlack PC can assist you in determining whether you have coverage on your own insurance policy for a hit-and-run claim.

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

If you have been injured in a bicycle or e-bike accident due to the negligence of another person, you may feel that you should "wait and see" how bad your injury truly is. Bear in mind that the law requires injury victims to pursue legal action sooner rather than later. This requirement is known as the "statute of limitations." If you fail to file your claim within the statute of limitations, you may be barred from ever seeking damages related to the accident, regardless of your claim’s merit. Therefore, consulting with an experienced Santa Barbara bike accident attorney right away is essential for preserving your potential claim.

The Santa Barbara injury lawyers at NordstrandBlack PC have the experience to successfully obtain compensation for your accident-related losses. Contact us today for a free consultation. Do not wait - give us a call at (866) 298-2041 and we can discuss your case, talk about your options, and make sure your rights are protected.

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