Orange County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Orange County

Bicycle accidents often happen because drivers fail to see or yield to cyclists. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Right-Turn Collisions: A driver turning right at an intersection may look left for traffic but fail to notice a cyclist traveling straight ahead on the right.
• “Left Cross” Accidents: When a motorist turns left across an intersection and collides with a cyclist coming from the opposite direction.
• Stop Sign Violations: Drivers who fail to yield to a cyclist with the right of way often cause devastating crashes.
• Dooring Incidents: When a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, sending them crashing onto the pavement.
• Rear-End Collisions: Even a low-speed impact from behind can cause catastrophic injuries to a bicyclist.

California law is clear: motorists must exercise caution and share the road with cyclists. When they fail to do so, they can and should be held liable for the harm they cause.

Serious Injuries Resulting from Bicycle Accidents

Unlike motorists, bicyclists have little protection in a crash. Even with helmets and reflective gear, cyclists are highly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Severe Road Rash and Lacerations
• Internal Organ Damage
• Psychological Trauma (including PTSD)
• Fatal Injuries in the most tragic cases

These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we understand the immense toll a bicycle accident takes on victims and families, and we are committed to securing the maximum compensation available under the law.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Your actions immediately after a crash can impact the strength of your legal claim. If you are physically able, consider the following steps:

1. Call 911 and seek emergency medical attention.
2. Request a police report to document the crash.
3. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.
4. Exchange information with the driver and any witnesses.
5. Do not admit fault or make statements to the driver’s insurance company.
6. Get medical care even if injuries seem minor—symptoms can worsen later.
7. Consult an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to protect your rights.

Our attorneys can use the evidence you gather to reconstruct the accident, prove fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

As the victim of a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to significant damages for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Medical Bills: ER visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care
• Lost Income: wages lost while recovering and reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
• Property Damage: repair or replacement of your bicycle and personal items
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: when injuries prevent you from activities you once enjoyed
• Wrongful Death Damages: funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship if the accident is fatal

Our team at Carpenter & Zuckerman carefully calculates the full extent of your damages and never settles for less than you deserve.

Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman?

Carpenter & Zuckerman has built a reputation as one of California’s leading personal injury firms. For over 25 years, we’ve been fighting tirelessly for the rights of accident victims and have achieved some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the state.

When you hire us, you can expect:

• Trial-Tested Attorneys who are not afraid to take your case to court
• Aggressive Negotiation with insurance companies who try to undervalue your claim
• Personalized Legal Representation tailored to your unique circumstances
• No Fees Unless We Win – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

With offices in Orange County, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond, we proudly serve clients throughout California and are here when you need us most.