Bicycle accidents in Ontario, CA, typically happen when drivers are careless and fail to notice cyclists in the area. If you sustained injuries in a recent bicycle crash, the experienced legal team at Banderas Law can gather the necessary documentation, file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and pursue the damages you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Ontario, CA bicycle accident attorney, please call us at (909) 707-0000 or contact us online for more information.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Us?
- How Much Is My Ontario, CA Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
- Common Locations for Ontario, CA Bicycle Accidents
- Types of Ontario, CA Bicycle Accidents
- Most Common Injuries in Ontario, CA Bicycle Crashes
- Fighting the Insurance Company after Bike Accident in Ontario, CA
- Most Important Steps to Take after an Ontario, CA Bicycle Accident
- Call an Experienced Ontario, CA Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
Why Choose Us?
At Banderas Law, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients over the years, and we know how to successfully fight insurance companies to get you the results you deserve. We are also a fully bilingual law firm in California.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at 3401 Centre Lake Dr., Ste. 470, Ontario, CA 91761.
How Much Is My Ontario, CA Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a bicycle accident in Ontario, California, the value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the extent of any financial losses you’ve experienced. While it’s impossible to give an exact dollar amount without knowing the specifics of your case, there are various losses (also known as damages) you can recover.
- Medical Expenses: One of the most significant losses in a bicycle accident case is medical expenses. This includes the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any other treatments you need to recover from your injuries. If your injuries require long-term care, you may be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses as well.
- Lost income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can recover the income you’ve lost as a result. This includes both past earnings (for time already missed) and future lost income (if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future). If your injury causes you long-term disability, compensation for future lost earnings may be significant.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the bike accident and resulting injuries. This can be one of the more challenging aspects to calculate because it’s subjective. However, if your injuries have caused long-term pain, disability, or mental suffering (such as anxiety or depression), you may be entitled to compensation for this as well.
- Property Damage: If your bicycle was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement of your bike. This includes the cost of the bike itself, as well as any gear or accessories that were damaged.
In some cases, if the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future. They are rare and typically only awarded in cases of malice or gross negligence.
Common Locations for Ontario, CA Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Ontario, California, often occur in areas where cyclists share the road with vehicles, and certain locations are more prone to accidents due to the road design, traffic patterns, and volume of both car and bike traffic.
- Major Roads and Streets: Ontario’s busy streets and major roads are frequent locations for bicycle accidents. Streets like Euclid Avenue, Chino Avenue, and Fourth Street see a high amount of vehicle traffic, making them dangerous for cyclists. These roads often have fast-moving cars and limited bike lanes, which increases the risk of collisions. Drivers may fail to notice cyclists, especially in areas where bike lanes end or are poorly marked.
- Intersections: Intersections are some of the most common places where bicycle accidents happen. In Ontario, busy intersections such as Euclid Avenue and Fourth Street, Chino Avenue and Vineyard Avenue, and Ontario Mills Parkway and Milliken Avenue have seen a higher number of accidents. These intersections tend to be areas of high congestion, where cyclists and motorists must navigate multiple lanes, turns, and traffic signals. With so much happening at once, cyclists are at risk of being overlooked, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Residential Areas: While major roads are a common source of accidents, residential areas in Ontario can also be hazardous for cyclists. Streets like Cedar Avenue, Lark Ellen Avenue, and Ontario Ranch Road can have narrow lanes and limited visibility – especially in neighborhoods with heavy parking or sharp turns. Cyclists can be more vulnerable in these quieter areas, where drivers may not expect to encounter them as frequently.
- Near Parks and Trails: Parks and recreational areas can also be locations for bicycle accidents. In Ontario, places like Guasti Regional Park and the Ontario Creek Trail attract cyclists who may be entering or exiting the area from busy roads. These transitions from bike trails to streets can be dangerous, especially when cyclists are merging with traffic or crossing intersections, and drivers are negligent.
Types of Ontario, CA Bicycle Accidents
In Ontario, California, negligent drivers can cause various types of bicycle collisions. These accidents often occur when a driver fails to observe or properly yield to a cyclist, resulting in serious injuries.
- Left Hook: A left hook collision happens when a driver turns left across a cyclist’s path – typically at an intersection. The driver may fail to notice the cyclist in the bike lane or simply misjudge the cyclist’s speed. This type of accident is common in areas where cyclists ride in designated bike lanes alongside vehicle lanes, such as on Euclid Avenue or Fourth Street in Ontario. A left hook can be especially dangerous because the cyclist often has little time to react as the vehicle turns directly into their path.
- Right Hook: A right hook occurs when a driver makes a right turn at an intersection or driveway and collides with a cyclist traveling straight or in a bike lane. Drivers who make a right turn too closely or without properly checking for cyclists often cause these accidents. This is especially risky in busy intersections or when cars are making turns from roads like Chino Avenue or Ontario Mills Parkway without noticing cyclists in the bike lanes.
- Dooring: Dooring happens when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of a cyclist. This often occurs when a cyclist is riding near parked cars and a person suddenly opens their door without checking for traffic. It’s a common type of collision in residential areas or parking spots along busy streets, such as Vineyard Avenue or Milliken Avenue. Dooring accidents can cause serious injuries if the cyclist crashes into the door or is thrown off their bike.
- Rear-End Collision: A rear-end collision occurs when a driver hits a cyclist from behind, often because the driver wasn’t paying attention or didn’t leave enough space when passing. This can happen on roads like Ontario Ranch Road or Chino Avenue, where cyclists and cars share lanes. Drivers who are distracted or in a hurry may not notice the cyclist ahead of them until it’s too late.
Most Common Injuries in Ontario, CA Bicycle Crashes
Bicycle accidents in Ontario, California, can lead to a range of serious injuries. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable because they have little protection compared to those in motor vehicles. The severity of injuries often depends on the type of collision, the speeds of the vehicles involved, and the circumstances of the crash. Some of the most common injuries bicycle accident victims may suffer include:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries are among the most serious injuries cyclists can sustain. Even with a helmet, a cyclist may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) if they are thrown from their bike or hit by a car. TBI can have long-lasting effects, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent disability. Helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries but do not eliminate the danger entirely.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Cyclists involved in accidents often suffer fractures or broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and collarbones. When a cyclist falls to the ground or is struck, their limbs can absorb much of the impact. For instance, a broken collarbone is a common injury from being thrown over the handlebars, while fractured wrists may occur when trying to break a fall. These injuries typically require surgery and a long recovery period.
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries: When a cyclist is thrown to the ground or slides along the road after a collision, they may suffer road rash – or painful abrasions resulting from friction with the pavement. Road rash can range from mild scrapes to deep, severe wounds that may require skin grafts. Cyclists may also suffer sprains, strains, and muscle tears from the force of the crash or from trying to break their fall.
- Spinal Injuries: Cyclists involved in crashes may experience spinal injuries, ranging from herniated discs to more severe injuries like fractures of the vertebrae. Spinal injuries can lead to long-term pain or even paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.
Victims of these accidents often face a lengthy recovery process, and some may experience long-term physical and emotional effects.
Fighting the Insurance Company after Bike Accident in Ontario, CA
After a bicycle accident in Ontario, California, dealing with the insurance company can be one of the most challenging aspects of your case. Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing the amount they pay out, and they may try to downplay your injuries or deny your claim altogether. At Banderas Law, we will fight the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Gathering Evidence: One of the first things we do is collect and organize all of the evidence related to the accident. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Strong evidence is vital in proving liability and showing the extent of your damages. By presenting this evidence to the insurance company, we can build a solid case that is harder for them to dispute.
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company: Insurance companies often offer low settlements that don’t fully cover your medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering. We will negotiate with the insurance adjusters to make sure the offer reflects the true value of your case. If the initial settlement offer is unfair, we will fight for a better deal that accounts for both your immediate and long-term needs.
- Litigation and Legal Action: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take the case to trial. Filing a lawsuit is sometimes necessary to ensure that negligent drivers and their insurers are held accountable. We will represent you during all legal proceedings, making sure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Most Important Steps to Take after an Ontario, CA Bicycle Accident
After being involved in a bicycle crash in Ontario, California, it’s important to take specific steps, including all of the following:
- Obtain Copies of Medical Records: Make sure to obtain copies of your medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and bills. These documents will be important for proving the extent of your injuries and for calculating your compensation. Keep detailed records of all treatments, prescriptions, and any medical expenses you incur.
- Complete Your Entire Treatment Plan: It’s vital to complete your entire medical treatment regimen as prescribed by your doctor. Failing to do so can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you don’t follow through with treatment.
- Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Ontario, CA, Right Away: At Banderas Law, we will help you navigate the claims process, deal with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected. A bike accident attorney can also assist in gathering evidence and negotiating for fair compensation.
Call an Experienced Ontario, CA Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you sustained injuries in a recent Ontario, CA, bicycle collision, the legal team at Banderas Law is ready to help. We will swiftly evaluate your case circumstances, determine your options, and begin pursuing the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Ontario, CA bicycle accident lawyer, please call us at (909) 707-0000 or contact us online today.
Our Office Location
Banderas Law, PC
3401 N Centre Lake Dr #470
Ontario, CA 91761
Tel: (909) 707-0000