San Bernardino is a pretty active place. The streets are lined with schools, parks, shopping centers, and a lot of residential neighborhoods. That means there are always people out walking their dogs, riding bikes, or just crossing the street. At the same time, you’ve got cars constantly moving through intersections, merging onto freeways, or heading into drive-throughs.
If you’ve been in an accident in this city, you’d improve your chances significantly by working with Jacoby and Meyers, San Bernardino. These are car accident attorneys who understand exactly how the local legal system works and what it takes to get a fair outcome after an accident like this.
What the Law Says About Protecting Pedestrians and Cyclists
In California, drivers are legally required to look out for people walking and biking. The law literally says they must use reasonable care to avoid hitting someone who’s more vulnerable on the road. That includes stopping for someone at a crosswalk, checking for bikes before turning or opening a car door, and giving cyclists enough space when passing.
If a driver doesn’t do these things, they’re being negligent under the law. And when negligence leads to someone getting hurt, that’s when legal consequences kick in.
Negligence can mean a lot of things: maybe the driver was texting, maybe they were speeding, or maybe they just didn’t stop when they should’ve. Whatever the situation, that failure to follow the rules is what builds the case if someone decides to sue or file a claim.
On the flip side, cyclists and pedestrians also have responsibilities. Cyclists have to follow traffic laws, too. They are mandated to stop at lights and ride in the same direction as traffic. If they don’t, and they’re part of an accident, it can impact the outcome of a legal case.
What Victims Can Do After the Accident
If you’re the person who got hurt, either walking or riding your bike, you have the right to seek compensation for what happened to you. That can include money for medical bills, time you missed at work, and even the physical pain and stress you’ve been through since the accident.
Personal injury laws give you that option, but you don’t just get it automatically. You have to show what happened, prove it wasn’t your fault (or at least not mostly your fault), and back it up with real evidence. This can include police reports, photos, witness statements, and medical records.
First, call 911. Even if it seems like a small crash, injuries can get worse later. Let emergency responders check everyone out. The police will also make a report, which becomes a crucial piece of evidence.
If you’re the one who got hurt, try to take photos of the scene and be sure to cover your injuries, the vehicles, road signs, and anything that helps show what happened. Talk to anyone who saw it and ask for their contact info.
When the police finish their report, make sure you ask for a copy. That document will matter a lot when you start talking to insurance or a lawyer. And after you get checked out medically, talk to an attorney.
What Happens if It’s a Hit-and-Run?
Sadly, hit-and-run accidents are more common than people think, especially when it comes to bikes. Some drivers panic and leave the scene. That’s illegal, but it also makes your situation a lot more complicated.
If this happens to you, you need to report it immediately. The police might be able to find the driver using cameras or witnesses. But even if they don’t, you might still be able to get compensation if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
This is something your own insurance company can use to cover your injuries, but you’ll need help navigating that process.
A law firm familiar with hit-and-run cases can help you figure out what your options are. These cases are tough but not hopeless.
