Helping Injured Bicyclists And Motorcyclists In Stockton, Oakland And Beyond

Bicyclists and motorcyclists share the road with vehicles that outweigh them by thousands of pounds. When a collision happens, the human body absorbs most of the impact. The result is often a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury or fatal injuries that leave families without someone they love. These are not the kinds of injuries that heal quickly or completely.

At Van Blois & Associates, we have spent over 40 years fighting for seriously injured riders and their families across the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Northern California. Catastrophic injuries demand more than standard legal representation. They require deep resources, hard-won experience and the willingness to stand up to large insurance companies, corporations and government agencies. That is exactly what we do.

Bicycle Accidents

The number of bicyclists has significantly increased in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, increased numbers of cyclists can also mean increased traffic collisions.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident and the traffic collision report is adverse, you should contact an experienced bicycle injury attorney immediately. Many police officers have a bias against cyclists that translates into unfavorable witness statements, inadequate collision analysis and incorrect findings of fault. Jurors at trial often find bicyclists at fault for their injuries. In order to obtain a fair settlement or win at trial you need an experienced attorney with the necessary resources to represent you.

Our bike accident attorneys have successfully handled cases including:

• Hit-and-run driver sideswipes bicyclist, causing brain injury
• Road hazard causes bicyclist to fall, causing head injury
• Car driver invades cyclist right of way, causing fatality
• Road with deep potholes causes bicyclists to sustain paralyzing injuries
• Car door swings open, injuring bicyclist
• Poorly maintained railroad crossing causes severe injury to Modesto cyclist
• Truck driver runs over a bicyclist he failed to see before making a right turn

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents usually result in severe injuries or fatality to the motorcyclists. Many people are predisposed to find motorcyclists at fault in accidents. The severity of their injuries and the prevailing prejudice of jurors toward motorcycle riders require legal representation by a competent, experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Van Blois & Associates has access to motorcycle experts and the necessary resources to successfully pursue motorcycle accident cases. It is essential that a prompt, careful investigation take place soon after a motorcycle accident to preserve and document physical evidence, including skid marks, gouge marks, road debris and vehicle damage.

Our motorcycle accident cases include successful results in these cases:

• CHP motorcyclist recovers multimillion-dollar jury verdict for burn injuries caused by a defective motorcycle
• Husband and wife on motorcycle killed by negligent truck driver on Highway 88 in San Joaquin County
• Inattentive car driver turns left in front of motorcyclists on Oakland street
• Motorcyclist loses leg in collision with negligently operated pickup truck
• Hayward man injured when inattentive car driver invades right of way
• Berkeley garbage truck makes a wide right turn cutting off motorcyclist, causing leg amputation

In all vehicle injury cases, whatever the cause, if we accept your case, we will be fully invested in fighting for you.

The Rise Of E-Bikes And The Risks That Come With Them

E-bikes have become increasingly popular across California. They make cycling more accessible and give people a real alternative to driving. However, that popularity comes with a growing number of serious accidents. E-bikes can hit speeds of up to 28 mph, and at that speed, a crash with a vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object can cause the same catastrophic injuries we see in motorcycle crashes. Young and inexperienced riders face the greatest risk. Many have never managed a bicycle at high speeds before, and that lack of experience can turn a dangerous situation deadly in an instant.

California’s E-Bike Classification System

California law places e-bikes into three separate classes under the Electric Bicycle Law. Each class has its own rules about speed limits and where riders can legally operate:

• Class 1: These bicycles have a motor that only activates when the rider is pedaling and cannot propel the bike on its own. The motor cuts off once the bike reaches 20 mph. These e-bikes are allowed on roads, bike lanes and most bike paths and trails where traditional bicycles are permitted.
• Class 2: These are low speed, throttle assisted and have a motor that can propel the bicycle without the rider pedaling. Like Class 1 e-bikes, they are permitted on roads, bike lanes and most bike paths and trails.
• Class 3: These have a motor that only activates as the rider pedals and cannot propel the bike on its own. The motor cuts off at 28 mph, and these bikes are required by law to have a speedometer. Riders under 16 cannot legally operate a Class 3 e-bike, and all Class 3 riders must wear a helmet regardless of age.

These classifications can directly affect who is at fault after an accident. For example, if you were riding a Class 3 e-bike in a restricted area, your compensation could be reduced even if another party caused the crash.

It Costs Nothing To Talk To Us About Your Injuries

Call 510-343-9570, or complete our email form to schedule your free initial consultation with a bike and motorcycle injury lawyer. We take all injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you do not pay attorneys’ fees unless we are successful in your case.