Best Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Santa Clara

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Clara, California?

  Call (408) 615 5580 to report non-emergencies to the local police station in Santa Clara.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Santa Clara, California?

  Visit https://scpd.nextrequest.com/ to get a copy of the police report for a bicycle accident incident in Santa Clara. Requests may also be made by fax at 408-248-0276 or by mail at the following: Santa Clara Police Department 601 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95050 Alternatively, buy the accident report at https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home. Contact the Records Unit at (408)615-4700 or records@santaclaraca.gov for further assistance.

• Which insurance can a person use if they are involved in a bicycle accident in Santa Clara?

  If a person causes an accident while riding a bicycle in Santa Clara, they may use their auto insurance policy to cover damages. This applies when the other party involved is uninsured, underinsured, or has fled the scene. However, if the cyclist is at fault, they can use their bicycle, renter's, or homeowner's policy to compensate for any injuries caused.

• Is it necessary to file a police report for a bicycle accident in Santa Clara?

  Yes, it is necessary to file a police report for a bicycle accident in Santa Clara, especially when seeking compensation against the party at fault. This document will help determine the cause of the collision and the liable person. Insurance companies also depend on police reports to assess the degree of fault and the amount of compensation the victim is entitled to.

• How much time does a bicycle accident victim in Santa Clara have to file a lawsuit against the party responsible?

  A bicycle accident victim in Santa Clara has two years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible. However, if the victim is a minor, the period starts when they turn 18 years old. Additionally, one has only six months to take legal action if the government is at fault for the accident. If the agency fails to respond within 45 days, the victim has two years to file a lawsuit in court.

• Is it safe to ride a bicycle in Santa Clara?

  Santa Clara is generally an unsafe city to ride a bicycle in due to the absence of class IV bike lanes, which serve as a barrier between bicycles and motor vehicles. From May 2022 to March 2023, the authorities recorded bicycle collisions resulting in serious injuries and one fatality. To prevent accidents, cyclists must wear helmets at all times, install visible rear and headlights, and observe traffic rules.

• Is the city taking action to keep Santa Clara safe for bicyclists?

  The Santa Clara government has set a target of adding 12 miles of bike lanes by 2026. The project requires more than $6.76 million and includes the construction of a superhighway that enables two-way traffic for bicyclists, connecting them to neighboring cities. The initiative also aims to raise the number of bicycle users from the current 1.8% to 5%.