Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accident Attorney

It could get very difficult when determining what rights bicyclists have in comparison to drivers and pedestrians. Since bicyclists have their very own bike lane, the likelihood of a vehicle swerving into the bike lane or a pedestrian walking onto the bike lane is very high, making the likelihood of a bicycle accident very high.

Bicycle accidents are especially common in densely populated cities where there are several different types of vehicles on the road. Hiring a bicycle accident attorney is the best thing you can do in the event that you have been involved in a bicycle accident. However, there are several different types of attorneys out there who may claim that they have experience in bicycle accidents. Make sure that you hire an attorney that you feel comfortable with and that you could freely communicate all the circumstances of your accident. Our attorneys have been representing bicycle accident victims for several decades now, and we pride ourselves on providing one-on-one attention and legal research to each case. 

Not only are our attorneys available 24/7, we also provide legal support throughout the entire process to make sure that our clients are familiar with all the steps involved in their lawsuits.

It is very dangerous for bicyclists since they have to share the road with the below vehicles: 

• Cars (Small to mid-size vehicles)
• Commercial semi-trucks
• Motorcycles
• Buses
• RVs
• Trucks pulling trailers

Types of Bicycle Accidents

There are several different ways a bicycle accident could occur. For example:

• Rear-end collisions: this occurs when a vehicle hits a bicyclist from behind. this is the most common type of bicycle accident in California.
• Collisions near intersection: collisions are very likely to happen near intersections since a driver of a vehicle may feel to yield the right of way.
• Sideswipe collisions: a sideswipe collision occurs when a vehicle drives too close to the bike lane and collides with the bicyclist from the side, throwing the bicyclist to the ground.
• Door accidents:  this is also very common, and occurs when a vehicle is in the bike lane and the driver or passenger opens their door onto an oncoming bicyclist. The bicyclist then collides with the vehicle door. 

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

• The motor vehicle driver was drunk or high
• A car door was opened without looking, right into the cyclist’s path
• A cyclist is side-swiped by a passing vehicle
• A cyclist is rear-ended by a car
• A car cuts off a bicycle when entering the roadway
• A vehicle turning left at an intersection, or through a gap in traffic, crashes into the cyclist
• A vehicle turning right cuts off someone cycling straight in a bike lane
• A car driver doesn’t pay attention to a cyclist’s signaling
• The motor vehicle runs a red light or a stop sign

Personal Injuries That Result From Bicycle Accidents

There are a variety of possible personal injuries that can result from bicycle accidents, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common bicycle injuries are:

• Concussion
• Whiplash
• Soft tissue damage
• Broken bones
• Brain, renal, or small bowel, or large bowel contusion
• Facial, dental, skull, or rib fractures
• Dislocations
• Strains
• Lung injury
• Abdomen rupture
• Traumatic hernia
• Abrasions
• Bodily dismemberment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury

How Can I Prevent a Bicycle Accident?

Our attorneys recommend that you wear a helmet and always be mindful about your surroundings when biking. If biking at night, make sure that you wear reflective or bright clothing.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

You should take specific steps immediately after a bicycle accident to preserve the chances of winning a case.

• Make sure that you’re safe. Get out of harm’s way (off the road) and check for injuries.
• Call 9-1-1 to get police and an ambulance on the scene. Even if you don’t think you need medical attention, it’s best to have a professional look at you. Your body releases an adrenaline surge after an accident that can delay feelings of pain. At the moment, you might not be aware of a severe injury.
• If your accident involved another party, exchange information with them. Do not say statements that minimize your injuries (“I am okay”) or accept responsibility for the accident (“I should have been looking.”). Do not concede to attempts to negotiate with the other party. If the other person flees, take-down any information you can (license plate number, physical description, etc.).
• Once the police arrive on the scene, make sure you have a chance to report your version of the events to the officer. Having a police report to verify the accident helps your luck with a legal case afterward. Your bicycle accident attorney will be accessing this file if they believe you have a case.
• Even if you don’t go to the hospital after the accident, it’s essential to see a doctor shortly after. This doctor visit will help your legal case and any insurance claims.
• Keep records of anything related to your accident, including lost hours at work, medical bills and prescription costs, and non-economic damages.
• Never speak to the other party, their lawyer, or their insurance company.
• Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer to understand if you have a case.

Don’t be afraid to follow through these steps. It’s very important that you document everything when an accident occurs.

How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Our top-rated bicycle accident lawyer will review your case details during your first free consultation and let you know if you have an eligible case. You may seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wage, and damaged property.
• Non-economic damages: Pain, suffering, and lowered quality of life
• Punitive damages: if the driver was incredibly irresponsible, the judge might deem punitive damages to be justifiable

You can discuss with your bicycle accident attorney what damages you should seek.

Could I Still Recover If I Was at Fault?

There are situations where a bicyclist could be responsible for their own injuries. But, if there was another vehicle involved, and they were also partially responsible for the bicyclist’s injuries, the bicyclist could still recover compensation.  California has comparative fault laws that allow for a bicyclist to still recover compensation in the event that they may have been partially responsible. Some examples that a bicyclist may have been partially responsible are:

• The cyclist was biking intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
•  The cyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet 
•  The cyclist wasn’t driving within the bicycle lane

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