Salinas Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Salinas, California
Salinas is an ideal riding destination thanks to its climate, roads, and scenery. While cycling promotes a healthier lifestyle and reduces traffic congestion, it also comes with inherent risks of accidents. Therefore, even seasoned cyclists must be alert for careless cars during their bicycle rides.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Salinas, seek legal representation from an experienced and compassionate bicycle accident attorney at Setareh Law. Our Salinas bicycle accident lawyers can be your ally in navigating the legal complexities, protecting your rights, and pursuing fair compensation for your losses.
Understanding Bicycle Accidents in Salinas
Bicyclists generally have the same rights on the road as drivers of motor vehicles under CVC 21200, which treats bicycles as vehicles. However, motorists only sometimes accommodate cyclists on the road. Bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, such as:
- Road rage: Bicycles cannot keep up with the speed of motor cars, and irritated drivers can become hostile. Drivers may follow closely behind bikes to get them to move over or speed up. Drivers may also try to pass bikers, but if they come too close, they risk hitting them.
- Dooring: A cyclist may hit a car when a car’s occupant opens a door directly into their path without first looking behind the car. Dooring incidents can cause riders to be thrown from their bicycles, sometimes into oncoming traffic, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
- Driving while impaired: Driving intoxicated or high can result in collisions with other cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Although the vehicle may spot the cyclist, their reaction times have slowed, making it unlikely that they will stop in time.
- Driving carelessly: To safely share the road with cyclists, drivers must pay attention and respect traffic laws. Careless driving can result in errors like failing to yield or operating a vehicle while distracted, both of which increase the risk of a bicycle accident.
A bicycle accident case may also involve at-fault parties who aren’t drivers. The employer may be liable if an employee causes an accident while on the job. Some of these cases may include:
- Dangerous road conditions: Government agencies may be held accountable when perilous road conditions like potholes or poorly constructed bike lanes result in bicycle accidents.
- Faulty bicycle parts and helmets: The responsibility to offer safe equipment falls on those who make bicycles, bicycle components, and bicycle helmets. When a defective product, such as a defective bicycle, results in an accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
Bicyclists may experience a variety of avoidable risks and hazards. A Salinas bicycle accident lawyer can assist you in holding a negligent driver accountable for your losses if their actions result in injuries.
What Should You Do Following a Bike Accident?
Being involved in an accident can be extremely overwhelming. Below are a few steps to follow after an accident that can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Notify the Police Immediately
You are required by law to stay at the accident scene until the police arrive, especially if there has been any property damage or injury. Even if you don’t believe you have been hurt, call the police. You may overlook your injuries and discover they were worse later. Also ask for a copy of the police report. It can be vital proof when attempting to convince insurance companies to pay you what you are entitled to for your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
It is typical for bicycle accident victims to discover they have been harmed days, weeks, or even months after the collision. Receiving medical attention for any injuries as soon as possible will stop insurance companies from arguing that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
Collect Evidence
If in a position to do so, make a record of every detail, including the place and time of the accident, the weather, the volume of traffic, and the state of the roads. Photograph the accident site, including any vehicles involved, any injuries, and any pertinent traffic signs or signals.
Obtain Contact Information
Obtain the contact information of any drivers who may have been at the collision and any witnesses. Please take note of any affected drivers’ insurance information and their license and license plate numbers.
Contact a Salinas Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After being hurt in a bicycle accident, the last thing you need is to handle your insurance claim. In addition to adding needless stress to your recovery from injuries, this procedure is lengthy, challenging, and complex. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can take this up, so you can focus on your recovery.
Enlist the Help of Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Setareh Law
By enlisting the aid of an experienced Salinas bicycle accident attorney, you can take the initial step toward justice and healing. After a bicycle accident, Setareh Law‘s skilled legal team will stand up for your rights and assist you in moving on. Our committed attorneys are prepared to support you through this trying time, so you don’t have to face it alone.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Salinas, seeking legal representation from a specialized bicycle accident lawyer is your right and a prudent decision. Contact us today at (310) 659-1826 or complete our online contact form to schedule your no-obligation consultation. Our team also speaks Spanish.
