Tracy Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are a common choice for transportation, as riding them offers health benefits, can be enjoyable and is good for the environment. Unfortunately, like most things, riding a bike comes with risks. Even with designated bike lanes, cyclists are still at a high risk of being involved in accidents with vehicles and pedestrians. Furthermore, because the bicycle lacks the protection of an enclosed vehicle, bikes are particularly vulnerable when colliding with cars and other motor vehicles. Rides can take precautions by wearing the appropriate protective gear and reflective clothing, but rides can sustain severe and debilitating injuries even with these added measures.

The consequences of a bicycle accident can have lifelong effects that impact the victim and their families. Fortunately, some cyclists can recover monetary compensation by filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit against another individual who may be at fault for the accident. If that is the case, the best thing is to contact a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights, assess the validity of your case, and point you toward the best legal avenue to recover maximum damages.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

There are many reasons bicycle accidents occur. Below are some of the most common.

Collision at Intersections

Accidents can occur at intersections when a cyclist stops at an intersection but a vehicle doesn’t—causing a rear-end collision. Often, the driver is speeding or following too closely behind the rider and does not have enough time to brake. 

Left-Hand Turn Collisions

These kinds of accidents result from a cyclist coming through an intersection when there is a car making a left-hand turn. If a driver isn’t paying attention, they can drive into or pull directly in front of the cyclist, causing the cyclist to crash into the side of the car.

Right-Hand Turn Collisions

Right-hand turn accidents are caused when a cyclist and driver approach an intersection simultaneously, and the driver makes a right-hand turn, crossing into the bike lane and colliding with the rider whose intent was to continue going straight.

Collision With Car Doors

As the name suggests, these accidents occur when a vehicle’s passenger or driver opens the door without checking for oncoming cyclists. While this may not seem like an accident that can have serious consequences, a collision like this can throw the cyclist into oncoming traffic or other objects or individuals. 

Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Most bicycle accidents end with minor cuts and bruises that don’t require a big fuss, but that is not always the case. Cyclists are uniquely vulnerable to severe and life-altering injuries because they have so little protection against larger enclosed vehicles and objects. Injuries that a cyclist may sustain after an accident include:

• Road rash
• Lacerations 
• Fractures
• Strains
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Skull fracture
• Cranial hemorrhage
• Concussions
• Contusions
• Facial fractures
• Dental fractures
• Rib fractures
• Ruptured spleen
• Pancreatic trauma
• Bowel contusions
• Hernia
• Renal contusions

Being in a serious bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience that affects a victim’s physical, emotional, and mental health as well as financial stability. Understandably, wanting to tackle a personal injury claim or lawsuit can seem like a lot to take on while also trying to recover and regain some sense of normalcy after the accident—this is where a personal injury lawyer comes into play. Working with the right qualified attorney can help relieve some of that stress and make you feel confident that someone is fighting for you while you focus on getting better. 

Who Is Liable For Bicycle Accidents?

After being seriously injured in a bicycle accident caused by another person’s reckless or careless actions, you may be wondering who is legally responsible for your injury and subsequent losses. The answer to liability depends on who or what caused your accident. 

Negligent Driver

If your accident was the result of a negligent driver in California, they could be cited with a minor infraction or charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense depending on the severity of the accident. However, to pursue compensation from them, it needs to be done through civil court by filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. An injured cyclist can recover compensation to cover medical costs, loss of income, and various other damages through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Negligent Pedestrian 

If your accident is caused because of a negligent pedestrian, such as someone crossing the street when it’s not their right-of-way, that person may be held responsible for their actions by having to compensate you for the harm they caused. 

Negligent Property Owner

If a property’s landscape causes your accident, such as a slippery or cracked sidewalk, the property owner or possessor may be held liable for damages in a premises liability case. Like in a personal injury case, a premises liability case must be built around the theory of negligence. 

Contact a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Bicycle accidents can leave victims with a lifetime of disabilities, pain and suffering, and financial losses. However, they have a chance to receive monetary compensation to receive financial support for those losses. At Setareh Law, our highly skilled and committed attorneys know how to help bicycle accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We are dedicated to ensuring our clients feel supported and confident that we are working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for them.

Schedule a consultation today by calling (310) 659-1826 or filling out our contact form. We also speak Spanish.