Bicycle Accident Attorney in Tracy, California
Bicycles are a common choice for transportation, offering health benefits, enjoyment, and environmental advantages. Unfortunately, because the bicycle lacks the protection of an enclosed vehicle, bikes are particularly vulnerable when colliding with cars and other motor vehicles. 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. Contact a Tracy personal injury lawyer today!
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
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
These accidents occur when a vehicle’s passenger or driver opens the door without checking for oncoming cyclists. While this may not seem serious, a collision like this can throw the cyclist into oncoming traffic or other objects or individuals.
Case Result
$10,250,000 – Bicycle Accident
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Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
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, and renal contusions.
Who Is Liable For Bicycle Accidents?
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. 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 by 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. We also handle related Tracy cases including auto accident, bus accident, electric scooter accident, premises liability, and slip and fall claims throughout Tracy.
Contact a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tracy Bicycle Accidents
What should I do after a bicycle crash in Tracy?
Call 911 and get medical care right away, even if you feel fine, because head and internal injuries are not always obvious. If you can, photograph the vehicle, your bike, the road, and your injuries, collect the driver’s and witnesses’ information, and ask the Tracy Police Department or the California Highway Patrol for the report number. Keep your bike, helmet, and clothing unrepaired, and talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurer.
How much room does a driver have to give a cyclist when passing in California?
California Vehicle Code §21760 requires a driver passing a cyclist in the same direction to leave at least three feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or rider. If traffic or road conditions make that impossible, the driver must slow down and pass only when it is safe. A driver who violates this rule and causes a crash may be found negligent.
Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?
Yes. California’s bicycle helmet law (Vehicle Code §21212) applies only to riders under 18, so adults are not required to wear one. An insurer may still argue that a missing helmet made a head injury worse, but under California’s comparative fault rules that argument can only reduce a recovery, not eliminate it.
What if a pothole or road defect in Tracy caused my crash?
A claim may be possible against the public entity responsible for the road, such as the City of Tracy, San Joaquin County, or Caltrans, under Government Code §835. These claims generally require a written government claim within 6 months of the crash (Government Code §911.2), so it is important to act quickly.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?
Most bicycle accident lawsuits must be filed within 2 years of the crash (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). If a cyclist died, certain family members may bring a wrongful death claim, which is generally subject to the same 2-year deadline. Claims against a government agency follow the shorter 6-month claim deadline.
