Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Riding a bicycle is one the best outdoor activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Not only is biking fun, but it is a much more environmentally friendly mode of transport. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, biking has become more popular due to the public’s avoidance of public transportation. Although bikers are protected and taken into account thanks to the bicycle laws and traffic laws of California, their rights are not always respected by drivers of motor vehicles. 

In bike accidents, the physical injuries sustained can be extremely severe because bikers are only protected by a helmet and pads on the elbows and knees at best. Because of that, the risk of injury is heightened exponentially. 

Medical bills, lost wages, and other financial costs can have a significant and sometimes permanent effect on the lives of accident victims. It is pertinent to have a Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyer on your side to protect your legal rights and guide you through the process of your bicycle accident injury claim.

If you or a loved one were injured in a bike accident, Farahi Law Firm’s top-rated Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers will fight to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Our bike accident attorneys have years of experience handling a significant number of related cases.

Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents In Bakersfield

Although bicyclists are governed by the same road rules as any other individual in California, the fact that bicycles are smaller and lighter than other vehicles puts bicyclists at a disadvantage. It happens too often that bicyclists are victims of sideswipe accidents, being run over, or having their right of way ignored at an intersection.

With more than a decade of experience handling personal injury cases, our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers have the experience. We know how to handle a wide variety of bicycle accident cases, including:

• Distracted Driving: It is one of the leading causes of all types of auto accidents. When careless drivers divide their attention between the road and distractions like their phone, they are more likely to cause accidents.
• Speeding: Speeding can be linked to a significant number of bicycle accident injuries and deaths. Injuries in speeding crashes are often catastrophic because of the force of impact. Whether it be a bicyclist or a motor vehicle driver, they should always consider driving or riding within the safe speed limit.
• Drunk Driving: A drunk driver’s reaction time to avoid a motor vehicle accident is significantly reduced due to alcohol. Drunk driving is one of the prime causes of death in vehicle-related accidents all over the world.
• Riding Too Close to a Lane of Motor Vehicle Traffic: Hazardous situations are created by careless drivers who follow cyclists too close and pass within less than three feet between them. Bicyclists should never assume that cars will leave enough space for them to ride their bikes safely. To use a shoulder lane or sidewalk is much safer than using the right edge of a road.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as all other motorists do on the roads. A bicycle collision involving a motor vehicle that makes an unsafe lane change can be dangerous. Before merging or changing lanes, drivers must ensure that there is no bicyclist beside them or in their blind spot. Turning without checking for bicyclists is a frequent cause of bicycle accidents at intersections.
• Failure to Yield: Bicyclists can rationally expect vehicles to yield the right of way, but they should never assume the drivers will. Failure to yield is another reckless driving example that poses significant risks to bicycle riders. Determining liability is always difficult in such instances. One should hire a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss their legal options.
• Dooring: Dooring is another frequent bicycle accident caused when motorists open the doors of their vehicles onto the cyclists’ paths. A sudden car door opening is a severe and unexpected danger for bicyclists. Before opening a car door, both drivers and passengers in vehicles are required to look out for cyclists.
• Road Hazards: In Bakersfield, if you are a victim of a bicycle accident due to a road hazard, you may be able to file a claim against the local government. Dangerous road hazards that cause bicycle accidents include potholes, poor road designs, signal malfunctioning, uneven road surfaces, debris, oil, and fallen signs or trees.

In all of these situations, the negligence of a motor vehicle driver can cause serious injury to a bicyclist. The bicycle rider should have legal counsel dedicated to helping them recover the compensation they deserve. 

Our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers provide each personal injury case the attention it deserves and help victims achieve the maximum financial recovery that is possible for them.

Common Injuries Stemming from Bicycle Accidents

In 2020, 1,260 bicycle riders were killed in traffic accidents across the United States. Anytime there is a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, it is the bicycle rider that is most likely to be harmed because they have little to no protection. Injuries in a bicycle accident can range from minor to severe. Here are some of the common injuries that bicyclists can sustain:

• Traumatic brain injury 
• Facial injuries
• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord damage
• Sprains & Strains
• Internal organ injury
• Muscle tears & ligament rupture
• Cuts & Lacerations
• Road rash

Bicycle Accident Liability in Bakersfield

In a bicycle accident case in Bakersfield, the representing injured party must prove the following:

• The defendant had a duty to ensure the safety of the victim.
• The defendant breached that duty.
• The crash would not have existed if it had not been about the negligent actions of the defendant.
• The defendant’s negligent actions caused the victim’s injuries and losses.

Many bicyclists ignore the fact that traffic rules and road signs apply to them as well. They should also behave responsibly while riding to prevent a collision. If a bicyclist neglects these norms, such as riding their bicycle outside of the bike lane, and causes an accident, the other affected party can pursue legal action against them. This can significantly impact the bicyclist’s financial status as there is no provision of having any insurance companies covering a bicycle.

Moreover, if a cyclist is partially liable for the accident, the amount of financial compensation they may receive will be reduced by their percentage share in the accident case per the comparative liability law in California. 

Hiring a bike accident attorney immediately after a crash will ensure the victim receives rightful compensation. A competent lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the crash scene to determine what triggered the collision, who’s the liable party, and how to proceed.

Bicycle Safety Guidelines To Help Prevent Accidents and Injuries

• Wear a proper bike helmet and other safety equipment while cycling.
• Follow all traffic rules while riding a bicycle as if you were driving a car.
• Equip your bike with reflectors and lights to improve driver visibility at night.
• Wear bright colored clothes when riding.
• Stop riding alone or when visibility is low, e.g., at night or in bad weather.
• Teach your kids bicycle safety rules.
• Ensure that kids are following safety rules while cycling.

What Compensation Can a Bike Accident Victim Recover?

Bike accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries for the accident victim. This can cause undue emotional distress and mental anguish for the victim and their family. As the injured party, you are eligible to receive compensatory damages from the at-fault party. The you may receive compensation for the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Future medical costs
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of companionship
• Other non-economic damages
• And more

Some horrific accidents may result in fatal injuries that lead to wrongful death. Although there is no price for a life lost, family members of the deceased may file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party and recover compensation for their family’s loss. 

It is also important to note that although it may seem like the easier route to deal with your personal injury claim on your own, this may not actually be the case. Insurance companies are only looking out for the interest of their client, and will try every trick in the book to lower the value of your case to avoid offering you a fair settlement. 

Do not speak to an insurance adjuster without an experienced bike accident lawyer present. Our legal team of experienced attorneys are here to help guide you through your bicycle accident injury case. 

Why Choose Our Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers?

Farahi Law Firm, APC, has a history of bringing justice and fair compensation to bicycle accident victims. Our top-rated bicycle accident attorneys in Bakersfield are widely known for their successful representation of injury victims. We have been awarded several honors for our extensive knowledge, expertise, competence, and accomplishment in the field of personal injury. Contact us or call us at (661) 669-7239 to schedule a free initial consultation.