Lancaster Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

In California, cyclists must adhere to the same traffic regulations as other drivers; however, since bicycles are smaller and lighter, they often cannot be seen or heard as easily. Unfortunately, this can lead to bicyclists getting into bicycling accidents due to being sideswiped by other vehicles or having their right of way disregarded at intersections.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents are:

• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is one of the main factors for motor vehicle accidents. Drivers need to avoid any activities that could potentially draw their attention away from the road, such as texting, calling, or eating while behind the wheel. These actions can result in serious accidents. It is absolutely necessary to focus on the task of driving and remain vigilant while on the road.
• Road Hazards – If you sustained an injury due to poor road conditions or insufficient lighting, it may be possible to take legal action against the local government. It could be worth investigating whether you are eligible to make a claim in this situation.
• Failure to Yield – Cyclists should always be aware that motorists may not yield the right-of-way. When drivers fail to give cyclists the right of way, they put them at risk of sustaining severe injuries. It may be difficult to determine who is at fault for a bicycle accident and how to proceed with filing a personal injury claim. In such cases, it is best to seek legal advice from an experienced Lancaster bicycle accident lawyer who can assist with any potential claims.
• Unsafe Lane Changes – Drivers need to take extra caution when switching lanes or merging, as collisions with bicycles traveling alongside the car can be hazardous. Unsafe lane changes can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Drunk Driving – Drunk drivers have reduced motor skills, impaired judgment, and slowed reaction time, making them more likely to endanger cyclists by not being able to respond appropriately in hazardous situations.
• Speeding – Excessive speeding is a major factor in a bicycle accidents, leading to severe physical injuries. The impact of such accidents can be severe and result in long-lasting repercussions. Motorists and cyclists must drive within the proper speed limit.
• Riding too Close to the Lane of Motor Vehicle Traffic – Cyclists should never assume that car drivers will give them enough space while on the road. Negligent drivers can create hazardous scenarios when they drive too close to a bicyclist.
• Dooring – Cyclists should be aware that an unexpected car door opening can cause them to sustain a severe injury. It is essential for cyclists and drivers to pay attention to their surroundings while on the road.

Commonly Sustained Injuries in a Bike Accident

The National Security Council (NSC) reports that in 2020, about 1,260 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Without the same level of protection as other drivers, they are more likely to suffer injuries or be involved in a fatal accident.

Some of the most commonly sustained bike accident injuries may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Spinal injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Internal organ damage
• Muscle tears and ligament rupture
• Cuts and lacerations
• Severe road rash
• Facial injuries

Safety Tips for Cyclists

When riding a bicycle, it is essential to be alert and take precautions to prevent potential accidents. To decrease your chances of being involved in a cycling accident, here are some additional steps you can take:

1. Increase your visibility while on the road. Having reflectors on your bike can help make you more visible to others.
2. Avoid riding and traveling alone at night.
3. Ensure that you are visible when biking at night by wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing.
4. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws in order to avoid personal injury accidents.
5. Always wear a properly fitted helmet and safety gear when on the road.
6. It is important to teach your children the proper safety rules for riding a bicycle.

Bicycle Accident Liability in Lancaster

If you wish to file a strong and valid bicycle accident claim, as the injured party, you must prove the following:

• The defendant had a duty of care to ensure the safety of the victim.
• The defendant breached that duty.
• The crash would not have existed had it not been for the negligent actions of the careless driver (defendant).
• The defendant’s negligent actions caused the victim’s injuries and property damage.

Under California’s comparative fault law, even if a bicyclist is partially at fault for an accident, they may still be eligible to receive compensation for any damages or injuries incurred. However, it is important to remember that cyclists are not exempt from following the rules of the road. Ignoring or forgetting these laws can have negative consequences.

California is categorized as a full comparative fault state. This means that even if the plaintiff is mostly responsible for the accident, they may still receive some form of financial compensation. However, if the accident victim was partially to blame for what happened, the amount they would receive would be reduced.

Compensatory Damages in a Bicycle Accident Claim

Cyclists are more at risk of sustaining debilitating injuries due to their lack of protection. These accidents can also result in life-changing injuries which can result in financial losses for the personal injury victim and their family. Filing a bicycle accident claim will enable you to recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

As the injured party, you may be entitled to the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Physical therapy
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damages
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages
• Other accident-related damages and out-of-pocket expenses
• And more

If the accident leads to the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their bicycle accident injuries and damages.

Although no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, these wrongful death damages may help alleviate any financial stress the family may encounter caused by the death.

It is crucial that you obtain representation for a Lancaster bicycle accident lawyer to help guide you through the legal process of your claim. An insurance company may use your vulnerability against you. An insurance adjuster may try to trick you into lowering the value of your claim in order to cheat you out of a fair settlement offer.

Why Hire Lancaster Bicycle Accident Lawyers?

Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be difficult, and attempting to handle a personal injury claim without a legal team by your side is not always the best option. In many cases, having Lancaster bicycle accident lawyers can be beneficial in order to ensure that a victim gets the maximum compensation they are entitled to for their injuries and damages.

At Farahi Law Firm, we understand the difficulties one may encounter following an accident. We are here to help. Not only will we handle the complex paperwork of your case, but we will also put you in touch with the medical providers, determine the true value of your claim, launch a thorough investigation of your case and give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your recovery.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Contact Us Today!

Have you or a loved one sustained an injury in a bicycle accident due to a negligent party? If so, you must take legal action against the at-fault party. At Farahi Law Firm, our team of Lancaster bicycle accident lawyers, doctors, and case managers have years of extensive experience handling these kinds of claims.

We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of clients. We are committed to winning and work on a contingency basis. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.

Contact us at (661) 215-8990 for a free case consultation. We are available 24/7!