Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers CA

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists in California are held to the same standard as other road users, but because bicycles are smaller and lighter they are often at a disadvantage. Too often, bicyclists are involved in accidents where they are sideswiped, run over, or have their right of way ignored at an intersection.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Bicycle accidents can often be caused by distracted drivers. If a driver is texting, calling, or eating while driving, they may not be paying attention to the road, which could cause an accident. It is important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid any distractions while driving.

Drunk Driving

Drunk drivers have a reduced ability to react quickly and make sound decisions in order to avoid collisions with bicycles. Drunk driving is a major factor in fatal traffic accidents in America.

Speeding

Cycling accidents often occur when motorists are speeding. The impact of these crashes can be very serious and often result in severe injuries. Both motorists and cyclists need to obey the speed limit while on the road.

Dooring

Cyclists need to be aware of their surroundings at all times, as a sudden car door opening can cause them to crash and sustain catastrophic injuries.

Failure to Yield

Cyclists should not always assume that drivers will yield the right of way. When drivers fail to yield, they put cyclists in danger. It can be tricky to figure out who’s at fault in these situations. If you’ve been injured, you must have a bike accident lawyer by your side to guide you through the legal process of your claim.

Riding too Close to the Lane of Motor Vehicle Traffic

Bicyclists should always be aware of their surroundings and never assume that an automobile driver will give them enough space on the road. Drivers who follow too closely behind a bicyclist can create dangerous situations.

Road Hazards

If you or a loved one are injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by factors such as poor road conditions or inadequate lighting, you may be able to file a claim against the local government.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Bicyclists may be more difficult to see when driving, so drivers need to be careful when changing lanes or merging not to hit one. Unsafe lane changes can be very dangerous for cyclists.

Most Commonly Sustained Injuries in a Bike Accident

Bicyclists are vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles. In 2020, 1,260 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the United States. Bicyclists do not have the same kind of protection other motorists possess. Therefore they are more at risk of sustaining an injury or being involved in a fatal accident.

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

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Bone fractures or broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Sprains & Strains
• Internal organ damage
• Muscle tears & ligament rupture
• Cuts & Lacerations
• Severe road rash
• Facial injuries

Bicycle Accident Liability in Sacramento

In order to file a successful claim, the bicycle accident victim (plaintiff) must prove the following:

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

Bicyclists must also abide by the rules of the road while traveling. In California, the comparative negligence law states that even if the cyclist is found to be partially at fault for an accident, they may still be eligible for rightful compensation for damages.

Comparative fault law means that even if the plaintiff is found to be mostly at fault for an accident, they can still receive financial compensation. However, if the victim is partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced.

Safety Tips To Prevent Bike Accidents

When cycling, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid accidents. Some additional measures you can take to reduce your risk of being in a bicycle accident include:

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 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.

What Kind of Compensation is Recoverable in a Bicycle Accident Claim?

Cyclists face a greater risk of being injured while riding because their bikes have less protection than an average passenger vehicle. These injuries can require long-term medical care, cause someone to miss days of work, and lead to emotional distress. If you are injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to receive compensation to help cover the costs of your physical and financial recovery.

As the injured party, you may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Medical bills
• Future medical treatment
• Physical therapy sessions
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• Other non-economic damages
• And more

If your loved one died as a result of a bicycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to receive rightful compensation for your injuries and damages. Although no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, these compensatory damages are meant to help the victim’s family recover their financial losses.

Why Hire An Attorney?

Bicycle accident claims are complex and may be difficult to handle while trying to recover from accident injuries. Oftentimes, some bicycle accident victims believe that handling a personal injury claim on their own is the right course of action. Unfortunately, this may not work out in their favor in the long run.

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed dealing with insurance companies. It’s important to know that insurance adjusters may try to take advantage of you by offering a lower value for your claim. Our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers at Farahi Law Firm are well-versed in how these companies operate. Our experienced team will make sure your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Our team will handle all the complexities and paperwork of your case for you. We will also connect you with the best doctors, ensure you get the medical attention you need, and help you determine the value of your claim. We will investigate thoroughly and give you peace of mind so you can focus on your recovery.

Expert Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Here For You

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligent actions of another party you may be eligible to file a bicycle accident claim. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys have helped hundreds of clients recover millions of dollars in compensation.

Our team of experienced lawyers, doctors, and case managers is here to guide you through the arduous process of your personal injury claim. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.

Contact us at (916) 471-4797 for a free case consultation. Your justice is our cause!