Riding a bicycle is a great form of exercise and a much healthier mode of transportation. Not only is it environmentally conscious to ride your bike instead of using a car, but it also helps alleviate heavy traffic congestion in big cities.

Sadly, motorists seldom take cyclists into account when driving, and while the government has tried to make cities more bike-friendly, accidents involving cyclists are still a common occurrence. Thankfully, cyclists in California are protected, taken into account, and held accountable by the same common traffic rules that govern motor vehicles in the Golden State.

But, even with all the laws in place, cyclists in San Pedro are still vulnerable while on the road. Because cyclists are only protected by their helmets, elbow, and knee pads, they are most often the victims of severe injury. In addition, a bicycle offers little protection from all kinds of collisions because of its lightweight frame.

When involved in a bicycle accident, the costs to recover from injuries, lost wages, or property damage can become costly over a period of time. And with insurance adjusters low-balling people with meager accident settlement offers, this monetary compensation might not even cover a fraction of the cost. This is where our expert San Pedro bicycle accident lawyers come in. We will help you get the medical attention you need and win you the maximum compensation you deserve by holding the negligent party accountable for your injuries.

What are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Pedro?

Due to light bike frames, it is common for bicyclists to get sideswiped and run over by distracted drivers. Or in other cases, have their right of way violated by other drivers.

With years of extensive experience handling personal injury cases, our San Pedro bicycle accident lawyers know the most common causes of bicycle accidents and how to prevent them. We outlined these facts below:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of most motor vehicle collisions. When distracted drivers divide their attention between the road and distractions such as their phones, they are more likely to cause a bicycle-auto collision.
• Speeding: Speeding can be linked to a significant number of bicycle accident injuries and deaths. Speeding crashes can often lead to catastrophic injury because of the force of the impact. Whether it’s a bicyclist or a motor vehicle driver, drivers should always observe the safe speed limits.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment significantly decreases a driver’s reaction time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one-third of bike accident-related deaths involve alcohol. Drunk driving is one of the prime causes of fatal accidents all over the world.
• Riding Too Close to a Lane of Motor Vehicle Traffic: Cyclists should never assume that cars will leave enough space for them to pass through safely. Hazardous situations are created by drivers who follow the cyclists too close and pass within less than three feet between them. Using a bike lane or sidewalk is much safer for a bike rider.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: As previously stated, cyclists have the same rights and duties as any other motorist on the road. Making unsafe lane changes can be dangerous for both motorists and bike riders. Before merging or changing lanes, motorists must ensure that there are no cyclists beside them or in their blind spot. Turning without checking for cyclists or signaling is a common cause of bicycle accidents at intersections. 
• Failure to Yield: Failure to yield poses a great risk for cyclists on the road. It is often difficult to determine liability in such instances. One should hire an experienced San Pedro bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their legal options.
• Dooring: Dooring happens when motorists open the doors of their vehicles onto a cyclist’s path. A sudden car door opening is an unexpected danger for bicyclists. Before opening a car door, both car drivers and passengers are required to look out for cyclists.
• Road Hazards: In California, if you meet an accident due to poor road conditions, you may be able to file a bike injury claim against the local government. Potholes, poor road designs, signal malfunctioning, uneven road surfaces, debris, oil, and fallen signs or trees are common road hazards that cause bicycle accidents.  

In all of these situations, the negligence of a motorist can cause serious injury to a cyclist. It is paramount that cyclists have a legal team dedicated to helping them recover the compensation benefits they deserve.

What are the Most Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?

Over 400,000 emergency department-treated bicycle-related injuries were recorded in 2020, and bicyclists’ deaths accounted for 2% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents. Accidents and collisions can result in grave injuries that change a biker’s quality of life. Being impacted by a vehicle and thrown onto the pavement is one of the most common situations in bicycle accidents.

The most common injuries in bike accidents are:

Traumatic brain injury

A head injury is caused by a jolt, blow or bump to the head. Brain injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the manner in which the head was hit. Symptoms of mild brain injuries can result in headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and more. Severe brain injuries can result in seizures, loss of coordination, and slurred speech, among other symptoms.

Facial injuries

The most common type of facial injury one might sustain from a bike accident is nasal damage. A broken nose may result in disfigurement and may require surgery.

Bone fractures

Because cyclists don’t have the same amount of protection car drivers do, they are more prone to sustaining broken bones. It is crucial for cyclists to always wear properly fitted safety gear. 

Spinal cord injury

This type of injury is often considered a debilitating injury, as some spinal cord injuries can result in partial or total paralysis. This can lead to mounting medical expenses, loss of income, and out-of-pocket expenses. 

Wrongful death

In unfortunate cases, some accidents can lead to fatalities. If your loved one dies due to an accident caused by the negligent actions of another person, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover the highest possible compensation for their injuries and damages.

Sprains & Strains

Sprains and strains result from minor trauma to the joints and muscles. These kinds of injuries can be painful and may cause missed work days.

Internal organ injury

These types of injuries may occur from torn or crushed blood vessels. Internal organ injuries are very common in road accidents.

Lacerations

These are skin wounds that are usually caused by sharp objects. You must seek immediate medical care for these types of injuries. If they go untreated they may result in infection. 

Road rash

Road rash is an abrasion to the skin caused by friction. Burns are a common type of road rash. These are also common in bike accidents due to a cyclist’s lack of protective gear. 

Bicycle Accident Liability in Los Angeles

As with any other motor vehicle accident, the injured party must prove the following:

• The at-fault party had the duty of care to ensure the safety of the victim.
• They breached that duty.
• The crash would not have existed if the negligent party had not acted irresponsibly.
• The responsible party’s actions caused the victim’s injuries and losses.

Cyclists also need to consider that they are not exempt from traffic rules, and if they breach them, the other affected party can pursue legal action.

How Can You Prevent Bicycle Accidents?

As a cyclist, it is crucial to take precautions when on the road. Below are some steps you can take to make yourself safer while biking.

• Wear a properly fitted bike helmet and other safety equipment while cycling 
• Follow all traffic rules when riding 
• Equip your bike with reflectors and lights to improve driver visibility at night 
• Wear bright-colored clothes when riding 
• Ride with a buddy 
• Avoid riding when visibility is low (e.g., at night or in bad weather)
• Teach your family members bicycle safety rules
• Ensure that children are following safety rules while cycling

Why Having a Bicycle Accident Attorney Is An Asset

Dealing with insurance companies is not an easy task. Especially after being injured in a bike crash. Insurance adjusters will try to lessen their client’s liability to lower your claim for compensation. That is why you need an experienced San Pedro bike accident lawyer on your side.

At Farahi Law Firm, we have an expert team of personal injury attorneys who will provide you with legal counsel, guide you through the whole claims process, and deal with the insurance company.

Let us handle the settlement negotiations. You can be sure that our San Pedro bicycle accident lawyers will recover the financial compensation you deserve.

Expert San Pedro Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Farahi Law Firm, APC, has a history of bringing justice and winning fair compensation for bicycle accident victims. Our top-rated bicycle accident lawyers in San Pedro are widely known for their aggressive legal representation of injured victims. We will win you the maximum compensation you deserve and get you the medical treatment you need, at no cost whatsoever for you!

We work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t have to pay us a cent until we win your case. Contact us, or call (310) 744-8015 to schedule a free consultation.