Santa Clara Bicycle Accident Lawyers Ca

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists in California are subject to the same road rules as every motorist, but because bicycles are smaller and lighter than other vehicles, bicyclists often become victims of sideswipe accidents or being run over. Too often, their right of way is ignored at intersections.

The following are some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents:

Drunk Driving

The reaction time of a drunk driver is significantly reduced, making it more likely for them to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death in vehicle-related accidents all over the world.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers need to be aware of bicyclists on the road and take precautions to avoid accidents. This includes checking for bicyclists before changing lanes or making turns. Many accidents involving bicycles happen when drivers fail to do this and make sudden moves without looking.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all types of auto accidents. When distracted drivers are not paying attention to the road and are instead focusing on distractions like their phones, they are more likely to cause accidents.

Speeding

Speeding can be a major contributor to accidents involving bicycles, often leading to serious injuries or fatal accidents. The high impact force of speeding auto collisions can cause catastrophic injuries. It is important for both bicyclists and motorists to always stay within the speed limit to help avoid these types of accidents.

Road Hazards

If your injury was the result of a hazard on a public road, you may be able to file a claim against the local government. Common road hazards that can cause bicycle accidents include potholes, poor road designs, signal malfunctions, uneven road surfaces, debris, oil, and fallen signs or trees. Filing a personal injury claim that involves the local government is a little more complex than a regular claim. It is best to have an experienced lawyer by your side to help you through the claims process.

Failure to Yield

Bicyclists should never assume that vehicles will yield the right of way. Failure to yield is a reckless driving example that can be dangerous for bicycle riders.

Riding Too Close to a Lane

Some drivers don’t leave enough space between their car and a cyclist, which can create a dangerous situation. It’s always safest for cyclists to ride on a shoulder lane or sidewalk instead of the right edge of the road.

Dooring

Dooring is another serious bicycle accident caused when motorists open the doors of their vehicles onto the cyclists’ paths. A sudden car door opening can be a severe and unexpected danger for bicyclists. Before opening a car door, both drivers and passengers in vehicles should look out for cyclists.

The negligence of an automobile driver can cause serious bodily injury to a bicyclist in all of these situations. It is a cyclist’s right to obtain legal representation to ensure they recover the monetary compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.

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

Most Common Injuries Sustained in a Bicycle Accident

Cyclists are always vulnerable on the road due to their minimal protection. The National Security Council (NSC) reports that in 2020, 1,260 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents across the United States. Bicyclists may sustain injuries that range from mild to severe. Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Facial injuries
• Bone breaks/fractures
• Burn injuries
• Soft tissue injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Muscle tears & ligament rupture
• Cuts and lacerations

Bicycle Accident Liability

In order to have a valid bicycle accident claim, the plaintiff (biking accident victim) must be able to 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 for the negligent actions of the defendant.
• The defendant’s negligent actions caused the victim’s injuries and losses.

Bicyclists need to follow traffic rules and road signs, and ride responsibly, to prevent accidents. If a bicyclist causes an accident by riding carelessly or outside of the bike lane, the other party can file a claim against them. This can have a big financial impact on bicyclists because there is no bicycle insurance.

If a cyclist is partially at fault for an accident, the amount of financial compensation they may receive will be reduced by their percentage share of liability under California’s comparative negligence law.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are some steps you can take to ensure your safety and keep the integrity of your case, such as:

• Wear a properly fitted 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 Kind of Compensation Can Bicycle Accident Victims Recover?

Bike accidents can cause severe injuries for accident injury victims, which can lead to emotional distress and mental anguish for them and their families. As the injured party, you may be eligible to receive compensatory damages from the at-fault party. This compensation could cover the following types of damages:

• Medical treatment
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Future medical care
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• And more

In some unfortunate cases, a bike accident may result in wrongful death. If you have lost a loved one to a fatal bicycle accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Although no amount of money is enough to make up for the loss of a loved one, this compensation may help the victim’s family with any financial damages that may burden the family.

Expert Santa Clara Bicycle Accident Lawyers

At Farahi Law Firm, we handle our cases with the utmost care. It is our goal to give our clients the justice and financial compensation they deserve to recover from their injuries and damages.

We will hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and guard your rights against an insurance company that might seek to lowball you in order to avoid offering you a fair settlement. We will ensure that your rights are protected, and we will handle the complex paperwork for you.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligent actions of another person, our Santa Clara bicycle accident lawyers can help you through your claim. We work on a contingency basis, so you won’t need to pay us anything unless we win! Contact us or call (408) 715-3296 for a free consultation.