Visalia Bicycle Accident Lawyers ca

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Because of their small size and lighter frame, cyclists often become the victims of crashes caused by reckless or negligent drivers. For instance, a driver may sideswipe a rider, crash into one directly, or ignore a cyclist’s right of way at an intersection.

The most common causes of a bicycle accident include the following:

Driver Errors That Cause Bicycle Crashes

• Speeding – Speeding ranks among the biggest contributors to bicycle accidents. A high-speed impact often causes catastrophic injuries, so every motorist and cyclist should respect the posted speed limit.
• Unsafe Lane Changes – When drivers change lanes or merge, they must watch for cyclists traveling beside them. A careless lane change can seriously endanger a rider.
• Drunk Driving – Alcohol slows a driver’s reaction time and clouds the judgment needed to avoid a collision with a cyclist.
• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving causes a large share of auto accidents. Drivers who text, call, or eat behind the wheel put nearby cyclists at serious risk.
• Failure to Yield – Cyclists should never assume that motorists will yield. When a driver ignores a rider’s right of way, that driver creates real danger. Fault can prove hard to pin down in these cases, so an injured cyclist should seek guidance from a Visalia bicycle accident lawyer.

Road and Environmental Hazards

• Dooring – A suddenly opened car door can throw a cyclist and cause severe injuries. Both drivers and riders should stay alert to one another on the road.
• Road Hazards – If poorly maintained roads or inadequate lighting cause your injury, you may file a claim against the local government agency responsible.
• Riding Too Close to Traffic – Cyclists should never assume a driver will leave enough space. Careless drivers create danger when they follow too closely behind a rider.

Types of Injuries From Bike Accidents

Every year, the CDC counts more than 130,000 cyclists injured on American roads. During a collision, a rider faces a far higher risk of severe injury than a driver, mainly because a bicycle offers so little protection.

First, identifying the injury you suffered points you toward the right medical care. In addition, some of these injuries demand long-term treatment. Common injuries from a bike accident include the following:

Safety Tips For Preventing Bicycle Accidents

As with any outdoor activity, cyclists should stay alert and cautious on every ride. In addition, riders can take several concrete steps to protect themselves, such as the following:

1. Always wear a properly fitted helmet and other appropriate protective gear.
2. Please follow all applicable traffic laws when on the road.
3. Increase your visibility by equipping your bike with reflectors.
4. Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing when biking at night.
5. Avoid riding alone at night or during bad weather.
6. Always teach your children bicycle safety rules, and ensure they are aware of them.

Bicycle Accident Liability in Visalia

To build a strong and valid bicycle accident claim, the injured victim (the plaintiff) must prove the following four elements:

• 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.

Some cyclists forget that the rules of the road apply to them too. Even so, under California’s comparative fault law, a cyclist who shares part of the blame may still recover compensation for damages.

California follows a pure comparative fault rule. As a result, even a plaintiff who carried 99% of the fault can still recover some financial compensation. Keep in mind, though, that the court reduces that recovery in proportion to the cyclist’s share of fault, so outcomes vary from case to case.

Because these claims turn on proof and nuance, hiring a personal injury attorney who handles bicycle cases helps protect your right to fair compensation for your injuries and damages. At Farahi Law Firm, we stay committed to helping clients get back on their feet and pursue the justice they deserve.

What Compensation Can a Bicycle Accident Victim Recover?

Cyclists face a greater risk of injury because they ride with so little protection. In turn, these injuries can lead to prolonged medical care, missed work, emotional trauma, and more. As the injured party, you may recover monetary compensation that supports both your physical and financial recovery.

A bicycle accident victim may recover several types of compensation, including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• Other financial losses
• And more

If the crash caused the wrongful death of a loved one, you may file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their injuries and losses. Of course, no amount of money can replace a loved one. Even so, these damages help a grieving family recover the financial losses they now face.

This kind of compensation may also cover expenses such as funeral and burial costs, along with medical bills tied to the injuries. Contact our Visalia bicycle accident lawyers so we can help protect your family’s rights.

Consulting With Expert Visalia Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accident cases often grow complicated, especially while you are still recovering from your injuries. Some victims believe that handling a claim alone makes the most sense. Unfortunately, that choice rarely works out in their favor.

Dealing with insurance companies can wear you down. In addition, an adjuster may push you to accept far less than your claim is worth. Because our personal injury lawyers at Farahi Law Firm understand how insurers operate, we manage all communications with insurance companies and protect your interests at every step.

Beyond the paperwork, we also connect you with trusted doctors, assess the true value of your claim, and investigate the crash thoroughly. As a result, you can focus entirely on your recovery while we handle the legal details.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Contact Us Today!

If a bicycle accident in Visalia injured you or a loved one, you can take legal action against the negligent party responsible. In fact, our team has handled hundreds of bicycle accident claims and recovered millions of dollars for our clients over the years.

Contact our Visalia bicycle accident lawyers at (559) 315-4111 for a free case consultation today. Moreover, we stay available for you 24/7, because your justice is our cause.