Visalia Bicycle Accident Lawyers ca

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Due to their small size and frame, cyclists are often the victims of road accidents caused by reckless or negligent drivers. Cyclists can be sideswiped, crashed into, or have their right of way ignored at an intersection. 

Some of the most common causes of a bicycle accident are:

• Speeding – Speeding is a major contributing factor to bicycle accidents. The force of an impact can be devastating, and these crashes often cause catastrophic injuries. All motorists and cyclists should observe the proper speed limit while on the road. 
• Unsafe Lane Changes – When changing lanes or merging, drivers must be careful not to hit a bicycle that is proceeding down the road beside them. Making unsafe lane changes can be extremely dangerous. 
• Drunk Driving – Drunk drivers have a decreased ability to react quickly to and make good decisions that help avoid collisions with cyclists. 
• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents. Drivers are always advised to stop texting, calling, or eating while driving. These actions can cause this type of accident to occur. 
• Failure to Yield – Cyclists should never assume that motorists will yield. When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, they put cyclists in danger. It may be difficult to determine which party is at fault in such an incident. One must seek the legal assistance of a Visalia bicycle accident lawyer to help guide them through the process of your personal injury claim. 
• Dooring – A car door suddenly opening can cause a cyclist to suffer from severe injuries. Cyclists and drivers are advised to be vigilant of one another while on the road. 
• Road Hazards – If you or a loved one sustain an injury due to road hazards such as poorly maintained roads or inadequate lighting, you may be eligible to file a claim against the local government. 
• Riding too Close to Lane of Motor Vehicle Traffic – Cyclists should never assume an automobile driver will give them enough space on the road. Careless drivers create dangerous situations when they follow too closely behind a bicyclist. 

Types of Injuries From Bike Accidents

The CDC reports that over 130,000 cyclists are injured on the road every year. In the event of a traffic collision, a biker is more likely to sustain severe injuries compared to a passenger vehicle driver due to their lack of protection. 

Knowing the kind of injury you sustained is a step in the right direction towards receiving the appropriate medical care. Some of these injuries may require long-term medical care. Some of the most common types of injuries sustained from a bike accident are:

• Traumatic brain injuries – Head injuries are one of the most common injuries sustained by bicyclists. According to the National Security Council (NSC), brain injuries make up one-third of non-fatal cyclist injuries. Cyclists are always advised to wear a properly fitted helmet while on the road. 
• Facial injuries
• Bone fractures or broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sprains & Strains
• Internal organ damage
• Muscle tears & ligament rupture
• Cuts & Lacerations
• Severe road rash

Safety Tips For Preventing Bicycle Accidents

As with any outdoor activity, cyclists are always advised to be vigilant and cautious when on the road. But there are more steps one can take to help protect themselves from accidents, such as:

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 ensure that your bicycle accident claim is strong and valid, the 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 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 bicyclists tend to ignore or forget that the rules of the road apply to them as well. Under California’s comparative fault law, even if the cyclist is found partially responsible for the accident, they may still recover compensation for damages. 

California is categorized as a full comparative fault state. This means that even if the plaintiff were 99% at-fault for the accident financial compensation will still be awarded to them. Although bike accident victims may be eligible for compensation despite being partially at fault, their compensation amount will be diminished. 

It is in your best interest to hire a personal injury attorney that is well versed in handling bicycle accident claims to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation amount possible for your injuries and damages. At Farahi Law Firm, we are committed to helping our clients get back on their feet and fighting for the justice they deserve. 

What Compensation Can a Bicycle Accident Victim Recover?

Cyclists possess a greater risk of injuries due to their limited protection. These injuries could lead to prolonged medical care, missed days of work, emotional trauma, and more. As the injured party, you are entitled to monetary compensation to help aid you through your physical and financial recovery. 

A personal injury victim may be entitled to the following compensation:

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

If the accident led to the wrongful death of a loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover financial compensation for their injuries and damages. Although no amount of compensation is enough to make up for the loss of a loved one, these compensatory damages are meant to help the victim’s family recover their financial losses. 

This kind of compensation may cover certain expenses such as funeral and burial expenses, or medical costs that resulted from their death or injuries. 

Contact our Visalia bicycle accident lawyers to ensure that your and your family’s rights are protected. 

Consulting With Expert Visalia Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycle accident cases can be complicated, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. Some personal injury victims may think that handling their cases on their own might be the best course of action. Unfortunately, this may not always be the case. 

Dealing with insurance companies can be taxing. What’s worse is that an insurance adjuster may try to trick you into lowering the value of your claim in order to avoid offering you fair compensation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Farahi Law Firm know how insurance companies work, and we will ensure that your rights are protected from those who wish to lowball you. 

Not only will we handle all the complex paperwork, but we will also put you in touch with the best doctors, determine the true value of your claim, launch a thorough investigation and give you peace of mind so you can focus solely on your recovery. 

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Contact Us Today!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident in Visalia, you must take legal action against the negligent party that caused the accident. We have years of experience handling bicycle accident claims and have recovered millions of dollars for hundreds of clients. 

Contact our Visalia bicycle accident lawyers at (559) 315-4111 for free case consultation, today! We are here for you 24/7. Your justice is our cause.