Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, including driver inattention, unsafe road conditions, failure to yield, and dooring incidents. Understanding how these accidents occur and the injuries that may result can help cyclists recognize potential hazards and understand what steps may be appropriate following a collision.
Determining what caused a bicycle accident is an important part of evaluating potential liability. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may involve the following individuals.
Distracted driving can place bicyclists at significant risk. A driver who is texting, using a navigation system, eating, adjusting controls, or otherwise distracted may fail to notice a cyclist traveling nearby. Even drivers who are distracted for a brief moment can be involved in a vehicle collision, especially at intersections, in bicycle lanes, or on streets where drivers and cyclists share limited space.
Many bicycle accidents occur when motorists fail to yield the right-of-way when required. These incidents may occur when a vehicle turns across a cyclist's path, enters an intersection, exits a driveway, or proceeds through a traffic control device.
Drivers and cyclists are both responsible for following applicable traffic laws. Determining who had the right-of-way may require reviewing witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, traffic signals, and other available evidence.
Right- and left-turn collisions are another common concern for cyclists. For example, a motorist making a right turn may cross a bicycle lane without noticing a cyclist traveling alongside the vehicle. Left-turn collisions may occur when a driver turns across the path of an approaching cyclist. These crashes can be especially dangerous because a cyclist may have little time to react.
Excessive or unsafe speed may contribute to the overall severity of a bicycle collision. A speeding driver may have less time to identify a cyclist, react to changing traffic conditions, and stop safely. Other potentially dangerous driving behaviors may include aggressive driving, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and failing to maintain appropriate control of a vehicle.
Not every bicycle accident involves a motor vehicle. Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, poorly maintained bicycle lanes, inadequate lighting, construction conditions, or other roadway hazards may contribute to a cyclist losing control.
Head injuries are among the more serious potential consequences of bicycle accidents. A cyclist may suffer a concussion, traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, or other head trauma after striking a vehicle, pavement, or another object.
Some fractures may require immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery depending on their location and severity.
Cyclists may also experience sprains, strains, bruising, muscle injuries, or ligament damage. Although some soft-tissue injuries improve with conservative treatment, others may require ongoing medical care.
A collision can place significant force on the neck and spine. Depending on the circumstances, a cyclist may experience neck or back pain, disc injuries, nerve-related symptoms, or other spinal trauma. More serious spinal injuries can significantly affect a person's ability to move properly or perform daily tasks.
Cyclists thrown from their bicycles may strike their faces against the roadway, vehicle, or another object. This can result in facial fractures, cuts, scarring, dental injuries, or damage to the jaw.
The period immediately following an accident can be important for both health and documentation. When possible, an injured cyclist should seek appropriate medical attention and report a vehicle-related collision to law enforcement. Photographs of the accident scene, bicycle, vehicles, visible injuries, traffic controls, and roadway conditions may help document what occurred. Contact information for drivers and witnesses can also be useful. The following may become important after a bicycle accident.
Legal guidance and support may help individuals who have suffered injuries from a bicycle accident understand their case. These types of personal injury cases may leave individuals feeling unsure of the necessary steps to take to recover. A legal professional may be able to review the facts of your case, speak to insurance companies, and help preserve important pieces of evidence.
The qualified personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW are ready to help victims understand their rights and responsibilities throughout the claims process. Oftentimes, bicycle accidents may raise serious concerns, leaving victims in a state of shock and uncertainty about their future. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation and to learn more about your case moving forward.
The individual or parties responsible for the bicycle accident may be held financially accountable. Therefore, in California, an accident victim may seek compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
If you got injuries while riding in California, you can receive compensation for:
When a bike accident involves a motor vehicle, you should consult an attorney before dealing with the driver's insurance company. The insurance company will generally want to settle the claim for as low as possible. However, your lawyer will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,000 bikers were murdered and over 467,000 were injured in the United States in 2015. In 2010, fatal and non-fatal bike accidents cost $10 billion in productivity losses and lifetime medical expenditures. 1 Bicyclist fatalities in the United States increased by 16% between 2010 and 2012. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), California has the greatest number of bicycle deaths. In California, there were 338 bicycle deaths involving motor vehicles between 2010 and 2012.
Even skilled bikers can get a bike injury if they ride a bike. Several variables may increase the risk of cycling injury or death for some persons, including:
Sex: Males are six times more likely than females to die and four times more likely to get injuries when riding a bike. Age: Adults aged 50 to 59 have the highest risk of bicycle fatalities. Children and teenagers (5 to 19 years old) had the greatest risk of nonfatal bike accidents. Alcohol: A motorist or rider under the influence of alcohol was in more than one-third of all fatal bike accidents. Time of Day: The great majority of fatal bike incidents happened between 4 and 8 p.m. Helmet Use: While wearing a helmet may not prevent bike accidents, it can help avoid head injuries or brain damage. The absence of a helmet is a key factor in death or serious injury in bike accidents. California is the most populous state in the United States. Urban regions, particularly in Southern California and the Bay Area, enjoy mild year-round temperatures, making riding popular all year. Bike commuters, competitive racers, and recreational bikers are all included. Because of the state's heavy traffic, bicycling is an appealing alternative means of transportation for those who wish to avoid waiting in traffic on their way to work. Many locations in the state's metropolitan districts are constructed around vehicles, leaving bikers vulnerable. All these factors enhance the likelihood of a bike accident in California. It is worth noting that Bicyclists have many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles under Vehicle Code 21200.
Following a motorcycle collision, the most crucial thing to do is seek medical treatment if necessary. If you are hurt, dial 9-1-1. Many bike accidents result in head, neck, or back injuries. Therefore, doctors should examine these injuries. You may feel good after the crash but awaken the next day in excruciating pain. It is preferable to be safe than sorry and see a doctor to ensure that your injuries are not more serious than they look.
You should try to collect as much information about the accident as possible, including:
Your safety is important, and should remain your top priority. Therefore, if the other motorist is refusing to cooperate, is intoxicated, or is attempting to flee the scene, you should just contact the police. The majority of individuals carry their smartphones with them. So it's a good idea to photograph or videotape the accident site and document the car details. Also you should photograph your bike and any injuries as well.
Please call KAASS LAW if you have any concerns concerning bike accident lawsuits in California or would want to discuss your case privately with one of our experienced California personal injury attorneys. Also, you can visit our website for other practices.