In recent times, bicycles have become a more prevalent method of transportation in cities that are heavily populated. They have less of an impact on the environment, provide the rider with a workout, and allow the rider to save money on gas, insurance, and travel. One downside is the length of time it takes to travel anywhere, but a larger one is the higher likelihood of injuries in the event of an accident. Bicycle accidents are not uncommon, and riders should be aware of the dangers of sharing the road with vehicles; additionally, they should know the laws and regulations in case they want to file a lawsuit. Our team of experienced Bakersfield lawyers at Normandie Law Firm is here to help you receive fair compensation for injuries stemming from your bicycle accident. Clients often call us with questions on the laws surrounding bikes and cars, as well as questions about the legal process. Some of these questions include:
- Who is the bet bicycle accident lawyer in Bakersfield?
- Where can I find a bike accident attorney in Bakersfield?
- How can I file a bike accident lawsuit?
Laws Regarding Bicycles on Roads
There are a number of laws that pertain to bicycles that are present on roads. One of the most notable relates to the presence of a bike lane. If there is a bicycle lane present, the rider must take care to use it. These lanes are usually separated from the rest of the road with barriers of some sort. The bikes themselves have specific laws; the vehicle must have working brakes, adequately raised handlebars, and various reflectors located on the pedals and rear end of the frame. Perhaps the most important statement that is said in relation to bicycles on the road is that the riders are afforded the same care other drivers are, and that bicyclists must share the road without obstruction.
If you need to familiarize yourself with the many laws regarding bicycle travel, you can call one of our experienced lawyers for more information.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Despite many bicycles being present on the road, there are still oversights that happen with other drivers. Habits often take over, and it can be difficult to break them. There is also the problem of a smaller object to look out for – when some cars switch lanes, for instance, the driver will automatically check his mirror and his blind spot for another car. If he decides it is safe, he will merge; however, bicyclists are smaller and not as readily visible, and there is a chance a rider may be struck during this lane change.
Other causes of bike accidents include:
- A driver opening the door into traffic without properly checking to make sure no one was coming; this can lead to the bicyclist flipping over the door.
- A vehicle failing to yield or properly observe lane changes, merges, turns, or other basic driving acts. This can lead to clipping and crashes.
- Distracted drivers may not be paying attention to their surroundings.
- Individuals who are under the influence of inebriating substances may be unable to react or drive safely, resulting in accidents.
- Individuals who exit from driveways or parking lots may not see the cyclist coming.
- People who drive too close to a cyclist and end up clipping him with the side view mirror.
Those who live in areas that feature many bicycle riders should always take extra precaution to ensure that no cyclists are around when they are maneuvering through traffic. Simple attentiveness can save lives and millions of dollars.
Steps to Take After a Bike Accident
A bike accident can cause all sorts of disruption in your life, and even some majorly debilitating injuries. Many people panic when an accident happens; they do not think straight and the adrenaline causes them to act on instinct instead of with logic. It is crucial that you remain calm after an accident so you can properly assess the situation.
The first step after a bike accident is to evaluate if you have been seriously injured. Less severe injuries like cuts and bruises can be treated, but anything that is debilitating, like broken bones, should warrant immediate medical treatment. If your injuries are severe, call an ambulance or rush to the hospital.
The next step is to contact the police to file an accident report. This will allow you to have many pieces of information down, such as witness testimony and details about the accident. You can also have the responsible party’s name present so you can reach out to his insurance company.
Finally, it is in your best interest to contact a Bakersfield attorney with experience in bicycle accidents. Without an expert attorney, you may not be able to negotiate with an insurance agency or attend any court dates; our lawyers are highly skilled and will be able to handle your case while you recover.
Possible Injuries from Bicycle Crashes
A bicycle is a very barebones vehicle that does not offer its rider any protection whatsoever. They are generally very light and can be easily destroyed. If even a small car were to strike a bicycle, the bike could be ravaged beyond repair. This makes getting into an accident extremely dangerous, and the injuries that come can be devastating.
Some examples of injuries that are commonly seen after bike accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Concussions
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
- Lacerations, Cuts, Bruises, and Swelling
- Disfigurement and Scarring
- Spinal Cord Damage
If you have been injured, immediately seek medical attention. Some of these injuries may linger and cause further complications down the line. Gaping wounds can be a potential home for infections, while hemorrhages can occur from internal bleeding. An attorney in Bakersfield can give you further details.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Bakersfield Residents
Our Bakersfield law firm has assembled some safety tips for you to pay attention to. These tips can help you ensure that you will have a safe ride and will reduce the chances of you getting into an accident with another vehicle.
- Ride the Proper Bicycle: This means that a bicycle that is too old or small is not a good choice to ride on the road. Some BMX bikes, for instance, are popular to ride recreationally, but they are not great choices to have on the road. Small bikes also make you more difficult to spot; larger bikes will allow you to be more visible, and cars will spot you from further away.
- Stay Alert: This involves any number of activities that keep you alert when riding a bicycle. You should not be under the influence of alcohol or any mind altering drug, nor should you be too tired to ride.
- Wear Proper Gear: While protective gear is important – such as helmets and pads – it is also crucial that you wear light colored clothing to be visible at night, sport reflective gear on your clothes, or otherwise.
- Obey Road Laws: As a bicyclist on the road, you are treated like a driver. Thus, you should obey all road laws just the same as you would if you were in a vehicle, including properly yielding, stopping at streetlights, and observing the correct right of way.
If you need any other details on the best ways to stay safe while riding a bicycle, get in touch with one of our California bike accident attorneys.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Those who have been hurt in bicycle accidents can receive ample compensation for their injuries if another driver were liable for the damages. Because bicycles are not the safest vehicles, the injuries can be very severe, and fair compensation should follow. With the assistance of one of our Bakersfield bicycle accident attorneys, you can potentially earn a settlement that will include the following:
- Medical expenses, including surgery fees, hospitalization costs, medication, physical therapy, and more. Expenses from both the past and the future can be covered.
- Lost wages, which can be reimbursed from both the past and the future. You may be out of work for some time due to your injuries or time spent recovering from your damages.
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of damaged goods (items you may have had in a backpack, like a cell phone or laptop, as well as repairs for the bicycle itself).
- Pain and suffering, which would provide coverage for emotional scarring, mental trauma, psychological issues, fear, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
- Punitive damages, which are additional forms of monetary amounts handed out to punish the defendant and dissuade him from committing the same action again. Punitive damages are given out in instances of gross negligence or an intent to cause harm. Many courts view these damages as unnecessary, and only a skilled Bakersfield lawyer will be able to win them for you.
Normandie’s Role
Our team of attorneys at Normandie Law Firm is here to help you earn a fair settlement for your damages after a bike accident. We will tirelessly work to bring you compensation; our lawyers are aggressive and will fight the insurance company responsible for paying you until you receive restitution you are satisfied with.
Don’t hesitate to call us to receive a free legal consultation. An attorney will be able to give you all the information you need on bicycle accidents and what your claim may result in. Further, when you select our law firm, you are promised a zero fee guarantee on your case: we don’t get paid unless and until we win; otherwise, you pay nothing at all. Our payment also comes from the settlement itself, ensuring that your savings remain untouched.
Contact Normandie Law Firm today to speak to a bike accident attorney in Bakersfield.
