While car accidents are common in cities that have an abundance of automobiles, bicycle accidents are also common in places that feature many cyclists. Larger cities that have a lot of traffic have seen an uptick in the amount of bicyclists due to the positive results – cycling is better for your health and body, and it leaves a positive impact on the environment. It is also less expensive; however, it can increase the amount of travel time, and worst of all, an accident can result in catastrophic injuries. Our team of California bike accident attorneys in Tulare can help you receive compensation for your damages. Often, our clients contact us with questions about bike accidents and the legal process behind filing a bike accident lawsuit. Some of these questions include:
- Who are experienced lawyers in Tulare?
- I need a Tulare lawyer to help me file a bicycle accident lawsuit. Who can I call?
- Where can I find bicycle accident attorneys in Tulare County?
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Car accidents often occur because of driver negligence, and bicycle accidents are no different. It is not uncommon for both bicyclists and automobile drivers to bne negligent while on the road; the problem is that cyclists can suffer much greater harm than the other driver would in the event of an accident. Drivers need to share the road with bicyclists, but because there are fewer cyclists on the road, drivers are more used to interacting with other cars, and may misjudge or not pay attention to anything different.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- A driver who did not yield or stop at an intersection
- Wrongful left turn
- Speeding
- Opening a car door without making sure the surroundings are safe
- Distracted by texting and driving or making a phone call
- Bicyclist was not visible in the car’s field of vision
- Driver was under the influence of alcohol
- Tired driving
- Failure to observe bike lane
- Side view mirror strikes a cyclist when the car is passing too close by
In many cases, cyclists are struck because of a driver’s negligence. There is often the need for drivers to double check before they make a decision; even though both sides of traffic may not be forthcoming, a cyclist could still be passing by close to the parked cars on the street, and if a vehicle suddenly pulls in front, the cyclist could be vaulted over the car and sustain serious injuries.
If you have been struck by a vehicle while you were on your bicycle, reach out to a Tulare County bicycling accident attorney today. We can help you file a bike accident lawsuit against the responsible party.
Steps to Take After a Bike Accident
A bicycle accident can leave you disoriented and injured; there is a chance that you may be too hurt to take care of yourself. If you have your wits about you and you are not drastically injured, you should remember to follow these steps.
First, take a few minutes to assess the damage to your body. You should check for any wounds or broken bones and see if you feel any pain. Adrenaline may momentarily mask a lot of the pain, but if anything looks or feels out of place, you should know. This will determine whether or not you require emergency medical attention. You should still see a doctor anyway to make sure you do not have any internal damages.
Next, you should collect as much information about the incident as possible. If you sustained injuries, the police will likely come to the scene of the crash; you can ask for a copy of the police report, but you should also do what you can to collect as much evidence yourself. This includes witness testimony, photos or videos of the damages to your bicycle, photos of the area the accident occurred, pictures of your injuries, and the responsible driver’s insurance information.
After you have gathered as much information as you can, you should enlist the assistance of a Tulare attorney with experience in bicycle accidents. He can make sure you are on time with all of your deadlines and that you are receiving a fair settlement; the insurance company will likely try and pay you as little as possible, but this can be overcome with a skilled lawyer.
It should be known that the statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident is 2 years from the date of the injury or 2 years from the date that the injury was discovered. This is done to make sure that the lawsuit occurs in a timely manner; if it takes too long, there is a chance that evidence will be lost, witness testimony will be cloudy or forgotten, or the parties may no longer care enough to resolve the issue.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
As a victim of a bicycle accident, you are eligible to receive certain types of compensation for your damages. A bike accident attorney in Tulare can help you earn a settlement that will cover numerous expenses. You may be able to receive:
- Medical expenses (surgery, hospitalization, medication, ambulatory transportation, future medical procedures, physical therapy, and more
- Lost wages (from both the past and future for any days you missed work due to your injury or recovery time)
- Property damage (to repair or replace your bicycle and other belongings that were damaged or broken in the accident, including your cell phone and laptop)
- Pain and suffering (emotional damages, psychological problems, mental scarring, fear, anxiety, and PTSD)
- Punitive damages (additional compensation that is given out in instances of gross negligence or intention of causing harm; these damages are difficult to win, and only a skilled attorney in Tulare will be able to acquire them for you)
With the help of one of our Tulare bicycle accident attorneys, you can be sure that you will be covered in the event of a bicycle accident.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Tulare Residents
Those who are cyclists in Tulare should already know many of the rules of the road as well as the best ways to avoid accidents. For those who may need reminders or who want additional tips, here are some recommendations for ways to stay safe while traveling on your bicycle.
- Ride a proper sized bicycle for your body. Too small and you won’t be visible to other cars; too large and you won’t be able to control it too well.
- Only ride when you are sober or awake – drunk, intoxicated, or tired driving is extremely dangerous, and the former is illegal.
- Use protective gear such as helmets and pads to prevent injuries.
- Use reflective gear so that other cars can see you as you ride at night.
- Obey road laws the same way you would as if you were in a vehicle; this can save you from many accidents, as you have the same yield rules and must follow the same right of way laws as everyone else.
If you require additional information, call Normandie Law Firm, our Tulare law firm, today.
What Normandie Does for You
BicuOur experienced Tulare lawyers are here to help you receive a fair settlement for your bicycle accident. You deserve to be compensated for your damages if another individual acted negligently and harmed you while you were riding your bicycle. Our attorneys are aggressive and will not stop until we have brought you a settlement you are satisfied with.
Call us today to schedule a free legal consultation with an accomplished attorney. You can ask any questions you want about your bicycle claim and what you can expect to earn in a settlement. We will gladly answer you to the best of our ability. Further, if you choose us as your law firm of choice, you are given a zero fee guarantee on your claim – you pay no money for our services. Our earnings come from the settlement we win you, and we only get paid if we win; if we lose, you do not owe us anything at all. We do this so you can rest assured that your savings are never touched.
Contact Normandie Law Firm today to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in Tulare.
