Bicycle accidents are some of the most potentially dangerous crashes that can happen on the road. The sheer lack of protection on a bicycle means that you can suffer very serious injuries from even minor accidents. Many people are not aware that you are considered a driver when you are riding a bicycle on the street; as a result, you have to obey the same rules and follow the same procedures, otherwise you can be ticketed. In the event of an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to earn various types of compensation for your damages. Our California bike accident attorneys at our Visalia law firm, Normandie Law Firm, are here to help you earn the fairest compensation for your damages under the law. Our clients often call us with questions about bicycle accidents and what they can do to ensure that they will be covered when the time comes. Examples of these questions include:
- Who is the best bicycle accident lawyer in Visalia?
- Where can I find Visalia bicycle accident attorneys?
- I got into a bicycle accident while on the road. Can I file a lawsuit?
Are Bicyclists Afforded the Same Duty of Care?
Bicycles are one of the alternative methods of travel in big cities. Many people use their own cars, trains, buses, taxis, and rideshare vehicles to get around, but those who use bicycles are in a slightly different category. For one, those on bicycles often have to ride in designated bike lanes that are off to the side of the street; these lanes are usually behind some little barriers. If there is no bike lane, the cyclist must adhere to the rules of the road and stay as far out of traffic as possible – this is so the flow of traffic can continue uninterrupted, as a bicycle cannot travel as quickly as a car can.
Regardless, since those on bicycles must obey the same rules of the road – yielding when necessary, observing proper right of way laws, allowing pedestrians to cross at crosswalks before proceeding, and more – they are also afforded the same care. A bike accident lawsuit can be filed if there are a string of negligent actions that occur. The actions are as follows:
- The driver involved in the accident owed the bicyclist a duty of care. This is a given, as any person on the road is to make sure he is not placing anyone else in harm’s way and will do his due diligence to protect people by driving in a safe manner.
- The driver breached that duty, whether by not paying attention while driving, driving recklessly, or intentionally breaking the law.
- The breach resulted in an accident, such as striking the bicycle or causing the bicyclist to lose control and get in a crash.
- The accident resulted in actual physical harm to the person on the bicycle.
If you need assistance proving these four points of negligence, contact one of our experienced lawyers at Normandie Law Firm.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles are more difficult to see while on the road, and as a result, it is more likely to strike one in an accident. Drivers often check their mirrors and blind spots when switching lanes, but because a bicycle is smaller, the driver may not see it and strike the rider. Some other common causes include:
- Driver opening door while bicyclist is passing by
- Driver clipping bicyclist with side view mirror due to driving too close
- Drugs or alcohol impairing the senses of a driver
- Failure to observe traffic signals, right of way, or street signs
- Bicyclist was not wearing proper reflective gear
- Bike was not equipped with adequate reflective materials
Drivers need to be more aware of bicyclists and share the road with all people. It can be devastating if a crash occurs. A bike accident attorney in Visalia can help you earn compensation if you are struck by a car while riding your bicycle.
Steps to Take After a Bike Accident
A bicycle accident can leave you seriously injured and unable to function. It is imperative that you seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Further, even if you do not have any apparent injuries or you feel as though you are unscathed, you should still be checked over by an EMT or go to the doctor to get a second opinion. Sometimes, the adrenaline coursing through your veins causes you to feel less pain or to block out the effects of any injuries until you are safe. If an injury manifests later on in the days following the accident, it may be more difficult for a doctor to fix it. Make sure that you take photos of your injuries and that your doctor provides you with a copy of your medical bills
Following medical attention, you should file a police report and ask for a copy. The police report can contain lots of important information about the scene of the accident, the witnesses involved, and more. This can help you compile evidence in the form of photographs and witness testimony.
It is difficult to work through a bicycle accident claim by yourself. Your last step should be to find a reliable attorney in Visalia to help you file a lawsuit. Without a Visalia attorney with experience in bicycle accidents, you may not be well prepared enough to earn a fair settlement for your injuries.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Visalia Residents
Those who use bicycles as their primary modes of transportation should take care to protect themselves at all times and to ensure that they are not placing themselves in any danger while riding. Some people are more reckless when they ride and may suffer debilitating injuries in the event of an accident.
Here are some ways that you can stay safe while riding a bicycle on the road:
- Wear a helmet
- Ride the proper sized bicycle (nothing too small, like a BMX, or too large for your body)
- Do not take any mind altering substances when riding your bicycle
- Do not ride while tired
- Wear reflective gear
- Outfit your bicycle with reflective equipment
- Obey traffic laws
Of course, other drivers may still drive in negligent manners, but if you do everything in your power to stay safe, there is a less likely chance that you will be harmed.
Potential Injuries from a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you may suffer severe injuries. It is important to seek medical attention as quickly possible. Some injuries that have happened from bicycle crashes include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Bleeding
- Organ Damage
- Lacerations and Cuts
- Bruising and Swelling
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Death
- Paralysis
- Spinal Damage
An attorney in Visalia can recommend you to a medical professional in case of injury.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Those who have been harmed in bicycle accidents that were caused due to the negligence of another driver may be able to earn sizeable compensation for their damages. Our experienced Visalia lawyers are here to make sure you receive the settlement you deserve. We can help you earn:
- Medical expenses, including coverage of surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and more. You can be covered for both future and past bills.
- Lost wages, which occurred due to missed work. You can be reimbursed for both past and future days of missed work due to additional injuries or recover time.
- Property damage, which can cover anything that was damaged or broken in the accident. This may include the bicycle itself and personal belongings like a laptop or cell phone.
- Pain and suffering, which are emotional damages that are sometimes more severe than the physical injuries. You can be covered for fear, anxiety, PTSD, psychological trauma, mental scarring, and more.
Talk to a Visalia lawyer at Normandie Law Firm today for more assistance.
Let Normandie Help
Our attorneys at Normandie Law Firm are here to help you earn a settlement for your bicycle crash injuries. We believe that you should not be held responsible for your own damages if another person caused them; let our aggressive attorneys pursue a settlement for you so you can focus on what is important: recovery.
Call us today for a free legal consultation with an expert attorney. You are invited to ask any questions you like about the legal process and the implications of a bicycle accident lawsuit. If you select us for our legal services, you are also offered a zero fee guarantee on your claim. This means that you pay no out of pocket expenses throughout the entire lawsuit process – we only collect our fees if we win, and the money comes from the settlement we win for you. If we lose, you do not owe us a cent.
Contact Normandie Law Firm for more help in filing a bike accident lawsuit in Visalia.
