Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Modesto

As Stanislaus County’s largest city, Modesto has its share or bike enthusiasts that enjoy the convenience of zipping through traffic jams and getting exercise in between work commutes and running errands. Others are serious riders that train for competitions or want to achieve a certain level of physical fitness.

No matter the reason, there is no doubt that biking is a fun and healthy activity. Unfortunately, many people are injured on bike rides from dangerous road conditions, careless drivers, and other hazards. In particular, car accidents are the number one source of severe injury and death among cyclists in Modesto and other cities in California.

If you or your loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, the lawyers of Normandie are here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us at your earliest opportunity for a free, private consultation.

Crashes and Other Types of Bike Accidents

Without a doubt, being hit by a car, motorcycle, truck, or another vehicle is the leading cause of fatalities and catastrophic injuries to bicyclists in the city of Modesto. The chances of dying from a bike accident increases significantly if the car is speeding, since the driver’s ability to react and stop the car on time is greatly reduced. In addition, the force resulting from the collision is that much greater, thereby putting the rider at risk of brain damage, paralysis, and other life-altering injuries.

Aside from speeding, bike accidents can happen from:

• Drivers running red lights
• Making illegal U turns or left turns
• Failing to provide sufficient space when passing someone on a bike
• Drivers drifting into or entering bike lanes illegally
• Opening car doors without checking to see if someone on a bike is approaching
• Distracted driving, like looking at your phone while driving
• Driving while intoxicated

Not all crashes can be blamed on negligent drivers, meaning there may be other issues like roadway hazards and construction debris that can be blamed for the accident. In these situations, you may need to sue a public entity, like a city agency or independent contractor hired by the county. Please note that government entity claims must be filed no later than 6 months from the accident date. If the responsible party is a private entity, you normally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

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California’s Three Feet for Safety Act

California has legal requirements for the amount of space that must be provided when you are attempting to overtake and pass a bike rider that’s going in the same direction. Known as the Three Feet for Safety Act, the law requires drivers to leave a 3-feet buffer between themselves and a bicycle.

The law recognizes that a three feet buffer may not be possible under certain “traffic or roadway conditions.” In these instances, the driver must slow down their vehicle in order to pass the rider as safely as possible, and only pass if doing so does not put the bicyclist in danger. Thus, drivers must use good judgement and be extra cautious, even if conditions on the road do not allow them to leave 3 feet of space between themselves and someone on a bike.

Drivers Entering Bike Lanes

Drivers can enter bike lanes in limited circumstances, which include:

• In order to enter or leave the roadway
• Preparing to turn within 200 feet of an intersection
• Park their vehicle where permitted

So, if you were hit by a driver entering a bike lane illegally, you have the right to file an accident claim with their insurance company.

Can I File a Claim if I was Partially at Fault?

Yes, in California, being partially responsible for an accident does not take away your right to seek compensation from the other party. Both the bike rider and driver sharing fault for an accident is quite common, and the assigning of liability (fault) to each of the involved parties is known as comparative negligence.

It’s important to have your case thoroughly investigated and reviewed by an independent source, like a bike accident injury attorney. Even if you are partly to blame, you are entitled to monetary damages if the other driver’s conduct was a substantial factor in causing you bodily harm.

Do I Actually Need to Hire a Bike Accident Lawyer?

No, you have every right to deal with the insurance company on your own if you got into an accident in the city of Modesto. However, you should speak to an attorney and weigh your options before you agree to anything that’s offered by the insurance company. In fact, we suggest that you avoid talking to the insurance adjuster at all until a personal injury lawyer has advised you of your rights and legal options.

Always remember that these are profit-driven businesses at the end of the day. Rejecting your claim or paying you a low settlement is how they stay profitable, so these people are not on your side, no matter how friendly and helpful they seem on the phone. And don’t be surprised if the company tries to blame the entire accident on you, accuses you of exaggerating your injuries, or claim that it’s a pre-existing condition – not the accident – that is to blame for your injuries.

At the end of the day, you cannot rely on the insurance company to provide you with an accurate value of your case. The most reliable source of information is a Modesto bike accident lawyer, which you will find 24/7 here at Normandie Law Firm.

Contact a Stanislaus County Bike Accident Attorney

Riding a bike comes with a degree of risk, and accidents are bound to happen. But those who are hurt by careless drivers and other circumstances that are based on negligence deserve justice.

The attorneys of Normandie are ready to fight for you and the compensation you deserve. Simply contact our office and talk to a bicycle accident lawyer in Modesto. If going ahead with a personal injury claim is right for you, we will provide you with the Zero Fee Guarantee. Under this policy, your settlement from an insurance claim or lawsuit includes the cost of legal services. That means you pay us nothing out of pocket, and we don’t make a cent unless you receive compensation.

Please take a moment to give us a call and schedule a free case review.