With the influx of bicycles being used on the road, there has been an increase in bike accidents. Many people are electing to switch to the vehicles to save money on gas and to do their small parts for the environment, but large cities still have thousands of individuals on the road at all times. This fact can mean that bicyclists are always required to be extremely wary and careful, as they are greatly outnumbered by larger, heavier and deadlier cars. Despite bike lanes being constructed into many roads, there are still accidents that happen. Our top law group at Normandie Law Firm helps any individual in Porterville who has been harmed in a bicycle accident. Clients often contact us with questions about the legal process following a bicycle crash. Examples of these questions include:
- Where can I find a bicycle accident lawyer in Porterville?
- Who are the best California bike accident attorneys?
- What Porterville law firm will handle my bike accident lawsuit?
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
People who ride bicycles on the road need to be very careful and pay close attention to their surroundings. Drivers often speed and break laws while traveling, and it is not uncommon for a bicyclist to be struck. Often, a driver cannot stop in time, or he may not see the person on the bicycle. It is very important to always be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations as a person who rides bicycles on the streets.
Cars hit bicycles because of many reasons. Some examples include:
- Driving too close to a bicyclist while he is on the road, resulting in hitting him with the side view mirror or swiping him with the side of the car.
- Ignoring right of way laws, which can lead to drivers prematurely entering the road when a bicyclist is passing by. It can also occur when a car is attempting to make a turn and a bicycle is passing on its side, leading to the bike crashing into the car.
- A driver does not look around when he is exiting his vehicle, which can make a passing bicyclist slam into the door when it opens. These door injuries can vault a bicyclist and cause severe injuries.
- Careless drivers may not check their blind spots or they may ignore right of way laws.
In many cases, drivers can be considered responsible for a bicycle accident. The law requires that cars and bikes share the road, and in the event there is not a bike lane, there must be care taken by both parties to ensure that no crashes happen. If both parties are negligent, severe injuries can happen to many individuals.
Injuries from Bike Accidents
Since bicycles are completely unprotected vehicles, a crash can be devastating. Cars have seatbelts, head rests, airbags, padding, and more to stop the inhabitants from sustaining heavy injuries. Bicycles, on the other hand, are just small frames with two tires. The riders are sparsely protected with safety gear. If a crash happens, a rider may be thrown from the bicycle at a very high speed, or he may be crushed by the car.
Some of the most commonly seen injuries in bicycle accidents include:
- Concussions
- Mild TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains
- Gashes, cuts, lacerations, and more
- Amputated limbs and digits
- Heavy scarring and disfigurement
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Coma and paralysis
- Death
Some of these injuries are severe enough that they would require extended hospital stays and multiple high-risk treatments. If you were struck while on a bicycle, you may be able to have your damages covered by the responsible party’s insurance company. Our Porterville bicycle accident attorneys can help you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Bike Accident
After a bike accident, many people are jarred and unable to think straight. They may be certain that they do not have any injuries, but the adrenaline that comes from such a situation can expertly mask pain and make you believe that you are unharmed. This is why it is crucial that the first step you take after being involved in a bicycle accident is to seek medical attention. Paramedics may come to the scene and can give you an evaluation. You may even have to go to the emergency room, as there may be internal injuries that you are not aware of. The hospital can also run tests for further damages.
You should also gather evidence when and how you can. A police report can give you some information that would be crucial to your case, but you should make it a point to collect the opposing driver’s insurance information as well as take down statements and testimonies from any of the witnesses who saw the accident take place. If you have been overtly injured, photographs of your injuries would also come in handy. A claim that does not have ample evidence will likely get thrown out in court and ignore by insurance agents.
The assistance of a Porterville attorney with experience in bicycle accidents can be crucial to your claim. You may find it difficult to even get through to an insurance agent if you are attempting to file a claim by yourself. Our experienced lawyers have the ability to negotiate with insurance companies and do not stop until we receive an answer.
Further, a bike accident attorney in Porterville can make sure that your claim is never lost or misses any deadlines. You have 2 years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit against the responsible; our attorneys will get your claim prepared and sent out so you can receive compensation as quickly as possible.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
With the assistance of an attorney in Porterville, you can earn a settlement for damages sustained in a bicycle accident. You should not have to worry about bills and costs if you have been injured due to another person’s negligent actions. Your focus should be on recovering and strengthening yourself so you can return to a normal life. Our experienced Porterville lawyers can help you receive:
- Coverage of medical costs, including hospitalization, medication, ambulatory transportation, physical therapy, and more. You can be covered for both future and past procedures as well.
- Reimbursement of lost wages because of missed time at work. You may have needed to stay out due to your injuries or because you needed more time to recover. Further, future lost wages can be reimbursed as well.
- Property damage, including broken items like phones and laptops that you were carrying. Your bike may be able to be replaced or repaired.
- Pain and suffering, including fear, anxiety, PTSD, psychological damage, emotional trauma, and more.
A Porterville lawyer at Normandie Law Firm can help you receive a settlement.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Porterville Residents
Some individuals do not know how to best prepare themselves so that they will not be involved in accidents. In addition to basic sensible actions like being aware of the situations on the roads and never trying to challenge a vehicle, you should also make sure to follow these tips. They can help you stay safe.
- Wear reflective clothing
- Invest in protective gear
- Ride the properly sized and working bicycle
- Obey all road laws
- Defer to cars when necessary
How Normandie Helps
Our lawyers at Normandie Law Firm are here to make sure you receive fair compensation in the event of a bicycle accident. If you were the victim, the other driver could be held responsible for your damages. Our attorneys are aggressive and will stop at nothing to bring you a fair settlement, but we also know how important it is that you heal up and recover. Our priority in a case is not the settlement, but your health and safety.
Call us today for a free legal consultation with a skilled attorney. You can ask any questions you want about the legal process and we will answer them to the best of our abilities. We encourage you to be as informed as possible so you have the best knowledge regarding your case. Further, we offer all clients a zero fee guarantee on their claims. This means that you pay no out of pocket expenses for our services from start to finish. Our payment only comes if we win, and it is taken from the settlement we earn for you. If we lose, you owe us nothing at all. This way, the liable party pays your legal fees, and your personal savings do not take any hit whatsoever.
Contact Normandie Law Firm for help filing a bike accident lawsuit.
