Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident Attorney

Expert Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Santa Rosa, CA

California leads the nation in bicyclist deaths, accounting for 4% of the country’s total. In a two-year study, as reported by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 338 cyclists were killed in bicycle accidents. Over 13,921 cyclists were injured in 2012 alone. With more states implementing new bike laws and more major cities adding bike lanes, injuries and fatalities will drastically decrease. Bike accidents often happen because a motorist does not see the cyclist, so increasing visibility and designating safer bike lines should help curb accidents. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, contact our Santa Rosa bicycle accident attorney today.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can cause substantial injuries. Head injuries are the most common injuries in a bicycle accident. Other common injuries include:

• Facial or dental fractures
• Muscular tears
• Contusions
• Lacerations
• Brain hemorrhages or contusions

Most common bicycle accident injuries necessitate ongoing treatment, which means ongoing expenses. If the injury was the result of a bike and car accident and the person who hit you with their car is uninsured or underinsured, you most likely will not get the amount of compensation you need to pay for these expenses.

While cyclists can go through their personal injury insurance, the limits are usually capped and may not cover all expenses. To understand the laws protecting you and the compensation you deserve after a bicycling injury, speak with an experienced bike accident attorney who can bring forward a bicycle accident case.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can occur due to a range of factors, often involving a combination of human, environmental, and equipment-related issues. Common causes include:

Driver-Related Causes

• Distracted Driving: Motorists failing to notice cyclists due to distractions like mobile devices or in-car activities.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers not yielding the right-of-way at intersections or crosswalks.
• Speeding: Excessive speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to cyclists, especially in shared roadways.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the likelihood of collisions with bicycles.
• Aggressive Driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, cutting off cyclists, or road rage can lead to accidents.

Cyclist-Related Causes

• Disregard for Traffic Laws: Cyclists running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or riding against traffic can increase accident risks.
• Inexperience: Lack of familiarity with road rules or bicycle handling can contribute to unsafe riding practices.
• Poor Visibility: Riding without proper lights, reflectors, or bright clothing makes cyclists harder to see, especially at night.

Environmental Causes

• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control.
• Adverse Weather: Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Construction Zones: Narrow lanes and detours may create unsafe conditions for cyclists.

Equipment-Related Causes

• Faulty or Poorly Maintained Bicycles: Brake failures, flat tires, or chain issues can result in loss of control.
• Improper Safety Gear: Not wearing a helmet or using faulty protective equipment can exacerbate injuries during accidents.

Shared Space Issues

• Dooring Accidents: Cyclists colliding with car doors opened without checking for oncoming bikes.
• Blind Spots: Drivers failing to see cyclists in their blind spots, especially during turns or lane changes.

Addressing these causes through education, improved infrastructure, and adherence to safety regulations can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of bicycle accidents.

Responsibility Regarding A Bicycle Accident Case

Bicycle accident cases are similar to regular car accident cases in that you will need to prove negligence on the motorist’s part. Bicyclists can still be considered negligent, just like a motorist can. Anyone who travels on a public roadway, be it on a bike or in a car, is expected to drive in a reasonably safe manner with consideration to other travelers.

If you were not abiding by bicycling road rules, you will be held at least partially liable for your own actions. Studies show most bicycle accidents occur at intersections. This can mean several things:

• The motorist was negligent because he or she failed to stop or notice the cyclist.
• The cyclist was negligent because he or she did not give the motorist the right of way (cyclist has a stop sign).
• The motorist was negligent because he or she did not give the cyclist the right of way (motorist has a stop sign).
• The motorist was turning left or right and did not see the cyclist until it was too late (in most cases, the motorist will be held liable).

There are many fine lines between liabilities in a bicycle accident. California does allow for you to be partially liable and still collect compensation. This is called a “comparative fault clause.”

As long as you are found less than 50% at fault, you will be able to receive compensation based on your fault percentage. For example, if damages totaled $10,000 and you are found to be 25% at fault, you will receive the remaining 75%, or $7,500. The job of a Santa Rosa personal injury attorney is to minimize your fault percentage and maximize your amount of compensation by representing your case in the best light.

Contact Our Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Contact North Bay Legal today to discuss injuries you have sustained in a bicycle accident. We have experience working with bicycle accident claims of all types. We will fight for your case aggressively to get you the most compensation to cover your past and future expenses. You may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages.