Many Californians rely on bicycles for transportation and recreation, enjoying the health benefits and eco-friendly commuting they provide. However, heavy traffic and unsafe drivers create serious risks for cyclists. If a bicycle accident injures you, an experienced lawyer can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation. At Deldar Injury Attorneys, our skilled California bicycle accident lawyers help victims navigate personal injury claims and secure the compensation they deserve.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Getting hurt in a bicycle accident is awful, especially when it is your primary form of transportation. Insurance companies oftentimes do not understand bicyclists’ rights and notoriously try to pin some, if not all, of the blame on the victim. A bicycle accident lawyer will determine who is at fault and what personal injury compensation is rightfully owed to the victim.

Understanding the prevalent causes of bicycle accidents can aid in prevention and highlight the importance of legal advocacy when incidents occur. Common causes include:

  • Distracted Driving: Motorists engaging in activities like texting or eating while driving may fail to notice cyclists.
  • Failure to Yield: Drivers not yielding the right-of-way at intersections can lead to severe collisions.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and lack of designated bike lanes can contribute to accidents.

According to the 2023 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts survey put together by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 125 bicyclist fatalities in 2021. Because bicycles offer little physical protection, riders often suffer serious and life-changing injuries in a collision.

Common Injuries From Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often result in significant injuries due to the lack of protection compared to motor vehicles. Common injuries include:

  • Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can occur even with helmet use.
  • Fractures: Broken bones in the arms, legs, and collarbone are frequent.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or long-term disability.
  • Lacerations & Abrasions: Severe cuts and road rash may require extensive medical treatment.
  • Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent.

In addition to physical injuries, accident victims may suffer from emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety, significantly impacting their quality of life.

California Bicycle Laws & Cyclist Rights

California law grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Key regulations include:

  • Road Use: Bicyclists are allowed to ride on roadways, and in the 2023 California OTS Survey, 68.2% of drivers acknowledged this right.
  • Helmet Requirements: While helmets are mandatory for riders under 18, they are strongly recommended for all cyclists.
  • Lane Usage: Cyclists should ride as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable but may occupy a full lane when necessary for safety.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Taking appropriate actions following a bicycle accident can protect your health and legal rights when you hire a California bicycle accident lawyer.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Prioritize your health by getting a thorough medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. any injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time. Seeking medical care also creates official documentation of your injuries, crucial for linking the accident to your medical treatment in a legal claim. Delaying treatment may not only risk your health but also allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not severe or were unrelated to the accident.

2. Document the Scene

Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Take clear, high-quality photographs that show your bike, vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signals. If possible, capture skid marks, debris, and weather conditions, as these can provide important context for proving fault. Be sure to also take close-up photos of your injuries immediately after the crash and throughout your healing process. Strong visual evidence can significantly help your bicycle accident lawyer negotiate a better settlement or prove your case in court.

3. Gather Information

Collect contact details of involved parties and witnesses. Collect the driver’s contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details, including make, model, and license plate number. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers, as their statements can support your version of the accident. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the scene, as any statement you make could be misinterpreted and used against you later. If the accident involved a hit-and-run driver, try to note any identifying details about the vehicle, such as its color, model, or partial license plate number, and look for security cameras in the area that may have captured the incident.

4. Report the Accident

Report the accident to the police immediately to create an official accident record, which strengthens your insurance claim and legal case. Give law enforcement clear and factual details, but avoid speculating or making emotional statements that could weaken your claim. Ask for a copy of the police report once they file it, as it may include the officer’s observations, witness statements, and any citations issued. If officers do not respond to the scene, go to the nearest police station or file a report online as soon as possible.

5. Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Seeking legal advice from an experienced California bicycle accident lawyer ensures you understand your rights and legal options. A lawyer will review your case, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Without legal representation, insurance adjusters may offer low settlements or deny your claim outright, leaving you to bear the financial burden alone. Calling Deldar Legal at (844) 335-3271 for a free consultation is the best way to protect your interests and maximize your compensation after a bicycle accident.

How Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer Gets You Compensation

Bicycle accident victims may be entitled to several forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case. Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy, are typically the most significant financial burden. Victims can also recover damages for lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases involving extreme negligence, such as hit-and-run accidents or DUI-related crashes, courts may award punitive damages to further penalize the at-fault party.

Contact Deldar Today

As cycling continues to be a popular activity and mode of transportation for millions of Americans, safety becomes extremely important. The best way to improve safety is to understand. Drivers and cyclists must have a mutual relationship when sharing roadways, intersections, and residential streets. A bicycle accident can be caused by a driver not paying attention or an improperly maintained sidewalk or roadway.

Our attorneys will fight to recover payment for your medical bills, pain and suffering, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. If the accident resulted in a death, our experienced attorneys will take the steps necessary to pursue a claim for wrongful death. There is no fee if we cannot obtain a recovery for you. Deldar Legal serves clients throughout California. Call our office today for a free consultation or fill out the contact form on our website.