Bicycle vs. Auto Accident Lawsuits

When a motor vehicle collides with a cyclist, the results are usually catastrophic as the cyclist has little to no protection from the rugged exterior of an automobile. Across the nation, there has been a steady increase of bike accident fatalities since 2009. Unquestionably, bicyclists are at serious risk of devastating injuries when they collide with a vehicle. 

In the State of California, if you were injured in an accident that was caused as a result of a careless driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the medical expenses and property damages you suffered as a result of the accident. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to additional damages. Speak to a well-versed attorney who can dutifully investigate your case. 

Causes of Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Accidents

Cyclists and motorists alike have rights and responsibilities they must adhere to when on the road. The State of California has imposed laws that require all cyclists and drivers to operate their means of transportation in a safe and responsible manner. When either party fails to follow traffic laws, a collision can ensue. 

The following are common causes of bike vs. motor vehicle accidents:

Driving While Distracted  

Distracted driving is very dangerous and can lead to catastrophic injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 9 people are killed each day in the U.S. as a result of a traffic accident involving distracted driving. Additionally, about 1,000 people are injured each day for similar reasons. 

Distracted driving can include:

• Texting while driving, 
• Eating while driving, and
• Fiddling with the stereo or navigation system

Failing to Follow Traffic Laws  

Whether it is speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield the right of way, many accidents are caused as a result of the failure to follow traffic laws. Drivers in California have a legal responsibility to follow traffic laws. When they fail to do so, this can indicate negligence. 

Failure to Check for Cyclists 

Unfortunately, far too many motorists are not accustomed to driving alongside bicyclists, which can lead to accidents including, but not limited to:

• Intersection collisions, 
• Rear end collisions,
• “Dooring” accidents, 
• Wrong way accidents, and
• Sideswiping accidents

Other Risk Factors Associated With Bike Riding

There are a plethora of other factors that can lead to bicycle vs. motor vehicle accidents. As a result of the roadway dangers, it is always recommended that cyclists wear a helmet and wear reflective clothing when riding in busy streets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that the following are risk factors associated with bike riding:

• A major contributor of bike related deaths is attributed to alcohol consumption, where about 40% of accidents were caused because the bike rider or vehicle driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident. 
• A majority of bike accident deaths occurred in urban areas, including non-intersection locations. 
• When compared to their female counterparts, males sustain fatal injuries at a rate of 6 times more often and sustain non-fatal injuries at a rate of 4 times more.  
• Individuals between the ages of 5-14 and 15-19 have the highest rate of non-fatal bicycle accidents. These age groups also account for about one-third of all injuries that receive emergency medical attention across the nation. 
• Individuals between the ages of 50-59 have the highest mortality rate among bike riders. 

Injuries Commonly Associated With Bike Riding

Although both a motorist and cyclist can suffer serious injuries when an accident occurs, the cyclist has a higher probability of sustaining catastrophic injuries that could be life threatening. These injuries can include, but are not limited to:

• Dental injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, 
• Sprains and strains, 
• Deeps cuts and lacerations, 
• Facial injuries and disfigurement, 
• Road rash and loss of limb, and
• Traumatic brain injury

Obtain Compensation With the Support of a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney

Following a bicycle accident, the weeks and months that follow can be difficult to endure. For many bike accident victims, the reality is that they will need to pay for costly medical expenses for their injuries. Additionally, most bike accident injuries lead to temporary or permanent disability, rendering many injured bike riders jobless.  

If you or a loved one was injured while bike riding, it is critically important to seek the legal advice of a skilled personal injury attorney. An experienced litigator will defend your right to a fair compensation. 

The proficient attorneys at the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King are exceptionally skilled in the field of bike vs. auto accidents. For more than a decade, the firm has advocated on behalf of injured bike riders. After an accident, obtain the support of a law firm you can depend on. Consider scheduling your free consultation with the Law Offices of Attorney Justin H. King today. 

Related Content:

• Rancho Cucamonga Bike Accident Lawyer
• Rancho Cucamonga Car Accident Lawyer

About the Author:

Justin King