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Bicycle Accidents

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Oxnard Bicycle Accident Lawyer |

Fighting For Bicycle Accident Victims in California

Bicycling can be a great way to get where you’re going, get some exercise, or simply enjoy the outside world. Unfortunately, drivers often don’t pay enough attention to bikes when they open car doors, change lanes, or cross intersections. If you have been injured in a bicycling accident, you need an experienced personal injury law firm like Crane Flores Injury & Car Accident Lawyers on your side. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Barbara have more than 50 years of combined legal experience. We can help you work to recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Every case is different. Contact us today at (805) 292-7074 to discuss your legal options with a member of our Oxnard bicycle accident attorneys. We offer free initial consultations and contingent fees.

First Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident:

- Get off the road: Getting out of the street and to a safe location immediately after a bicycle accident is essential to prevent further damage and injuries from occurring.
- Exchange information: Just like you would do in a car accident, be sure to exchange contact information with the driver that hit you. Get their name, phone number, email address, and the license plate number of the vehicle they were driving. If you are injured and cannot get this information yourself, ask a bystander to do this for you. Be sure to get contact information of any witnesses as well.
- Take photos: If you can, get photos of all damage to your bike, the driver’s vehicle, your injuries, weather conditions, traffic patterns, road conditions, and any other details relevant to your crash. The more photographic evidence you have, the better.
- Do not negotiate with the driver: It is not uncommon for people to apologize or accept blame for a crash in the immediate aftermath, only to have second thoughts about these comments later. Stick to the facts, avoid uncertain statements, and never admit fault.
- Do not repair or throw away your bike: Keep your damaged bike as well as any clothing or protective equipment you were wearing at the time of the crash as evidence. Don’t clean your clothing until your accident claim has been resolved.
- See a doctor and follow their instructions: If you were not rushed to the hospital after your bike accident, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible and follow their instructions closely. Tell them about any and all pains you are having and mention that you were in a bicycle accident. Keep a record of all of your treatments as well as a journal of how your injuries are affecting your day-to-day life.
- Consult with an attorney: An attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you towards the most appropriate course of action to recover compensation.

California Bicycle Accident Statistics & Laws

Most roads are designed for cars and can be a dangerous place for bicyclists. In 2010, 618 bicyclists were killed and 52,000 more were injured in accidents involving motor vehicles. California led the country with 99 bicyclist fatalities in 2010.

Under California law, bicyclists must wear a helmet each time they ride. Helmets protect you from most head injuries, but the force of the impact, when struck by a car or truck, can still result in serious harm. Because there is little to protect the rider, injuries can include bruises, fractures, head trauma, and spine injuries.

Both drivers and bicyclists have obligations on the roadways. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21200, “Every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” This means that bicyclists and drivers must follow the same rules of the road, such as obeying stop signs, yielding to oncoming traffic, and signaling when turning.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Common causes may include:

The driver fails to yield: Accidents frequently occur at intersections when motor vehicle operators fail to yield the right-of-way and turn into the path of a cyclist.
The driver is inattentive: Drivers often do not exercise enough care when backing out of a driveway, changing lanes, or passing a bicyclist.
The driver is impaired: Drinking and driving accounts for a large percentage of all bicycle accidents. In many cases, the accident may also be a hit and run.
The driver carelessly opens a car door: Although illegal under California law, drivers often open their car doors into the path of an oncoming bicyclist.
The driver enters the bike lane: While riding in a bike lane should be safer, car drivers cause serious accidents by unexpectedly veering into these lanes if they are distracted while driving.

Understanding Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Cyclist in Oxnard

As a bicyclist in Oxnard, it is essential to understand both your rights and responsibilities on the road. Knowing these can help you ride more confidently and safely. In California, bicycles are legally considered vehicles; cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This includes obeying all traffic signals and signs, riding in the same direction as traffic, and using bike lanes where available.

Oxnard has undertaken various initiatives to build safer pathways for cyclists, recognizing the importance of promoting cycling as both an eco-friendly transportation method and a road-sharing activity. Bicyclists are encouraged to wear reflective clothing and equip their bicycles with lights during night rides to enhance visibility. Understanding these responsibilities not only ensures the safety of cyclists but also promotes a harmonious coexistence with motorists, thereby reducing accidents. Lastly, staying informed about local initiatives and infrastructural changes can ensure you ride safely and legally.

Insurance Considerations for Bicycle Accidents in Oxnard

Insurance can play a significant role in addressing the financial repercussions following a bicycle accident. In Oxnard, cyclists must navigate the complexities of insurance claims, often dealing with auto insurers who may dispute liability or deny coverage altogether. It’s crucial to understand how insurance policies apply to bicycle accidents and what measures can be taken to ensure fair compensation.

Many cyclists in Oxnard might not know that their health insurance and auto insurance policies might cover injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. If a motor vehicle is involved, the driver’s insurance might contribute to the compensation, covering aspects such as property damage, medical expenses, and even pain and suffering. The key to a successful claim often lies in thorough incident documentation, including medical records, police reports, and eyewitness testimonies. Working with a knowledgeable Oxnard bicycle accident attorney can provide clear guidance through the intricate claims process, ensuring your rights are upheld and you receive the compensation necessary to recuperate and rebuild.

Oxnard has undertaken various initiatives to build safer pathways for cyclists, recognizing the importance of promoting cycling as both an eco-friendly transportation method and a road-sharing activity. Bicyclists are encouraged to wear reflective clothing and equip their bicycles with lights during night rides to enhance visibility. Understanding these responsibilities not only ensures the safety of cyclists but also promotes a harmonious coexistence with motorists, thereby reducing accidents. Lastly, staying informed about local initiatives and infrastructural changes can ensure you ride safely and legally.

Damages You Can Pursue in a Bicycle Accident Claim

When someone else’s negligence is to blame for a bicycle accident, victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries. Damages may include medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, insurance companies and other responsible parties often try to blame the bicyclist for the accident. Common allegations include that the bicyclist was changing lanes improperly or rode into the path of a car. Because California follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, it is always important to fight these claims. If you are found at fault for the accident, any recovery you receive in an injury lawsuit is reduced by your percentage of liability. For instance, if you were 10% at fault for the accident, your damages can be reduced by 10%. This is yet another reason to have an experienced Oxnard bicycle accident attorney on your side.

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Attorney in Oxnard Today

At Crane Flores Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our seasoned lawyers help injury victims recover from serious bike crashes. With offices in Santa Barbara, Oxnard, and Ventura, we serve clients throughout California. We also offer hospital or home visits to accident victims and their families.

Call our offices today at (805) 292-7074 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with our Oxnard bicycle accident lawyer.

Contact Crane Flores Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today

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