Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims of Bike Accidents Financially Recover

Bike accidents in California are a frequent occurrence. Yet, more than ever before, people are choosing this mode of transportation because it is an excellent opportunity to get exercise and help our environment. Unfortunately, with more people riding their bicycles on roadways, the potential for accidents and injuries has increased.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a motor vehicle or otherwise wrongfully injured while cycling, our Santa Rosa bicycle accident attorneys at Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery can help you receive the compensation and care you deserve.

Call us at (707) 542-5050 to schedule your free case evaluation with our Santa Rosa bicycle accident lawyers.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

When motorists aren’t paying attention, bicycling can become a perilous way to travel—even for experienced riders. Bike riders have a right to share the road with motorists and most bicycle accidents happen when drivers fail to observe the right of way, often striking riders while making a turn or changing lanes.

Bicycle accidents can happen for many other reasons, including:

• Drunk or drugged driving
• Driver veering onto the shoulder
• Failure to observe traffic signals
• Opening car doors into the bike lane
• Distracted driving (talking on the phone, eating, etc.)

Generally, bike riders are wearing minimal accident protection beyond a helmet or pads and suffer severe injuries. If a bicycle accident results in the death of the rider, there may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Police Report Accuracy

When there is an accident, law enforcement will fill out an accident report detailing the events of the crash.

The report should include many things such as:

• The time of day
• Weather conditions
• Parties involved
• Any witnesses
• Initial damages, and more

Making certain the details are correct and accurate are paramount as they may play a role in determining who is at fault.

Ensuring report accuracy can be difficult if a severe injury is involved as the victim may not be able to provide their side of the story immediately following an accident. In California, you have up to two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim.

Filing Your Claim

Without the assistance of a Santa Rosa personal injury attorney, filing an insurance claim following an accident can be a difficult process. You must present your side of events in clear terms and understand what facts are important, so nothing is left out.

It becomes extremely important to discuss your case with a bicycle accident attorney as quickly as possible so you may file your claim within the proper time frames and regarding the proper parties.

Determining Liability in a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents, like motor vehicle accidents, will require you to prove the negligence of the motorist. Therefore, it is crucial to be clear about all the facts surrounding the incident.

Some things to keep in mind regarding your accident are:

• On which side of the road was the rider?
• Was the rider wearing safety equipment?
• Was the bicycle equipped with safety devices?
• Where did the accident occur—the street, the sidewalk, a crosswalk?
• Did the driver treat the rider like a motor vehicle?

The motorist involved in a bicycle accident may not be the only liable party. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a defective roadway or bicycle part may have contributed to the accident. City municipalities or bicycle manufacturers could be held responsible for damages.

What Types of Compensation Are Bicycle Accident Victims Entitled to?

If you or a loved one has suffered a bicycle accident in California, you could be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income/earning potential
• Pain and suffering/rehabilitation
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement
• Wrongful death

The exact amount and types of compensation available to you will depend on the specific details of your accident. Regardless of the severity of your injuries and the cost of your accident-related expenses, you should be entitled to compensation that covers all of your losses.

Call Abbey, Weitzenberg, Warren & Emery at (707) 542-5050 or write to us online to schedule your free case evaluation today.