Oxnard Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicyclists should do their best to follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and others from harm. However, even when bicyclists do their best to follow traffic laws, they can still get hit by reckless drivers. If you have suffered damages due to another’s negligence, an Oxnard personal injury law firm can help you seek compensation.

When a cyclist is injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. This includes payment for medical bills, lost wages from missed work days, pain and suffering damages, and more. Work with a law firm with proven experience. To get a free consultation about your bike accident, contact The King Law Firm today.

How Bicycle Accidents Occur

Bicycle accidents can occur due to a variety of different factors. Some common bike accidents include:

Left Turn Accident

A driver making a left-hand turn may fail to see an oncoming cyclist in the bike lane and assume they have the right of way. Due to the size difference between a car and a bike, the cyclist is likely to suffer more serious injuries than the driver.

Lane Change Accident

When drivers change lanes without looking for passing cyclists, they can easily sideswipe a cyclist or run them off the road.

Dooring Accident

This type of accident occurs when a driver opens their door without checking for cyclists first. A passing cyclist may collide with the open door, leading to serious injury.

Rear End Accident

Cyclists are vulnerable to rear-end collisions due to their small size and visibility. When a driver fails to see a cyclist, they may rear-end them, causing the cyclist to suffer serious injuries.

Intersection Accident

Intersections are dangerous areas for cyclists as they are often congested. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way or make careless turns can cause devastating intersection accidents that result in severe injury or death for cyclists.

Blind Spots

The size of bikes can mean that they are hidden in a driver’s blind spot. When a motorist fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes, they may hit an unsuspecting cyclist.

Bad Roadway Conditions

Poor road conditions such as potholes, broken pavement, and other dangerous obstacles can lead to a bicycle crash.

What You Can Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you should take to ensure that your health and rights are protected.

Dial 911

Calling 911 immediately following an accident can ensure that medical personnel are on the scene quickly and can provide necessary treatment. It also ensures you will get a police report, which you may need to file a claim or lawsuit

Take Photographs

If you can, take photos of the crash scene, including any damage to your bicycle or other property and your injuries. This can be helpful if insurance companies dispute who is at fault for the accident.

Collect Information

Exchange contact information with anyone involved in the crash and any witnesses on the scene. Make sure to also get license and registration information from the drivers of any vehicle involved in the crash.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you do not think the injuries are serious, seek medical care right away. This will help determine the extent of any injuries and create an official record of your condition.

Document Your Recovery

It may also be beneficial to write down notes on your recovery. Keep a journal that recounts your pain and suffering. This could be helpful during the claim or lawsuit process.

Reach Out to an Oxnard Bicycle Accident Attorney

Oxnard bicycle accident attorneys can help protect your rights and fight for fair compensation for your injuries.

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accident injuries can range from sprains and strains to life-altering head trauma. Other common bicycle accident injuries include:

Broken Bones

Fractures and broken bones can occur as a result of a bicycle accident, especially if the cyclist is thrown from the bike.

Road Rash

The friction between the road’s surface and the body can cause severe abrasions known as road rash. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention to avoid infection or scarring.

Internal Organ Damage

Collisions with cars and trucks can cause internal organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent.

Spinal Injuries

The impact of bicycle crashes can cause severe spinal cord injuries that lead to permanent paralysis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury can occur when the head suffers a serious blow in an accident. Symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, and difficulty speaking.

Psychological Trauma

Bicycle accidents can also cause psychological trauma such as anxiety and depression. These injuries may require long-term treatment to fully recover.

Whiplash

The sudden force of an impact from a bicycle accident can cause whiplash, a painful neck injury that affects the muscles and ligaments.

Who Is At Fault In a Bicycle Accident?

The at-fault party in a bicycle accident can depend on the circumstances of the crash. Generally, if a driver was negligent or reckless and caused an accident, they will be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the crash. This includes failure to yield right-of-way, driving while distracted, speeding, and not following traffic laws. 

On the other hand, if the cyclist was engaging in unsafe behavior such as running a red light or weaving in and out of traffic, they may be held partially responsible for the crash.

Damages I Can Claim In a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:

Medical Bills

Bike accidents can cause severe injuries. You may be able to receive compensation for any medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This includes hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and physical therapy.

Lost Wages

If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages.

Pain and Suffering

You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering caused by the accident. This includes both physical pain as well as emotional distress.

Property Damage

If any of your personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to receive compensation for repairs or replacement costs.

Contact an Oxnard Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers can help determine who is at fault and fight so you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, reputable Oxnard bicycle accident lawyers can assist you.