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Natomas Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Across California, including Natomas, bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles. Under California law, these individuals must adhere to the same rules and responsibilities as the cars and trucks on the road. Most bicyclists respect these requirements and work to enjoy healthy activities without interfering with drivers. However, far-too-many drivers do not extend the same courtesy. A failure to provide enough space between a car and a bike can have devastating consequences. In addition, many drivers do not pay enough attention to realize there is a bike in the vicinity until it is too late. Collisions between cars and bicyclists lead to severe injuries and fatalities.
According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 857 bicyclists in the United States were killed in traffic crashes in 2018.
Types of Serious InjuriesBicyclists have very little to protect them from the impact of a crash. Even if they are wearing a helmet, serious injuries often result from a collision, including:
- Broken bones and severe fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Impact injuries leading to internal organ damage
- Amputated limbs
- Permanent disfigurement
- Spinal injuries
- Death
If a person has been injured in a bicycle accident or a loved one has been killed, it is crucial to contact an experienced Natomas Bicycle Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. There is a limited time in which a legal case may be filed. To bring that action, it is necessary to have done an extensive investigation into the negligence of the other party who caused the accident. There must be evidence to show that the person did, in fact, act negligently. Any delays may lead to a deterioration of the physical evidence and a diminished recollection of the facts by witnesses.
In addition to a thorough investigation into the facts of the accident, our skilled attorneys also are ready to do everything necessary to get our clients the right results. Depending on the nature of the accident, we may use bicycle accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate the negligence of the driver and the impact that this had on the person who was injured. We will do everything possible to get our clients the results through an effective settlement negotiation or a jury trial award.
Recoverable Damages from a Bicycle AccidentWhen a person has suffered serious injuries as the result of a bicycle accident, many types of damages may be obtained, including:
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses, including projected future expenses;
- Lost wages and earning potential – These damages are calculated based on reasonable advancement in a career and the benefits that would have been obtained but for the negligence of another person;
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering – This also looks to the future to ensure that a person is made whole, to the extent possible; and
- Punitive damages – These rarely are awarded and only where a trier-of-fact has determined that the defendant's actions were egregious.
Watch NHTSA's video below for essential safety tips when riding your bicycle.
Natomas Bicycle Accident FAQDo bicycle riders automatically have the right of way at an intersection?
Bicyclists do not automatically have the right of way at an intersection like pedestrians. Bicycle riders must follow the same rules as motor vehicles. This includes obeying all traffic signals and stop signs and yielding to pedestrians.
If bicyclists violate a traffic regulation, can they still recover damages for their injuries?
Under California’s comparative fault law, bicyclists can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault. However, their damages will be reduced by the percentage they were at fault. For instance, if their failure to yield is determined to be 20 percent responsible for the accident, their compensation amount would be reduced by 20 percent.
Natomas Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a bicycle accident caused by negligence, call our experienced Natomas bicycle accident attorneys for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
The injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com are ready to fight for your rights and interests.
We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 4.29.22]
Photo by: Depositphotos.com [cs 741]
