Rio Vista Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Rio Vista, California, is positioned in the heart of the California Delta, along the Sacramento River. The community is rapidly growing and includes a wide variety of residential and business communities. Rio Vista is surrounded by more than 1,000 miles of waterways, making it an ideal location for water-based recreational activities.

One important thing that the community currently lacks is a well-supported bicycle network. The city currently has less than one mile of Class II bicycle lanes, according to the Solano County Active Transportation Plan, which proposes adding 21 new miles to Rio Vista's nearly non-existent bikeway network. 

Bicycling near vehicle traffic without protected bike lanes presents significant safety risks. Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are on the rise, and the injuries that such collisions cause the cyclist are often devastating. Because biking accidents can cause significant and long-lasting damages, the injured cyclist would be well served to consult with an experienced Rio Vista bicycle accident lawyer following an accident. California law provides the ability for anyone injured by someone else’s negligence to seek compensation for their damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rio Vista bicycle accident, please reach out without delay to our team of skilled injury lawyers at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. We can set up a no-obligation consultation at your convenience, or simply offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice.

Bicycle accidents frequently happen in Rio Vista and other Northern California regions. Nearly all bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles can be attributed, at least in part, to negligent drivers. Examples of negligent driving behaviors that can cause a bike accident include:

• Failing to yield
• Improper turning maneuvers
• Swerving or drifting into a bicycle lane
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Not keeping a proper lookout for bicyclists
• Distracted driving

There are other factors that could lead to the increased risk of a bicycle accident, including a lack of infrastructure for bicycle commuters. As noted above, the lack of designated bicycle lanes in Rio Vista may put cyclists in the city at risk.

Sometimes, a bicyclist may be the cause of an accident. Riding in the opposite direction of traffic is illegal. It is also incredibly dangerous and can lead to terrible accidents. In a situation where the bicyclist was traveling in the wrong direction, it is often determined that the motorist was not liable and therefore not financially responsible for the bicyclist's damages. 

Watch the YouTube video. Below is a short clip about safe road cycling.

It is not surprising that in a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, the person riding the bike is going to be vulnerable to a higher degree of injury than the driver surrounded by metal. Even if the cyclist is wearing a properly fitted helmet and other protective gear, they are still very likely to suffer severe injuries if they are hit by a car. Below is a list of some of the common injury types we see with our clients who were hit while riding a bicycle:

• Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Torn ligaments
• Lacerations
• Road rash (painful deep abrasions prone to infection)
• Chest trauma
• Injuries to the spinal cord or vertebrae
• Internal bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Wrongful death

Recovering from severe injuries following a bicycle accident can take an extended amount of time. During the long recovery, medical bills continue to pile up, especially if there are surgeries and physical rehabilitation. On top of that, serious injuries often require time off from work, so in addition to steep medical expenses, the bicyclist must also deal with a reduction or loss of income. When injuries are severe and permanent, a change of career or an exit from the workforce altogether may become necessary. These circumstances can add up to devastating financial problems.

Financial problems following a major accident inevitably cause significant stress and anxiety for the injured party and their family. This is one of the primary reasons that consultation with a skilled Rio Vista bicycle injury attorney is so important. Having an experienced legal advocate on your side will protect you from having the insurance company take advantage of your economic vulnerability. 

Below are some of the damages that may be recoverable following a bicycle accident caused by a negligent motorist:

• Medical bills - those already incurred and those reported by a physician to be necessary in the future
• Lost income - both already incurred and future loss of income/loss of income capacity
• Pain and suffering

Another element of damages that may be available include a category known as loss of consortium damages. These may apply if the injured bicyclist was married at the time of the crash. Loss of consortium damages are paid to the injured party's spouse as compensation for the adverse effects that the accident and injuries had on the marital relationship.

In some special cases, punitive damage may be sought if the motorist was egregiously negligent. These are not often awarded and only apply in limited circumstances.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle crash that was caused by a negligent party, do not delay in getting an experienced lawyer on your side. Insurance companies always seek to pay as little as possible, and a legal advocate can ensure that you are not treated unfairly. For free and friendly legal advice, call our Rio Vista bicycle accident lawyers at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.

In your search for trusted legal counsel, it may help to see our firm’s verdicts and settlements history and read reviews from prior clients, which are available on Avvo, Yelp, Google.

Photo: by Donterase on Pixabay

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