Rocklin Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents are a common occurrence in and around Rocklin and across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 800 bicyclist deaths across the nation in 2017. In California, there were 124 bicyclist deaths reported. The NHTSA stated that California has the highest or the second-highest number of bicycle deaths every year from 2007 to 2017.
If you have been injured in a crash as a cyclist, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced Rocklin injury attorney. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation regarding your potential personal injury claim.
Bicycle Accidents in RocklinResidents of Rocklin are not immune to these severe collisions. For example, a Rocklin bicyclist lost his life in an accident with a tractor while competing in a local event in 2015. Another Rocklin bicyclist was killed while riding along the Auburn-Folsom Road. As you can see, bicyclists in and around Rocklin are exposed to serious risks on our roadways.
If you suffered a serious injury in a collision caused by a negligent driver, call a skilled Rocklin bicycle accident attorney to learn about your potential legal options for recovery.
Common Types of Injuries from Cycling CrashesIn many car accidents involving bicycles, the cyclist is often severely injured while the driver of the larger vehicle usually walks away unscathed or with only minor injuries. Drivers cruise around in cars whose manufacturers often advertise extensive safety features, however, bicycles have no essential safety equipment aside from what the cyclist wears. This usually means the only form of protection for a bicyclist is a helmet. As a result, it is common for bicyclists to suffer the following types of injuries accidents with motorists:
- Amputations Facial lacerations
- Bone fractures
- Low back injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Traumatic brain injury or related head trauma
When a bicycle is hit by a motor vehicle on a Rocklin road or highway (e.g., I-80, Sunset Boulevard, Park Drive, etc.), it is often the result of a driver's negligence. There could be many reasons for this, such as failure to look before turning or changing lanes, sideswiping a cyclist in the road, or “dooring” a cyclist riding in a bike lane.
What is the Filing Deadline for a Bicycle Collision in California?In many cases, cyclists will be able to bring a claim seeking financial restitution for their harms and losses against the responsible party or parties. Any lawsuit resulting from injuries sustained in a bicycling accident must be brought within two years from the cycling accident date. Valid suits are typically brought against the at-fault driver (with their insurance company as the primary source of financial recovery).
Types of Personal Injury Compensation for a Cycling Crash ClaimIn bicycle accident cases, the theory of legal recovery is negligence. If a plaintiff is successful in a negligence lawsuit, the plaintiff is generally entitled to economic and non-economic damages designed to compensate him or her for any injury caused by the defendant’s negligence. The categories of damages that plaintiffs can recover are:
- Accrued and future medical bills (e.g., ambulance fees, surgery costs, and physical therapy).
- Lost wages and reasonable future salaries (if you are left permanently or partially disabled after the collision).
- Pain and suffering, which comprise the "non-economic" damages in a personal injury lawsuit. These damages typically include your mental anguish, stress, inconvenience, and diminution of the quality of your life after the wreck.
If the driver's conduct was particularly egregious or shocking, you could also attempt to pursue punitive damages. This is a special form of damages intended to punish a defendant for truly appalling conduct.
Though, punitive damages are rarely awarded since there needs to be clear and convincing evidence of the defendant's egregious behavior. Consult with a Rocklin bicycle accident lawyer for your legal options.
Tips for Protecting Yourself After a Bicycle AccidentThe video below provides some tips on how bicyclists can ride safely around cars on the road.
Contact a Rocklin Bicycle Accident Attorney TodayIf you were injured in a crash as a cyclist and have questions regarding your potential claim, contact our Rocklin bicycle accident lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice today. We have handled cases like yours since 1982 and can help you through this difficult time.
Our law firm has served the Rocklin and Northern California communities since 1982, helping people wrongfully injured in bicycle accidents and their families recover.
Proud 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 4.12.21]
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:sid rey [cs 812]