Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly form of transportation. They provide many advantages that traditional automobiles do not, including a sense of freedom and directly enjoying one’s surroundings. However, that also means bicyclists can get into accidents like any other kind of transportation but with a greater likelihood of serious injuries because they lack the protection of seatbelts or walls. Sometimes, those injuries are permanent or fatal.

If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries while biking, you could be entitled to monetary compensation. The legal landscape can be difficult to navigate without prior experience, requiring a deep understanding of state-specific laws and regulations. By consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney about the intricacies of local laws, including the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists, contributory negligence rules, and the statute of limitations, victims and families can make informed decisions. A seasoned Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyer can review your claim and help you get the money you deserve.

Common Injuries in Bike Crash Claims

A bicyclist may sustain several injuries in a collision. Sometimes, they are temporary, and other times, they can completely change the rest of a person’s life. Some examples include:

Broken bones
Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Paralysis
Spinal cord damage
Dislocated joints
Scrapes and bruises
Neck injuries
Death

These painful consequences can result in insurmountable, unexpected medical bills that leave people stressed and broke. A practiced Bakersfield attorney could help you receive the compensation you need for injuries after a bicycle collision.

Types of Compensation After a Bicycle Crash

Compensation can come in the form of economic, non-economic, or punitive damages:

Economic damages are measurable monetary costs, such as medical bills, loss of income, and costs to repair damaged property.
Non-economic damages are more abstract and subjective, such as pain and suffering, emotional damage, and reduced quality of life.
Punitive damages are rare and at the court’s discretion. They serve the purpose of punishing the defendant and deterring future similar action.

It is vital to keep in mind that California follows a pure comparative negligence model, which divides fault according to each party’s responsibility for the incident. A person’s damages will be reduced according to their level of negligence. If someone is 20% responsible for an incident, their damages will be reduced by 20%. Even if someone is 99% responsible, they may recover 1% of damages. An attorney in Bakersfield with a track record of winning bike collision cases could help you receive the maximum reward possible under the pure comparative negligence model.

Bicycling Laws Affecting a Claim

Your adherence to local laws can affect your lawsuit and the monetary amount you can recover. Bikers have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of other vehicles on the road but are subject to additional rules. Some of those applicable laws include:

Bikers are required to ride in a designated bike lane or as closely to the right side of the road as possible when traveling at a slower speed than the rest of traffic
At night, bicycles must have a white front light, red rear reflector, white or yellow reflectors on pedals, and side reflectors
Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet; adults are encouraged to wear helmets, but it is not mandatory
Cyclists are generally not allowed on freeways or expressways unless specifically permitted
It is illegal to wear headphones or earbuds in both ears while riding

It is important to know if you were compliant with the law when you got into your crash. An experienced lawyer in Bakersfield can advise you about which laws affect your bike collision case.

Reach Out to a Bakersfield Bike Crash Attorney Today

If you recently suffered injuries while riding around, it is important to know what your options are. Even if you feel like you are mostly at fault, California’s negligence rules allow you to recover compensation. You need a Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyer by your side. Let our legal team assess the facts of your case and come up with a plan for you. Call us today to get started on your case.