Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A bicycle accident is far from most riders’ minds. A bicycle ride usually spells fun on the road, perhaps a cycling vacation, but a bike accident can change your life in a flash.
According to the Bike Helmet Safety Institute, 67,000 people suffer brain injuries each year as a result of biking accidents, some of which involve defective helmets. One in every eight cyclists who is injured suffers brain injuries. And roughly half of all bike brain injuries occur as a result of automobile accidents. Fortunately child and teen cyclist injury rates have decreased since mandatory bicycle helmet laws were introduced in various states and municipalities during the 1990s, reported the World Transport Policy and Practice in 2015. Unfortunately, too many bike accidents result in serious injuries.
We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a helmet while riding!
Recovery from a serious accident such as a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury can take months, even years, and it can be costly. Even a mild brain injury can have serious effects, both physical and psychological. Following a bicycle accident, many victims are unable to work, and may never feel the same again — which is why working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is essential to pay your medical bills and get the compensation you are owed, and deserve.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen
For most bicyclists, riding is an important part of their lifestyle, and (depending upon where you live) part of everyday life. But we take our cycling skills for granted, and it’s easy to forget that riding a bicycle can be dangerous. Here are some common bicycle accidents caused by motorists:
- Parked car door suddenly opening
- Sideswiping a bicyclist as they pass the cyclists
- Rear-ending or striking a bicyclist from behind
- Turning right in front of a cyclist in a bike path violating the right-of-way
- Turning left in front of an oncoming cyclist violating the right-of-way
- Making a U-turn in front of a cyclist violating the bicyclist’s right-of-way
- Turning or changing lanes without signaling or warning
- Pulling out from a side street or driveway
- Violating cyclist’s right of way
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or light causing a collision with the bicyclist
Almost 17 percent of bicycle accidents are caused by a motor vehicle causing a cyclist to swerve.
Almost 13 percent of bike accidents are caused by street defects, including:
- Insufficient pathways/roadways
- Dangerous road conditions
- Uneven pavement and potholes
- Construction that includes uneven pavement or metal plates
- Road debris or obstacles, such as car parts or other debris from accidents
- Dogs running in front of, or attacking cyclists while riding
- Storm drain covers
Bicycle Defects and Bike Equipment Failure (Product Liability)
Product Liability claims can arise from a design defect, manufacturing defect and/or failure to warn. The most common bicycle product liability lawsuits involve wheels, fork, and frame. Many bicycle and bicycle parts have been recalled due to defects. If your equipment fails, you may have a product defect claim.
In almost all vehicle accidents, including cycling accidents, it’s important to prove who was liable or responsible – who or what caused negligence. It may seem obvious to those at the scene, but proving fault isn’t always easy for insurance companies. You make a stronger case to your insurer with evidence and advice from an experienced bicycle accident injury attorney. We will obtain police reports and thoroughly investigate. As well, we know traffic law.
Dockless Electronic bikes and E-Scooters
You may have heard that dockless electronic bikes and electronic scooters (known as e-scooters) are a great new thing, and they may already be prolific, depending upon where you live. But before you race out to buy an e-scooter please be aware of risks involved, including E-Scooter accidents.
Dockless bikes and scooters are located through GPS after downloading an App on your smart phone, and part of the process includes your agreement to the “Terms of Use,” which includes an age restriction of 18. There are no particular laws or rules for dockless bikes and scooters–yet. A motorized bike or scooter requires the rider to have a driver’s license or permit and wear a properly fitted bike helmet in accordance with the Vehicle Code.
Perhaps because of the lack of regulation, some adults that rent these dockless bikes and e-scooters act irresponsibly. Some riders abandon the bikes in locations that block the public right of way. The problem is so prolific that some cities declared dockless scooters and bikes a public nuisance. Perhaps they are accidents waiting to happen.
Prevention of Injury in Bicycle and E-Scooter Accidents
Of course wearing a helmet is absolutely the best way to reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident head and neck injury. A helmet can also reduce the severity of injury that might occur compared to non-helmeted cyclists. Unfortunately, not all cyclists follow the rules of the road and observe safe riding behavior. Other riders and pedestrians and other vehicles can be involved in an accident because of another party’s negligent behavior.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle or e-scooter accident, you need to protect your rights. Victims of bicycle and electronic scooter accidents hire the Killino Firm because they know we will thoroughly investigate every accident and that our clients will receive all of the compensation they are entitled to. We employ a team of attorneys, paralegals and investigators knowledgeable about bicycle accidents, and we will help you fight for what is fair.
We also understand that our clients have suffered serious, at times catastrophic, injuries, and need a law office that will deal with the insurance companies and guide them and their families through the maze of medical care and treatment that they face.
