Bicycle Accidents – Personal Injury Attorney, Richmond CA
Unfortunately, bicycle riders are victims of a very high percentage of serious vehicular injuries and fatalities in accidents. In most cases, these accidents are are caused by negligent or distracted motorists.
The challenge is that many drivers of cars and trucks do not pay enough attention to their surroundings, and in many cases do not check for cyclists in the normal course of operating their vehicle on the road.
Some of the reasons why a bicycle accident occurs include:
- Motorists not checking blind spots before changing lanes
- Colliding with bicyclist that are riding in the bike lanes marked on the street
- Opening car doors in front of bicyclists
- Drunk Driving.
The most common cause in a bicycle accident personal injury case is the negligence of motorist. However, it is not the only reason a personal injury claim by a bicyclist can be pursued. Other reasons include unsafe road conditions and poor product manufacturing and defects. This is why a bicyclist that has been in an accident should consult with an experienced attorney in order to determine the cause of the accident, and who is responsible for the damages.
If you have been in a bicycle accident…
You will need to act quickly. The first thing you will need to do is seek medical attention for any injuries. Even in the absence of any visible injuries, still see a doctor for a check-up. Sometimes injuries are internal and do not show up right away. Second, get started on your claim. There are several Statutes Of Limitations which limit the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit when you have been in an accident, so do not delay.
The best thing you can do to protect your rights is to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney that knows how to handle bicycle accident cases. More importantly, if the bicycle accident involves a government vehicle such as a police car, city bus, police car, city supervisor or vehicle you’ll want to contact us immediately because municipalities often have a much shorter period in which you can file a claim.
If you have been in a bicycle accident, contact the LaW Office of Eric Wagner at (855) 529-4465.