Bicycle accidents are without a doubt, one of the scariest types of accidents a person could ever experience. As riding a bicycle makes you very mobile on the road, it also makes you more susceptible to severe injuries as opposed to driving a car. In a bicycle safety report conducted by the NHTSA, around 41,000 bicyclists were injured in 2021 and discovered that there are an average of 45,000 bicycle accident cases occurring every year.
With these numbers in mind, if you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident in Riverside, it is important to pursue legal representation for any and all damages. As bicycle accident claims can range from broken bones to cyclist fatalities, it is vital to hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who will watch out for your best interests and will fight to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury attorneys are ready to take on your case and serve as your personal legal representative throughout this endeavor. We are a law firm specializing in personal injury and with over 20 years of legal experience, our compassionate and talented team of attorneys are confident that they can get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.
We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty and guide our clients throughout the legal process and ensure them that they are well informed at every step. As bike accidents in Riverside county can be a complex and emotionally draining process, our legal team is available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE case evaluation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Riverside
When it comes to determining the most common causes of a bike accident, there are a number of factors that can influence an accident. However, from what is typically seen in Riverside county, negligent drivers, car door accidents, and drunk driving accidents are the most prominent. If you are filing for a personal injury claim, it is important to understand the differences between each cause so you can have a better understanding of your situation.
Negligent Drivers
Every driver on the road has a duty of care to ensure that bicycle riders do not get injured as they are traveling on the road. However, not every driver follows the rules and, as a result, negligent drivers are one of the leading causes of bicycle injuries. From reckless actions to intentionally neglecting the rules of the road, a negligent driver can potentially cause a bicycle crash to occur and depending on the nature of the accident it can produce catastrophic injuries for bicycle accident victims.
According to a bicycle fatality report from NSC, out of the 1,360 bicyclist deaths in 2022, 928 of them died from motor-vehicle crashes. So the chances of a bike rider suffering fatal injuries from a negligent driver is significantly high and it can potentially turn a cycling accident into a wrongful death claim.
Car Door Accidents
A car door accident is when a bike rider crashes into an open car door that was opened at the last minute from an unknowing motor vehicle driver. While it is expected that people check for traffic before they open their door, however, there are many people who don’t think to check for oncoming cyclists. As a result, an injured bike rider can pursue damages for their suffered injuries if they can prove that the person opening the door was not paying attention.
Drunk Driving Accidents
According to a drunk driving report conducted by the NHTSA, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2022. As bicyclists are more susceptible to fatal injuries while they are on the road, the chances of a drunk driver hitting them is more likely than one would think. With that in mind, should a bicycle accident occur due to the negligent actions of a drunk driver, it is recommended for the accident victim and their families to pursue a riverside bicycle accident lawyer in order to receive justice and hold those responsible for their actions.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists are predicted to suffer serious injuries after an accident due to the lack of protection a bike offers. Because they are not protected by a large metal frame like a car, bicyclists are at a high risk of sustaining injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Should you or a loved one have sustained any serious injuries, it is vital that to seek medical attention or else any delayed treatment can result in long-term medical conditions that can potentially shorten your lifespan or drastically affect your quality of life.
Brain Injury
Head injuries are one of the most common types of injuries a person can sustain in bicycle accidents, especially in accidents involving motor vehicles. Due to the amount of possible trauma a brain injury can inflict on a person, it is highly recommended for bicyclists to wear a helmet. However, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), out of 843 fatal bicycle accidents that took place in the United States, about 62% of bicyclists were found with no helmet on, while 15% had one on. Based on this data, it still goes to show that wearing a helmet can make a difference to the outcome of an accident.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury is defined as any damage to the spine or to the bundle of nerves located within. Due to the spine’s limited ability to absorb impact, any damage to the spinal cord can be temporary or permanent. While the severity of a spinal cord injury will be dependent on the scale and nature of the accident, the associated costs of medical bills, medical care, and physical therapy to treat a spinal cord injury is significantly high. As a result, it is highly recommended for accident victims to file a riverside bicycle accident case with an attorney to recover damages and to ensure your chances of recovering from the accident.
Bicycle Accident Insurance
Unlike car insurance, it is not required for bicyclists in California to obtain bike insurance. However, it is highly recommended for those who use a bicycle often and frequently. By having a reliable and thorough insurance plan, it can cover a variety of possible accidents and offer convenient services such as theft coverage, crash damage, rental reimbursement, and even roadside assistance. While bicycle insurance is something not a lot of people realize is an option, it is highly recommended to find a policy that best suits your needs and prepares you for any accident that may occur.
Why Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
While it is not required to hire a lawyer if you wish to file a claim against the at-fault party, it is highly recommended to do so, because there are a number of things that can go wrong in personal injury claims and having someone who properly understands what to do is a big reassurance. From filing your claim on time to calculating the number of damages you are owed to negotiating on your behalf against insurance adjusters and opposing counsel, a skilled Riverside bicycle accident lawyer can navigate all of these tasks and ensure your chances of recovering a sizeable figure for your injuries.
West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here To Help
If you or a loved one were involved in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Filing for a bicycle accident claim can be a long and complicated process especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal process, so it is recommended to hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney who will represent you and look out for your best interests at heart.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of Riverside bicycle accident lawyers are ready to handle your case with the utmost care and respect and fight for your right to recover. As a law firm with over 20 years of legal experience, our team of attorneys have handled a variety of cases and they are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.
We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to look out for their best interests and fight for their rights in the California court system. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our dedicated and compassionate legal team is available 24/7 to address them in full detail to ensure you are informed about everything about your case.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation today, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.
