Bicycle accidents happen more often than you think. Worse, they can still happen even when you're taking all the precautions. However, knowing how they happen might help you avoid and lessen the risk of getting injured in a bicycle accident.

That said, here's a quick guide to bicycle accidents, as often handled by our prescreened Pasadena Personal Injury Attorneys in California.


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The Most Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents


Here are the most common reasons cyclists get into accidents:


1. Left-Hand Turns


A car turning left may hit incoming riders in both bicycle and motorcycle accidents. Drivers turning left must surrender the right of way to all oncoming vehicles, including bicyclists and motorcyclists (according to the California Vehicle Code). Left-turning cars frequently fail to notice bikers and move out, resulting in accidents.


2. Untimely Door-Opening


Motorists are not allowed to open the automobile door on the side of the road adjacent to moving traffic unless it is fairly safe to do so, according to CVC 22517.


Many drivers, particularly those in and near bicycle lanes, still open their car or truck doors without looking for bicycles. Cyclists may be injured if they collide with the door.


3. Unexpected Turns


Cars are sometimes quickly backed out of driveways or side streets onto the road without checking for bikers. This could be construed as a breach of laws prohibiting entering a roadway without exercising sufficient caution.


When the other driver is clearly negligent (i.e., not following traffic laws), you might have enough grounds for a Personal Injury claim. To pursue this, consult with a Pasadena Bicycle Accident Attorney.


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4. Merging and Changing Lanes


With their side or rear-view mirrors, vehicles attempting to change lanes or direction of travel may miss cyclists. Even when you're staying within the bicycle lane, make sure to still look out for swerving cars.


5. Passing Cyclists Without Giving Enough Space


In California, bicyclists are permitted to ride their bikes on some highways and most major surface streets. Cyclists are recommended to ride along the right-hand margin of the road, following the traffic flow.


The problem is that truck, SUV, and automobile drivers grow angry and try to pass bikes without giving them enough distance. This can lead to collisions or forcing bikes off the road. When overtaking a motorcycle, California law requires drivers to leave a minimum of three feet between their vehicle and the motorcycle (CVC 21760)


6. Collisions at Intersections


Bicyclists attempting to pass through a crosswalk cause a lot of accidents near or in intersections. These collisions occur when drivers fail to see bicyclists or engage in other risky driving behaviors such as running red lights, failing to slow down for a yellow caution signal, or making an abrupt right-hand turn without coming to a complete stop and looking before turning.


When you get into accidents like these, you'll likely incur losses for medical bills, income, and damaged property. To make sure you get the compensation you deserve, contact a Pasadena Personal Injury Lawyer near you.


7. When Road Conditions Are Dangerous


Bicyclists can be injured as a result of road conditions such as debris, projecting objects, and potholes. If these conditions exist on private property, the landowner may be held accountable if they know or should know that they pose a risk to those who are using the property responsibly.


If the conditions are present on public roads, they may be considered "hazardous conditions of public property," and the governmental entity in charge of the region may be held civilly accountable for damages.


In these circumstances, consulting with a Pasadena Bicycle Accident Lawyer as soon as possible is critical, as claim deadlines might be as short as 6 months from the date of the incident.


Common Injuries Sustained in a Bike Accident


While wearing a helmet and other safety equipment such as lights, flashers, and correct clothing might help lower the chance of a bicycle collision, serious bodily injuries are still likely to occur. The following are the most common bicycle accident injuries:

  • Closed-head injuries and concussions
  • Fractures of the leg, arm, and ribs
  • Herniated discs
  • Internal hemorrhage
  • Organ damage
  • 'Road rash'

Any of these injuries could necessitate substantial trauma therapy, such as orthopedic surgery, treatment, and diagnostic testing, including CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.


However, there is more evidence you can use to prove a personal injury claim. To help you gather them, contact one of our prescreened Pasadena Bicycle Accident Attorneys.


How To Deal With A Bicycle Accident In Pasadena


When an accident occurs, it is natural to be terrified and unsure of what to do. You can better handle your accident and any ensuing legal claim if you follow the steps suggested below:


  • Collaborate with the authorities. Police officers may want to take a statement from you right after an accident, either at the site or at the hospital. As they attempt to investigate your case, be sure to cooperate with them. Make a request for copies of all police officers' investigative reports. You can get copies by traveling to the police station where the accident was investigated.

  • Obtain all witnesses' names and contact information. If you are able to, try to obtain the names and contact information of all witnesses who witnessed what happened before going to the hospital. If you can't write down the information, have someone else do it for you. This will make it much easier to locate the individuals and obtain their statements later on in the investigation of your case. When your bicycle accident lawyer is preparing your case, he or she will be better able to locate the witnesses.

  • Have a medical professional examine you. Even if you do not believe you were wounded at the time, it is critical to have a complete medical assessment following a bicycle accident. Some serious injuries can take hours or even days to manifest symptoms.

    • Getting prompt medical help can help you find hidden problems, including internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and others that you may not be aware of right away.

    • This can aid your prognosis while also demonstrating a clear relationship between your injury and the accident. Make a request for copies of your medical records so you can keep track of your injuries. It's also critical that you follow your doctor's recommendations for follow-up care.

  • Sign no medical authorizations or any type of claim "release." Insurance companies frequently phone bicycle accident victims and request medical authorizations. Insurance firms use blanket authorizations to comb through your full medical history. They do this to try to blame your injuries on any previous accidents or events you may have had in order to reduce the value of your claim.


It's also crucial not to agree to give an insurance adjuster a recorded statement without first consulting a Pasadena Personal Injury Lawyer. Another strategy is to make a low-ball offer and get you to sign a settlement agreement, releasing your claims. Simply inform the adjuster that you need to meet with your lawyer and that you will not be able to speak with him or sign any documents until you have done so.

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Why Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer In Pasadena?


It is rarely a good idea to try to bargain with an insurance company on your own, especially if you have been hurt. When you seek the assistance of an experienced Pasadena Bicycle Accident Attorney, you are much more likely to obtain compensation in a considerably larger sum than you might be able to obtain on your own.


Insurance firms have a vested interest in disputing the culpability of those they insure. This is because insurance firms are under pressure to reduce the price of paying claims. In order to limit their losses, firms would frequently strive to either deny claims outright or lower the quantity of them. A Pasadena Bicycle Accident Lawyer may be better suited to examine your case, establish liability, and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company.


Find A California Personal Injury Lawyer In Pasadena


1000Attorneys.com offers a free referral service that matches you with a prescreened car accident attorney most fit to handle your case.


We can help you find your best match via a free initial consultation through a submission form or a 24/7 live chat.