Bicycle Accident Lawyer Ventura, CA

As a trusted Ventura, CA bicycle accident lawyer knows, leaving the scene of a bike accident can be devastating. You may be seriously injured, need to leave in an ambulance, and you may be devastated if your bike is destroyed. For some people, a bicycle may be their only means of transportation. When you finally start thinking clearly after the accident, one of your first thoughts is likely this: how am I going to pay for all of this? The driver who hit you may be trying to shift the blame on you, you may be concerned about biases when it comes to bicycle accidents, and you may wonder if there is any chance of getting compensation at all. The team at Quirk Law Firm, LLP understands these questions and fears. 

Why might there be biases against me? 

Many insurance agents will quickly try to point the finger back at you. Because bicycles are somewhere in between a motor vehicle and walking when it comes to getting around, they can feel like the unwanted cousin at a holiday meal. Bicycles seem like they do not have a place on the sidewalk or the road. Thus, any accident is probably their fault, right? Wrong. A trusted Ventura bicycle accident lawyer will go to bat for you when you are trying to get fair compensation for your injuries. 

Bike Laws in California 

Like other states, California has its own set of bike laws. Bicycles have the same rights as other vehicles on the road (which means that they also have the same responsibilities to share the road safely and abide by traffic laws). For example, if you are keeping up with traffic, you can bike where you want. If you need to pass or make a left turn, you have the right to move to the left side of the road. In certain cities and counties in California, you may or may not have the right to ride on the sidewalk. 

These are just a few examples of the different laws regarding riding your bike in California and it can make it difficult for other motor vehicles and even police officers to know who is at fault. This is why it would greatly benefit you to work with a lawyer you can trust. 

So, who is at fault?

There will be many factors your lawyer–and the insurance companies involved–take into consideration when determining who is at fault. California is a pure comparative negligence state. In short, if you were partially responsible for the accident, the percentage you were responsible for is the percentage by which your compensation will be reduced. Were you 20% at fault for the accident? Then you would only recover 80% of the damages. 

Your lawyer will work diligently to go through the evidence, the timeline of events, and the injuries you suffered to create a claim that is fair and that would get you the compensation you deserve. Call Quirk Law Firm, LLP to speak with our Ventura bicycle accident lawyer now. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

As our Ventura, CA bicycle accident lawyer can attest, we’ve seen the devastating effects of a bike accident firsthand. From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries, a single incident can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. As such, it’s important to be aware of the most common causes of bike accidents so that you can take steps to avoid them. Learn more about the causes of accidents, and then contact a lawyer at Quick Law Firm, LLP. if you have been injured in an accident recently.

Vehicle Doors

Bicyclists can be at serious risk of injury when cars suddenly open their doors in their path. This situation, called “dooring,” is especially common when cars are parked alongside a bike lane or route. Dooring accidents can happen in both urban and rural areas, but they’re more common in cities. When a bicyclist is hit by an opened vehicle door, the bicyclist could be thrown from the bike, injuring them and the car occupants. To prevent dooring, it is important for drivers to check for bicyclists before opening their door. Likewise, bicyclists should take care to ride outside the “door zone” and scan ahead for vehicles parked along the side of the road.

Right Hooks

This occurs when a motorist makes an abrupt right turn in front of an oncoming cyclist. This leaves the cyclist no time to take evasive action, leading to a collision with the vehicle. In some cases, this type of crash can be caused by a motorist who is distracted and does not check for cyclists before turning. But even if the motorist sees the cyclist, they may still make the turn without allowing enough time for the cyclist to react. This is especially dangerous at intersections where cyclists have the right of way. The best way to avoid a right hook is to make sure that motorists are aware of your presence before you enter an intersection.

Distracted Driving

When drivers are distracted, they may not be aware of cyclists in their vicinity. This can lead to dangerous situations for cyclists who may be in the blind spot of a vehicle. As a Ventura bicycle accident lawyer understands, distracted driving can include texting and talking on a cell phone while driving, as well as eating or drinking while driving. Drivers who are distracted by their devices or other activities behind the wheel can easily fail to see a cyclist approaching, leading to serious accidents that can leave a cyclist injured or worse.

Ignoring Right of Way

When it comes to traffic, cyclists and drivers alike must adhere to the right of way rules. However, when a driver fails to recognize a cyclist’s right of way and proceeds ahead, an accident can occur. To avoid this type of accident, cyclists should always obey traffic signals and never assume that a driver will recognize their right of way. Additionally, cyclists should use caution when entering intersections as cars may not always look for cyclists before making a turn. Motorists should always be mindful of their surroundings and look for cyclists before making a turn or changing lanes.

If you have been injured on a bike, contact a Ventura bicycle accident lawyer at Quirk Law Firm, LLP. for help immediately.