Merced cyclists love to ride through the many trails the city has to offer, and they take advantage of the convenience and cost savings of cycling to work. Unfortunately, cycling in Merced comes with a risk of getting into an accident with a motor vehicle.
When that happens, the cyclist is at a huge disadvantage being outweighed by over 3,000 lbs and having no protection against the impact with the vehicle and the pavement. At Maison Law, we support the right of the cyclist to ride in the city without being hit by motorists who fail to be vigilant for cyclists. If you’ve been injured by a motorist riding your bicycle in Merced, we will stand with you and help you get justice and fair compensation.
Types of Accidents Common to Merced Cyclists
At Maison law, we have experience in many of the common types of accidents that happen to cyclists. This is important because no two accidents are alike, and knowing what causes these accidents will help in getting the highest compensation allowed by law.
Some of these common types of bicycle accidents are:
- Motorist Tunnel Vision: Cyclists have a low profile compared to motor vehicles, and most drivers are not conditioned to look for bicycles when they are driving. This causes significant problems for cyclists and is a factor in just about every motor vehicle-bicycle crash.
- Right Hook: A right hook happens when a cyclist is riding along the far-right side of the right lane, and a motor vehicle takes a right turn into the path of the cyclist. This also happens when a cyclist is riding in a bike lane, and the car enters the bike lane and turns right without yielding to the right-of-way to the cyclist.
- Left Turns: A left turn crash can be deadly to a cyclist and happens when a car turns left into the path of a cyclist that has the right-of-way. Most of the time, the driver simply doesn’t see the cyclist.
- Dooring: A dooring accident happens when an occupant of a parked or stopped motor vehicle opens their door right in the path of a cyclist. Typically, they happen when bikes travel alongside a row or parked cars, or when a vehicle is stopped at a curb and is loading or unloading.
- Blind Spots: Blind spots on motor vehicles are especially dangerous to cyclists due to the low profile of a bicycle and the tunnel vision of most drivers.
- Bike Lanes: In California, if a cyclist can’t keep up with the flow of traffic, they are required to ride in a bike lane if it exists. Bike lanes are created to protect the cyclist, however, they have their problems. Cars illegally parked in bike lanes, and sometimes they travel along rows of parked cars. Also, vehicles often travel illegally in bike lanes making it dangerous for the cyclist.
Bike Accident Injuries
When a car and bike tangle, the injuries can be minor bruising and scrapes to serious even life-ending injuries. At Maison Law, we are familiar with all sorts of bicycle accident injuries which can range from minor to severe.
When a cyclist is struck by a car, he or she will then have a secondary impact usually with the pavement. This will often add injuries to those already suffered by the cyclist. Some of these injuries common to bicycle accidents are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Severe Concussions
- Wrist Fractures
- Broken/Displaced Ribs
- Broke Collarbones
- Broken Arms/Legs
- Chest Compressions
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Severe Road Rash
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer.
After any accident involving a serious injury in the Central Valley, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice and the personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
Contact Maison Law today at 559-203-3333 or by using our contact form.
