Maison Law represents California cyclists who have been injured after a fall caused by a dog. Our California Bicycle Accident Lawyers assist victims in getting the support they need to make a full recovery so they can back on their bikes. Please contact us after an accident involving a serious injury for a free, no-obligation consultation for you and your family. It’s a no-risk opportunity to find out what your case may be worth and how to hold dog owners responsible.
Dangers for Bicyclists Chased by Dogs
Cyclists don’t ride with a lot of protection from their environments. A determined dog chasing a rider represents a real threat to the cyclist’s well-being. The dog will be near the rider’s legs, leaving the feet, ankles, and thighs vulnerable to a painful bite. The rider may be knocked from the bike and suffer additional bites and broken bones in a collision with the pavement.
The very threat of a dog might cause harm even if the animal never makes contact. A snarling dog nipping at the heels of a rider will understandably cause stress and fear. The rider may weave into the path of a car or ride straight into a pylon or tree to suffer major injuries. In these cases, it’s fair to wonder if the dog’s owner would bear responsibility. A skilled California attorney would be able to help clients identify the guilty party or parties and help cyclists secure compensation for a serious and life-altering injury.
Who Is Responsible for Bicyclists Knocked Down By Dogs?
A dog attack on a bicyclist that involves a dog bite falls under California’s “strict liability” dog bite law. It’s a concept that makes it easier to assign blame in a dog bite incident. In most cases, the dog’s owner would be liable for any bite wounds the dog caused unless the victim was trespassing at the time or had provoked the animal.
Unfortunately, strict liability doesn’t apply to bike accidents where a cyclist is knocked down by a dog, but no bite is involved. But riders could still seek accident compensation under other personal injury laws.
The burden of proof would be higher for the bicyclist in this situation. The rider would have to prove that the actions of a dog and a dog owner caused a crash. A skilled California Bicycle Accident Lawyer would be a major help in collecting the necessary evidence to hold an insurance company for the dog owner fully responsible.
Common Injuries in Dog Attacks on Cyclists
It’s critical to make sure a dog owner and the dog owner’s insurance provider can’t wiggle out of accepting all blame. Dog attack victims can suffer broken bones and worse. They may have thousands of dollars in medical bills piled up, and at the same time be losing paychecks where they work because they can’t go in.
An experienced lawyer would seek financial support for the victim for current bills and those medical costs expected in the future. That can include additional surgeries and physical therapy costs in the months to come.
These possibilities must all be considered because dog bite and bicycle crash victims can suffer such devastating injuries. Dog bite victims can suffer deep wounds that may get infected. They might experience broken bones and nerve damage from a bite.
A bicycle crash caused by a dog pursuit can cause even more issues for the rider, especially after a fall to the road surface. These are just a few of the injuries that California emergency room doctors treat after a disastrous encounter between a cyclist and a dog:
- 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 California Dog Bite Lawyer
California law allows dog attack victims up to two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim. Cycling victims shouldn’t delay when looking into filing a case. It’s easier to collect evidence and track down witnesses in the early going.
After you or a loved one has suffered a serious dog bite, contact a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer to discuss your case, free of charge. It’s a no-risk opportunity to find out about all the benefits available to you and how to hold an insurance company fully responsible.
You won’t need any upfront money if you decide we can help you earn the most for our dog bite wound. Maison Law doesn’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the insurance settlement check you receive.
