Though Porterville does not share the high traffic levels seen in major cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, there are still many opportunities for traffic collisions involving bicyclists to occur. Even though there are many cycling trails in or near Porterville such as the Goshen Avenue Trail and Kern River Parkway Trail, bicyclists sometimes have to venture into the city for work and recreational opportunities. In the blink of an eye, a tragic accident could occur involving a bicyclist and a motor vehicle driver that changes a life.
The Porterville bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law want to offer our full support and provide resources to those who have sustained injuries in a severe bicycle accident. Because these accident claims can be complex and liability is not always clear, having a legal advocate on your side can be beneficial. Contact us today to get started on your accident claim after a bicycle collision.
Do I Need to Speak with a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?
It is true that it is not always necessary to speak with a lawyer after an accident. However, if your bicycle accident was severe or left you with an array of damages, it could be useful to have a legal advocate on your side who has a vast understanding of bicycle accident laws. You may need assistance from a lawyer if the following aspects are present in your accident:
- The accident was completely the fault of another party
- Your injuries were severe enough to warrant a hospital stay or aftercare
- You have missed work due to your injuries
- Your daily life is impacted by the injuries caused by the collision
Common Causes of Porterville Bicycle Accidents Involving Vehicles
In order for you to hold a driver accountable for the actions they engaged in leading up to your bicycle accident, you must show that they have acted negligently. Drivers are urged to take special precautions and follow safety rules on our roads to ensure that bicycle accidents do not happen. However, these accidents still happen due to many different reasons each year, some of which include the following:
Distracted Driving: Drivers of passenger vehicles are sometimes more focused on their phones or what they are doing with their hands instead of the road around them. Even if a driver takes their eyes off the road for a second, a serious or even deadly accident involving a bicyclist could occur.
Following Too Closely: When a driver is following a cyclist too closely, a dangerous situation is created. It can be difficult or impossible for an accident to be avoided, which can lead to devastating results.
Speeding: If a driver is speeding, it can be difficult for them to come to a stop in time when a cyclist veers out onto the roadway. High-speed accidents are the most likely to lead to severe results and even take lives when a cyclist is involved.
Traffic Weaving: A driver who chooses to weave through traffic could miss a cyclist until it is too late.
Running Lights or Signs at Intersections: Intersections are, without a doubt, some of the most dangerous places for cyclists. Drivers are obligated to look for cyclists before they make a turn at an intersection but do not always do so.
Failure to Yield: Drivers are supposed to always yield to oncoming traffic, even when bicyclists are involved. Failure to do so can lead to a catastrophic accident.
Fatigued Driving: When a driver is driving while fatigued, they could be risking the lives of everybody on our roads. Falling asleep at the wheel could lead to an accident with a cyclist within seconds.
Injuries Resulting from Porterville Bicycle Accidents
Because bicyclists have no protection from harm except for possibly a helmet in a motor vehicle accident, they can be catastrophically or even permanently injured in an accident. Bicycles leave riders exposed in more ways than many other types of vehicles. Many bicyclists will spend time in the hospital or will require rehabilitation after a serious accident.
Some of the most common injuries that stem from bicycle accidents include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Facial and eye injuries
- Chest-related injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Skin and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
In some of the worst accidents, including those that occur at high speeds, bicyclists even lose their lives. In these cases, families may wonder where they can turn for assistance moving forward.
Things You Should Never Say to the Insurance Company After a Bicycle Accident
Insurance companies are a business and not your friend. This means that they are trying to profit and might not be looking out for your best interests. If the insurance company can have you admit to something that can lessen what they owe you, they will take a chance to do so. There are some things that you should never say to the insurance company, which include these aspects:
- Admitting fault
- Admitting that you have sustained certain injuries, as you may not know the full extent yet
- Saying that you will release your medical records to them
- Making a statement to the insurer
- Telling the insurance company that you will accept their first settlement offer
When you speak with the insurance company after your bicycle accident, you should be prepared to just stick to the basics of your claim. You want to make sure to provide them with your contact information and basic details of the accident, such as witness identity and when the accident occurred. However, it is imperative that you never give a statement without first speaking with an attorney. You do not want any information used against you as your claim proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still recover damages if my bicycle accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver?
Yes, with uninsured motorist coverage, you can still recover damages if a hit-and-run driver caused your accident. If the driver is later apprehended by police, you can also bring a claim against the driver’s insurance company for recovery.
Who can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident?
There are many family members who can successfully bring a wrongful death claim after a fatal bicycle accident. These include a spouse of the deceased, their children, their parents, or even a personal representative of the individual’s estate.
What time limits do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Porterville?
Following a bicycle accident, you as the injured victim have a statute of limitations of two years to bring a personal injury claim. After this time, you will be barred from a claim – so it is imperative that you act quickly to retain your rights.
Contact a Porterville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Nobody understands just how complex a bicycle accident claim can be until they are involved in an accident and have to bring one against a liable party. From calls from the insurance company to other parties trying to pin the blame on you, you could find that a bicycle accident claim can quickly become a legal mess. Luckily, you have many options during these difficult times.
At Maison Law, we are prepared to fight on your behalf and protect your rights after a severe Porterville bicycle accident. We have in-depth knowledge of bicycle accident claims and will provide you with the necessary resources so that you can move forward knowing that you are being protected. Contact us for a free and confidential case consultation. You do not have to pay any fees upfront during this time.
