Throughout Salinas, there are many places where bicyclists choose to take a peaceful ride to enjoy the sights. Some of these places include Oil Well Road Goat Trail Loop and Ollason Peak. Though we expect that bicycle trails and other areas will be safe from harm, there is always a chance that danger could be just around the corner – including a dog bite attack.
At Maison Law, we represent victims of dog bite attacks in Salinas and through Central California. We will provide you with the information and resources you need, as well as answer any questions that you have following a serious accident. Getting back on your feet after a dog bite attack is vital, which is why we will stop at nothing to make sure that your rights are being protected. Please do not hesitate to contact us today to find out what we can do for you.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite Attack on a Bicycle?
When it comes to dog bite accidents, California is known to follow “strict liability” rules. This means that, no matter the circumstances, a dog owner is almost always liable for their dog when it bites another person. This is true even if the dog has not bitten anybody in the past.
Due to strict liability laws, it is sometimes easier to determine who is liable for a dog bite incident when a bicyclist is bitten while riding. A dog owner will be responsible for a dog bite attack unless the following circumstances were true:
- The bicyclist was trespassing at the time of the incident
- The victim provoked the dog into biting them
- The victim did not actually suffer a bite or it can’t be verified
Your claim will be much different if you fell off of your bike due to being pushed by a dog rather than being bitten. You may still have options for recovery through a personal injury claim but liability laws may vary.
Steps to Take if a Bicyclist is Bitten by a Dog
If you are a bicyclist who has been bitten by a dog, you should know that there are some useful steps that you can take to protect yourself and the future of your claim. Of course, your well-being and health is more important than anything so it should always be considered before all else. Here are some helpful steps that you can follow after you have been bitten by a dog on a bicycle:
- Do your best to put distance between you and the dog that bit you. You can even use your bicycle as a barrier between you and the dog if you are able to do so. This gives an owner time to get control of their dog so that you do not sustain a further attack.
- Call emergency services and always seek immediate medical care. The police should come take a report and you should never delay at seeking medical assistance so that you do not sustain any further harm or an infection from your bites.
- Call animal control so that you can report the incident. The dog’s behavior can then be assessed.
- Gather evidence such as photos and videos of the attack and the area in which it happened.
- Keep all of your medical bills so that you have proper documentation.
Damages You Can Receive After a Dog Bite Attack in Salinas
After you seek medical attention for your dog attack injuries, you want to make sure that you speak with a lawyer, as it can be incredibly beneficial to your claim. A lawyer can demand that you are reimbursed for a wide array of aspects and that all of your damages are covered. Some aspects that you may be able to recover for include the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred and expect to incur in the future
- Permanent disability caused by the incident
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Replacement of income if you are unable to return to work
- Property damages to your bicycle or anything else
- Wrongful death benefits if an individual lost their life in an attack
Contact a Salinas Dog Bite Lawyer After an Attack
If you have been attacked by a dog on a bicycle, you may have sustained life-altering injuries and extensive damages. Luckily, you have options during these difficult times as you endure the road to recovery.
At Maison Law, our Salinas dog bite lawyers are here to help you recover damages for what you have lost in your accident. We will help you gain useful evidence and provide you with resources you need so that you can get back on your feet. We can help you maximize your compensation so that you do not have to deal with the stress of your finances alone. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information today.
