In Glendale, California, a bicycle is more than just a means of exercise or leisure. However, it also brings unique risks, including the distressing and sometimes life-altering event of bicycle accidents. In the aftermath, engaging with a Glendale bicycle accident lawyer from Simmrin Law Group can provide vital support and guidance.
Unraveling the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents in Glendale can occur under various circumstances. However, several common causes repeatedly surface in reported incidents. Among the most frequent culprits are motorists who, due to inattention or neglect, fail to recognize bicyclists on the road.
Distracted Driving
In the age of technology, smartphones have become indispensable companions to many, including drivers. Whether checking a text message, browsing social media, or inputting directions into a navigation app, these distractions can lead to a momentary lapse in attention. This small window can result in catastrophic consequences for bicyclists, who often bear the brunt of these distracted driving incidents.
Failure to Yield
Accustomed to looking out for larger vehicles, drivers may unintentionally overlook a bicyclist when making turns or proceeding through an intersection. This problem becomes more prevalent under conditions of poor visibility, such as nighttime or inclement weather, where a bicycle’s smaller and less illuminated profile becomes even harder to spot. The result is a high-risk situation that too often leads to accidents, underscoring the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic rules by all road users.
Speeding and Impaired Driving
High speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time, giving them less opportunity to avoid a sudden obstacle, such as a bicyclist. Impaired drivers can suffer from blurred vision, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times, making safe navigation of the roads nearly impossible. The combination of speeding or impaired driving can create a lethal scenario for bicyclists, underscoring the need for stringent law enforcement and public awareness about these dangerous driving practices.
Poor Road Conditions
In certain cases, the cause of a bicycle accident might not be driver-related but instead linked to the condition of the roadway. Issues such as potholes, debris, or general disrepair can pose significant hazards, leading bicyclists to lose control. These roadway deficiencies, often overlooked, can result in serious injuries to cyclists.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
Typical Injuries from Bicycle Accidents: the Grave Reality
In the unfortunate event of an accident, bicyclists, lacking the protective shell that a car provides, are incredibly vulnerable to injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe, with some having long-lasting implications on the victims’ health and livelihood.
- Fractures: The impact from a collision can cause fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, or collarbone. Sometimes, these fractures can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, a cyclist can suffer a TBI during an accident. TBIs can have severe repercussions, including cognitive deficits, personality changes, and in severe cases, coma or death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A spinal cord injury could result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering the victim’s quality of life.
- Road Rash: When a cyclist is thrown from their bicycle, the friction between their skin and the road can cause “road rash,” a painful injury that can lead to serious infections if not properly treated.
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Immediate and Post-Accident Steps: Charting the Course
The moments following a bicycle accident can be overwhelming and disorienting. However, knowing the right steps can significantly influence the outcome of any subsequent legal proceedings.
Prioritize Safety and Health
The first step after an accident is to ensure personal safety. Move safely from traffic, call 911, and get immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to have a medical evaluation even if no injuries are apparent initially, as some injuries may not manifest immediately.
Document the Scene
Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, your bicycle, any visible injuries, and vehicle damages, if possible. This evidence can be vital when proving liability and damages.
Gather Witness Information
Witnesses can provide an unbiased perspective of the accident. Collect the contact information of anyone who may have seen the accident.
Report the Incident
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, but avoid giving a detailed statement until you consult a bicycle accident lawyer in Glendale. Anything you say to an insurance company could be used to downplay your claim.
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Proving Liability: the Complexity of Comparative Negligence Laws
Determining liability in a bicycle accident case is intricate, particularly because of California’s comparative negligence laws. This system enables sharing of fault among involved parties based on each one’s contribution to the accident. This complexity highlights the need for professional legal support.
A bicycle accident attorney in Glendale plays an integral role in such situations. These professionals delve into the accident details, gathering key evidence and collaborating with experts. Their objective is to create a comprehensive picture of the incident.
They aim to establish the other party’s fault through detailed analysis and reconstruction of the accident scene. This process involves identifying violations of traffic laws, distractions, or impaired driving, strengthening the victim’s case, and helping to achieve justice.
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Damages: Understanding Economic and Non-Economic Impacts
Victims of bicycle accidents are often entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These cover quantifiable costs such as medical expenses, future medical care, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs.
Non-Economic Damages
These are awarded for subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
The Role of a Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Advocacy and Assistance
Engaging a Glendale bicycle accident attorney can significantly aid the recovery process. These legal professionals take over the demanding task of handling the legal aspects of the case, leaving victims to focus primarily on their recovery.
They conduct a thorough investigation, gather crucial evidence, engage with expert witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent the victim in court. Their legal expertise and knowledge of local laws can significantly influence the case’s outcome, potentially securing a fair compensation package that reflects the damages and distress suffered by the victim.
Contact Simmrin Law Group for a Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Professional assistance from a Glendale bicycle accident lawyer from Simmrin Law Group is invaluable for victims. Navigating the aftermath of such an incident can be daunting, but the right legal support can make this process much more manageable. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your bicycle accident injury case.
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