Many avid bicyclists enjoy cycling for sport, health, or to commute to different places. However, although cycling is an excellent form of transportation, it can also be dangerous, especially when sharing the road with careless motorists.
Unfortunately, when accidents occur, the biker usually pays a much higher price and suffers severe and life-changing injuries. If you sustained injuries in a bike accident with a reckless motorist, a skilled personal injury representative could help you collect compensation for damages. Call a Woodland Hills bicycle lawyer today to schedule a consultation. En Español
How do Bicycle Accidents Occur in Woodland Hills?
With the exception of freeways, bike riders have the same rights to travel on roadways as motor vehicle drivers. Sadly, though, bicycle collisions are not uncommon and often result in injuries that have devastating effects on a cyclist’s future. Common causes of bike crashes include:
- Motorists failing to allow three feet of clearance space
- Driving with distractions
- Swinging a car door open in a bicycle lane and causing “dooring” accidents
- Motorists failing to give the right-of-way
When a vehicle driver fails to follow traffic laws and causes an accident, the court could hold them financially accountable for paying an injured person’s losses.
Recovering Compensation for Damages
A successful claim for damages after a bicycle accident could mean collecting compensation to reimburse a hurt biker for:
- Missing time from work and future earning potential
- All medical expenses related to the accident
- Mental and physical pain and suffering
- Losing the enjoyment of life
A skilled local attorney could help collect the evidence necessary to collect the maximum and fair compensation amount from the liable party.
The Rules of the Roadways
Bicycle riders and motorists have a specific legal duty of care to ensure they do not cause harm to others on local roadways. According to the California Vehicle Code § 21200, cyclists, like car drivers, must obey traffic laws and speed limits. Likewise, bikers must also proceed in the same direction as traffic and as far to the right side of the road as possible.
The Three Feet Law
Bike riders are entitled to the same rights as motorists, meaning that vehicle drivers must provide riders with a legal duty of care to avoid accidents. Per the Three Feet Law, car drivers must leave at least three feet of clearance between their automobiles and bicycles.
When it is impossible to leave three feet while passing, motorists must slow down and wait until they can pass safely within the guidelines of the regulation. Failure to follow the legislation could result in fines and liability in a civil lawsuit in the event of a crash. A diligent lawyer in Woodland Hills could review relevant evidence to determine if a motorist followed state laws and safety regulations.
Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Bicycle Attorney in Woodland Hills
Although bike riding is a great way to travel, riders often sustain injuries when negligent motorists fail to follow safety laws. Sadly, a collision with a motor vehicle can leave you with long-term injuries and unable to return to work.
A successful claim for damages could cover all medical bills and expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and mental anguish to help you get back on your feet. Call a Woodland Hills bicycle lawyer to get started on your case.
