Most bicyclists know the dangers of bike riding and usually take precautions to prevent accidents. Although not uncommon in a smaller town like Winton, nobody expects to be involved in a severe bicycle accident.

In May 2021, a 67-year-old man was hit and killed while riding his bicycle in Winton. The CHP said the accident happened about 10:30 pm at the intersection of Santa Fe Drive and Chestnut Lane.

Accidents like the one above are devastating and preventable. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one was killed in a bicycle accident, please reach out to our experienced Winton bicycle accident lawyers at (209) 227-1931 for a free case evaluation. Our injury attorneys are available and ready to answer any questions regarding your accident.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bicycles account for only 1% of all transportation in the country. However, cyclists face a greater risk of crash-related injury and fatalities than vehicle occupants.

• Cyclists between the ages of 50 and 59 have the highest death rates.
• Children ages 5 to 14 and teens ages 15 to 19 have the highest rates of bicycle-related injuries.
• Male cyclists are 6 times more likely to be killed than female cyclists.
• Most bicyclist-related deaths happen at non-intersection locations and in urban areas.

About 90% of bicycle accident deaths are caused by motor vehicles. A collision with a car is most likely to result in catastrophic injury because they are bigger and heavier than a bicycle. Bicyclists also do not have as much protection as vehicle occupants. Some of the most common causes of bicycle collisions include:

• A driver of a parked car opens a door in the path of a bicyclist.
• A motorist cuts off a bicyclist when entering the roadway.
• A driver rear-ends a bicyclist trying to go around a car parked in the bike lane.
• A motorist turns right and cuts off a cyclist going straight into the bike lane.
• The cyclist is riding against oncoming traffic.
• A motorist runs a stoplight or stop sign and hits a cyclist.

While accidents involving cars only constitute about 30% of all bicycle injuries, 70% are caused by other factors, including:

• The bicycle is damaged, defective, or poorly repaired.
• A bicyclist falls off due to a poorly maintained roadway.
• A cyclist hits an object or debris in the road.
• A bicyclist collides with another cyclist or a pedestrian.
• A cyclist falls off the bike due to a dog attack.

To prevent getting injured or killed in a bicycle accident, it is essential for riders to be alert and focused on the road. Below are some safety tips that bicyclists should do to stay safe while riding:

• Obey all traffic signals, signs, and road markings.
• Do not assume the driver can see you.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Look ahead for potentially dangerous situations that can cause a crash.
• Do not listen to music, text, or talk on your cell phone while on the road.

Watch the following YouTube video for safety tips on avoiding rough roads and potholes.

In a bicycle injury accident, liability depends on the cause of the accident.

• If a motorist caused the accident, the bicyclist could file a claim against the driver or their insurance company.
• If the accident was due to debris on the street or a poorly maintained road, the cyclist might file a claim against the government agencies responsible for maintaining the road.
• If the accident was caused by a poorly designed bicycle, the cyclist could pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
• The cyclist could file a lawsuit against the dog owner’s insurance if the accident was due to a dog attack.
• The injured bicyclist could seek compensation if another cyclist or a pedestrian caused the accident.

Recovering from a devastating bicycle accident often leaves injured cyclists with high medical expenses and extensive physical therapy. This can be stressful for the injured person and their families. Those hurt in a bicycle accident can file a personal injury claim for compensation to cover various damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Loss of income potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages