As a growing and vibrant bicycle-friendly community, bike riding is popular in San Ramon. The city encourages, motivates, and accommodates bicycle riding for all ages and abilities by adopting a Bicycle Master Plan to improve bike safety throughout town. Since 2018, the city has completed numerous bike infrastructure projects and added standard bike lanes on major roads like Bishop Ranch Drive and Bollinger Canyon Road.

While San Ramon strives to promote alternative transportation and a healthy lifestyle, bicycling around traffic areas can be risky. In a bicyclist vs. vehicle accident, the cyclist usually loses. Because a bicycle can’t withstand the forces of a bigger and more powerful car in a collision, the cyclist can suffer severe and fatal injuries. At the same time, the driver of the vehicle often escapes unharmed.

At the law firm of Edward A. Smith, we care about holding at-fault motorists liable for severe bike accidents in San Ramon. We work for injured individuals throughout Northern California, protecting their rights and advocating for justice and maximum compensation. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a bicycle collision caused by a careless driver, call our experienced San Ramon bicycle accident lawyers at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 for guidance. Initial consultations with us are always free.

Bicycle accidents in California have increased every year. While some cities have tried to improve bicycle safety in their communities, these efforts have not done enough. According to recent reports:

• Over 140 bicyclists were killed in bike accidents in California.
• California typically ranks first or second in total bike accident deaths nationwide.
• Bicycle accident fatalities account for about 4% of California’s total traffic accident deaths.

When a cyclist is injured in a motor vehicle crash, a common misconception is that the rider is at fault. However, statistics show drivers are often to blame. Below are some common causes of bicycle collisions involving motorists:

• Drivers making a right turn across the bicyclist’s path
• Motorists turning left at an intersection
• Drivers failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
• Drivers speeding or running red lights
• Drivers illegally entering bike lanes
• Motorists opening a car door into the path of a cyclist
• A car or bicyclist passing on the right
• Careless or inattentive driving

In some cases, other factors can lead to a bicycle crash. They include:

• debris on roadways
• roadway hazards
• potholes
• poorly-marked construction sites

With hardly any protection for the bicyclist, an impact with a car or the pavement can cause various injuries. Cyclists are also much more likely to suffer severe and catastrophic injuries. The San Ramon bike accident lawyers at AutoAccident.com handle all types of severe injury cases, including:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Skull fractures
• Lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Lower extremity injuries
• Road rash
• Scarring and disfigurement

Permanent and life-threatening injuries are common in severe bike accidents, and injured cyclists often live with the repercussions of their accidents for the rest of their lives. Aside from physical injuries, bike riders may also suffer emotional and psychological trauma. Working with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in San Ramon can help you get maximum compensation for your bike accident case, including economic and non-economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Accountability is essential in a bicycle accident claim. The party that caused your accident and injuries will be financially responsible for your damages. Holding all parties accountable may require an investigation of your accident from a knowledgeable and skilled San Ramon bicycle accident lawyer. The driver who hit you will be responsible in most cases. However, other factors such as a pothole or a bicycle defect could have contributed to your crash. Once your lawyer identifies all negligent parties, they move forward to make a demand for damages. If settlement negotiations don’t go well, your attorney will file a lawsuit.

Proving negligence includes gathering evidence from the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, obtaining surveillance videos, and hiring accident reconstructionists. Our law firm has the resources to help you build the strongest possible case against the at-fault parties.

Do motorists always have to give bicyclists space when passing? 

Yes. According to California’s Three Feet for Safety Act, drivers who try to pass a bicycle traveling in the same direction on the road should only do so if it doesn’t interfere with the bicyclist’s safety. Motorists must provide a three-foot buffer between their cars and bicycles when passing. However, in situations where it is impossible, the driver must slow down when passing the bicyclist and only pass when it is safe.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident?

Yes, because California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means whoever is responsible for the accident will be accountable for paying for the damages. The courts allow you to receive damages even if you are 99 percent at fault for the crash. However, the courts will reduce your award by your percentage of fault.

Can I handle my own bicycle accident claim without a lawyer? 

Yes, but if your injuries are severe, we highly recommend you speak to an injury attorney. Auto insurance companies are for-profit businesses, making money by refusing to pay claims or keeping settlements as low as possible. Only an experienced bike crash lawyer can advise you of your actual claim value.

Our lawyers assist injured individuals suffering from a life-changing accident. You could use our guidance during your claim if you have sustained catastrophic injuries and property damage or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident. The at-fault party’s insurance company may try to take advantage of you or offer you a lowball settlement amount. Our San Ramon personal injury attorneys have the expertise to protect your rights and demand maximum compensation for your damages and losses.

If you were injured after a serious bicycle accident, contact our experienced San Ramon bicycle accident lawyers. We can help you handle common insurance company tactics, such as the insurer undervaluing your losses or the driver trying to dispute fault. Our legal team can fight for fair and just compensation using our experiences, knowledge, and resources. Contact our law office today at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5500 for free, friendly advice. You can also reach us through our online form.

Visit our Verdicts and Settlements page to see how we have helped past clients with their personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Photo by Mircea – See my collections picture on Pixabay.

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