Novato offers many trails and scenic loops for road and mountain bike enthusiasts. Novato is surrounded by wetlands, open space, and rolling coastal hills, ideal for riders of all fitness levels.

If you don’t own a bike, don’t worry; you can rent one for as low as $25 a day at Old Town Sports, a local family and youth-oriented bike shop in Novato. If you have a designated driver along for the ride, stop at Bicycle Brüstop for a cold one after a long day. The family-owned retailer is Novato’s newest bike shop, with a beer bar that offers full-service bike repair and carries a large selection of bikes. They even have an exclusive area for female bicyclists with bikes and gear.

Although there are plenty of safe bike lanes and trails, an accident with a motor vehicle can still happen. Those injured in a bicycle crash can usually file a compensation claim for damages from the negligent parties.

If you have suffered severe injuries in a bicycle accident in Novato or anywhere else in Marin County, our legal team is available to advise you on moving forward with getting the compensation you need and deserve. Call our Novato bicycle accident lawyers at (415) 521-2515 or (800) 404-5400 for a free consultation.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data, about 840 bicyclists were killed, and over 417,000 were injured by motor vehicles in 2019. This information doesn’t include the number of injuries since most bicycle accidents go unreported or the injured party does not seek medical treatment.

The primary factor behind bicycle accidents is driver negligence, which occurs when motorists breach traffic regulations or disregard road safety. Common examples of reckless driving behaviors encompass:

• Cutting off a cyclist
• Driving under the influence
• Driving in bike lanes
• Failure to apply brakes in time to avoid a crash
• Driving while distracted
• Speeding
• Failure to yield
• Tailgating
• Improper turning

Hazardous and defective road conditions can also cause bicycle accidents. The government entities maintaining the roads can be negligent if they fail to keep the streets and bike lanes safe. Some common roadway hazards include the following:

• Lack of bicycle lanes
• Potholes
• Insufficient signage
• Inadequate lighting during the night
• Poorly designed intersections
• Severe bumps or cracks in the road

Problems with bicycles, such as malfunctioning brakes or pedals, can result in serious accidents. If a defective bicycle component is the cause of a crash, the manufacturer may bear responsibility for any damages. The injured cyclist can initiate a claim against the manufacturer, retailer, or seller of the flawed part.

Bicyclists can suffer various injuries due to a lack of protection, similar to those in a motor vehicle. Some common injuries in a bicycle accident include the following:

• Brain injuries
• Nerve damage
• Chest trauma
• Bone fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Road rash
• Wrongful death

The YouTube Video below provides tips for bicyclists and drivers to keep everyone safe.

It takes time and money to fully recover from a severe bicycle accident. Injured bicyclists often have mounting medical bills and need extensive therapy to heal. The cyclist can seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver for damages that may include the following:

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

A bicycle accident attorney in Novato can help you get compensation for the damages you experience. Your accident lawyer will investigate the accident site for issues that may have caused the incident and talk to witnesses. Once all the evidence is collected, your lawyer will build a strong case against the at-fault party. Your injury attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to get the maximum compensation you deserve.

The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the bicycle accident. However, the time limit is shorter if the crash involves a road defect or a government vehicle. With other deadlines, the deadline is only six months from the accident date. Failure to file a claim within the time frame can destroy your case. For this reason, it is wise to talk to an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately to discuss your legal options.

Consulting with an experienced Novato personal injury attorney after a severe biking accident is essential to protect your legal rights. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bike crash caused by negligence, our legal team will fight to ensure you get the monetary compensation you deserve. Call our experienced Novato bicycle accident lawyers today at (415) 521-2515 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. See our past cases on our Verdicts and Settlements page.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 10.4.23] Photo by Martin Magnemyr on Unsplash cha [cs 848] bw}