Oakdale offers many great routes and trails for bike enthusiasts. Cyclists are treated to beautiful views of the Stanislaus River, wildflowers, and wildlife along Orange Blossom Road. But while biking is a great way to be outdoors and enjoy nature, it can also be risky. There is always the potential for an accident when cyclists ride near vehicle traffic.

If you or a family member has been hurt in a bicycle accident in Oakdale or elsewhere in Stanislaus County due to a careless motorist, our injury attorneys can provide options for filing a compensation claim. Call our experienced bicycle accident lawyers at (209) 227-1931 for a free consultation.

According to recent data, over 840 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2019, while 417,000 were injured. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that nearly 2 percent of all bicycle accidents involved motor vehicles, and 90 percent of bicyclist deaths were ages 20 and older. Bicycle-related deaths are highest from June through September.

Most bicycle collisions are due to negligent drivers. When motorists violate traffic laws or ignore the road, they are careless. Negligent driving behaviors include:

• Cutting off a bicyclist
• Driving in bike lanes
• Driving under the influence
• Driving while distracted
• Failure to yield
• Improper turning
• Speeding
• Tailgating

Faulty brakes or pedals can lead to serious bike accidents. The manufacturer can be liable for damages when a defective bicycle part causes a crash. Injured bicyclists can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer and retailer of the defective part.

In a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, cyclists suffer the most severe injuries because they don’t have the same protection as those in a car. The types of injuries in a bicycle accident include:

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

Injured cyclists often need medical treatment and extensive therapy to fully recover. This can take time and money and cause significant stress for their entire family. For this reason, it is essential to seek compensation for various damages, including:

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

A lawyer can help you get fair compensation for the damages you have suffered after a bicycle accident. An attorney will investigate your accident, including hiring experts to examine the accident site to determine the cause of the crash. Once the necessary evidence is gathered, your lawyer will build a strong case against the at-fault party and negotiate with the insurance company to get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about choosing the best personal injury lawyer for your bicycle accident case.

There is a small window of opportunity to file a claim for your bicycle accident. The statute of limitations is two years from your crash date in California. However, if the collision involved a government vehicle or road defect, the deadline is six months or 180 days from the accident date.

If you fail to file a claim before the time runs out, you risk getting your case thrown out in court. An experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights and maximize the value of your claim. It is wise to consult with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Suffering severe injuries in an accident can cause physical and financial trauma. When your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. Call our experienced Oakdale bicycle accident lawyers today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly case advice.

Since 1982, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has helped Oakdale and Northern California residents recover maximum compensation for personal injury and wrongful death cases.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 11.15.23 Photo by Martin Magnemyr on Unsplash cha llo [cs 694]}