For many years, bicycling has been a popular form of transportation for commuting to work and other destinations. Cycling is excellent for your health, saves money on gas, and is good for the environment. Unfortunately, the number of distracted drivers on the road puts bicyclists at risk of severe injuries.
When a motorist causes a crash by being negligent, a diligent personal injury attorney can hold them legally accountable on your behalf. Likewise, when you suffer damages in an accident, our talented Modesto bicycle accident lawyers will fight to ensure you get the financial recovery you deserve.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Modesto
A collision between a bike and a car can occur for many reasons. The most likely causes of the accident include the following:
Distracted Driving
When the motorist takes their attention away from the road, they are distracted. For example, the driver could have been texting or talking on the phone when they hit the biker. These collisions have increased significantly over the years and are particularly hazardous for cyclists and pedestrians.
Dooring
A dooring collision occurs when the vehicle driver swings their door open in the path of an oncoming cyclist without checking their surroundings. Often, the cyclist is launched from their bike when the door hits them, causing significant injuries.
Failure to Yield
A failure-to-yield accident occurs when the vehicle driver does not give the right of way to the cyclist. These crashes cause severe or fatal injuries, especially when traveling at higher speeds.
A local attorney will review the case details to determine whether the motorist’s negligence contributed to the bike wreck. The court will then hold the motorist accountable for damages from the accident.
Common Injuries After a Bicycle Accident
Usually, an accident that involves a car hitting a cyclist causes severe or even fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Severe lacerations and road burn
- Broken bones
- Severe back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
Injuries sustained in a bike crash often require extensive medical care and missing extended time from work. In some cases, the injured cyclist can never return to the job they had before the accident.
Time Limit to File a Civil Claim
There are court-enforced time limits to file a civil claim that protects defendants from looming lawsuits. The deadline depends on the type of case the plaintiff files.
According to the California Civil Procedure § 335.1, the injured biker must file the claim within two years of the crash. When they do not sue within the period the statute allows, they lose the potential to recover compensation for damages. A hardworking lawyer in Modesto will help the plaintiff get the money they need to cover the expenses of their bike wreck while meeting applicable deadlines.
Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in Modesto
When you suffer injuries while riding your bike because of a negligent motorist, enlisting the help of a legal representative is crucial. The time following the accident can be highly stressful; however, our dedicated attorneys will guide you through the process. These cases often result in life-changing injuries and extensive medical bills.
Because they are expensive, insurance companies often try to deny the claim or settle quickly at a low amount. Reaching out to our Modesto bicycle accident lawyers is the best way to ensure you get the fair compensation you deserve.
