For more than 45 years, the knowledgeable Westminster Bicycle Accident Lawyers at the law firm of Bisnar Chase have helped injured victims and their families receive fair and full compensation for their losses.
Bicycle riders are more susceptible to injuries since they are not shielded from the elements and surrounding cars. Many people end up with serious wounds and at times lose their lives for just simply riding in the bike lane.
The Westminster bicycle accident attorneys at Bisnar Chase fight hard for the rights of clients to ensure that they are justly compensated for lost wages and medical bills. Our results have amounted to over $700 million dollars in recoveries for bike crash victims. We have also sustained a 99% percent success rate in winning injury cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, please contact the personal injury law offices of Bisnar Chase at 949-203-3814 for a free consultation.
CA. Bicycle Accident Statistics
Bicycle accidents are common on Westminster’s busy roadways and they often result in serious injuries for bicyclists. According to recent statistics by the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 46 were injured in Westminster bicycle accidents.
Throughout Orange County, 12 fatalities and 1,199 injuries were reported as a result of bicycle accidents during that same year. When bicyclists are injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, they may be able to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
3 Common Causes of Bike Crashes
There are many different causes of bicycle accidents. Some occur directly due to the carelessness of other motorists. What is true about all these factors though is that these accidents could have been prevented. Below are the most frequent elements that play into a bicycle crash.
- Failing to yield: Car drivers commonly fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists when entering traffic or while making a turn. Over 7.1% percent of intersection collisions are due to drivers not yielding to bicycle riders. In California, motorist must give at least three feet worth of space to cyclists.
- Speeding: Other drivers put bicyclists in danger by driving over the speed limit. Drivers must comply to the speed limits that are posted on highways or increase their speed if conditions are safe. If a driver is stopped for speeding and receives a ticket they can face up to $200 dollars in fines.
- Hazardous roadway condition: Accidents that involve dangerous road conditions such as large potholes, uneven surfaces and slick roadway conditions can have deadly results. County, city and state officials are responsible for the maintenance of roads. Liability for the poor road structures belong to a handful of government entities.
Motorist are not the only accountable parties in a bicycle accident. Under the California bicycle law, riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers when sharing the road.
Injuries Suffered in Westminster Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are extremely vulnerable because they have very little in terms of protection. Even bicycle riders who are wearing helmets can suffer life-changing head injuries when they strike a vehicle or the roadway.
Victims of bicycle accidents often suffer multiple bone fractures and serious lacerations. Others may suffer debilitating neck and back injuries. In the most severe accidents, bicyclists may even sustain trauma to their spinal cord resulting in permanent disabilities.
The most frequent types of injuries is acute trauma. Bicycle accident related injuries usually are experienced by the upper part of the body such as the face, head or arms. The term road rash refers to a bike crash victim falling and then suffering from superficial injuries such as scrapes or cuts that are not that deep.
Bicycle accident victims are strongly suggested to seek medical attention immediately after their collision even if injuries look minor.
Liability for Bicycle Collisions
In order to pursue financial compensation for losses suffered in a Westminster bicycle accident, the injured cyclist will have to prove who was responsible for the incident. In most cases, this involves proving that a car driver was negligent at the time of the incident. Forms of driver negligence include driving while distracted, fatigued and while under the influence.
Motor vehicles are not always the liable party for a bicycle accident. In some cases the bicycle manufacturer may be liable for the injuries suffered. Was a recent recall issued on the bicycle? Did a defective bicycle part cause the injury accident? If so, the bicycle manufacturer or the maker of the defective part can be held liable.
When a bicycle accident occurs as the result of a dangerous or defective roadway, the governmental agency in charge of maintaining that roadway can be held liable. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 180 days of the incident.
Compensation for Westminster Bike Victims
Injured bicycle accident victims can seek compensation from the at-fault parties for damages including but not limited to medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation and pain and suffering. Many bicycle accident victims suffer major or catastrophic injuries that require lengthy hospital stays, surgeries and costly rehabilitative treatments. Often, victims and their families end up paying out of pocket for these continuing treatments. Victims may also not be able to return to work for an extended period of time. Some may never be able to return to work.
Contacting a Westminster Bicycle Accident Lawyer
The Westminster Bicycle Accident Lawyers of Bisnar Chase have been providing excellent legal representation that has given clients great results since 1978. Our lawyers do not only work hard to get you the compensation you deserve but they also work on a contingency fee basis. That means that if there is no win there is no fee. An insurance company will not always have your best interest at hand.
Call us today at 949-203-3814. When you call you will receive a free case analysis for your bicycle accident case.
