Abogado de accidente de bicicleta en Northridge CA

Abogado de lesiones personales de California
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Northridge Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding Defensively to Prevent Collisions and Injuries

With the increasing number of cyclists on the road, the likelihood of accidents involving bikes is also on the rise. Unfortunately, many of these accidents occur at intersections, where motorists often fail to recognize cyclists as legitimate road users. These collisions are exacerbated by the bustling nature of intersections and rapidly changing traffic signals, putting cyclists at risk. At Drake Law Firm, we understand the importance of riding defensively to avoid accidents and injuries.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Several factors contribute to bicycle accidents, including:

Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections

Some drivers might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the road. This lack of understanding can be especially dangerous when a bicyclist and a car are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where collisions leading to devastating injuries occur.

A driver failing to observe cyclists when driving

Drivers not seeing a cyclist on the street is a common cause of a crash involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists must take precautions to minimize this very preventable cause of bike collisions.

Cyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a crash. Likewise, motorists need to be aware that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be especially cautious at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a lot of bike commuters.

Motorists encroaching into bike lanes

Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, cyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to sustain serious injuries.

Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door

As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a serious threat to bicyclists, particularly in urban environments. These incidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a bicyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.

Conductores distraídos que atropellan a un ciclista

Distracted driving is one of the most significant problems for roadway safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a huge part of our everyday lives, many people find it hard to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a threat to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians since they have almost zero protection if they are struck. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other things may veer into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a cyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a cyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it's been identified as the leading reason for bicycle collisions involving cars.

Conductores que no ceden el paso a los ciclistas al entrar y salir de los accesos o aparcamientos

When a motorist that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely check their surroundings, it can result in major repercussions for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out because of their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are beginning to minimize these kinds of accidents. But drivers can not rely on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.

¿Cómo puedo evitar un accidente de bicicleta?

Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Northridge is the most effective way to prevent accidents and injuries. When moving in traffic, bicyclists should do the following:

  • Siga las reglas de la carretera
  • Presume that vehicles and motorists will fail to see you
  • Proporcionar a los vehículos un amplio margen de maniobra
  • Periodically yield to cars under certain conditions when you do not know if a motorist has seen you
  • You should have proper protective gear

¿Cómo puedo protegerme en un accidente de bicicleta?

  • Utilizar un casco que se ajuste correctamente
  • Use ropa brillante o reflectante
  • Utilice una luz de bicicleta, reflectores y cinta reflectante
  • Siga todas las leyes de tráfico publicadas
  • Vuelo con el flujo de tráfico
  • Utilizar los carriles bici siempre que sea posible
  • Asegúrese de que su bicicleta está en buenas condiciones de funcionamiento
  • Remain alert at all times and avoid distracted riding

¿Qué debo hacer tras un accidente de bicicleta?

Si te lesionas en un accidente de bicicleta, es importante que hagas lo siguiente:

  • Call 911 and file a police report. Do not let a motorist talk you into not making a police report. That can result in issues later on.
  • Exchange information with the driver that hit you. Photograph of their driver's license and insurance policy card.
  • Haz varias fotos de tu moto, del vehículo que te golpeó y del lugar del accidente.
  • Get witness information from anybody that happened to see the accident. Do not skip this step, as police officers don't always get witness information and you could need it later on.
  • If needed, seek medical attention right away.
  • Get in touch with a knowledgeable bike accident lawyer in Northridge. Do this before calling the other party's insurance company.

Contact a Northridge Bicycle Accident Attorney at Drake Law Firm

If you sustain an injury in a collision with a car while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you should talk to a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer immediately. They will help figure out whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent motorist.

At Drake Law Firm, our experienced attorneys specialize in helping cyclists seek compensation for injuries caused by negligent drivers. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we're dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Don't let unfair treatment from insurance companies hinder your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.

Call today (844) 513-7253 for a FREE consultation or visit our website at DrakeLawGroup.com to get started on your case today! 

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