Rancho Mirage Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Most cyclists are aware of the dangers they face on the roadways and take every precaution to make it to their destination safely. Yet, even when a bike rider is careful, a negligent driver could cause a crash with life-changing effects.
Bicyclists often suffer severe injuries and property damages in accidents with vehicles – injuries that require long-term medical care and missed time from work. A dedicated personal injury attorney could work to hold a motorist financially accountable when their carelessness causes injuries. Schedule a meeting with a Rancho Mirage bicycle accident lawyer for help recovering compensation for damages.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicyclists can sustain significant injuries in collisions with vehicles, and the face is especially vulnerable. Bicycle riders commonly suffer catastrophic injuries, leading to long-term or permanent disabilities. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bike wrecks include:
- Tooth damage
- Broken jaws
- Broken noses
- Severe road rash
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic amputations
- Broken and fractured limbs
- Traumatic brain damage
A bicycle accident attorney in Rancho Mirage could help an individual with recovering compensation for these injuries and other losses associated with the collision.
Proving Liability After a Bicycle Crash
To prove negligence successfully in civil court, a claimant must establish specific elements. An injured bicyclist (plaintiff) must demonstrate that:
- The defendant had a legal duty to act reasonably and avoid injuring the plaintiff (known as a “duty of care”)
- The defendant breached the duty of care that they owed the plaintiff
- They suffered injuries as a result of the plaintiff’s negligence
- The defendant’s actions were the cause of their cyclist’s injuries and losses
A plaintiff could verify damages using hospital bills, statements, and expert testimony, all of which a skilled lawyer could assist with obtaining.
Compensation for Damages
After a claimant establishes negligence, a court would award compensation under two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic includes the out-of-pocket monetary expenses a cyclist faces after a wreck, such as medical care and missing time from work. Non-economic damages involve a person’s non-monetary injuries and losses, such as pain and suffering and losing enjoyment of life. A knowledgeable lawyer in Rancho Mirage could evaluate the damages an individual could receive repayments for in their bike crash case.
The Three Feet Safety Act
There are safety regulations in place to protect bicycle riders when they share the roads with motor vehicles. According to the California Vehicle Code § 21760, motorists must always ensure they leave a minimum of three feet between their vehicle and cyclists. It is unlawful for a driver to follow, overtake, or pass a bicycle heading in the same direction if they cannot leave the minimum required distance between the car and bike.
Drivers that fail to adhere to the Three Feet Safety Act can be held civilly liable for their actions, in addition to facing fees and fines. A seasoned attorney in Rancho Mirage could investigate the cause of a bicycle crash to determine if the liable driver was following traffic rules and regulations.
Schedule a Meeting with a Rancho Mirage Bicycle Accident Attorney
When a negligent motorist causes a collision with a bicycle rider, the results for the rider could be catastrophic. The cyclist does not have the same protection around their body during the impact as the vehicle driver has to protect them.
A compensation award could cover all medical expenses related to an accident, the time you miss from work, future earning potential if you cannot return, and the pain and suffering you endured due to a motorist’s negligence. If you were injured in a bike wreck caused by someone else’s reckless or careless actions, a Rancho Mirage bicycle accident lawyer could help you pursue fair and prompt financial restitution for your losses. Call today to get started.
