Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident can be a very dramatic ordeal. Despite all that is going on it is important to take the following steps once you feel like you can:

1. Call the police
2. Wait for the police to arrive and file a police report. The police report will document the facts of the accident (what happened, parties involved, witness information). Make sure the police officer gets your version of the events.
3. Make sure the police officer gives police report information.
4. Get the personal and insurance information of the adverse party. You want to get the name, address, phone number and the insurance policy number of all parties to the accident. Ideally you should take a picture of driver’s license and auto insurance card.
5. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
6. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, your bicycle and your injuries.
7. Immediately seek medical attention. If you are injured go to the emergency room or urgent care. Give all complaints to the doctor. Medical records are proof that you were injured and document the extent of your injuries.
8. Do not make any statement to insurance companies until you talk to an attorney. Insurance companies may use anything you say against you later
9. Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident cases, such as Steven Daneshgar and Daneshgar Law.

In a bicycle v. automobile accident fault is determined based on whether one or both parties acted in a negligent manner, which means they breached the duty of care.  Just as with motorists, a bicyclist can be at fault for an accident, either by ignoring traffic signals or practicing negligent behaviors. In such cases, cyclists could be prevented from pursuing monetary damages, as they may be held liable or partly liable for a collision.
As these legal concepts may be complex, it is always important to contact a personal injury attorney that is experienced in bicycle accidents, such as Steven Daneshgar and Daneshgar Law.  

There are many causes of bicycle accidents and our experienced firm can handle all of them. That said the following are the top 10 causes:

1. Distracted Driving
2. Motorist failing to leave an adequate buffer with cyclist
3. Speeding
4. Unsafe Lane Change
5. Turning without looking for pedestrians or cyclists
6. Running a red light/stop sign
7. Failure to Yield
8. Impaired Driving
9. Driver Fatigue
10. Drivers opening their door along a roadside without looking for cyclists.