Santa Rosa Bicycle Accident Attorney

BIKE ACCIDENTS BECOMING MORE COMMON IN CALIFORNIA

Over the last several years, many people have taken to bicycles as a way to stay in shape, beat the rising gasoline prices and reduce carbon emissions. Bicyclists make the communities in and around our offices in Sacramento, Napa, Santa Rosa, Palmdale and Fairfield a destination.

Unfortunately, bicycle accidents happen every day, and bicycle accident injuries are not unusual. More than 700 bicyclists were killed and more than 52,000 people were injured in the United States in 2008, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Bicycle injuries and fatalities affect adults as well as children.

Were you or someone you know injured in a California bicycle accident? You may be entitled to compensation. Call (707) 575-7141 today for a free consultation and to speak to a Santa Rosa personal injury lawyer at our firm.

Most Common Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents, like motorcycle accidents, sometimes happen when drivers do not “see” the bicycle on the road. What this often means is the driver did not observe the right of way. Bicyclists have a right to share the road safely with other vehicles. A driver may be negligent when he or she does not look and sideswipes the rider while changing lanes or making a turn.

The following are some common bicycle accident injuries we have seen in California:

• Head injuries, including
  traumatic brain injuries
  and skull fractures (especially when cyclist is not wearing a helmet)
• Spinal cord injury
• Back injury
• Broken bones or fractures
• Friction burn due to skin contact with pavement or gravel
• Amputation

Other types of bicycle accidents include the following situations:

• Car door opens while cyclist is riding in traffic
• Driver is distracted (possibly talking on a cell phone or texting)
• Drunk driver strikes cyclist
• Driver veers onto the shoulder of the road
• Driver runs a stop sign and strikes cyclist

With little crash protection other than a helmet, a bicyclist can suffer serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, paralysis and broken bones. An accident resulting in death may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

In some cases, a defective part of the bicycle may cause an accident. Examples of defective parts include malfunctioning tires, defective brakes, defective pedals and toe clips, and bike frame failure.

If you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs and other potential damages. Let a bike accident lawyer assist you.

Best Sonoma County Bike Trails

You may not realize all of the great bike trails in Sonoma County. Beyond a great ride and workout, you also get beautiful scenery and wineries. There are dozens of great options for biking within Sonoma County and other surrounding areas.

We created a map witch provides you 11 of our favorite bike routes/trails. Click on the trail to learn more about the distance, location, and terrain. Below the map is additional information about a few fantastic bars, restaurants, and shops to hit as you ride, as well as several other great rides. Read more about the best biking trails in Sonoma County

REPRESENTATION FOR VICTIMS IN SANTA ROSA & THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA

Bicycle accident injuries occur every day in the country. Just look at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration bicycle accident statistics: 52,000 bicycle accident injuries in 2008 alone and more than 700 deaths.

If you or someone you know was injured on a bicycle, contact an experienced Santa Rosa personal injury lawyer who can fight to protect your rights. The insurance company for the driver who hit you may try to pin the blame on you, the bicyclist.

At The Law Offices of Freeman & Freeman, our attorneys know the tactics used by insurance companies to deny claims or low-ball a payment to a victim. We won't stand for it. For aggressive legal representation, contact a bike accident attorney dedicated to helping clients get the compensation they rightfully deserve.

DO YOU NEED A BIKE ACCIDENT LAWYER IN SANTA ROSA?

Every California bike accident is unique, but generally there are some common types of bicycle accidents. In many cases, a driver of a car fails to “see” the cyclist in the roadway or on the shoulder and sideswipes the rider while turning or changing lanes. Bike crashes also can happen due to defective equipment.

If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced Santa Rosa personal injury attorney. At The Law Offices of Freeman & Freeman, we're prepared to listen to you and discuss your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.

HOW INATTENTIVE DRIVERS CAN CAUSE BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

Inattentive drivers pose a significant risk to cyclists. They may be distracted while talking on a cell phone or texting. The following are examples of situations that might occur due to inattentive motorists:

• Driver makes right turn and runs over cyclist.
• Driver opens door without looking in rear view mirror when pulled over; cyclist strikes the open door.
• Driver backs out of a driveway and fails to see a cyclist in the road

If you or your child was injured in any type of bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for losses, including medical bills, lost earnings and other damages. Our attorneys know how to build a strong case for injured cyclists. We're prepared to aggressively stand up to the driver's insurance company, which may try to low-ball or deny a claim.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED INJURY ATTORNEY

Bicycle injury cases can be complicated. Knowing what to do can be confusing. Choose a proven injury lawyer who can help you build the strongest possible claim. Call (707) 575-7141 today. At The Law Offices of Freeman & Freeman, we put our experience and resources to work for California bicycle accident victims. Your consultation is free. There's no obligation. Contact us today.