Chinatown Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Chinatown Bike Accidents
In the United States, almost two people every day of the year are killed in a bicycle accident, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. The number of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles has steadily increased over the years and the number of cyclists injured has risen to more than 58,000 in recent years.
With more than 70 years experience in practicing personal injury law, the Chinatown personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger have handled numerous bicycle accident claims. One of our founding partners, Mike Bomberger is a cyclist who logs more than 200 miles every week. Mike, having been injured in a bicycle accident himself, understands the difficulties injured cyclists face when going up against insurance companies and opposing attorneys. Mike and the Chinatown bicycle accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger have successfully negotiated large settlements for injured cyclists. Compensation has included money for past, current and future medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Causes of Chinatown Bicycle Accidents
The Chinatown bicycle accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger have represented cyclists injured in accidents caused by driver fatigue, driver inattentiveness, drunk driver, speeding driver, faulty bike parts, road debris and road construction. Bicycle accidents a wide range of serious and catastrophic injuries, including:
- Brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bone injuries
- Road rash
- Limb loss
- Internal organ injuries
- Coma
- Burn injuries
- Wrongful death.
Safety Tips for Bicyclists
Cyclists who act cautiously and responsibly are not only creating a safer environment for all who use roads, but they are also decreasing their chances of being involved in a bicycle accident. To prevent a bicycle accident from occurring, follow the bicycling safety tips provided below.
- Don’t use sidewalks. Many cyclists think that riding on the sidewalk is safer but drivers are not expecting cyclists to be on the sidewalk. Statistics have shown that in driveways and at intersections, cyclists are at much greater risk of being hit by a driver on the sidewalk. Also, riding on the road makes sidewalks much safer for pedestrians.
- Ride with the flow of traffic. In the past, it was always recommended to ride against the flow of traffic, however, several studies have recently shown that riding with the flow of traffic is safer. Cyclists are much more visible to drivers when riding with the flow of traffic.
- Follow the rules of the road. Cyclists should obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings when riding. In addition, cyclists should yield the right of way to pedestrians, and use hand signals when turning and stopping.
- Stay visible and be predictable. Cyclists should not make any unexpected maneuvers when riding, which includes turning or making a lane change without warning. If riding at night, wear reflective clothing or use a headlight. The use of headphones and cell phones is not recommended when riding.
- Watch for road debris and conditions. Road debris such as trash, rocks, gravel and storm grates can cause a cyclist to easily lose control of their bike. Road conditions such as potholes, and wet or slick roads can send a cyclist flying off their bike. Cyclists should also watch for open car doors, and cars exiting and entering driveways.
- Stay alert at intersections. Cyclists must be aware of drivers turning in front of them and drivers who turn left across their path.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Filing a personal injury claim after your bicycle accident can be a confusing, arduous process. The Chinatown personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger are here to help. We can assist you in the claims process, which will allow you to focus on what’s most important, recovering from your injuries. For more information on how our law firm can help, call (415) 877-1334 as soon as possible. Our Chinatown bicycle accident attorneys are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day to answer your questions and help you protect your legal rights.