San Jose Bicycle Accident Attorneys

More and more people are turning to bicycling as a major form of transportation. However, because there is very little protection for a rider involved in a bicycle accident, the injuries that can result are very severe. Bicyclists are typically known for being very aware of their surroundings and the proper safety rules to follow, and it is usually the automobile drivers who are to blame for accidents involving bicycles.

Negligent motorists have been known to cause bike accidents by opening a door into a cyclist's path or by failing to notice the bicyclist before making a turn. If you have suffered injuries in a serious bike accident, talk to a bicycle accident attorney in San Jose at Habbas & Associates to learn if you have the right to seek compensation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

A bicycle accident involving motor vehicles is a specific type of bicycle accident in which a motorized vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle, is involved in the collision. These accidents can have severe consequences for cyclists due to the significant size and speed difference between the bicycle and the motor vehicle.

Common causes of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:

• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Motorists may fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging onto roads, leading to collisions.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Motorists running red lights or stop signs can strike cyclists who have the right of way, especially at intersections.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are using mobile phones, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging in other distractions may not notice cyclists on the road until it's too late to avoid a collision.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of accidents when they collide with cyclists.
• Unsafe Passing: Some drivers may attempt to pass cyclists without allowing enough space, putting both the cyclist and the motorist at risk.
• Dooring: When a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, it can result in a dangerous and sudden collision.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can impair a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making them more likely to collide with a cyclist.
• Inattentive Driving: Motorists who are not paying full attention to the road, whether due to daydreaming, fatigue, or other factors, may not notice cyclists until it's too late.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or cutting off cyclists, can lead to dangerous situations and collisions.
• Turning Conflicts: Motorists making left or right turns may not see cyclists approaching, leading to crashes when the two vehicles intersect at intersections or driveways.
• Failure to Check Blind Spots: In larger vehicles, like trucks and buses, drivers may fail to check their blind spots adequately, potentially causing a collision with a cyclist in these blind areas.
• Failure to Use Turn Signals: When drivers do not signal their intention to turn or change lanes, cyclists have less information to predict their movements, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Uneven road surfaces, potholes, and debris can pose hazards to cyclists. Motorists may not anticipate these issues and may inadvertently contribute to accidents when avoiding road hazards.

According to a study by the US Department of Transportation, a majority of bicycle accidents are caused because of a failure to yield the right-of-way at an intersection by a motorist. This was followed by accidents resulting from motorists unexpectedly turning or merging into the path of a cyclist, and motorists overtaking bicyclists also caused a fair number of accidents as well. In addition, some bicycle accidents are caused by defective repair, design or manufacture of their bicycle or their components.

Can You Sue If You Get Hit By a Car On a Bike?

Whether or not you have a case will depend largely on the facts of your accident. Specifically, who was found to be at fault for the accident occurring. If the driver was found to be driving negligently or aggressively, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against them or their insurance company. However, if you were found to be breaking the rules of the road by riding recklessly or breaking traffic laws, you may have more difficulty filing a claim against the motorist. If you are unsure about who was at fault for the accident, our bicycle accident lawyers in San Jose can help analyze the details of your case and determine whether or not you have grounds for a bicycle accident lawsuit.

What Should You Do if You're In a Bicycle Accident?

If you have been injured while riding your bike and are considering pursuing legal action, you should take the following steps to help build a strong case:

• Speak to police as soon as they arrive at the scene, be sure to tell them exactly what happened so they can write it in the accident report
• Collect contact information for any individuals who witnessed the accident, as well as contact details for the driver
• Keep careful documentation of your injuries and the treatment you receive (both photo and written documentation)
• Do not repair your bicycle or other damaged property until you have concluded your case; take photos of any damages
• Speak with a professional San Jose bicycle accident lawyer about your accident; we can help you determine what your next step needs to be