Where Do Redding Bicycle Accidents Frequently Occur?
Bicycle accidents can happen pretty much anywhere in and around Redding. Bicycles are on roads—especially those with designated bicycle lanes—parking lots, parking garages, and parks. In many instances, bicycle accidents occur because of negligent motor vehicle operations. At other times, they happen because some part of the bicycle, such as a tire or steering mechanism, is defective. Whatever the cause, bicycle accidents can leave riders severely injured and, in some cases, hospitalized.
Why Do Bicycle Wrecks Happen in Redding?
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in and around Redding include:
- Negligent driving – Some bicycle accidents that occur in the Redding area happen because a driver operates their vehicle recklessly or carelessly. The driver might be violating a rule of the road, such as by failing to yield the right of way to the cyclist at an intersection, speeding, tailgating a cyclist, or zealously weaving in and out of heavy traffic, inadvertently cutting the cyclist off. Any of these risky driving maneuvers can catch a cyclist off guard, and when a motor vehicle collides with a cyclist, it is almost always the cyclist who suffers injuries in the crash.
- Distracted driving – With the many electronic devices available in vehicles today, it’s no wonder why some motor vehicle operators drive around in a distracted manner. Various items in their vehicle can distract drivers, including GPS devices, cell phones, and even loud music in the car. When a driver is distracted, they are not giving their full time and attention to the road. They might also have their head turned for a second or two. Even this small amount of time is sufficient for a serious collision to occur. A distracted driver may not see a cyclist who is low to the ground and might bring about a collision with them.
- Drunk and drugged driving – Drinking and driving never go together, and when a motor vehicle operator is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the chances that they will cause an accident increase exponentially. This is especially true around bicycles and other small vehicles. When a motor vehicle operator is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their reaction time slows down due to the effects on their brains. Consequently, a drunk or drugged driver might not stop their vehicles in time to avoid colliding with a cyclist or a pedestrian in the vicinity. Moreover, intoxication can bring about numerous physical symptoms, including blurred vision, which can lead to a significant collision with another vehicle. Another common characteristic of drunk driving accidents is that they typically happen at very high rates of speed, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.
- Defective product design – Some bicycle accidents do not result from negligent driving at all. Rather, they happen because of a defective part on the bicycle itself. For example, the bicycle manufacturer might have defectively designed the handlebars, steering mechanism, tires, braking system, seat, or another part. Consequently, the part might malfunction in some way while the cyclist is out on the road, resulting in a collision. For example, the cyclist might strike another vehicle or a stationary object alongside the road, leading to serious injuries. When an accident victim can demonstrate, through expert testimony, that their bicycle accident occurred because of a defective bicycle part, they can pursue a claim or lawsuit against the manufacturer of the part.
If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident that resulted from one of these circumstances, the knowledgeable Redding bicycle accident attorneys at Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel can explain all of your legal options to you and help you decide on the best course of action for your bicycle accident case. Our legal team can help you file a claim or lawsuit against the appropriate party and work to get you the compensation that you need for your injuries.
Common Redding Bicycle Accident Injuries
Riding a bicycle in the Redding area can be a pleasant experience. However, there are numerous dangers associated with bicycle riding. First of all, bicycles, like motorcycles, offer their riders very little protection from the surrounding environment. If a bicyclist is involved in a collision with another vehicle, they do not have an outer metal shell or covering surrounding them at the point of impact. Rather, their bodies can make direct contact with the ground, and if their bodies strike the ground, they will suffer severe injuries.
Although many cyclists do wear helmets when they are riding their bikes, even a well-constructed helmet can crack if it strikes the ground with a significant amount of force. Consequently, victims of bicycle accidents can suffer severe injuries that require hospitalization, medical procedures, physical therapy, and other treatment.
Some of the most common injuries people suffer in Redding bicycle accidents include:
- Head Injuries: Even with helmet use, head injuries remain a significant concern. These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in bicycle accidents, particularly in the arms, wrists, legs, and collarbones. These injuries often occur when cyclists attempt to break their fall.
- Road Rash: When cyclists slide across the pavement, it can result in painful skin abrasions known as road rash. While often considered minor, severe cases can lead to infections or scarring.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls from bicycles can cause damage to the spine, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- Facial Injuries: Cyclists may suffer facial fractures, dental injuries, or eye damage, especially if not wearing appropriate protective gear.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common, particularly in the knees and shoulders.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from collisions can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Psychological Trauma: While not a physical injury, many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a bicycle accident.
If you suffered one of these injuries in a bicycle accident, go to a hospital emergency room in an ambulance. While you are there, the doctor or nurse on duty can check you out and take the necessary imaging studies to ascertain your medical condition. For example, you might need to undergo a brain scan, X-ray, or MRI, so that the healthcare provider can determine the full extent of your injuries.
If you need an emergency medical procedure, you can undergo that treatment at the hospital. In addition, if you require follow-up medical treatment at some point after your ER visit—such as with an orthopedic doctor—the emergency room healthcare provider can make the appropriate recommendations.
Seeking same-day medical treatment after a bicycle accident is extremely important for any future personal injury case that you may file. If you fail to seek prompt medical treatment following your bicycle crash, the insurance company will assume that your injuries were not severe or that you did not take your medical treatment seriously following your accident.
While you are taking care of your injuries, the skilled team of Redding bicycle accident attorneys at Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel can start gathering all of the important documents for your claim. For example, our team can collect your medical records and bills to date, as well as copies of the police report, witness statements, and wage loss documents that support your claim. While you focus your attention on getting better, we can file your bicycle accident claim with the insurance company.
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Redding?
Following a bicycle accident in Redding, you need to take some important steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Move to a safe area if possible to avoid further danger.
- Call 911 and report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.
- Get checked by a medical professional right away, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Take photos of injuries, damage to your bike, the vehicle involved, and the overall scene
- Get contact and insurance information from the driver
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Make sure officers generate an accident report. This creates an official record of the incident.
- Keep your damaged bicycle and gear as evidence.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but avoid discussing fault.
- Contact a local personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accidents. They can advise you on your rights and potential compensation.
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments and treatments.
- Keep records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills and lost wages.
How Can an Attorney Help Me Get Compensation?
An attorney can help you seek compensation after a bicycle crash in Redding in several key ways:
- They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review police reports to build a strong case.
- They can identify all potentially liable parties, which may include drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance.
- They can help calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses related to the injury.
- They can deal with insurance adjusters and can advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
- They can file a lawsuit for you and represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or acts in bad faith.
- They’ll file all necessary paperwork correctly and before any deadlines expire.
A personal injury attorney can advise you on your rights and the best course of action for your specific situation. They can manage all communications with other parties involved, allowing you to focus on recovery. An attorney greatly increases your chances of getting the maximum compensation available.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Get for a Redding Bicycle Accident Claim?
If a negligent driver or some other factor beyond your control caused a bicycle accident in Redding that hurt you or a close family member, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation that may include:
- Medical expenses: Current and future costs related to your injuries
- Lost wages: Income lost due to inability to work during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to earn in the future
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your bicycle and other damaged property
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If applicable
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries significantly impact your daily activities
If a bicycle accident killed a close family member, we can discuss your options of bringing a wrongful death action against the at-fault party to compensate you for your loss.
The specific compensation you may receive depends on several factors. These include the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the insurance coverage involved.
The personal injury attorneys at Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel will fully assess your case and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Talk With an Experienced Redding Bicycle Accident Lawyer About Your Legal Matter Today
If you have suffered injuries in a bicycle accident that happened due to another driver’s negligence, you need knowledgeable legal counsel on your side. Otherwise, the insurance company will try to take advantage of you throughout your case. Fortunately, the skilled legal team at Reiner, Slaughter & Frankel are here to prevent that from happening.
Our experienced lawyers are ready to assist you with every aspect of your bicycle accident claim, from filing it to litigating it in court, if necessary. Our team will work hard to make sure that you recover meaningful compensation that fully and fairly resolves your claim or lawsuit. If the insurance company does not offer that compensation voluntarily, we welcome the opportunity to pursue your case in the state court system.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Redding bicycle accident lawyer, please call us today at (530) 241-0290 or contact us online to discuss your possible personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Redding
2851 Park Marina Dr #200
Redding, CA 96001
Phone: (530) 241-0290
