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Bicycle Accidents

San Jose Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Bike Accident?

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.

cyclists riding in a bike lane next to the road

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
Hear It From Our CLients.

Testimonials

  • "Mr. Habbas and his staff are efficient, helpful, responsive and caring. They make you feel at ease. They explain the process and they keep you up to date. There is no one else I would prefer to have in my corner to protect me."
    Dr. S.E.
  • "He answered all of our questions every time we had one and that's why we are so happy and blessed to have Habbas and Associates on our side. I strongly recommend them."
    Feliciano & Maria Verzosa
  • "My case was settled at mediation for approximately $950,000.00 within a short time after a lawsuit was filed. I can't say enough about how much Mr. Habbas and his firm care about their clients. I will always refer anyone I know to them."
    Roberta S.
  • "I’m so glad I found this law firm and extremely happy with the results. Very highly recommended them to family and friends. If you or a loved one needs help, don’t hesitate to call them!"
    AJ B.
  • "Omar Habbas will fight for you and give you the best results out of your case I know. They take good care of their clients I’ve never been happier. Thank you to the whole entire team at Habbas & Associates. You are highly recommended."
    Nina Wright

How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Bike Accident?

As your medical bills begin to pile up, you're probably beginning to wonder exactly how much you will be able to recover by pursuing a bicycle accident lawsuit. With the right representation, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:

  • Damages to your bike and other personal property
  • Medical bills for any treatment received after your accident
  • Physical therapy if needed in order to recover fully from your accident
  • Missed work or lost income (especially if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries)
  • Pain and suffering

Each bicycle accident is unique, therefore the exact amount you may be eligible for will depend on the specifics of your case. If you are unsure whether it's worth pursuing a personal injury claim, you should speak to one of our bike accident lawyers about your claim.


Book a free consultation today to discuss your claim with our legal team!


Bicycle Laws in California

Where can you ride your bike?

In most cases, if you are keeping up with the speed of traffic you are permitted to ride on the road. If you are not able to keep up with the flow of traffic, you may "take the lane" if the lane is too small for a bicycle and a car to share safely. If a bicycle lane is present on a roadway, you must use it if you are traveling slower than the flow of traffic except in cases where you are passing, making a left-turn or avoiding road hazards (read more here).

In general, cyclists are not permitted to ride in the following areas (unless specifically allowed by your city DOT):

  • Sidewalks
  • Freeways
  • Toll bridges

Do you have to wear a helmet while riding a bike?

California law mandates that all individuals under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This age restriction is in place to protect minors who may not have the judgment and decision-making capabilities of adults.

The law specifies that helmets must meet specific safety standards. In California, the helmet must conform to the safety standards established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These standards are in place to ensure that helmets provide adequate protection in the event of a bicycle accident. Helmets meeting CPSC standards are designed to absorb impact energy and provide head protection.

The primary purpose of the helmet law is to reduce the risk of head injuries in young cyclists. Head injuries can be severe, and wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a fall or collision. Helmets are designed to absorb impact energy, disperse forces, and protect the head from traumatic brain injuries.

How a San Jose Bike Accident Lawyer Can Help

The dedicated team of personal injury attorneys at Habbas & Associates has been protecting the rights of victims in San Jose for over 200 years. We passionately pursue compensation for individuals and families who have gone through needless pain and suffering. You may be suffering from head trauma, fractures, severed limbs, road rash and other severe injuries and we are here to help.


Contact a bike accident attorney in San Jose at Habbas & Associates now to schedule your free consultation!


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