Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers

What Compensation is Available After a Bicycle Accident in Bakersfield?

Being in the know of the different types of compensation you may avail can help your recovery process. Our Bakersfield bicycle accident attorneys can guide you in pursuing the following:

• Medical Expenses:  Coverage for expenses related to the medical treatment of your injuries. This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages:  Compensation for lost wages due to missed work, as well as lost future wages if your injuries prevent you from performing your job.
• Property Damage:  Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your bicycle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering:  Monetary compensation for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and negative impact caused in your life by the accident.
• Reduced Earning Potential:  You may be eligible for compensation for diminished future earnings caused by permanent disability or limited ability to work caused by the accident.
• Punitive Damages:  Additional damages may be awarded to hold the at-fault party accountable and deter similar behavior in cases of extreme negligence or reckless conduct.

Each bicycle accident can have different circumstances, and these can define the compensation you can recover from your case. Contact our professional Bakersfield bicycle accident attorneys to explore your options and work toward securing fair compensation. Contact us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Our Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers Charge No Upfront Fees

Our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers offer their services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing if we cannot recover compensation for your bicycle accident.

We are available 24/7 to provide legal guidance and support.

You may also sign up with one of our attorneys before insurance companies even have the chance to undermine your right to compensation.

Our bilingual staff (who are both fluent in both Spanish and English) are all ready to assist you in getting back on your feet after your bicycle accident.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Bakersfield personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Bakersfield Intersections Where Bicycle Accidents Happen More Often

Some intersections are more dangerous than others, especially during peak traffic hours or in areas without proper bike infrastructure:

• Baker Street & Niles Street
• H Street & Ming Avenue
• Ming Avenue & New Stine Road
• 4th Street & Union Avenue
• H Street & Wilson Road
• Gosford Road & Ming Avenue
• Real Road & Wilson Road
• Brundage Lane & P Street
• H Street & Planz Road
• 34th Street & Q Street

If you were hit by a vehicle at one of these intersections or anywhere else in Bakersfield, reach out to Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Things to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Bakersfield

Making the right moves after a bicycle accident can prioritize both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you need to do:

• Examine yourself and others for injuries. Then, call 911 or emergency services.
• If possible, transfer to a safe location away from traffic. However, do not leave the scene of the accident.
• Contact law enforcement to report the accident and file an official police report.
• Exchange contact information with the driver involved. Collect details like their full name, license plate number, insurance information, and contact number.
• Take photos of your bicycle, vehicles involved, injuries, and road conditions at the time of the accident.
• Obtain witness information, such as names and contact details.
• Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may surface later.
• Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters or accepting settlements without consulting an attorney.
• Contact our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers to review your case and protect your rights to fair compensation.

Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Police Departments Handling Bicycle Accidents in Bakersfield

Here are the main departments that may handle bicycle accident investigations:

Bakersfield Police Department

1601 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Non-Emergency Line: (661) 327-7111

Kern County Sheriff’s Office

1350 Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308

Phone: (661) 391-7500

California Highway Patrol – Bakersfield Division

4040 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93308

Need help getting your police report or understanding how it affects your case? Our Bakersfield bicycle accident attorneys can handle that for you. Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Statistics

In 2023, Bakersfield experienced 70 bicycle-related crashes, resulting in 71 injuries and two fatalities.

This marked a 40% increase compared to two years prior. Contributing factors to these accidents include unsafe speeds, improper turning, and right-of-way violations.

Biking Laws and Guidelines in Bakersfield

Bicyclists in Bakersfield, CA, share the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and must follow the traffic laws to ensure their safety on the road. Annually, over 100 bicyclists are killed, and more than 10,000 are injured in collisions.

Here are some core biking laws to remember:

• Right to the Road:  Cyclists can use travel lanes unless restricted. As much as possible, they must stay in the rightmost area unless overtaking, turning, or avoiding hazards. On one-way streets with multiple lanes, cyclists can stay near the left curb.
• Bicycle Lanes:  When available, cyclists must use bike lanes but can leave the lane to turn, pass, or avoid hazards. Bright green lanes function the same as standard bike lanes.
• Helmet Requirements:  Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Night Riding:  Bicycles must have a front white light (visible at 300 ft.), a red rear reflector or light (visible at 500 ft.), and side reflectors. Riders must avoid wearing dark clothing.
• Signaling:  Riders must use turn signals instead of hand signals.
• Passing Rules:  Motorists must give at least a 3-foot gap when overtaking a cyclist. Cyclists must also exercise caution when passing vehicles.
• Prohibitions:  Cyclists cannot ride while under the influence. They cannot carry more passengers than the bike can accommodate, or operate a bike lacking a functional brake system.

Here are some safety tips to live by:

• Stay Alert and Visible:  When riding at night, use lights and wear bright clothing. Always scan for vehicles before turning at intersections and driveways.
• Control your Bicycle:  Choose a properly sized bike and regularly maintain it by checking the brakes, tires, and other parts frequently.
• Follow Traffic Laws:  Follow stop signs, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules. If you cannot ensure safety, avoid riding through yellow lights.
• Avoid Hazards:  While on the road, watch out for potholes, gravel, and parked car doors. Before turning, maintain a safe distance from hazards and use mirrors to double-check surroundings.
• Ride Defensively:  Prepare to take evasive action by monitoring sudden movements from nearby vehicles.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Possible parties at fault include:

• Motor Vehicle Drivers:  Actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield to a cyclist may hold drivers liable.
• Employers of Drivers:  If the at-fault driver was on duty at the time of the accident, their employer could share liability, falling under vicarious liability laws.
• Government Entities:  State or local agencies may be responsible for accidents caused by road hazards (poorly maintained roads, defective traffic signals, or other hazardous infrastructure).
• Pedestrians:  Pedestrians may be at fault if they jaywalked or stepped into a cyclist’s path without warning, contributing to the accident.
• Other Cyclists:  Negligent cyclists who fail to follow traffic laws or ride unpredictably can also be at fault for causing or contributing to the accident.
• Construction Companies or Contractors:  These parties may be liable if infrastructure work creates unsafe conditions on the road, like debris or improperly marked zones.

Identifying liability in a bicycle accident involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts, making it a complex task. Our skilled Bakersfield bicycle accident attorneys can help identify and hold accountable the responsible parties. Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

About Bike Accident Injuries in Bakersfield

Cycling accidents can cause severe injuries due to the lack of protection for cyclists compared to drivers of motor vehicles. When sharing the road with cars, trucks, or commercial vehicles, bicyclists are even more prone to serious harm. Here are some of the common injuries from bike accidents in Bakersfield:

Among the most frequent and severe injuries involved in bicycle accidents are traumatic brain injuries, often stemming from head impacts. These injuries can include brain contusions, wherein bleeding occurs on the surface of the brain, and penetrating injuries caused by sharp objects. Head injuries account for the majority of the cycling fatalities in the United States.

Fractures and broken bones are also common outcomes of bike accidents. Studies show that around 40 percent of cyclists in crashes suffer fractures, often in the arms and shoulders. These injuries require surgery, especially in crashes with motor vehicles.

Spinal column injuries often occur in bike crashes, specifically in the cervical spine (C1-C7 vertebrae). These injuries include spinal cord damage, resulting in paralysis, and disc injuries like herniations, causing long-term pain and mobility issues.

Other common injuries include trauma in the neck and back, internal organ damage, joint injuries, and skin abrasions such as road rash, puncture wounds, lacerations, and bruises. These injuries can significantly impact the physical and financial aspects of a cyclist’s life.

If you are a victim of a cycling accident, our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers can help you pursue fair compensation. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Bakersfield and Its Bicycle Helmet Laws

Cyclists under the age of 18 have been required to wear helmets while riding on public roads. Penalties for non-compliance starting at $25 since 1994. Despite these legislations, the effectiveness of mandatory helmet use remains debatable, with mixed results recorded in reducing serious head injuries.

A study found no significant reduction in serious head injuries after the implementation of the law and even as helmet use increased. Head injury rates slightly rose from 27.2% before the law to 28.2%, the data showed.

With all these being said, it’s always in the best of our interests to truly remain safe and vigilant when you’re out on the street.

Helmet Use and Public Health

Studies show that non-helmeted commuter cyclists often experienced lower overall mortality rates than non-cyclists, emphasizing the importance of encouraging cycling over imposing restrictive policies.

The California Bicycle Coalition opposes adult helmet mandates, instead advocating for increased investment in safer cycling infrastructure. Studies indicate that cities with improved bike lanes and bike-share programs see fewer accidents and head injuries even among riders not wearing helmets. Every $1 million spent on bike infrastructure saves an estimated $2.8 million in healthcare costs, highlighting the long-term benefits of creating safer streets for vehicles on the road.

FAQs About Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers

What if a malfunction or defect in my bicycle caused my accident?

If your accident was caused by a defective bicycle or component, you may have a product liability case against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of your bike. These cases require evidence that your injury was a direct result of the defect, so it’s important to preserve the bike and immediately contact a lawyer.

Can I recover compensation if poor road conditions caused my accident?

If potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or other road hazards cause your accident, the liability falls on the government agency responsible for maintaining the road. Immediately contacting a lawyer is important, as these cases often have specific filing deadlines and procedures.

Can I file a claim if I was injured while riding a rental or shared bike?

Yes, you can file a claim if the accident happened while using a rental or shared bike. Liability depends on the conditions of the accident, such as if the bike was defective or if another party caused it. Our lawyers can guide you in determining who is responsible and pursuing fair compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you weren’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. However, it could affect your case, depending on the circumstances. In Bakersfield, California, only cyclists under 18 are required to wear helmets, so not wearing one does not automatically imply negligence. Our attorneys can assess how this can impact your claim.

What should I do after a hit-and-run accident?

Immediately call the police and file a report. Collect all the available information about the vehicle or driver, such as the make, model, color, or license plate number. Seek medical attention right away and consult with our bicycle accident lawyers to explore your options for compensation, like uninsured motorist coverage or other avenues.