Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Oxnard

Bicycle accidents can be devastating and cause life-altering consequences. If you are a cyclist in Oxnard, California, who was seriously injured in a bike accident, you must seek legal representation from an experienced bicycle accident Lawyer in Oxnard. As a powerhouse law firm, The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience and has recovered more than $1 billion* for clients. Our bicycle accident lawyers understand the complexities of cycling laws, common causes of bicycle crashes, associated injuries, and how to protect your rights after being involved in one. Call us at (800) 818-1818 today for a free consultation.

What Are The Causes Of A Bicycle Crash?

You know all too well the dangers of riding on the city streets of Oxnard. Unfortunately, bicycle crashes are all too common here, and it can be challenging to figure out precisely what caused the accident. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Oxnard so that you can be aware and prepared. 

Distracted Drivers 

One of the leading causes of bicycle crashes in Oxnard is distracted driving. Distracted drivers are often not paying attention to their surroundings, which means they may not see cyclists on the road until it’s too late. This is especially true for cyclists riding on roads without dedicated bike lanes. It’s essential bicycle riders be aware of distracted drivers and take extra care when riding near them. 

Speeding Drivers 

Another major cause of bicycle accidents in Oxnard is speeding drivers. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to respond quickly to unexpected obstacles or hazards, including bicyclists crossing their path or entering the roadway from the side. As a bike rider, it’s important to remember that speeding drivers pose a severe risk. Therefore, be aware of any nearby drivers speeding while you are riding. 

Poorly Maintained Roads 

Finally, another common cause of bicycle accidents in Oxnard is poorly maintained roads. Poorly maintained roads can create dangerous conditions for cyclists, such as potholes and loose gravel that can easily cause crashes if not navigated correctly. Bicyclists must pay close attention to their surrounding environment while riding and be aware of any potential risks posed by poorly maintained roads or other hazardous conditions.        

Most Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents

Head Injuries

Head injuries are among the most serious bicycle accident related injuries that occur in Oxnard. Individuals involved in an accident while riding their bike may suffer from head trauma due to hitting their head on pavement or another object. Common head injuries include concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and lacerations to the scalp. In more severe cases, permanent damage may result, which can cause individuals to experience long-term physical impairments. 

Spinal Cord Injury 

Another relatively common injury in bicycle accidents is a spinal cord injury (SCI). An SCI can happen when an individual falls off their bike and lands on their back and neck, damaging their spinal cord. Depending on the severity of the injury, SCIs can cause temporary or even permanent paralysis of various body parts such as arms, legs, or torso muscles. It’s crucial that anyone who’s hit by a vehicle while riding their bicycle seek medical attention immediately since symptoms of SCI may not appear until days after the initial incident. 

Bruising & Lacerations 

Lastly, bruising and lacerations are other types of injury commonly seen in bicycle accidents. These can occur when an individual falls off their bike onto hard surfaces such as concrete sidewalks or asphalt roads. Depending on how severe these injuries are, they may require stitches or surgery if left untreated for too long. To prevent infection and further complications, it’s best for individuals who have suffered bruises and lacerations related to a bicycle accident to seek medical attention immediately so they can begin receiving proper treatment and care right away.  

Many different types of injuries can occur due to bicycle accidents in Oxnard—from head trauma to spinal cord injury and even bruising & lacerations—and it’s essential for victims living here to be aware of them so they can take appropriate action if necessary.

If you find yourself involved in a bicycle accident, make sure you seek medical help immediately and then contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in handling cycling accidents so you can get the compensation you need to put your life back together again.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident

Knowing what steps to take after your Oxnard bicycle accident is essential. Here’s what you should do if you’re ever involved in a bicycle accident in Oxnard. Note that you should only take these steps if it’s safe to do so and doesn’t compromise your health.

1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible

It is crucial to seek medical attention even if you don’t think you have serious injuries. You never know when underlying injuries may become apparent later on, so it is best to seek medical help immediately following an accident. You may also have dangerous internal injuries that need to be addressed without delay.

2. Don’t apologize or discuss your bicycle accident with the other person(s)

Apologizing can be taken as an admission of guilt. If you do so, the other person’s insurance company will certainly try to use it against you, fair or not. Instead, exchange information without talking about how the bicycle accident happened or who was to blame. Again, if you are seriously injured, skip these steps and call 911 or have someone else do it for you. The police can get the other person’s information for you.

3. Collect evidence at the scene

Taking photos of the scene and collecting contact information from any witnesses help build solid evidence and strengthen your claim. Be sure to take pictures of all aspects of your bike, including any damaged parts, as well as photos of any visible injuries that you sustained during the crash. Note any traffic lights, signs, road hazards or signals that may have contributed to your bicycle accident.

4. Contact a personal injury attorney

If you were seriously injured while riding your bike due to someone else’s negligence, then you must speak with a personal injury attorney without delay. Do this even before speaking to any insurance company agents. Choose someone who specializes in bicycle accidents and has experience dealing with cases such as yours. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to review your case and know how best to proceed against those responsible. 

A bicycle accident can have devastating consequences, but understanding what steps should be taken after an accident can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses due to someone else’s negligence. Whether it’s contacting a personal injury attorney or collecting evidence at the scene, it’s crucial you act quickly after your bicycle crash in Oxnard to make sure your rights are protected

What Compensation Is Available for Bicycle Accidents?

While the types of compensation available for a specific case will vary depending on your circumstances, here are some of the most common forms of compensation available due to a bicycle accident in Oxnard.

Medical Expenses 

Victims of bicycle accidents are likely to suffer physical injuries and require extensive medical care. Their medical bills can climb into the tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. If the victim’s injuries are permanent, the lifetime cost of medical care can go into the millions of dollars. Fortunately, California law allows victims to pursue compensation for the costs associated with their medical expenses. This includes emergency treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, medication costs, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation services. 

Lost Wages 

Many bicycle accident victims cannot work while they recover from their injuries or because their injuries leave them permanently disabled. Victims may be entitled to compensation for lost wages now and any potential income and wages in the future.

Pain & Suffering Damages 

In addition to financial losses such as medical bills and lost wages, victims may also receive compensation for emotional losses such as pain and suffering damages caused by their accident injuries. These damages are intended to compensate victims for physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident or disability caused by the accident.

Pain and suffering damages include anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and loss of enjoyment of life activities that were enjoyed before the accident occurred. Victims may also seek compensation for other non-economic losses such as loss of consortium (loss of companionship) or disfigurement sustained during an accident. California places no limits in what can be awarded for emotional losses. For this reason they usually make up the largest part of a person’s compensation.

Let The Dominguez Firm Help You After A Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents can be devastating and have life-altering consequences. The Dominguez Firm is a powerhouse personal injury law firm with over 35 years of experience successfully handling bicycle crash cases. We boast a 96%* success rate and have helped thousands of accident victims obtain justice. Let us help you too. Call The Dominguez Firm today at (800) 818-1818 for a free consultation.