Thousand Oaks Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents can be devastating events when cars are involved. The speed and size of motor vehicles mean any collision with a bike can cause serious injuries. Maki Law Firm has fought for countless bicycle accident victims and families. If you were harmed because of another driver, sit down with us for a free consultation. 

Since we’ve fought for clients who suffered life-altering injuries, paralysis, fractures, concussions, and other injuries, we can help you get the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, we can help.

Causes of Thousand Oaks Bicycle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common cause of bicycle accidents is getting hit by an automobile. Some of the other leading causes of bicycle accidents include falling, distracted driving, hitting something in the road, poor roads, striking a fixed object, or swerving to avoid an animal. 

Several factors play a role in a bike accident. Bicycles are not as easy to see, and their limited visibility can contribute to bike accidents and personal injuries. That’s why motorists must take extreme care when driving in the presence of a cyclist. If they don’t, this could lead to an accident. In this case, victims can be awarded compensation for such negligence. 

In most states, bicycle drivers have the same rights on the roadway that motorists do. If motorists do not realize this, they can still be held accountable in Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and throughout the rest of Southern California.  

Risk Factors for Serious Bicycle Accidents

There are intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for injury after a bicycle accident. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, a personal injury lawyer can be of assistance. Our injured clients have been able to recover damages from their Southern California bike accident. 

A Thousand Oaks Personal Injury Attorney understands that the following are the most common risk factors for cycling injuries:

• Poor-fitting equipment including bike and shoes
• Poor conditioning
• Poor technique
• Not wearing a helmet
• Not obeying traffic laws and regulations
• Inexperienced riding 

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?

Safety is paramount when riding a bicycle. Knowing what to do in the aftermath can protect your rights, and could ensure that you receive proper compensation. The following checklist can help you maintain control, give your legal counsel an advantage, and preserve critical information:

Call the Police and Wait for Them to Arrive

In most states, cyclists and motorists involved in an accident are legally obligated to remain at the scene if there have been injuries or property damage. Even if you believe you have not been injured, wait for the police to arrive. Police reports can benefit you and your personal injury attorneys. Once you leave the scene, it may be difficult to find the motorist.

Avoid Negotiations

It’s the job of professional law offices to negotiate with other drivers and insurance companies in the aftermath of your bicycle accident. That’s why it’s crucial not to deal with the driver even if they accept the blame. 

A Ventura County Personal Injury Attorney can advocate for injuries sustained in your car accident to ensure your legal rights are protected and you get the highest compensation available. If the driver’s insurance company calls you, politely inform them to speak with your bicycle accident lawyers first. 

Collect Information From the Scene

Witness statements can be very handy for proving fault in bike accidents. That’s why it’s important to exchange the necessary information with the motorist like their name, address, phone number, driver’s license, license plate number, make of car, and insurance policy number.

Also, be sure to record witness statements and their names and phone numbers. This can help your bicycle accident law firm prove who’s responsible for your injury so that you can recover your lost wages and other damages. Accident attorneys are standing by to provide a defense against other parties. 

Document Your Accident

Keep a journal with all the details of your accident and the treatment you have received. Having notes of when, where, and how the accident happened, and the road traffic and weather conditions can be useful for your bicycle accident lawyer. 

If you or a rider with you have a cell phone with a camera, use it to document the scene, injuries, and the vehicles involved.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention 

Even if your injuries are minor, consult a doctor immediately. The written evaluation you receive can help your bicycle accident lawyers build your claim. Even if you feel fine, some injuries can take time to manifest. Even traumatic brain injuries may not be apparent immediately after an accident.

Preserve All Evidence 

Your bicycle accident lawyers can use any damaged clothing, damaged bike parts, and photos of your accident to prove your damages. Preserving any evidence of the bike and car accident will help your personal injury law firm protect your rights. 

How a Thousand Oaks Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you are hit by a car while riding your bike, you need an aggressive personal injury case law office on your side. At Maki Law Firm, our bicycle accident attorneys are prepared to do whatever it takes to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve