Oxnard Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Attorney Serving Ventura, Santa Barbara & Surrounding Areas

Bicycles can be a wonderful way to commute, run errands or get some exercise in California. They allow the rider to take advantage of the beautiful weather, pretty scenery and feel better physically and mentally.

Unfortunately, the benefits of riding a bicycle also come with the increased risk of injury from an accident involving a:

• Car
• Truck
• Or motorcycle

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a bicycle accident we encourage you to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Schurmer Firm to discuss your case.

The Rules of the Road

In California, bicyclists must follow all of the traffic laws that automobiles must follow. As a result, bicyclists must comply with traffic signals and posted signs, ride with the flow of traffic, indicate turns and remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

Drivers in cars must also obey the rules of the road and keep a look out for:

• Bicyclists
• Motorcyclists
• And pedestrians

How To Protect Yourself While Biking

While some accidents aren’t preventable, you can decrease your chance of being involved in an accident and limit the seriousness of possible injuries by taking a few precautions before you get on your bicycle.

At the The Schurmer Firm, we encourage you to:

• Follow the rules of the road
• Wear a helmet
• Wear bright colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night to make it easier for drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists to see you.
• Use both a head and tail light to help see road conditions at night and to help drivers see you and more accurately judge your position on the road and your distance from them.

How Do Bike Accidents Happen?

Unfortunately, people don’t always follow the rules of the road, and as a result, accidents between bicyclists and cars happen frequently. As more people turn to bicycles as a way to get healthy, reduce their carbon foot print or minimize their use of cars and public transportation, the number of accidents between bicycles and cars has increased.

Whether the driver of an automobile opens a door directly in a cyclist’s path, turns right across the cyclist’s lane of travel because the biker was in a blind spot or the driver is simply inattentive in countless other scenarios the cyclist often will end up with very serious injuries.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Accidents?

The human body simply isn’t made to withstand a direct collision with a car or truck. As a result, these accidents lead to serious injuries that may include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Injuries requiring skin grafts
• Head injuries
• Death

Obtaining the proper medical care is your most important responsibility after an accident.

What Compensation Is Available in Bike Accidents?

Recognizing that there is no way to turn back the clock and avoid an accident, our court system provides financial compensation to accident victims.

After a bicycle v. auto accident you may be entitled to compensation for a number of items including:

• The repair or replacement of your property including your bicycle, helmet, lights and other equipment
• Your medical expenses related to the accident
• Any time you missed from work as a result of the injuries you suffered in the accident
• Pain and suffering as a result of the accident and your injuries

At The Schurmer Firm we understand that no amount of money can make up for the injuries you have suffered. However, we are committed to working with you to maximize your recovery and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Ensuring you receive adequate compensation may include exploring a claim against your UM/UIM insurance.

Insurance in Bicycle Accidents

One thing you may not realize is that if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may pay for your medical care and/or time missed from work as a result of the accident.

It is one situation where car insurance may come into play even though you are not driving your car. By contacting one of the attorneys at The Schurmer Firm you can explore your insurance coverage and see if this option is appropriate for your case.

As a result of all of the nuances involved in handling a bicycle v. auto accident case, it is extremely important to hire an experienced and talented attorney to handle your case.

At The Schurmer Firm we have over 20 years of personal injury experience and would love to help you. Please call us today for a free, no obligation consultation, whether you are in Oxnard or Ventura.