Cyclists in Bakersfield deal with unique safety issues, including busy roads and high-risk intersections, when riding around town.
Crash statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety report 68 bicyclists injured and killed in accidents in Bakersfield in a single year. Kern County reported 124 bicyclist injuries and deaths the same year.
If biking around Bakersfield results in a serious accident, you have legal options in terms of making a financial recovery.
Schedule Your Free Bicycle Accident Case Review Now Online or Call 661-402-8934.
The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers can help you using decades of experience handling bicycle accident cases in California. Our specialized legal representation for injured cyclists can achieve the case results you deserve.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents in Bakersfield
Bicycling is common in Bakersfield, with many recreational cyclists, delivery bikers and workers commuting on bikes. Unfortunately, cycling in the city can come with real accident and injury risks, especially in congested areas or roads without bicycle lanes.
Leading types of bicycle accidents in Bakersfield include:
- Dooring incidents (drivers opening car doors into cyclists)
- Right hook accidents (vehicles turning right across cyclist path)
- Left cross collisions (vehicles turning left into oncoming cyclists)
- Rear-end collisions
- Intersection and crosswalk accidents
- Road hazard and poor maintenance incidents
- Hit-and-run bicycle accidents
- Accidents due to distracted or impaired driving
After any type of bicycle accident in Kern County, it is important to discuss your legal options with an experienced Bakersfield personal injury attorney, as you may be entitled to financial compensation from a driver’s insurance company or another source.
Bicycle Accident Injuries Common in Bakersfield Cases
Bicyclists and pedestrians in Bakersfield are known as the most vulnerable road users because they are at the highest risk of suffering severe injuries in traffic accidents. Cyclists often do not have much – or any – protection from harm in accidents. This can result in serious and life-threatening injuries.
Common types of bicyclist injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (even with helmet use)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Road rash and soft-tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Fatal injuries in severe cases
No matter what type of diagnosis you receive from a doctor after a bicycle accident in Bakersfield, the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers can help you seek fair financial compensation. We also handle wrongful death cases in the aftermath of fatal bike accidents.
California Bicycle Laws and Cyclist Rights in Bakersfield
Motor vehicle drivers in Bakersfield can make many mistakes behind the wheel that ultimately result in harmful bicycle accidents. One of the most common examples is violating California’s bicycle laws and cyclist rights.
Under California Vehicle Code § 21200, bicyclists have all the same rights as motor vehicle drivers. This includes the right to ride in the road, take up a full lane when needed and expect at least three feet of space from motor vehicles at all times. Motor vehicle drivers must yield the right-of-way to cyclists, when applicable.
Only bicyclists under the age of 18 are legally required to wear helmets in California, although older riders are strongly encouraged to do so. Infringing on a cyclist’s rights increases the odds of a collision. If there is evidence of a driver breaching a state or local traffic code, this can be used to prove fault in a bicycle accident claim.
Determining Liability in Bakersfield Bicycle Accidents
Since California is a fault state, you must determine who is at fault for your bicycle accident before you can file a claim with this party’s insurance provider. While many bicycle accident cases in Bakersfield involve driver negligence, or the failure to operate a motor vehicle with proper care and attention, a driver may not be your only option for holding someone liable (financially responsible).
If an investigation of your accident finds that the road contained a defect that contributed to the crash, such as a pothole, this could give you the right to hold the Bakersfield city government responsible for failing to maintain safe roadways for cyclists. Other possibilities include a manufacturer for bicycle product liability issues and a business or corporation for the mistakes of an on-duty driver.
Compensation Available for Injured Bakersfield Cyclists
After a bicycle accident in Bakersfield is thoroughly investigated to determine who can be held liable, you or your attorney can file a claim with one or multiple insurance companies. Settlement negotiations or case litigation at trial, if necessary, could result in a financial award that helps you move forward from the traumatic event.
You may be eligible for the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses (emergency and ongoing care)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Bicycle and equipment replacement costs
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional trauma compensation
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Permanent disability considerations
- Wrongful death damages for fatal accidents
Collecting fair financial compensation for your injuries and losses after a bicycle accident in Bakersfield can be difficult. You may encounter legal issues such as an uninsured or underinsured motorist, health insurance subrogation concerns, insurance coverage disputes, and an insurer undervaluing your claim. A skilled bike accident attorney can help you navigate these challenges.
Why You Need a Specialized Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Attorney
Hiring a specialized bicycle accident attorney in Bakersfield to handle your claim can be an important step in your recovery journey. The right attorney will know exactly how to navigate your claim, including tackling the unique challenges and nuances involved in these cases.
To find the ideal attorney for you, look for experience in this practice area and a track record of success. Your lawyer should have knowledge of California’s bicycle-specific laws, an understanding of the unique dynamics behind bicycle accidents, relationships with bicycle experts and medical professionals, and familiarity with the Kern County courts.
Request a Free Case Review at Jacoby & Meyers After a Bicycle Accident in Bakersfield
Time is not on your side as a bicycle accident victim in Bakersfield, California. State law only gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For this reason and to ensure that important evidence is still available, you should act quickly to contact an attorney about a potential claim.
Request a free case evaluation at Jacoby & Meyers to get answers to your legal questions and personalized advice. We are committed to advocating for Bakersfield’s cycling community. Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee if you don’t make a financial recovery for your bicycle accident. Call us at (661) 402-8934 today to schedule your free case review.