Can I Sue for a Bicycle Crash in California?
California is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, and there are few better ways to enjoy this natural splendor than by riding a bike. When you are on your bike, you are exposed to the elements in a unique way. You can feel the air on your face, you can smell the scent of trees, and you can hear the birds without the roar of an engine. However, exposure to the elements also comes with a significant amount of risk. The fact that you have no protective “shell” means that even slight impacts from cars can cause devastating injuries. The sad truth is that cyclists are injured or killed on a regular basis in California. But can you really sue for a bicycle crash in California?
Cyclists in Uproar After Chef Dies on Dangerous Cycling Trail
Most people assume that when negligence causes a bike fatality, motorists are to blame. But that is not always the case. On October 25, 2022, it was reported that a popular chef had died after taking his bike down a trail in Sonoma County. Cyclists had been complaining about the dangerous nature of this trail for years prior. The victim died when he struck a bollard on the trail at high speed, with the cause of death being ruled “blunt force trauma to the chest.”
Cyclists had been complaining about the bollards constantly, pointing out that they were a serious danger. In the wake of this fatality, many other cyclists stepped forward and admitted that they had also been injured by the bollards in the past. The uproar was so intense that Healdsburg Vice Mayor Ariel Kelley was forced to call for the bollards to be removed. In the end, a compromise was reached – with the municipal government painting the bollards bright yellow and adding reflective tape.
However, many cyclists are still not satisfied, and they point out that the real danger is the fact that these bollards are made from solid metal that can easily cause serious injury or death. These cyclists will likely be unsatisfied until the bollards are completely removed. Will this end in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family members of the famous chef?
It is probably too early to tell – although similar lawsuits have certainly been filed due to dangerous or misleading signage, posts, and things of that nature. It is also worth highlighting that cyclists had been complaining about the bollards prior to the accident, which clearly shows that the local municipality was aware of the danger and yet did nothing to address the issue. This represents a classic basis for legal action.
Serious Bicycle Crash Reported in Malibu
On October 28th, Biking in LA reported that there had been a serious bike accident in Malibu, causing LA County Sheriffs to close down the roadway for two hours. The article notes that these road closures are rarely necessary unless there has been a fatality or a critical injury. The accident also involved a vehicle transport carrier, and a heavy truck of this nature would obviously cause serious damage to any cyclist that found themselves in its path. The article also pointed out that famous singer and songwriter Finneas Eilish (the brother of Billie Eilish) had crashed his eBike, shattering his elbow and breaking his collarbone in the process.
Ex-University Coach Killed in Bike Crash
On October 28th, another report showed that a former water polo coach at Stanford was killed in a bike crash. The accident occurred in Stanford, and it involved the cyclist colliding with a street sweeper that was parked on the shoulder. The 80-year-old likely died on impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. The fact that the street sweeper was parked on the shoulder suggests that negligence is unlikely, and perhaps the cyclist was simply going too fast before losing control. However, the street sweeper might have been parked illegally – perhaps in a position that partially obstructed a bike lane. Whatever the case, many Stanford students and professors are mourning this loss, as the coach played a vital role in the school’s athletic department – leading the water polo team to eight NCAA championships.
Clovis Community College Professor Dies After Bike Accident
On October 2, 2022, it was reported that a community college professor was killed after riding her bike in Fresno County. The accident occurred when a vehicle attempted to swerve around a curve in the road. This maneuver caused the vehicle to impact the cyclist, who was heading in the opposite direction. The highway patrol notes that the cyclist had no time to react, and the head-on collision resulted in critical, fatal injuries. She was wearing a helmet at the time.
While the authorities were quick to note that the driver of the car was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is unclear whether they were speeding. Due to the fact that the driver impacted the cyclist head-on, it may be that they negotiated the curve in the road in a slightly reckless manner. The authorities quickly began an investigation into the matter, and a personal injury lawsuit will likely result from this.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Accident Attorney in California?
Cyclists deserve just as much justice as motorists. One of the best ways to pursue accountability is to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a bicycle accident attorney in California. If you have been searching for legal professionals, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs in the Golden State, and we know full well how serious bike accidents can be. Whether you have suffered injuries yourself or you are seeking justice on behalf of a deceased family member, we can guide you toward a positive resolution. Book your consultation today to seek compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and much more.
