Cycling is More Dangerous than Ever in California

Many people enjoy riding bikes on California’s many picturesque roads, but this mode of travel is seemingly becoming increasingly dangerous with each passing week. Recently, numerous cyclists have faced a wide range of hazards in the Golden State. These include reckless drivers – some of whom have committed intentional vehicular assault against cyclists. Other incidents involve serious defects allowed by bike manufacturers, and these accidents can be just as deadly. If you have experienced one of these bike accidents in California, you might be wondering whether you can pursue compensation.

Rad Power Sued After Front Bike Wheel Randomly Comes Loose

In September of 2023, it was reported that Rad Bikes had been sued by a customer who sustained serious injuries while using their products. The California-based e-bike company is famous for its RadRunner model, which the plaintiff purchased in 2021. About a year later, the plaintiff was riding the bike and was forced to slam on the brakes to avoid a car. For whatever reason, this caused the front wheel of the bike to “disengage.” In seconds, the plaintiff was allegedly thrown over the handlebars. He states that he saw the front wheel flying through the air as he was flipping toward the ground.

His injuries were severe. In total, he suffered five broken ribs and a broken clavicle, causing him to spend two nights in hospital and a further six weeks in rehab. In an effort to cover his medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages, the plaintiff decided to file a product liability claim against Rad Power. His attorneys believe that the company was aware of “obvious defects” for many years, and yet they did nothing to address these issues. In addition, they point out that the company marketed the bike as a “family-friendly” mode of travel. This is not the first time the company has been sued, and they are currently fighting another lawsuit involving the death of a 12-year-old girl.

The defect in question seems to be a “quick-release system” that allows for easier removal of wheels for transport. The plaintiffs alleged that it is this system that causes issues such as brake failure or complete disengagement of the wheel. Furthermore, the plaintiffs claim that there is little point to this feature since the bike itself is already too heavy for most people to carry without the wheels.

Shimano Forced to Recall 680,000 Bikes

Although e-bike defects make plenty of headlines, a standard bike can also have many hazards. This was made clear when the CPSC announced that Shimano had been forced to recall 680,000 bikes due to faulty cranksets. This apparatus is made up of one or more sprockets that connect the pedals to the chain. Apparently, these crank parts have the potential to separate and break, causing a serious crash hazard for anyone who attempts to ride these bikes. While a faulty crankset might not seem like a big deal, the statistics tell a different story.

Apparently, there have been over 4,500 accidents directly related to the faulty cranksets, and these accidents have led to a wide range of injuries. There are reports of broken bones, joint displacements, lacerations, and other issues. The CPSC is urging anyone with the affected bikes to return their cranksets for free replacements.

Cyclist Dead after Being Intentionally Struck by Driver

In September of 2023, it was reported that a cyclist was struck and killed by a driver in Huntington Beach. While this is not altogether uncommon, the fact that this was an intentional act of vehicular homicide made headlines across the nation. The driver in question is a teenager, and he was immediately taken into custody after the attack. In addition to the deceased cyclist, three additional cyclists were injured due to this string of hit-and-runs.

Police describe a series of “aggressive sideswiping” incidents, one of which apparently targeted a 70-year-old man. It was this elderly individual who lost his life despite paramedics’ best efforts. The driver was eventually located, arrested, and charged with homicide and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in San Francisco?

If you have been searching for a personal injury attorney in San Francisco, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs, including those who have been harmed while riding bikes. Whether you were injured due to a reckless driver or a defective bike, it may be possible to pursue compensation for your damages. This compensation may be crucial in covering your medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and much more. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.