Santa Barbara Bicycle Accident Attorney

Written by: Tyrone J. Maho

Santa Barbara County is a beautiful place to live and enjoy the fresh air. In this part of California, there are many cycling enthusiasts. Unfortunately, with more bicycle riders, there are also more bicycle accidents.

If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident in Santa Barbara, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney at Maho | Prentice, LLP. Our personal injury law firm has attorneys with 50 years of combined legal experience to help fight for your fair compensation.

While bicycle riders are more common in California today, so too are distractions on the road. When a car driver fails to pay attention, bicyclists pay the ultimate price with severe injuries and fatalities. The legal team at Maho | Prentice, LLP will work tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Why Bicycle Accidents Happen

In bicycle accident claims, these are the most common reasons why accidents occur:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of many accidents. Motorists who text while driving or don’t watch their surroundings are much more likely to cause a bike accident.

Ignoring the Buffer Zone

A new bicycle law states that motorists must keep a buffer of three feet between their vehicles and bicyclists when passing them on the road while traveling in the same direction. In the event that not enough space is available, drivers must slow down to pass safely according to this California law.

All too often, we see accident victims who suffer from injuries because a negligent driver did not obey the law. If you were injured in a bike accident, contact an attorney at Maho | Prentice, LLP to discuss your case.

Speeding

Motor vehicle operators that speed endanger everyone, especially bicyclists. For someone riding a bicycle, even a collision at a relatively low speed, such as the kind posted in a residential neighborhood, can lead to serious injuries.

Weaving Through Traffic

A bike-car collision is more likely when drivers weave in and out of traffic lanes. These negligent drivers are less likely to see cyclists on the road, and often drift into bike lanes, leaving injured riders in their wake.

Unsafe Lane Changes

A driver doesn’t need to be speeding to cause injury to a cyclist. Simply failing to exercise prudence when changing lanes can injure someone on a bicycle in a split second.

Failing to Obey Traffic Laws

When someone driving a motor vehicle fails to obey traffic signals or runs through a stop sign, it can lead to disaster for those on bicycles. If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, let Maho | Prentice, LLP help you prove driver negligence and get compensation.

Drunk or Drowsy Driving

People who break the law by driving under the influence put everyone in danger, especially those on bicycles. While drunk driving is reckless and negligent behavior, so is drowsy driving. Not having adequate sleep can impair the ability to make smart decisions in time, leading to deadly consequences.

If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, contact Maho | Prentice, LLP in Santa Barbara today to speak with an attorney about your claim.

Potential Bicycle Accident Injuries 

When cyclists are struck by motor vehicles, the injuries have the potential to be catastrophic. The impact of passenger cars and trucks that weigh several tons or more can easily cause a fatality.

The most common bicycle accident injuries include head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, scarring, lacerations, internal bleeding, and loss of limbs. Even if the rider is wearing a helmet, larger vehicles can inflict life-altering injuries. With head injuries in particular, you may be unable to work and have lost wages, medical bills, property damages, and other economic damages, all while undergoing expensive medical care.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in California

In the years 2016 to 2018, there were more bicycle fatalities from motor vehicles in California than any other span of three years in the last 25 years. Traffic accidents in this time period caused 455 cyclist deaths.

While not every bicycle accident results in a fatality, the statistics are alarming since they reveal a trend that those on bicycles are in increasing danger. Since 2010, there has been an increase of more than 60% in bicyclists killed every year.

There are more vehicles than ever before on the roads today. Additionally, there are more distractions, such as texting or using phones while eyes should be on the road.

Who Is Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

Determining who is at fault for accidents involving bicycles will have a direct impact on the settlement offered by the insurance company. In Santa Barbara, the insurance company covering the at-fault driver will often try to place the blame on the cyclist.

Since California is a pure comparative fault state, even if you were partly to blame for your Santa Barbara bicycle accident, you may still receive a portion of the compensation. It helps to hire an attorney with extensive experience in these types of legal matters. Contact Maho | Prentice, LLP to discuss your case.

Why You Need to Consult a Lawyer in Santa Barbara, California

If you were injured in an accident while riding your bicycle, choosing an attorney is a smart move. You’ll have a long road to recovery ahead, and the legal team at Maho | Prentice, LLP will work on your behalf to resolve your case.

Your medical bills and other damages can be compensated by the at-fault party. Your serious injuries can keep you out of work for a long time, resulting in lost income while you contend with high healthcare costs.

The car driver may attempt to deny fault or even blame you for the accident. Additionally, insurance companies will usually offer settlements in a much lower amount than required to cover the debts resulting from the accident you didn’t cause. Most victims underestimate the losses from an accident like this, thinking that the property damage done to a bicycle isn’t all that great. Compensation is due for medical expenses, income loss, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other economic and non-economic damages.Only a Santa Barbara personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether or not a settlement offer is sufficient to cover all your losses. Maho | Prentice, LLP knows the legal process inside and out relative to California law. Let us be there for you in your time of need. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the particulars of your case.