When bicycling in Simi Valley, there’s no end to the enjoyment and excitement offered by the city’s numerous trails, roads and routes. While it’s an environmentally-friendly way of getting around Simi Valley, it can also be dangerous. Certain areas of the city are crowded and not always in good condition.
Many drivers are aggressive and in a hurry, often not noticing or caring about bicyclists until it’s too late. Because of these factors, riding a bicycle in Simi Valley can be extremely risky. It’s not uncommon to end up in the emergency room, confused about what happened.
Contact Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys Today
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be daunting, both physically and financially. Our team of skilled and devoted Simi Valley personal injury lawyers at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, APC, is ready to help you. We will help guide you through your claim and make sure you get the treatment you deserve.
We recognize the extremely challenging circumstances associated with bicycle accidents and are dedicated to delivering comprehensive and efficient legal representation for our clients. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can support you.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in Simi Valley?
Tucked away in the southeastern part of Ventura County, Simi Valley offers a wealth of options for bicyclists. However, this also means that accidents involving bicycles are also somewhat common. According to California Active Transportation Safety Information Pages (CATSIP) data, there were 212 bicycle accidents in Ventura County in 2021, three of which were fatal.
What these numbers don’t show is the often devastating nature of the injuries that these accidents can cause. Being on a bicycle offers very little protection in the event of a collision or other accident and puts the rider’s entire body at risk of injury.
Moreover, even if you take necessary precautions like wearing a helmet and following the rules of the road, accidents can still happen. When they do, they often result in the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
While these injuries are common across most bicycle accidents in Simi Valley, every accident is unique. This means that some are more severe than others and can involve a combination of the above injuries. This means extensive medical treatment and, unfortunately, bills and other damage.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Simi Valley?
Bicycle accidents in Simi Valley can happen for a variety different reasons and can strike at any time. Most of these accidents involve interactions with drivers on the road. Some drivers may behave irresponsibly or recklessly, trying to pass bicyclists without considering their safety. Even though California law maintains that bicyclists have the same right to use the road as other vehicles, not all drivers respect this.
When a driver acts irresponsibly while driving, it’s called “negligence,” and it often leads to accidents. In these cases, the negligent driver is held responsible for any harm or damage caused in the bicycle accident.
Some common causes of bicycle accidents in Simi Valley include:
- Failure to share the road
- Failure to signal when turning or pulling out from the curb
- Dooring accidents, where a car door is opened into the path of a cyclist
- Failure to yield
- Failure to give the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe passing or lane switching
- Driving under the influence
- Defective bicycles or parts
- Improperly marked bike paths and lanes
- Roadway defects, such as potholes, malfunctioning traffic signals, or faulty streetlights
No matter the cause of your bicycle accident, the first thing you should do is get to safety and check yourself for any injuries. Once you can do that, make sure to get any contact and insurance information from others involved. From there, it’s always a good idea to visit a doctor to get a more thorough examination to keep on top of any injuries. These are all important steps as you move forward.
Liability in Simi Valley Bicycle Accidents
When a bicycle accident happens in Simi Valley, determining who is responsible or liable for the accident involves looking at the specific details of what happened. In general, liability is based on negligence, which means someone didn’t take proper care and caused harm to another person.
In a bicycle accident, this could be any number of different parties, including:
- Negligent drivers – Drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care and cause an accident with a bicyclist can be held liable for the damages and injuries.
- Government entities – In some cases, if the accident occurred due to dangerous road conditions, poor maintenance, or inadequate signage on public roads, the government entity responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.
- Bicycle manufacturers or sellers – In the event the accident was caused by a defect or malfunction of the bicycle, the manufacturer or seller of the bicycle may be held accountable under the product liability laws.
- Pedestrians or other bicyclists – Depending on the specific circumstances, other parties such as pedestrians or even other bicyclists may share liability for the accident.
Determining liability in a bicycle accident requires a thorough investigation and consideration of the unique facts of the case. It’s essential to consult with our team of experienced Simi Valley bicycle accident lawyers who can assess your situation and help identify the potentially liable parties.
Legal Options After a Simi Valley Bicycle Accident
When you’ve been injured after a Simi Valley bicycle accident, you have the legal right to pursue a claim against whoever is responsible for causing the accident and your injuries. Generally speaking, you don’t need to hire a lawyer to file a claim, but it’s highly recommended that you at least speak with our team first to get a better idea of the process and what to expect.
There are two main options for pursuing legal action to recover damages: filing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. While there are advantages and drawbacks to each approach, both give you the opportunity to get much needed compensation to deal with your injuries and other damages.
The specific circumstances of your bicycle accident will determine the extent of compensation you can seek from the responsible party. However, in general, the following damages may be available to you:
- Medical expenses and related treatment costs
- Bills for physical therapy
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
Remember, every case is unique, and the best course of action will depend on the specific details of your situation. Consulting with our team of personal injury lawyers that have extensive experience in handling bicycle accident cases will help you understand what your rights are and provide you with support and guidance throughout the legal process.
Simi Valley Bicycle Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
Bicycle accidents are always unfortunate, no matter how you look at them. Riding a bicycle should be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially in a beautiful city like Simi Valley. However, it’s important to recognize that there are significant risks associated with it, many of which are beyond your control.
After you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team of Simi Valley bicycle accident lawyers at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys. We are here to assist you by handling the responsibilities of your claim and providing the crucial emotional and legal support you can trust. To schedule your free consultation with our team, simply contact us today.