San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorney

   Bicyclists are seriously injured or killed on over 10% of auto collisions each year. Bicyclists are often hard to see amidst large cars and trucks, practically invisible to motorists. Careless drivers may not see bicyclists, resulting in a serious crash with critical injuries. Negligent motorists are the cause of over one-third of bicycle accidents—the other two-thirds are caused by weather, unsafe roads, and even pedestrians.

   Bicyclists seem to never be treated as equally as motorists in an accident. Compared to motorists in their 3,000-pound automobiles, bicyclists ride practically unprotected. Bicyclists are completely vulnerable to serious injury in an accident, despite a layer of clothing, sturdy shoes, and a helmet. Crash-tested steel cases protect motorists as bicyclists hit the hard pavement like rag dolls. Even more alarming: children make up half of all reported serious bicycle accidents.

   In many cases, bicyclists are left with the short end of the stick. Statistically, insurance companies pay out less to bicyclists than they do motorists. Motorists may receive 40% more in an accident claim than bicyclists. Due to the serious legal issues surrounding bicycle accident cases, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced and aggressive serious bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible, if you have been victimized in such an incident.

   If you have been involved in a serious bicycle accident, it is encouraged to follow the below steps:

• Call the police as soon as possible. In most cases, it will also be necessary to request emergency medical personnel to come to the scene of the accident.
• If able, scout the scene for how many individuals require medical attention. Tell the police and/or paramedics.
• Exchange contact information with all parties involved in the accident. This will include name, address, contact numbers, driver’s license number, license plate number (if applicable), insurance provider, and insurance policy number.
• If there were any witnesses, try to get statements about what they saw. Be sure to get names and contact numbers for each.
• Take notes on what happened: what was the traffic like? What direction where involved vehicles traveling? What was their speed? What was the weather like? Were there many pedestrians? Take note son traffic lights, signs, speeding, road condition, and other potential roadside distractions. If possible, take pictures of the scene, vehicular damage, and injuries. Make multiple copies of these for your lawyer and personal records.
• Be sure to give a full report of the incident to the police, and avoid pointing blame. Leave that to the attorneys.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible. Keep detailed records, including prognosis, treatment, therapy, medication costs, and mileage to and from the medical center.
• Contact and obtain an experienced serious bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.