Cyclists who are involved in an auto accident often suffer catastrophic injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and ongoing medical care.

A bicycle accident victim should consider hiring a bicycle accident attorney in the following situations:

• You have suffered serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, or spinal injuries.
• The other party was at fault for the bike accident. Typically, the driver involved is
• The driver’s insurance company is not cooperating or is offering you a low settlement.
• You have lost wages or income due to your injuries.
• You have incurred significant medical expenses and costs related to your injuries.
• You are dealing with emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering as a result of your injuries.

Personal injury cases are complex and you may not know where to start. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you calculate the true value of your damages and help you build a compelling case. At Grove Accident Lawyers, we understand that injured victims deal with physical pain, mental distress, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Our Garden Grove bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you seek compensation for all of your losses.

Most bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence. Oftentimes, drivers may not give cyclists enough room or are not looking for bike riders. Here are some of the most common causes of bike accidents:

Speeding

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards, increasing the risk of a collision with a cyclist, pedestrian, or another motorist. It can be difficult for speeding drivers to see bicycle riders, especially in poor weather conditions. Bicycle accidents that occur at higher speeds are incredibly dangerous and can be fatal. Bicycle riders don’t have any protection and can sustain severe injuries in a crash. In 2020, about 29% of all traffic fatalities were caused by speeding.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can take many forms, including:

• Talking on the phone
• Texting or using your phone
• Conversing with a passenger
• Eating or drinking
• Using your GPS
• Adjusting the radio

When drivers are distracted, it significantly increases the risk of a collision with a cyclist. In 2021, there were 3,522 traffic fatalities in accidents involving distracted drivers.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is a crime that can have deadly consequences. When drivers are drunk, they can lose control of their motor vehicles, increasing the risk of a collision. In 2020, there were 11,654 people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver.

Dooring

Dooring is illegal in California and occurs when a car door is opened or left open to oncoming traffic. A cyclist may not see the open door and may crash into it. Dooring is a common cause of bike accidents, especially in urban areas like Orange County. California law says that motorcyclists are liable in cases involving dooring.

Visibility

Cyclists can be difficult to see, especially at night and in poor weather conditions. Cyclists can improve their visibility by wearing bright clothing and adding lights to their bikes. Motorists can improve their visibility of cyclists by being aware of their surroundings and looking for cyclists before opening their doors, turning, or changing lanes.

Side-Swipping Accidents

It’s crucial for drivers to provide bicyclists with adequate room when passing. Additionally, some large vehicles or oversized trailers may extend into the bike lane, which can increase the chances of a cyclist being side-swiped by a motor vehicle.

1. Check for Injuries

After a bike accident, check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately.

2. Call 911

Call the police and wait for the authorities to arrive. The police will investigate the accident and create an official record of the accident. It’s crucial to obtain a police report. Police reports contain valuable information such as the time, date, and place of the accident, contact and insurance information of the people involved, the injuries sustained, and witness information.

3. Exchange Information

Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, and insurance information of the parties involved in the accident. It’s also important to ask witnesses for their contact information and if they are willing to provide a statement.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you are hurt, it is important to see a doctor and get a medical exam after a bike accident. Some injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, an adrenaline rush can mask the pain and severity of your injuries. It’s important to follow your prescribed treatment plan and collect your medical bills and records that pertain to your bike accident injuries. This evidence is essential to your personal injury claim.

5. Take Photos and Videos

If possible, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Ensure you document the damage to your bike and the injuries you sustained. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you obtain CCTV footage and gather evidence for your claim.

6. Get Help from a Garden Grove Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a bike accident, it’s best to consult with a Garden Grove personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with the insurance companies, and file a lawsuit on your behalf, if necessary.