Legal Representation After a Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death
Bicycling is very popular in Southern California‚ and riders are protected under the law. In fact‚ bicyclists have gained enough road presence in the state for Governor Jerry Brown to sign a “3 Foot Rule‚” legally requiring motorists to stay at least 36 inches away from a bike when passing it. Despite this law and others protecting bike riders‚ the state annually leads the nation in cycling deaths‚ proving that many drivers act negligently and carelessly around bicyclists. With the average car weighing two tons and the bicycle providing little protection for its rider‚ chances of sustaining a fatal injury exist for all cyclists. If you’ve lost a loved one in a bicycle accident‚ do not hesitate to contact the experienced San Diego wrongful death attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers. Call (888) 233-5020 for a free case evaluation.
What Are The Most Common Bicycle-Car Collisions?
The most common fatal bike accident scenario‚ is a vehicle traveling the same direction as a bicyclist‚ and hitting them from behind. Other common bicycle-car accidents include:
- Left Hand Turn Collisions – California vehicular law states that all drivers attempting a left-hand turn must first check for and yield to vehicles coming from the opposite direction‚ including bicycles. Unfortunately‚ there are moments when the driver does not see a bicyclist coming and crashes into them while turning left.
- Sideswipe Collision – Motorists are expected to give bicyclists three feet of space while passing. However‚ some impatient motorists attempt risky passes‚ which can lead to a sideswipe collision or the bicyclist getting run off the road.
- Dooring – On many streets‚ the bicycle lane is adjacent to the parking lane without much space in between. In this type of accident‚ a motorist forgets to check for bicyclists before exiting their parked vehicle‚ which leads to the unlucky bicyclist colliding into the door.
- Intersection Collisions – A motorist may fail to stop at an intersection‚ or fail to yield to a crossing bicyclist‚ causing an injurious or even fatal collision.
What to Do If Your Loved One Is Involved in a Fatal Bike Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s death is never easy. You may be at a loss for what steps to take or who to contact regarding whether you have grounds for a wrongful death claim. An experienced San Diego bike accident attorney can answer any questions you may have about how to proceed. In cases where driver negligence is involved‚ families of fatal bike accident victims can seek compensation for damages that include medical expenses‚ funeral costs‚ lost future income‚ and loss of love and companionship. You don’t have to go through such a difficult time alone. Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers will handle your case with care and compassion‚ while aggressively pursuing compensation on your behalf. Contact our San Diego personal injury lawyers at (888) 233-5020 or (619) 233-5020 for a free consultation.