CALIFORNIA BICYCLE ATTORNEY

Bicycle Accident Litigation

Whether as recreation, exercise, or transportation, for many California residents, bicycling is a way of life. However, as the roads become crowded with motorists and bicyclist, accidents occur when motorists fail to share the road or drive with caution when passing cyclists. In a car versus bike accident, it is typically the bicyclist who suffers the most serious injuries.

Some fact about bicycling injuries include:

• Emergency rooms see about 540,000 bicyclists each year
• In California, bicycle accidents result in over 100 deaths each year
• 10 to 15 percent of cyclists reporting injuries have brain injuries
• Two–thirds of bicycling deaths are due to traumatic brain injury
• Between 45 and 88 per cent of cyclists' brain injuries could be prevented by a helmet

Types of injuries from bicycle accidents include broken bones, brain injuries, closed head trauma and wrongful death.

By following some simple safety tips, you can reduce your risk of serious injury. These include:

• Wearing a helmet whenever bicycling
• Obeying the rules of the road, including all traffic signals
• Looking out for cars at driveways, cross streets and parking places
• Yielding to pedestrians
• Never riding "double," i.e. carrying another person on your handle bars or seat
• Using appropriate hand signals
• Maintaining your bicycle in good condition

For more information regarding the operation and use of bicycles and equipment requirements, please see California Vehicle Code (CVC) 231 and 21200-21205, 21208, 21210-21212, 21650.1, 21960, 22111, 23330, 27400, 39002, 23111 and 23112.

Further, many communities have local ordinances regarding bicycling regulations, licensing and registration. Contact your local police department for more information.

California personal injury attorney Frederick J. Sette is a bicycling enthusiast and bicycling rights advocate. If you have been injured in a bicycling accident, or have questions regarding bicycling law, please contact the Law Offices of Frederick J. Sette. He has successfully represented thousands of accident victims throughout California and will work aggressively with you to obtain the compensation you deserve.