SANTA CLARITA BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Some of the most common bicycle accidents in Santa Clarita, CA include:

1. Intersection Collisions: Accidents occurring at intersections are common, especially when vehicles fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, make sudden turns, or run red lights.
2. Dooring Accidents: These accidents happen when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens their door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision.
3. Right Hook: A right hook occurs when a motor vehicle makes a right turn in front of a cyclist traveling in the same direction, cutting them off and causing a collision.
4. Left Cross: A left cross happens when a motor vehicle making a left turn at an intersection or driveway fails to yield to an oncoming cyclist traveling straight, resulting in a collision.
5. Rear-End Collisions: In some cases, cyclists may be rear-ended by motor vehicles, especially at intersections or in congested traffic.

​To prevent bicycle versus motor vehicle accidents, both cyclists and motorists can take several precautions:

1. Follow Traffic Laws: Cyclists should obey traffic signals, signs, and lane markings, just like motor vehicles. This includes stopping at red lights, yielding at stop signs, and signaling turns.
2. Visibility: Cyclists should make themselves as visible as possible to motorists by wearing bright or reflective clothing, using front and rear lights, and installing reflectors on their bikes.
3. Stay Alert: Both cyclists and motorists should stay alert and aware of their surroundings, looking out for each other and anticipating potential hazards.
4. Avoid Distractions: Cyclists and motorists should avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio while on the road.
5. Use Bike Lanes and Paths: Cyclists should use designated bike lanes and paths whenever possible to separate themselves from motor vehicle traffic.
6. Practice Defensive Cycling/Driving: Cyclists should assume that motorists may not see them and take defensive measures to avoid potential collisions. Similarly, motorists should be aware of cyclists and give them plenty of space when passing or turning.

Common bicycle accident injuries involving motor vehicles can include:

1. Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures are common in bicycle accidents, especially when cyclists are not wearing helmets.
2. Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries to the limbs are common due to the impact of the collision.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe bicycle accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
4. Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from the collision can cause internal injuries to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen.
5. Road Rash: Cyclists may suffer abrasions, lacerations, and skin injuries, commonly known as road rash, from sliding along the pavement during a collision.
6. Facial Injuries: Facial fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries can occur due to impact with the ground or objects during a collision.

To reduce the risk of these injuries, cyclists should always wear appropriate safety gear, including helmets, and motorists should drive cautiously and be mindful of sharing the road with cyclists. Additionally, both cyclists and motorists should adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution at intersections and other areas where accidents commonly occur.
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​If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Santa Clarita, CA, you should do the best you can to take pictures, note road conditions, and note any property damage. Take photos of everything as this information can be helpful later in your case. Try to also get names and addresses of witnesses nearby if possible.  Make sure you consult with a Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer who can help guide you and answer questions.

​Most importantly though, seek medical attention immediately. Serious injuries are common in bicycle accidents. Oftentimes, a helmet or safety pad isn't enough to protect someone from serious injury. If you are going to allege injury, seeking medical assistance will also bolster your claim for injury.

If you've been injured in a bike accident, you can recover compensation.  Generally, such compensation includes:
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• Medical expenses as a direct result of your injuries
• Loss of wages due to the accident
• Future loss of wages, if reasonably ascertainable
• Damages for pain and suffering (sometimes called "general" damages)

In some cases, the bicyclist may be partly at fault for the accident.  This is known as "comparative" negligence. Comparative negligence is when two parties both share a percentage of the blame for an accident. A bicyclist must adhere to most of the same laws as motorists, and many times if you are partially liable for your injury then your compensation will be affected. For instance, if you are not wearing a helmet, the other party might argue that your injuries occurred because you weren't wearing a helmet. This might prevent you from obtaining complete compensation for your injuries. 

​​Santa Clarita, CA bicycle accident attorney Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

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