Bicycle Accidents

The attorneys at Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP are experienced in recovering compensation in all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims, including bicycle accidents and collisions with motor vehicles on the streets of Santa Barbara and neighboring communities in Ventura and San Luis Obispo.

Vulnerable Riders and Bicycle Accidents

As with motorcycle accidents, the main causes of bicycle accidents most often appear to be driver negligence, rider error, and road faults. Although the cyclist is riding considerably slower than the biker - and the force of any impact should therefore be less - there are many aspects of the bicycle which make it even more dangerous to the rider than a motorcycle.

Due to the smaller size and lighter weight of the bicycle compared to the motorcycle, a cyclist is even more exposed and susceptible to serious injury or death from a collision with a larger, heavier motor vehicle. A bicycle is also much quieter and much less visible than a motorcycle. Finally, the handling limitations and sensitivity to road faults is much more magnified with a bicycle than a motorcycle.

Safe and prudent driving requires that automobile drivers consider the bicycle's limitations and vulnerability when maneuvering around them. When one car quickly and aggressively passes a cyclist, it is unlikely that the next car behind is yet aware of the bicycle and may not have sufficient time to react and avoid a collision.

Cyclists, meanwhile, are subject to all the rules of the road applicable to motor vehicles with whom they share the road. Bicycle riders are cautioned to ride with care and would do well to remember their vulnerable position on the road. Safe riding for the cyclist includes taking precautions to be visible to others on the road, to signal intentions in advance, and to ride as predictably as possible, notwithstanding the existence of hazards and other road emergencies requiring immediate evasive action.

Serious Injuries, Serious Results

Our track record of successful results includes recovering $202,500 for a bicyclist who suffered a broken leg after being struck by an automobile driving on the wrong side of the road. With thirty years of experience handling personal injury cases in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties, our lawyers know how to investigate and accident and prepare a case that is calculated to bring the most value in a settlement or jury verdict. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident because of the negligent or reckless driving of another, contact Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP for a free consultation.