Posted on Wednesday, March 9th, 2016 at 10:53 pm    

Riding bicycles is an excellent form of exercise and recreation for individuals and families. Many people have started riding their bicycles to work and to run errands to reduce their transportation costs. Unfortunately, riding a bicycle can be extremely dangerous. Bicyclists have a greater risk of catastrophic injuries because they are virtually unprotected in a collision with a motor vehicle. Passengers in vehicles are protected from the impact of a collision by the vehicle’s frame; however, a bicyclists takes the full impact in a collision.

During 2013, more than 900 people lost their lives in bicycle accidents in the United States and over 494,000 people had to visit the emergency room for injuries sustained in bicycle accidents. Nearly a third of all bicycle accidents involve a motor vehicle making it the number one cause of bicycle accidents. According to a national survey of bicyclists, common causes of bicycle crashes include:

  • Collisions with motor vehicles
  • Rider error (i.e. going too fast for conditions, inexperienced riders, distracted riders, etc.)
  • Improperly maintained roads and/or roadway hazards (i.e. uneven payment, potholes, obstructions, etc.)
  • Improperly maintained equipment and/or bicycles
  • Falls
  • Improperly installed bicycle parts
  • Faulty bicycle parts

If you have been injured in a bicycle crash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries if another party is responsible for your accident. When another person causes a bicycle accident, that person should be held accountable for the damages he or she caused. Filing a bicycle accident claim is the first step in recovering financial damages if you have been injured.

Common Injuries Sustained in a Bicycle Accident

Wearing a bicycle helmet and other protective bicycle gear can reduce the severity of some bicycle injuries; however, there is nothing a rider can do to guarantee he or she will not suffer injuries in a bicycle crash. Bicyclists are at a high risk for head injury in an accident. Other common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include but are not limited to:

The amount of compensation a bicycle accident victim may receive depend on the severity and type of injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Damages in a bicycle case can be substantial due to the likelihood for serious injuries. Victims may be entitled to receive compensation for damages related to:

  • Past, present, and future medical bills and expenses
  • Past, present, and future lost wages
  • The loss of earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to the same job or earn the same income prior to the accident due to his or her injuries
  • Property damage (i.e. bicycle, clothing, helmet, safety equipment, etc.)
  • Cremation, burial, and/or funeral expenses
  • Physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
  • Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Long-term personal care and/or medical care
  • Transportation expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses related to injuries sustained in the collision

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

The first priority is your health. Seek immediate medical attention after a bicycle crash even if you do believe your injuries are minor. The second priority is to protect your right to receive compensation for your financial, physical, and emotional damages by contacting a bicycle accident attorney. Begin by contacting the bicycle accident lawyers of the Tiemann Law Firm for your free consultation with one of our Sacramento personal injury attorneys. You can contact us online, call our toll free number at (916) 999-9000, or chat with a representative on our website. Our friendly staff is here to help you as you recover from injuries caused by a negligent driver.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Lendzey Garcia
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I was in a very bad/ major car accident I originally had an attorney who wasn’t trying to help me out much or take any of my calls so I called Tiemann and told them my situation. They made it an AWESOME and Smooth transition over to them and took on both cases I had. I just settled on my big case and am beyond great full. For them and their team! I highly recommend them. To add on to this a little On how much they will work with you, I moved to Montana in the middle of all Of this and it was not an issue!

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.