Despite efforts by many bicycle organizations and government agencies, a considerable amount of work must still be done to make roads and streets safe for cyclists. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed more than 700 U.S. cyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2008. Sadly, almost 91 percent of cyclists killed in 2008 were not wearing a helmet. According to the IIHS, helmet use has been estimated to reduce the risk of head injuries by 85 percent. The IIHS also reports death among cyclists 16 and older increased 91 percent in 2008, while death among cyclists younger than 16 declined significantly in the same year. In 2009, adults between the ages of 35 and 54 represented almost 40 percent of all bicycle collision fatalities in the state, reports the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it is within your best interest to speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The San Jose bicycle accident lawyers at Estey Bomberger understand how devastating an unexpected injury can be. If the bicycle crash injury was caused by the negligent or careless actions of another, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our firm has helped clients obtain compensation for medical costs, lost wages, lost benefits, disfigurement, shortened life expectancy, and pain and suffering.

Causes of San Jose Bicycle Accidents

In most studies, driver negligence has been shown to be the most common cause of accidents involving a cyclist. Common negligent or careless actions by a motor vehicle driver, include:

• Backing out before checking mirrors
• Inattentiveness
• Aggressiveness
• Use of drugs or alcohol
• Unsafe left hand turns
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Driving through a stop sign or red light
• Overtaking the cyclist.

Faulty bike parts, such as brakes, handlebars and spokes, are also a common cause of bicycle accidents. Defective brakes, handlebars, or tires can cause a cyclist to lose control of a bike and inadvertently collide with a car, the ground or a stationary object.

Statute of Limitations

California’s statute of limitations places a time limit on filing a personal injury claim. It is important for injury victims to speak with an attorney as soon as possible following an accident. The San Jose bicycle accident attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger can advise injured victims of the time limits that apply to their case and ensure their opportunity to pursue monetary compensation from the responsible party or parties is not missed.

Protecting Victims’ Legal Rights

Following a bicycle accident, one of the most important decisions you will make is selecting a lawyer to represent your case. Defense counsels often portray cyclists as reckless individuals who do not follow traffic laws, making it more challenging to prove liability in a bicycle accident case. The San Jose injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger have many years experience representing seriously injured victims and can help to dispel any question of character. Contact our firm at (800)890-6722 to learn more information about how we can help protect your legal rights.