Experienced Bike Accidents Attorneys Serving San Jose, CA
Helping bike accident survivors recover the compensation they deserve, since 1987.
When a driver strikes a cyclist, the cyclist will always lose. Bicycles cannot withstand the forces exerted by a much larger and more powerful vehicle; consequently, cyclists can sustain serious injuries while most drivers escape the accident unscathed.
After an accident, the cyclist can sustain serious injuries that can affect many areas of their life. In all injury cases, the bicycle accident will result in pain and suffering along with economic hardship. While financial compensation may be obtained from the at-fault driver, establishing a strong case against the driver is often challenging. To accomplish this, you’ll want a highly experienced San Jose bike accident lawyer on your side.
Following a Bike Accident, Hiring an Experienced Attorney Can Be Beneficial
Bicycle accident cases can be a fight, particularly when liability cannot be easily proven with an independent witness or a video. Fortunately, injured victims do not have to face case difficulties alone. By obtaining legal representation from a skilled bicycle accident attorney, victims can focus on their healing while an attorney pursues the case on their behalf.
For more than two decades, the litigators at Callaway & Wolf have advocated on behalf of injured bicycle accident victims. The law firm understands that after most accidents, victims face life-changing consequences, including disability, loss of quality of life, emotional trauma, and economic hardship. As a result, the attorneys at Callaway & Wolf work tirelessly to fully investigate the case, prove liability, and obtain the highest amount of compensation possible. After a bicycle accident, schedule a free initial consultation with Callaway & Wolf
Bicycle Accident Rates are a Concern for Californians
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports that in the United States, the number of traffic accidents involving cyclists has been increasing since 2009. In 2017, 783 cyclists were fatally injured in motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, the State of California has some of the highest rates of bike fatalities in the country.
Fitness cycling has become increasingly popular in California, but while many cities enforce bicycle safety, between 2016 and 2018, more cyclists lost their lives in accidents across the state than during any other three year period in the last 25 years. There are many reasons for this dramatic surge in bicycle accidents, but experts believe that an increase in the following factors has significantly contributed to the unfortunate statistics:
- The rise in driving distances and the number of drivers locally,
- The prevalence of distracted drivers, and
- The shift toward sport utility vehicles and big trucks
Furthermore, the increase in popularity of bicycle riding cannot be dismissed. With more people in cities using bikes for urban transportation, this intensifies the mix of bicycles and motor vehicles on city roads and highways.
Exacerbating Risks: A Closer Look at the Dangers of Distracted Driving
Smartphones are now a ubiquitous part of life. Unfortunately, smartphones play a significant role in the thousands of people who are injured or killed in traffic accidents caused by distracted driving every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a driver traveling at 55 mph sending or reading a text message would have traveled the length of an entire football field while distracted.
Driving while using a cellphone is illegal in the State of California. In accordance with the state’s Vehicle Code §23123.5, a person cannot operate a vehicle while in use of a handheld wireless device unless the device has been configured to allow hands-free operation.
Drivers under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from using electronic devices while driving. Still, young drivers have a higher likelihood of driving while distracted. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System found the following:
- In 2018, 25% of distracted drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents were young adults between the ages of 20 and 29.
- Drivers between 15 and 19 years were more likely to be distracted than those 20 years and older.
- In 2019, nearly 40 percent of high school students who drove in the past 30 days reported sending a text message or emailing while being behind the wheel.
- Students who reported using a cellphone were also more likely to drive after drinking alcohol.
Obtain the Support of a Committed Law Firm
Each year, thousands of bicyclists are injured while on the road. While a bicycle accident can occur for a variety of reasons, most accidents are caused by reckless driving. When a driver is distracted and this results in the injury of a cyclist, the negligent driver and/or their insurance can be held accountable for the cyclist’s injuries.
For more than two decades, the bicycle accident attorneys at Callaway & Wolf have successfully represented hundreds of injured bicycle accident victims. The lawyers at Callaway & Wolf understand that after a bicycle accident, many cyclists will sustain catastrophic injuries, including head injury, disfigurement, and possibly paralysis. As a result, the firm strives to achieve the highest amount of compensation available to their clients. To schedule a free initial consultation with Callaway & Wolf, consider calling the firm at 510-603-4988 today.
