Bicycle Accidents

Protecting Yourself from Common Cycling Accidents

What are some of the common ways that cyclists are injured in motor vehicle accidents? Let’s consider some of the most dangerous scenarios so you can potentially avoid serious harm.

• When drivers are making a left-hand turn – When a driver turns left, they cross through oncoming traffic. Drivers are often focused on other motor vehicles. Therefore, they may fail to notice a bicycle. This is especially true if you are riding on the sidewalk instead of on the road. Remember that the sidewalk is for pedestrians, and watch out for drivers making left-hand turns in front of you when you cross an intersection.
• When drivers are making a right-hand turn – If a car passes you on the left as you approach an intersection, always be wary of them making a sudden right turn, even if they are not using their signal light. It is also essential to be cautious if you are going straight at a stoplight after waiting for it to turn green. If the car sitting next to you was also waiting and wants to make a right turn, let them go first in case they don’t see you.
• When a car door suddenly opens – This usually happens when you are riding past a row of vehicles that are parked. The driver is probably looking for oncoming cars before they swing the door open but may miss a bicycle. Try to give parked cars a little extra space.

If You Have Been Injured in a Cycling Accident in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm has the experienced personal injury attorneys that you want on your side when trying to get a fair settlement from an insurance company. Contact us today at 619.344.0360 to learn what we can do for you.

Don’t Be Duped By Myths Related to Bicycle Accidents

If you have been struck and injured by a car while riding your bike, you may be eligible for compensation from the driver’s insurance. Since California is a tort state, the amount of compensation you are due is related to who was at fault. With that in mind, don’t fall for these myths regarding bicycle accidents.

• Myth: Bicycle accidents are usually the cyclist’s fault – This is not necessarily true. Each accident has its own facts, and many car accidents involving bicycles are related to driver distraction rather than an indiscretion on the part of the cyclist.
• Myth: If you are partially to blame, you get nothing – In California, fault can be apportioned to each driver or cyclist in the accident. A percentage is assigned to determine who should be held accountable. So even if you bear some of the fault for the accident, you should still receive compensation for a percentage of your losses.
• Myth: Bicycles belong on the sidewalk – Not only is this not true, but it is also dangerous to ride on the sidewalk. You would be at fault if you were to injure a pedestrian. When there is no bicycle lane, you should be riding on the street and following normal traffic laws.

San Diego’s Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Petrov Law Firm has the experienced personal injury attorneys to assist you after a bicycle accident injury. Get in touch today by giving us a call at 619.344.0360, and find out how we can help you to maximize your settlement.

5 Tips to Help You Cycle Safely in California

Do you love to ride your bicycle in the beautiful southern California weather? It is essential to know how to share the road with drivers in order to protect yourself. Here are some tips for safe cycling based on existing state laws in California.

1. Stay to the right – Unless you are making a left-hand turn, are traveling at the same speed as traffic, or are passing another cyclist, you should stay as far to the right side of the road as possible.
2. Use the bike lane – You should always signal, by hand or with lights if you have them, when leaving the bike lane.
3. Wear your helmet – It’s the law if you are under 18, but it is a necessary safety precaution for everyone.
4. Stop for pedestrians – This is especially true when it comes to crosswalks. Remember that bicycles basically have to follow the same traffic laws as anyone driving a car.
5. Use sufficient lighting – This is especially true at night. Know the state requirements, but don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. The more visible you are to drivers, the better.

Getting Help if You Have Been Injured in a Cycling Accident

If you have been injured by a driver in southern California, the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help. We are experienced at helping cyclists to receive the settlement they deserve from an insurance company following an accident that leads to injury. Call us today at 619.344.0360 to get your case started right away.

Shocking Bicycle Injury and Fatality Statistics in California

In the United States, an average of more than 700 people die in bicycle accidents each year. California makes up a disproportionate amount of those fatalities, averaging 144 per year. Those numbers tell a shocking tale, and we’re going to add some more statistics that reveal a concern in the state for cyclists.

• Over 11,000 cyclists were injured in California in 2017.
• Los Angeles County is the deadliest for cyclists in California. San Diego County is third in the state.
• The same is true with non-fatal injuries, with Los Angeles County leading the way and San Diego third. Between the years of 2007 and 2013, more than 6,000 cyclists were injured in San Diego County alone.
• Statistics show that it becomes the most dangerous for cyclists after dark.
• Nationally, more cyclist fatalities occur in urban areas than rural areas. The largest amount of fatalities occur on major roads.
• Most fatalities occur in males over the age of 20. In fact, males 50 and over comprise the highest demographic for fatal cycling accidents in California.
• Many cyclist deaths involve alcohol. More fatalities involved cyclists under the influence than drivers under the influence.
• The largest percentage of cyclists who died in accidents were not wearing the proper protective equipment.

If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in a Cycling Accident

Petrov Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys can help you to receive the compensation you are due if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a cycling accident in California. Call our San Diego office today at 619.344.0360 to get the assistance you require.

Staying Safe While Riding Your Bicycle During the Pandemic

San Diego is currently under stricter health orders due to the pandemic. What does this mean if you are a cyclist? First, here are a few of the regulations you should know:

• Stay home except for essential activities – Work (if your place of employment is still open) and exercise are valid reasons to leave the house. You can even ride your bike for essential errands like grocery shopping.
• Wear a face-covering – If you are going to get within 6 feet of anyone who doesn’t live in your house with you, a mask is required. Even if you are riding in a rural area outside the city, you need to have a mask with you in case you come across another person during your ride. When you leave your bike to go into a public building or store, the mask will be necessary.
• Practice social distancing – As mentioned, try to stay 6 feet away from anyone you don’t live with.

Besides these regulations, there are usual safety requirements and recommendations like wearing a helmet or other protective gear while riding your bike. Watch out for drivers who may not see you, especially if you are only using the minimally legal amount of lighting on your bike.

Bicycle Accident Injury Specialists in San Diego

At Petrov Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys specialize in a number of specific injury situations, including bicycle riding. If you have been in an accident and experienced an injury in the San Diego area, contact us today at 619.344.0360 to learn if you may be eligible for compensation.

Two Essentials for Safe Cycling on San Diego Roadways

Riding your bicycle around the San Diego area is a great way to get some exercise. It can also help you to beat the traffic during your daily commute to work or even on a short trip to the store. However, you need to be careful out there when sharing the road with drivers. People are more distracted than ever before. How can you stay safe? Here are two essential tips to avoid accidents when sharing the road with motor vehicles.

• Make yourself as visible to drivers as possible with bicycle lights – California law does require some reflectors and lighting for all cyclists. However, if you really want to be as safe as possible, you should outfit your bike with a complete accompaniment of lights, including front and rear lighting, as well as turn signals.
• Remember that a car making a right-hand turn can be dangerous – We often think of turning to the right as the safest thing you can do in a car. And that is exactly why it becomes so dangerous for a cyclist. A driver may not be looking for someone on a bike passing in the bicycle lane while they try to make that right-hand turn. Or, they may punch it as soon as the light turns green at a stoplight without looking to see if a bike is next to them and preparing to go straight.

San Diego’s Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in an accident by a driver in the state of California, you want an experienced attorney on your side. Petrov Law Firm has just the lawyers you need to get the settlement you deserve. Call us today at 619.344.0360.

Tips for Safely Operating Your Bicycle in Southern California

There is more to safe cycling than just paying attention to drivers. Here are some of the things that a cyclist needs to pay attention to in order to protect yourself and others. There are also California state laws, so be sure you don’t end up with a citation.

• Always wear your helmet – For adults, this is strictly for safety, but for those under the age of 18, it’s the law (even if you’re just a passenger).
• Don’t use your cell phone while riding – There are no laws against this like there are when driving a car. However, you can just as easily get into an accident if you are distracted while riding your bike.
• Don’t wear headsets or earbuds – You need to be able to hear what is going on around you. For example, a driver may honk to warn you if you start to drift out of the bike lane. If you want to listen to music, that’s okay. But you can only have one earpiece in legally.
• Watch out for pedestrians – Make sure you always yield the right of way to pedestrians, especially in a crosswalk when it is the law. You also have to be on the lookout for blind pedestrians who may be using a white cane or being led by a canine.
• Don’t block pedestrian walkways when you park

Cyclist and Pedestrian Personal Injury Attorneys in San Diego

At Petrov Law Firm, we have experience representing pedestrians and cyclists when it comes to accidents and injuries. Call 619.344.0360, so we can help you to maximize the settlement you receive from the insurance company.

Tips for Safely Riding Your Bicycle in the San Diego Area

Bicycle accidents can turn deadly fast when a motor vehicle is involved. At the very least, a serious injury that requires medical attention is likely. Therefore, you want to do what you can to protect yourself. Here are a few tips that will prove beneficial for accident avoidance. Then we will let you know what to do if you have already been injured in an accident.

• Ride defensively – Your best weapon for defense is knowing where you are and realizing that drivers won’t always have that same information. While it is true that a driver should be aware of their surroundings, there are more distractions than ever before. Basically, you always have to assume that a driver doesn’t see you and ride accordingly.
• Wear reflective clothing – It also helps to have something reflective on your bike (especially since it is California law). This will serve as extra protection at night.
• Use bicycle lighting – Again, California has some legislation in this regard, but you may even want to go beyond what the law requires. Adding signal lights to go along with your hand signals may help drivers notice you.

And don’t forget to take your mask with you, while we are still dealing with this pandemic.

San Diego Attorneys to Help Accident Victims

The personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm are here to help if you have built up medical bills due to an accident. Call 619.344.0360 to speak with a compassionate attorney, and get your settlement started today.

Stay Safe While Riding Your Bicycle in Southern California

Riding your bike can be a great way to get exercise or even to beat traffic on your way to work. However, if you are riding your bike around southern California, there are a couple of things that you will want to do to improve your chances at avoiding an injury, especially when so many drivers are distracted and fail to pay attention to other drivers, let alone cyclists. Besides wearing a helmet and other protective gear, here are two more things to consider.

• Be especially careful of cars making right-hand turns – When a driver is turning right, they usually have the right of way. However, it also means crossing a bike lane in many cases. Some drivers fail to check for cyclists before turning. This can be particularly true when waiting at a red light. If you both start to go when the light changes, that would be especially dangerous.
• Proper lighting makes you visible – California law requires certain lights or reflectors on all bikes in the state. However, you can increase your visibility to drivers and improve your safety by going beyond what the law requires. Front and rear lights in the daytime and at night, along with signal lights, can help you alert drivers to your presence.

Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Southern California

If you have been injured in an accident with a motor vehicle while riding your bike, call 619.344.0360 to get in touch with the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. We help California residents get the settlements they deserve.

Tips for Drivers to Avoid Smartphone Distractions 

California drivers need to watch out for distractions. Not only can they lead to dangerous accidents, but even if you manage to avoid an accident while driving distracted, you could still get a ticket if you are breaking the law. For example, California has a number of regulations regarding smartphone use while driving. Here are some tips to help you avoid smartphone distractions while you are behind the wheel.

• Turn it off/silence your phone – If you don’t know messages or calls are coming in, you won’t be tempted to look at your phone until you reach your destination.
• Have your passenger navigate – If you need to use GPS, make sure you have the volume up so you don’t have to look at the phone. If you have a passenger, let them be the navigator.
• Use hands-free or Bluetooth – If you are 18 and over, you can still make calls in a hands-free manner. If your car has Bluetooth, this feature can allow you to reduce distraction and obey the law. If you are under 18, you can’t use a smartphone for any reason while driving, even hands-free, so don’t even bother connecting your phone to the car’s Bluetooth. Refer to the first suggestion on our list.

Car Accident Attorneys in San Diego

If you have been in an automobile accident, especially if the other driver was distracted, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact Petrov Law Firm at 619.344.0360 to get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney today.