Representing Pedestrians And Bicyclists Struck By Cars
Santa Rosa Injury Lawyers Experienced in Getting the Compensation you Deserve
Many drivers have an ingrained bias against bicyclists and pedestrians. Sadly, some police officers share this bias and blame the bicyclist or pedestrian when there is an accident involving a car.
At the Law Offices of Julia J. Parranto in Santa Rosa, California, we are here to explain your rights if you have been injured in an accident while riding a bicycle or as a pedestrian.
Who Was At Fault?
Many drivers encased in four-wheeled vehicles have a tank-like mentality and expect pedestrians and bicyclists to get out of the way, even in crosswalks and designated bicycle lanes.
One of the people we represented was riding his bicycle on a dedicated bike path when a car struck him. A police officer arriving at the scene said in his report that the accident was the bicyclist's fault, even though it wasn't. We proved he was doing nothing wrong and that the driver of the car should not have turned in front of him.
When talking to police, drivers will often say that the pedestrian or bicyclist "came out of nowhere" or was walking/riding in the wrong place or the wrong side of the road. Often, the bicyclist or pedestrian is too injured to say anything. The police officer may accept the motorist's version of what happened and write it down in his/her report.
Moral: Don't count on the police report to automatically be an accurate statement of fault in an accident. Contact an experienced Santa Rosa lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and tell your side of the story. Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses who can back up your story.
Who Pays Damages?
Damages in pedestrian and bicycle accident cases are covered by the auto insurance of the responsible driver. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage may apply. The amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by the percent to which you are deemed legally responsible for the accident
FREE Consultation - Speak With A Sonoma County, California, Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case
Protect your rights if you have been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle. Call (707) 573-8868 or fill out the contact form on this website to arrange a free consultation with attorney Julia Parranto. Our law office is located in Santa Rosa in the heart of the Sonoma and Napa Valley wine region of Northern California.
