Different cities in the US, like San Diego, are known for their growing cycling culture. However, that has also increased the number of bicycle crashes. The most fatal are the bicycle dooring crashes. Even the sightline obstruction collisions are catastrophic.
It often makes victims think about whether their lawyer can prove driver liability in such cases. The clear answer is yes. Hence, it is evident that car accident lawyers have an important role to play in such crashes. It helps victims get compensated for their loss.
How do lawyers prove negligence in bicycle dooring?
Simply put, a crash due to bicycle dooring takes place the moment a passenger or driver opens the door of the car while the bicyclists are on their way. The California Vehicle Code states that this action is illegal till it is completely secure to do so.
In such a situation, a car accident attorney gets to do the important work at the earliest. They start their examination by collating all the police reports and medical records. They also look for important statements by witnesses on the crash scene. They can also check CCTV footage to know the precise moment when the car door was opened.
Also, a car accident attorney states that it is the driver’s duty to keep an eye on the cyclist before they open the door. By working in this manner, a lawyer can ensure that the accident victim doesn’t have to face any challenges with insurance companies, which can undermine liability.
Lawyers managing sightline obstructions
A sightline obstruction takes place when big car pillars or badly designed intersections pose a hazard for cyclists. According to several studies, blocked sightlines stop the drivers from identifying approaching riders till such time it’s very late.
The lawyers work closely with the human-factor and crash reconstruction experts and establish that the sightline obstruction led to the crash. They further assess the roadway design, car model, and the behavior of the driver, and show that they need to get compensated for visibility gaps.
Additionally, car accident lawyers also put forward that the drivers failing to anticipate a blind spot can be considered as negligence, as per the California traffic law. This, along with other technical data, helps lawyers to prove that their client is innocent and should be compensated for their loss.
Finally, lawyers equip the accident data and other important statistics to make the victim’s case stronger. For instance, in San Diego itself, there are 500 bicycle crashes, all leading to injuries. Out of them, there are some that lead to minor harm, and most cause visible injuries. Car crash lawyers use such data to prove that despite the recurrence, the crashes didn’t stop. Hence, the victims should get compensated, and the legal system should address this crucial issue with stricter action.
Final words
Cities like San Diego don’t keep track of dooring crashes exclusively. However, the national studies indicate nearly 15% to 20% of cyclist-car accidents revolve around dooring. Lawyers must make use of these data to explain that crashes due to such situations pose a threat to people’s lives. That will help victims to get legal representation, which will eventually provide them with financial support in the form of a compensatory amount.