Southern California’s sunny days and picturesque vistas make bicycling a popular sport and recreational activity. Being in a bicycle accident can leave an otherwise fit and active person bedridden, however. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, turn to SoCal Injury Lawyers.
We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and have a proven history of protecting the rights of injured bicycle riders. Backed by more than 15 years of experience handling personal injury claims, we have the skills and resources to help you obtain meaningful compensation. When you become our client, you can rest assured that we will always stand by you.
Damages You Can Recover in a Bicycle Accident
Although bicycle accidents can be resolved through a settlement negotiation with an insurance company, obtaining the full value of your claim can be complicated. Insurers often deny claims or attempt to pay as little as possible.
We understand the tactics insurance companies use in bicycle accident claims and know how to fight back. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to help you recover damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Ongoing medical care (rehabilitation, physical therapy)
If the driver who caused your bicycle accident was driving under the influence or speeding, you may also be entitled to punitive damages which are intended to punish the driver and deter others from engaging in similar misconduct.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Southern California
Bicycle accidents can be caused by:
- Collisions with motor vehicles
- Poor weather and road conditions
- Falls
- Collisions with other riders, fixed objects
- Ride error
Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are often caused by drivers who are unaware of their surroundings, however.
Who is Responsible for a Bicycling Accident?
All motorists in California have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and avoid causing injuries to bicyclists. In particular, drivers must always be aware of their surroundings and maintain control of their vehicles. A driver who breaches this duty can be held liable. Our bicycle accident attorneys know how to demonstrate driver negligence in bicycle accident claims. By working with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts, we will also show how the accident was the direct cause of your injuries.
Additionally, if your bicycle accident was caused by a road defect (e.g pothole, broken curb, debris), it is possible to file a municipal lawsuit against the local or state agency responsible for road maintenance. Finally, if your bicycle injury was caused by a mechanical defect, we can file a product liability lawsuit against the bicycle manufacturer or distributor.
At the same time, as a bicycle rider, you are also required to exercise reasonable care for your safety. In particular, this means that you must follow local and state traffic laws, obey traffic signals, ride on designated bike paths or lanes, not sidewalks. If there is no path or lane, ride with the direction of traffic alongside the curb. You are also required to follow safety rules in Southern California, such as wearing a helmet, using proper turn signals, having working brakes, as well as reflectors and lights during nighttime riding.
This is important because the state’s rules of comparative negligence apply to bicycle accident claims. This means that if you contributed to the bicycle accident in any way, you can still recover damages, but the amount of your award will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you.
As an example, if you were struck by a car while bicycle riding at dusk, but did not have a working light, an insurance claims adjuster or court may determine you were 30 percent at fault for your injuries. Therefore, if the number of your damages was assessed at $100,000, you will ultimately receive $70,000. The best way to minimize your liability and obtain the maximum compensation you deserve is to work with an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your bicycle accident and hold the responsible driver fully accountable. We will handle all the details of your claim, including filing all court papers and any dealings with the insurance company, so that you can focus on recovering from your bicycle accident injury.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Being in a bicycle accident can result in injuries ranging from minor scrapes, cuts, and bruises to life-threatening injuries such as paralysis, brain injury or loss of limbs. Other common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash
- Wrist, collar-bone and hip fractures
- Arm and leg fractures
- Head injuries (e.g. concussion, skull fracture)
- Spinal cord injuries
Given the lasting repercussions of bicycle accidents, we believe injury victims deserve just compensation. We will do everything in our power to make sure that you are treated fairly and that any settlement considers all your future medical and financial needs. If the insurer refuses to pay the full value of your claim, our trial lawyers know their way around the courtroom and will win you every dollar you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Southern California Bicycle Accident Lawyers
SoCal Injury Lawyers is committed to keeping the roads of Southern California safe for bicycle enthusiasts and holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you need the informed representation and dependable service we provide. Contact our office today so we can get started on your bicycle accident claim.