Bicycle Accident Injury Attorney

Bicyclists and the Risk of Serious Injuries

Bicycles and pedestrians have rights on the road just like all motor vehicles. California’s driving laws specify that motorists must be careful of people on bicycles, scooters and motorcycles, and treat them as if they are another car on the road. Motorists must not drive in designated bicycle lanes and motorists making right-hand turns must yield to cyclists.

If you are riding a bicycle and get struck by a car, you may suffer severe injuries. You deserve to be compensated for the harm you have suffered, including damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Work With Knowledgeable Bike Injury Attorneys

At the Ellis Helm, APC, we focus on personal injury cases and are dedicated to providing individualized attention to your bicycle injury case. We represent people throughout Southern California in a wide variety of personal injury cases, including fatal accidents and wrongful death claims.

Our lawyers are experienced in handling personal injury cases, and we take time to give you personalized care and attention. If you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, we will provide you with top-notch legal representation.

Bike Accident Legal Representation

Bike accident legal representation is crucial when you’re involved in a traffic collision while cycling. Our law firm can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, especially when dealing with insurance companies and negligent drivers. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to protect your rights, including:

Investigate the accident scene and collect crucial evidence
Handle all communication with insurance companies
Negotiate with opposing parties to secure a fair settlement
Represent you in court if a trial becomes necessary
Ensure you meet all legal deadlines and filing requirements

Understanding Your Rights

You have the right to seek compensation for damages if you’re injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence. A skilled bike injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Unlike motorcycle riders, cyclists often lack protective gear, making them more susceptible to severe injuries in collisions.

Your rights extend beyond just financial compensation; you’re also entitled to safe cycling conditions on public roads. A knowledgeable attorney can help you advocate for improved bicycle safety measures and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. By understanding your rights and working with an experienced lawyer, you can contribute to making the roads safer for all cyclists.

Filing a Bike Accident Claim

Filing a bike accident claim requires prompt action and careful documentation, especially if you’ve suffered serious injuries like traumatic brain injury or bone fractures. We will help you navigate the legal system, ensuring you meet all deadlines and requirements. We’ll also assist in calculating damages, including ongoing therapy costs, to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

Key steps in filing a bike accident claim:

Document the accident scene and gather witness information
Seek immediate medical attention and keep all records
Report the incident to law enforcement
Notify your insurance company
Consult with an experienced bike injury attorney
File the claim within the statute of limitations

Types Of Bicycle Accidents And Injuries

You face significant risks as a cyclist sharing the road with motor vehicles. When accidents occur, whether due to driver fault or hazardous road conditions, you may suffer severe injuries. Understanding the types of bicycle accidents and resulting injuries is crucial for protecting your rights and gathering essential information for potential legal claims. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and road rash. Each injury type presents unique challenges and may require specialized medical care and legal expertise to ensure you receive proper compensation.

Most bicycle accidents occur as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle under the following circumstances:

Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists
Backing out of a driveway
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Inattentive driving
Opening a car door as a cyclist rides by
Running a red light or stop sign

As you can see, drivers are almost always at fault in these cases. You shouldn’t have to pay the price for a driver’s negligence.

The types of serious injuries sustained from bicycle accidents include:

Brain injuries
Broken bones
Fractures
Head injuries
Lacerations
Nerve damage
Spinal cord damage
Sprains and soft-tissue injuries

Bike Accidents Involving Children

Learning to ride a bike is one of the most exciting milestones in childhood. Teaching children safe biking practices – such as always wearing a helmet and paying attention to traffic – is critical to protecting them from harm. However, drivers aren’t always attentive to children on bikes, resulting in collisions that can leave children with debilitating, lifelong injuries.

If your child has been injured in a bike accident, you may need to present your case to a jury. Head injuries are common in these accidents and can have long-lasting effects on a child’s development and future prospects.

In the event of an accident, you may need to negotiate a settlement to cover medical expenses and ongoing care. We will fight for fair compensation, considering both immediate and long-term needs:

Immediate medical treatment costs
Ongoing rehabilitation expenses
Potential future surgeries or therapies
Compensation for pain and suffering
Coverage for adaptive equipment if needed

Our attorneys can help you recover compensation on behalf of your child. They deserve the financial foundation for a brighter future – not only for their medical care but also for the lasting impact of the collision on all areas of their life. We can enlist the help of economic experts to value the damages your child is entitled to receive, to compensate them for both their short-term and long-term harm.

Contact Our Firm For A Free Consultation

You face significant risks as a cyclist on the road, and when accidents occur, you need skilled legal representation to protect your rights. Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case and provide expert knowledge on bicycle accident claims.

Whether you’ve suffered whiplash, broken bones, or more severe injuries, we understand the physical and emotional toll these accidents can take. We’ll guide you through the legal process, from dealing with emergency medical care to ongoing physical therapy needs.

To schedule a free initial consultation with the bike accident attorneys at the Ellis Helm, APC, reach out to us online or call 951-289-0628. We offer evening and weekend appointments upon request, as well as home and hospital visits.

Se habla español.

Resources for Safe Cyclists

You need reliable resources to protect yourself as a vulnerable cyclist on Southern California roads. Understanding bike safety tips can reduce your accident risk by a significant percentage. Knowing your legal rights as a cyclist empowers you to seek fair compensation for injuries, lost wages, and damages. Grasping liability concepts in bike accidents helps you navigate complex situations, whether you’re hit by an Uber driver or suffer a dog bite while riding. Keep our telephone number handy for immediate legal support if you’re involved in a bicycle collision.

Bike Safety Tips

You must prioritize your safety when cycling by avoiding sidewalks and using designated bike lanes whenever possible. Effective communication with other road users through hand signals and eye contact can significantly reduce your risk of accidents.

Consider purchasing liability insurance to protect yourself financially in case of an accident. If you have a disability that affects your cycling ability, seek a professional evaluation to determine any necessary accommodations or adaptive equipment to ensure your safety on the road.

Legal Rights for Cyclists

You have significant legal rights as a cyclist on Southern California roads, including the right to share the road with motor vehicles and receive fair compensation if injured due to someone else’s negligence. Statistics show that cyclists face a higher risk of severe injuries in accidents, making it crucial to understand your rights when dealing with claims adjusters and pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Your legal rights extend beyond immediate accident concerns; for instance, if you’re injured while cycling to visit a loved one in a nursing home, you may have grounds for a claim against multiple parties. Remember that all road users owe you a duty of care, and failure to uphold this responsibility can result in liability for your injuries and damages.

Understanding Liability in Bike Accidents

You face complex liability issues in bike accidents, especially when factors like drunk driving or construction zones are involved. Understanding liability is crucial for determining who bears responsibility for your injuries, whether it’s a negligent driver, a passenger who opened their car door into your path, or a construction company that failed to properly mark hazards.

Your case may involve multiple parties, such as when you’re injured while riding on a branded transportation vehicle or if you suffer a neck injury due to a poorly maintained road. Navigating these liability complexities requires expert legal guidance to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Key factors in determining liability in bike accidents:

Driver negligence, including distracted or impaired driving
Road conditions and maintenance issues
Defective bicycle or vehicle parts
Failure to yield right-of-way to cyclists
Improper signage or road markings in construction zones

Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Accident Cases

What should I do immediately after a bike accident on the road?

After a bike accident, ensure your safety first by moving to a safe location if possible. Contact the police to report the accident and gather information, including witness statements and photographs of the scene. Seek medical attention for any injuries, and then contact a bike injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and potential claims.

How do I prove negligence in a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?

To prove negligence in a bicycle accident lawsuit, you must show that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty by acting negligently (e.g., distracted driving or driving under the influence), and caused your injuries as a result. Collecting evidence such as traffic collision reports, witness testimonies, and medical records can strengthen your case.

What types of compensation can I receive from a bicycle accident lawsuit?

In a bicycle accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and punitive damages. An experienced attorney can help you determine the full extent of your damages and advocate for your rights.

How long do I have to file a bike accident claim in California?

The statute of limitations for filing a bike accident claim in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances can affect this timeframe, so it’s important to consult with a bike injury lawyer promptly to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

What evidence is important in a bicycle accident case?

Important evidence in a bicycle accident case includes police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene and injuries, medical records, and any available video footage, such as from dashcams or traffic cameras. This evidence can help establish fault and the extent of your damages.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A bike injury lawyer can help you navigate this complex area of law.

How can a bike injury lawyer help me with my case?

A bike injury lawyer can help you by providing legal advice, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. Their experience and knowledge of bicycle accident laws can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.

GET COMPENSATED 951-528-0641