Bicycle Accident FAQs
The California bicycle accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase understand the devastating consequences victims of bicycle collisions and their families face in the aftermath of such traumatic events. Victims are often looking at mounting medical expenses, loss of wages resulting from being unable to work and other significant out-of-pocket costs such as physical and rehabilitative therapy.
For more than 35 years, our experienced California bicycle accident attorneys have helped severely injured victims and their families seek and obtain maximum compensation for their tremendous losses. If you are looking for more information about pursuing your legal rights, please call us at (800) 561-4887.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you probably have a number of questions for which you are seeking answers. Here are a few critical questions our injury lawyers often get from victims and their families.
What is my bicycle accident case worth?
In cases where a bicycle accident is caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, victims are usually entitled to financial recovery. The question we often get from clients or prospective clients is how much monetary compensation they can expect to receive after an accident occurs. This depends on a number of factors and generally speaking, the more severe your injuries, the more damages you can expect to receive.
The types of damages sought in a bicycle accident case include past, current and future medical expenses, lost income, physical pain and suffering and mental anguish. In cases where victims have suffered catastrophic injuries or lifelong disabilities, victims may also seek damages such as loss of livelihood or earning capacity and loss of life's enjoyment.
What steps should I take after a bicycle accident?
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your rights. First, be sure to file a police report and obtain a copy for your records. Get as many photos as possible from the scene of the crash. If you are injured and unable to do so, have a family member or friend take photos and gather information from the scene including contact information for all parties involved as well as eyewitnesses. Get prompt medical attention, treatment and care for your injuries.Preserve all physical evidence including your bicycle and torn or bloody clothing. Contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who will fight to protect your legal rights every step of the way.
What does California law say about the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists? What are the responsibilities of other drivers?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21200, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means that motorists should yield the right of way to bicyclists. Motorists have a responsibility to share the roadway with bicyclists. Drivers have the responsibility to consciously look out for bicyclists when they get ready to make a lane change, prepare to make a turn or enter or exit a parking lot or alley. Many California cities have bike lanes. Motorists should respect bike lanes and take every possible precaution to make sure that they don't intrude into the bike lanes.
What if I get injured by a hit-and-run driver?
Unfortunately, many bicyclists are injured by hit-and-run drivers or motorists who leave the scene of a crash without rendering aid to the victim or providing basic information such as insurance and driver's license. In such cases, it is important to contact a California bicycle accident attorney right away. If you have a license plate number, your insurance company may be able to track down the driver. If you lack any information and police have not apprehended the hit-and-run driver, you can make a claim for bodily injuries and property damage under the uninsured motorist provision of your auto insurance policy. This insures you regardless of whether you are riding a bicycle or walking, as long as you are injured by a motorist.
What if my accident occurred due to a dangerous roadway condition?
There are a number of bicycle accidents that do occur because of poor roadway maintenance or design. Our law firm has represented and won significant compensation in cases where bicycle accidents were caused by dangerous roadways. In such cases, the governmental agencies responsible for maintaining the roadway or intersection cold be held accountable for the victims' injuries and damages. Please remember that under California Government Code Section 911.2, any personal injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental agency must be filed within 18p days of the incident.
What should I do if I was injured due to a defective bicycle or bike part?
If you were injured as the result of a faulty bicycle or bike part, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer of the bike and/or the part for injuries, damages and losses. In such cases, it is crucial to preserve the bike so an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and design flaws. Do not repair your bike without first checking with your injury lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, we understand the challenges you must be facing. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and help ensure that you are fairly and fully compensated for your injuries, damages and losses. Call our experienced California bicycle accident lawyers at (800) 561-4887 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
