Bicycle Accident Lawyers in California
Bicycle accidents can leave riders with severe injuries and losses that can impact their quality of life for years to come, even if they are wearing a helmet. Your bike accident can have long-lasting impacts, and you may not have the tools to seek compensation for your serious injuries. Worse, your insurance company may try to avoid paying for your serious bicycle accident.
When this happens, bicycle accidents lawyers in California at The King Law Firm can help you recover compensation following your bike crash. Our law firm offers guidance following bike accidents, provides information about bicycle safety, and represents our clients with the experienced California bike accident lawyer you need on your side.
The Importance of California Bicycle Accident Lawyers
When you are filing a personal injury claim for a motor vehicle or bicycle accident, getting an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side is important. That is because bicycle accident claims are complex, and any mistakes can leave you without the compensation you need for your case.
A mistake can lead to a lack of compensation. For example, you may not have evidence that the negligent driver was driving in the bike lanes, or that they opened a car door and hit you. You may also not have evidence that your injuries are connected to the accident.
Worse, without a bike accident lawyer, it is easy to accept the blame for the accident. Injured cyclists are often blamed for disobeying the California vehicle code, and without the right tools and resources, it can be difficult to fight back.
Fortunately, your serious bike accident can be handled with care, and may have a better chance at compensation when you seek out bicycle accident lawyers in California. They can review the details of your bicycle crash and help you file a personal injury claim that gets you the coverage you need.
Specialized Services for Bicycle Accident Victims
Injured bike riders may have specific needs because of the nature of their vehicle. Unlike motor vehicles, they do not have many of the same protections, such as airbags or seat belts. In fact, while the cycling community is expected to wear helmets, some may not have been. That leaves injured bicyclists dealing with severe injuries without the tools needed to recover.
Because of this, bicycle accident victims in Southern California may need specialized help with their bike accident cases. Seeking an attorney who has the tools to navigate an insurance claim and discuss traffic laws regarding bicycles is vital.
Experience in Dealing with Insurance Companies
Before filing personal injury lawsuits, you may need to discuss your case with your insurance provider. Your medical expenses and other costs may be handled by the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
Unfortunately, getting fair compensation for bicycle collisions from the insurance company may be difficult. Even if you suffered injuries that have been well documented, insurance companies in San Diego and other California cities may try to avoid paying settlements to bicycle riders. That is especially true if your recovery costs are high.
Under California law, you have a right to seek compensation when another person harms you. Fortunately, personal injury lawyers at The King Law Firm have the experience and resources needed to face insurance companies that offer lowball settlements or try to deny your case. We can help you seek a settlement through this legal process and can provide legal representation in court if the insurer denies your insurance claims.
Pursuing Compensation for Medical Expenses and Lost Wages
One of the most important aspects of personal injury claims is getting coverage for your medical bills. You may have required immediate medical attention, or you may have suffered hidden injuries that did not manifest until later. In both cases, you may be eligible for compensation.
A personal injury lawyer can be key to pursuing medical care and other expenses for many bicycle accidents. Unlike car accidents, you do not have the same protections, which means you may have suffered severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries. These can take time and effort to recover from, which means you may also need payment for time you are unable to work. Your attorney is key to gaining this compensation.
Advocating for Cyclists’ Rights
When on a bicycle, respecting cycling law in your city is important for helping to avoid serious accidents. While bicycle laws cannot prevent every accident, they can help you protect yourself and others as much as possible.
However, many people put responsibility for bike accidents solely on the bicyclist, not the car occupants. This leads to many cyclists having their rights to care and compensation abused. When you have been seriously injured in a bike accident, reach out to attorneys who understand that bicyclists are at a higher risk than other travelers and that you have a right to be on the road as well.
Representing Cyclists in Court
Representing a bicycle rider in court has specific laws and challenges that need to be considered before you enter the courtroom. If you have been injured on a bicycle, you may be expected to know all of your area’s biking laws and may be scrutinized about your helmet and safety gear.
Unfortunately, many people do not treat cyclists with the same respect they would other people on the road. Because of this, getting representation as a bicycle rider is more important than ever. Your attorney can show you were following state laws around bicycling, that you were traveling in the bike lane, and that you were injured at the accident scene.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When choosing the right bicycle accident lawyer, you typically want someone on your side who has experience with your specific type of claim. Someone who is not already familiar with bicycle law in California may struggle to provide these specific resources and tools you need for your case.
Likewise, you look for a bicycle accident lawyer with a track record of success. The right attorney should be someone who understands the law and is able to get results for their clients.
Preventing Bicycle Accidents: Education and Awareness
While you may already have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are steps that any bicyclist or driver can take to prevent bicycle accidents. Simply following traffic laws regarding bicycles can make a big difference.
For example, bicyclists should always travel in the same direction as traffic. Bicyclists are also afforded a full lane on the road, just like car drivers and motorcyclists. Splitting a lane with a bicyclist and a car can lead to dangerous or even deadly accidents.
Signaling is also vital. While you may not have light signals like a car, be sure you know the correct hand signals to indicate when you are turning or breaking. Other drivers should remain aware at all times that there is a bicycle on the road near them and that they should take extra precautions.
Legal Obligations of Motorists and Cyclists
While bicycle riders are obligated to take certain steps to protect themselves, motorists can be just as liable for causing an accident. If you drive a car, it is vital that you take the right steps to protect cyclists.
One of the most basic cycling laws that sometimes are disobeyed is driving or parking in the bike lane. That poses a huge risk to bicyclists who can more safely travel in these lanes. Likewise, if you have parked and are opening your car door into a bike lane, always look before you open your door. A car door suddenly opening does not give a bicyclist time to stop, and it can cause an accident.
California Bicycle Accident FAQ
As an injured bicycle accident victim, you may have many questions about what you can do to seek justice, help others avoid accidents, and get compensated for the suffering you have experienced. California bicycle accidents can leave you suffering and traumatized for years to come, making it difficult to overcome what happened to you.
The good news is that our attorneys have the answers you need. If you have questions about your bicycle accident case in California, do not hesitate to reach out for a bicycle accident claim consultation. We also offer a few of our most commonly asked questions below.
How much do cycling accident attorneys in California charge?
Accident attorneys in California work on a contingency fee basis. That means that the payment you provide is contingent on the success of your case. If your case is successful, you will pay a percentage of the compensation you received, not a flat rate out of pocket. If your case is unsuccessful, you do not pay anything.
What is the injury rate of bicycles?
Because bicyclists do not have the same protections as other drivers, they may suffer more serious injuries. While a helmet can protect you from a traumatic brain injury, the rest of your body may be left unprotected. Because of this, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die in bike accidents in the United States every year.
How many bicycle accidents occur each year in California?
Unfortunately, while California is one of the more bike-friendly states, dangerous bicycle accidents happen all the time, including more than 100 bicyclists dying in fatal bicycle accidents in California. While part of this is due to the fact that California is the most populated state in America, these accidents can be prevented, and some drivers who cause bicycle accidents are never brought to justice.
Do cyclists have to stop at stop signs in California?
A bicycle rider is subject to many of the same traffic laws that other motor vehicles are subject to. Likewise, certain areas of the road, like intersections, may be more dangerous regardless of vehicle, so all drivers or writers are expected to follow these laws. According to state law, if you are on a bicycle, you are still required to stop at a stop sign.
Reach Out to Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in California for Help
Riding a bike can be fun, freeing, and eco-friendly. Unfortunately, without proper care, you may find yourself in a devastating bike accident. Getting compensation and justice when this happens can be difficult, especially as many drivers do not provide the same care and respect to bicyclists.
At The King Law Firm, we understand how tough it can be to take action as a bicyclist, and we are here to provide the tools you need when you are hurt in a bike crash. That starts with a free consultation about the specifics of your case. When you are ready to learn more, reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.
If you are hurt in another type of personal injury, feel free to check out our California personal injury law teams other areas of practice.
Contact a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Injury Attorney Open 24 Hours a Day – 7 Days a Week
When you are injured in a California car accident, recovery is rarely easy. You may be suffering from severe injuries, you may be worried about time off work, and you may not have the knowledge or experience needed to defend your case in court. Fortunately, the team at The King Law Firm is here to guide you through your case and help you get the compensation you are due from the at-fault party.
When you need California car crash lawyers, do not hesitate to reach out for a free consultation with our team. We can discuss what we can do for your claim and what you can expect when you file. To learn more about our services, simply call or fill out our online contact form.