Torrance Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycling takes many forms, from child’s play to athletic training to courier service and commuting. Bicyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road as drivers of motorized vehicles do. However, these precautions are often not enough to prevent crashes caused by road conditions, collisions with other vehicles, and collisions with pedestrians, scooter operators and other vehicles.
When bicycle accidents happen, bicyclists are often badly hurt no matter how the incidents occur. Without a vehicle body to protect them, they are typically thrown from their bicycles with devastating results. Besides medical care, injured bicyclists need legal counsel as soon as possible. At KRA Legal, PC, we represent injured bicyclists in ways that are most likely to bring about the outcomes they need: compensation for serious injuries.
Common Causes Of Bicycle Accident In California
Explanations for how bicycle accidents happened often consist of one or more of the following:
- Car doors opening when bicycles are passing parked cars
- Speeding by motorists and/or bicyclists
- Confusion in connection with turns
- Right-of-way errors
- Motorists’ driving too close behind bicycles
- Distracted driving or bicycling, sometimes involving cellphone use by motorists and/or earphone use by bicyclists
- Drunk driving or driving or bicycling under the influence of drugs
If you are the injured bicyclists, you may be able to recover some compensation even if you were deemed partially at fault.
Can You Receive Compensation For A Bicycle Accident If You Were Not Wearing A Helmet?
Yes, but California is a comparative negligence state. That may mean that claims adjusters and/or a judge and jury will assign a portion of the blame for the injuries to you, the bicyclist.
Does Car Insurance Cover Bike Accidents?
If you were struck by a vehicle, you will likely be able to recover compensation through the driver’s car insurance. If it was a hit-and-run accident or the driver is uninsured or underinsured, the uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage from your own auto insurance or that of someone you live with may cover your injuries.
What Rights Do Bicyclists Have In California?
Like motorists, bicyclists must follow the law on Southern California roadways, but they also have several important rights. These include:
- An equal right to use and ride on most streets and roadways, just like motorists
- The right to safe and unobstructed bike lane use where such lanes are available
- A right to be free from negligent injuries caused by motorists, other cyclists and even pedestrians
If these rights are violated and you suffer injuries in a bicycle accident, you may have legal recourse to hold the responsible party accountable and obtain compensation.
Who Is At Fault In A Car-Bike Accident?
Determining fault in a car-bike accident can be complex and usually depends on various factors. In general, the fault is determined by evaluating the actions of all involved parties leading up to the accident.
If the motorist was speeding, distracted or violated traffic laws, they might be found responsible. In cases where the bicycle accident occurred due to a vehicle operator’s drug or alcohol impairment, they will likely carry fault.
When fault for an accident is shared, the compensation awarded to the injured cyclist may be reduced by the percentage of fault. This means your compensation amount will be decreased if you are found partially responsible for the crash.
What Are Common Injuries Caused By Bike Accidents?
Unfortunately, accidents involving bicyclists can result in an array of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. Common examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: From mild concussions to severe brain damage, these injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive and physical abilities.
- Catastrophic injuries: These include spinal cord injuries, paralysis and severe fractures that can lead to permanent disability.
- Emotional distress: The psychological impact of a bike crash can introduce chronic anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In many situations, the consequences of these bicycle accidents can result in substantial medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries and rehabilitation. Filing a personal injury claim along with your bicycle accident claim can yield a range of financial damages that help to address medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If injured in a Southern California bicycle accident, it is essential to seek legal advice, especially with severe or catastrophic injuries. Our lawyers can explain your legal rights and help you determine your options for pursuing compensation.
The Importance Of Bicycle Accident Lawyers’ Investigations
Thorough reviews of the following types of evidence, we do our diligence as bicycle accident lawyers
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports
- Surveillance camera footage
- Observations, photos, measurements and descriptions of the scene of the accident
- Emergency medical technician (EMT) reports
No matter what we find or how we find it, our accident reconstruction serves a very important purpose. A detailed narrative of a bicycle accident, along with visuals, will make a large difference in settlement negotiations or trial proceedings.
As we review the facts about your bicycle wreck, we will look closely at any special issues, such as the following:
- The bicycle accident was a hit-and-run collision involving a car that has not been identified.
- The injured bicyclist may need to pursue compensation through their own auto insurance or that of a member of their household.
- Injuries are catastrophic, with costs exceeding available insurance coverage.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may be available and necessary to cover the true costs of the bicyclists’ injuries.
- The responsible insurance company or companies balk at paying and insist that the bicyclist was at least partially at fault.
With more than 20 combined years of experience, our personal injury lawyers are ready to tackle any difficult aspects of your bicycle injury case in the Los Angeles area.
Contact A California Personal Injury Attorney
Get on the road back to physical and financial health with the full force of the compensation you deserve after someone knocked over your bicycle, injuring you severely. Initial consultations are free, and we represent injured bicyclists on a contingency basis. This approach puts us squarely on the same side as the injured bicyclist in settlement negotiations or courtroom arguments.
To schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney from KRA Legal, PC, in Torrance, California, call us at 310-774-4260 or send an email inquiry.