Were You Injured While Riding A Bicycle?
Bicyclists have specific rights under state and local laws, and many communities are implementing dedicated bike lanes for Northern California’s increasing community of riders. It is the responsibility of every motorist to be aware of and respect the rights of bicyclists. When they fail to do so and accidents happen, victims have the right to seek full and fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, be sure that you have an experienced attorney representing you from the outset. At The Weinberger Law Firm, we represent riders in a variety of bicycle accident claims. We have a substantial background in these matters, and we are committed to obtaining the maximum level of damages available for your case.
What damages can I be compensated for?
You can seek financial recovery for medical bills, lost wages, bicycle repair, lost future income, emotional suffering, and other accident-related losses.
One of the most important aspects of any accident claim is understanding the full extent of the victim’s injuries. We work closely with your doctors and other experts to determine the current and future impact your injuries will have and the accommodations that will need to be made for them.
We diligently seek compensation for all of your needs, including:
- Long-term medical care
- Assistive medical equipment
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Any other damages appropriate to your case
You can rely on us to do everything in our power to secure the best possible result on your behalf.
What do I do after being injured on a bicycle?
In the event that you are wrongfully injured in a bicycle accident, the first priority is your safety. The moments after an accident caused by another person’s negligence can make a difference in a case. Following an accident it is suggested that you:
- Make sure you are safe: If possible, move away from the road or bike path to a safe area.
- Involve the police: Be sure to give the officer your account of the accident and ask for the officer’s name and badge number to use in the event you want to order a copy of the police report.
- Collect evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene and document the involved party’s names and contact details.
- Call The Weinberger Law Firm to start building your case.
What if I’m injured by a hit-and-run driver?
Unfortunately, many bicyclists are injured by hit-and-run drivers. If this happens, you should immediately call the police after you received any medical attention if needed. Provide them with whatever identifying information you or witnesses can such as the description of the driver or car. Seek the advice of an attorney immediately who has experience handling hit-and-run drivers. If you lack adequate identifying information regarding the hit and run car, and the police do not track down the offender, then you can make a claim for your bodily injuries and property damage under the uninsured motorist provisions of any auto policy which insures you. Remember to act quickly if this is the case since UM policies require that you report the incident to the police within as short a time as 24 hours.
What are my rights as a bicyclist?
Bicyclists are granted every legal right as automobiles to responsibly use public roads.
What are my responsibilities as a bicyclist?
Since bicyclists have the same rights as motorists, the same comes true to responsibilities. You must obey all traffic laws, use hand signals, ride with traffic, equip yourself with the correct lights, don’t drink and ride.
Is the driver always at fault in a bicycle accident?
When a large vehicle collides with a bicyclist and causes injuries, it is often assumed that the bicyclist is the victim and the driver is the one at fault but this is not always the case. In fact, in some instances, the bicyclist may be the one that was negligent and causes the accident. Careful investigation is always important in order to support your claims that the driver was at fault.
What happens if the bicyclist causes the accident?
If you cause an accident while riding a bicycle which results in another person’s injury or property damage, the injured party may bring a claim against you to be compensated for their injuries or damages. While uninsured motorist coverage under your motor vehicle insurance policy may cover you for your injuries when someone else is at fault, there is no coverage under California motor vehicle insurance policies for another’s injuries caused by you when you are riding a bicycle. Keep in mind that unless you are 100% at fault, you are not liable for 100% of the other person’s damages and if you are injured in an accident that is at least partially the other person’s fault, you may be entitled to recover damages from the other party in proportion to their percentage of fault. Keep in mind that the California statute of limitations for property damage is generally three years whereas it is generally two years for bodily injury.
Do I need to hire an attorney if I get in an accident?
If you think you have a case, you should definitely contact an attorney. A personal injury attorney can investigate the accident and represent you in a lawsuit and get you the compensation you deserve if you experienced pain and suffering.
What if a driver didn’t actually hit me but still caused my injury?
If you can establish negligence on the part of the motorist that caused your accident, you can file a claim.
How much is my bicycle accident case worth?
The value of a bicycle claim can vary depending on factors such as:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- The costs of the medical treatment you needed for your injuries and whether you require ongoing treatment in the future
- Whether your injuries caused you to miss work and lose income
- Whether your injuries caused any long-term or permanent impairments, disfigurement, or disabilities
- The amount of physical and/or emotional suffering you experienced as a result of your injuries
An experienced attorney can review your case to determine if you have a case, what it’s worth and what is needed to prove it. Don’t wait to contact a skilled personal injury attorney.
Get A Free Consultation To Discuss Your Bike Accident Injury
Contact our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers to discuss your injury claim. We offer a free initial consultation where you can get honest answers to your questions and learn more about your legal options. You can reach us by phone at 916-304-0952 or send us an email to schedule an appointment.