Valencia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A bicycle accident can result in life-altering changes, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Navigating the challenges presented can feel like a lot to take in on your own, especially if you are trying to focus on your recovery. But, seeking assistance from a solidified law firm can help simplify the legal process.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Valencia bicycle accident lawyers have over 20 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. We understand local rules and regulations, allowing us to effectively advocate for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. As a result of our expertise and dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty and fight for our clients. 

No matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, our 24/7 legal team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case. Bicycle accident claims are not easy and can prove to be difficult to handle on your own, but with WCTL on your side, you can focus on recovering while we represent your best interests and get you the justice you rightfully deserve.

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.

What Is the Leading Contributing Factor for Bicycle-Related Crashes?

Driver negligence is the leading contributing factor for the majority of bicycle accidents. Based on the most recent data provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a total of 1,084 bicyclists were killed in collisions with motor vehicles. To break it down even further, the data revealed that 83% of these cases occurred in urban areas, 64% of these deaths took place on major roads not including interstates and freeways, and 31% of these accidents happened on minor roads.

To some people’s surprise, reckless decisions made by cyclists is another huge issue that has led to such collisions. For instance, the IIHS reported that among bicyclists ages 16 and older who were killed, 21% of them had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08 percent. Additionally, road conditions are another issue that can trigger a bike accident. Certain factors, like potholes or debris, can make it difficult for a cyclist to safely navigate themselves. And may influence them to perform dangerous actions to avoid interacting with harmful obstacles.

Given the circumstances, the government entity in charge of the area may face legal repercussions if they were informed about the issue prior to the incident and failed to address it in a timely manner.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Bicycle Accident?

Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users since they have little to no protection available to defend themselves against harsh impact. Bodily harm will differ in each case. But typically, bicyclists will sustain severe conditions, especially if they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle.

Common bicycle accident injuries include the following:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

What Should I Do if Someone Hits Me on My Bike?

After a bicycle accident, following the steps sectioned below will better your recovery process and increase your ability to seek compensation for any damages you have suffered.

Contact 911

If you notice any injuries or damages at the accident scene, you should contact 911. The police will arrive and conduct a written report and paramedics will also show up to provide medical attention to those who have been harmed. 

Exchange Information

Try to exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with all parties involved. This will not only allow you to keep in contact with all parties after the initial accident, but it can also speed up the process when filing a claim for insurance purposes or should you wish to file a personal injury claim. 

Seek Medical Attention

Receiving medical attention after a bicycle accident is crucial. In some cases, you may experience bodily damage that is not immediately apparent, and may worsen over time, especially if it is left untreated. Seeking care can also help prevent complications from arising. Each visit, medical prescription, or surgical procedure you undergo will be noted in your files, in which you can request a copy to use as evidence in your personal injury claim.

Be sure to do this in a timely manner. Failing to do so can give the defendant multiple arguments, like:

• The injury was not as serious as you made it out to be
• The injury was caused by another factor

Collect Evidence

Collecting evidence is essential for supporting your bike accident claim. Here’s a list of what you should focus on gathering:

• Photos of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness information
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Consult with a Valencia Bicycle Accident Attorney

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Valencia bicycle accident attorneys will review the information provided and investigate the situation to find helpful evidence to support your claim. We will also negotiate with insurance companies to make sure you are not being taken advantage of, ensuring you receive fair compensation for the losses you incurred.

Bicycle Laws in California

As cyclists are prone to sustain serious injuries in a bike accident due to lack of protection, there are a number of laws that have been implemented in order to lessen the likelihood of an accident from occurring. While these laws are designed to protect those who have been involved in an accident, they are also set to deter any reckless or negligent behavior. Should anyone be caught violating these laws, they will not only be held liable for causing an accident, but they may also be issued a series of tickets and fines. 

• CVC 21212: Minors are required to wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
• CVC 21650.1: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
• CVC 21208: Bicycle users will need to ride on a bike lane if available, except when overtaking other cyclists or drivers, turning, or avoiding hazardous conditions.
• CVC 21200: Bike riders are required to comply with traffic laws the same way as motor vehicle drivers.
• CVC 21200.5: You cannot ride a bike while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• CVC 21201(d): If you are going out for a ride during the evening, you must use white front lights (visible from a distance of 300 feet), a red rear reflector (visible from a distance of 500 feet), side reflectors, and a white or red reflector on the pedals (visible from the front and rear from a distance of 200 feet) to stand out more on the road.

Bike Safety Tips

Staying safe is important when traveling on a bike. To reduce the risks of an accident, it is encouraged for cyclists to do the actions listed below:

• Have on safety gear. Cyclists who wear helmets and eyewear protection are less likely to sustain serious head injuries, eye injuries, or skull fractures.
• Use bike hand signals to communicate your next move with other drivers or cyclists nearby. Be sure to maintain eye contact to ensure they understand your intentions.
• Whenever possible, ride in designated bike lanes or paths.
• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing when riding at night to appear more visible to other road users.

Time Limit to File a Bicycle Accident Claim

A bicycle accident claim must be filed within two years from the date of when the incident occurred. But, the time limit may differ depending on the circumstances involved.

• Property damage: If your bicycle or other belongings were damaged, you will be given up to three years to sue. 
• Government entity: You will be granted six months to file a written notice of claim before pursuing a lawsuit.

It is important to act quickly, because if you miss the deadline, you will no longer be entitled to secure compensation. With that in mind, get as much evidence as you can and have a qualified personal injury attorney represent you to better your chances at obtaining a fair settlement.

Available Damages in a Bike Accident

Bicycle accident victims are entitled to recover several types of damages. Since these cases present unique challenges, the value of a settlement will vary. The following elements will be considered when calculating what you are owed:

• The extent of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity

To get an estimate of what you could be awarded, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the losses you incurred due to the bicycle accident. Generally, compensatory damages are given, and are categorized into: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial costs you sustained due to the bicycle accident. It is measured based on tangible losses. Common examples include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that are not easily quantified in monetary terms, like:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

What to Expect From a Valencia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When you hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, you can expect to receive quality services aimed to deliver client satisfaction. This includes the following:

• Explaining your rights and the legal process
• Gathering evidence to build a strong personal injury claim
• Identifying the at fault party
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representing you in court if your case heads to trial

Get Immediate Help From West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

Bicycle accidents are an unfortunate event that can lead to a series of injuries that can be difficult to recover from financially and physically. If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to remember that there are options that can help alleviate whatever situation you may be in. For instance, bicycle accident victims are entitled to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Valencia personal injury lawyers are readily available to assist you with your case, offering expert guidance and support to ensure you receive the best outcome possible. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience and our team of attorneys have handled a variety of cases from the simple to the complex.

As a result of our expertise and dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue our duty to fight for their rights. No matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, our 24/7 legal team is available to address any questions or concerns you have regarding your case and we will be there every step of the way to ensure you get the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we settle your lawsuit. To schedule a FREE initial consultation, you can get in touch with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our convenient online contact form.