Woodland Hills Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are used for many purposes, such as for transportation or to get a good workout in. However, its popularity isn’t as staggering as other transportation vehicles due to its vulnerability, especially when on the road. With a large volume of cars occupying Woodland Hills roads, it can be a safety risk for bike riders, because most bicycle accidents occur due to the negligence and/or recklessness of somebody behind the wheel. While there is a set list of rules and regulations to deter those from committing acts of negligence, it can still happen when you least expect it.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of bicycle injury lawyers are ready to take on your case and fight for you. We are a personal injury laws firm with over 20 years of legal experience, and as a result of our dedication, our compassionate team of attorneys handle every brain injury case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. No matter what kind of bicycle injury you have sustained in an accident, our attorneys are confident that they can get you the compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients and we will continue to do our duty and fight for their best interests. Whether you have sustained brain injuries in an accident involving multiple parties or got into an accident due to someone’s negligence, our talented team of attorneys take pride in representing accident victims and making sure that they are made whole. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our legal team is available 24/7 to answer them in full detail.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE case evaluation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Common Injuries in a Woodland Bicycle Accident

When it comes to the most common injuries found in bicycle accidents, brain and spinal cord injuries are the leading types due to the high likelihood of injuring your head and back. While the severity of the injury will be dependent on the nature of the accident, it can potentially become one of the most expensive medical bills you see. With that in mind, it is important to understand the risks involved in each type to serve as a point of reference for those who need to represent themselves in court.

Brain Injury

Brain injuries are when a person receives a blow to the head and the impact force has damaged the brain in the process. Depending on the severity of the injury, brain injuries are potentially some of the most catastrophic injuries a person could suffer as it can result in a loss of motor functions and cognitive decline. Should bicycle riders become diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury then it may impact their ability to ride a bike again. Which is why, it is important to seek a bicycle accident attorney to recover damages, because the associated costs of recovering from a brain injury is extremely costly.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is referred to as damage to the spine or to the bundle of nerves located within. Due to the spine’s limited ability to absorb impact, any damage to the spinal cord can be temporary or permanent. While the severity of a spinal cord injury will be dependent on the nature of the accident, the associated costs of medical bills, medical care, and physical therapy to treat a spinal cord injury is significantly high. As a result, it is highly recommended for accident victims to file a bicycle accident case with an attorney to recover damages and to ensure your chances of recovering from the accident.

Bicycle Insurance Policy

In California, it is not required for a bicyclist to get insurance. However, if you ride your bicycle often, then it is recommended to get it, because most bicycle insurance policies include coverage for things such as:

• Medical expenses
• Bicycle damage coverage
• Coverage for theft
• Rental reimbursement
• Liability protection
• Transit protection
• Protection for at-fault accidents and pedestrian accidents
• Roadside assistance

While this will be dependent on your bicycle insurance provider, it is useful especially if you get into a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle driver or a negligent bike rider. In fact, if you get into an accident, a bicycle accident attorney will be able to assist you through the process of filing a personal injury claim against the party at-fault for any injuries or damages they caused. While bicycle insurance is something not a lot of people realize is an option, it is highly recommended to find a policy that best suits your needs and prepares you for any accident that may occur.

Role of a Bicycle Accident Attorney

By hiring a bicycle accident attorney, injured victims are able to access all of their knowledge and expertise should you decide to file a personal injury claim. In addition, they will do everything in their power to ensure your odds of winning your case and receiving just compensation for your injuries.

For instance, a bicycle accident attorney can help collect evidence in a thorough investigation, negotiate with the at-fault parties’ insurance company and attorney on your behalf, and can even give you legal advice on what your next move should be. While you can file a claim on your own, the chances to collect compensation that is fair and just goes down significantly compared to when you hire an attorney who specializes in these matters.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in California

If you have become involved in a bicycle accident, it is important that you stay calm and carefully assess the situation. Should you or anyone else involved be critically injured, it is imperative that you call 911 and have first responders take control of the situation. If nobody requires medical assistance, then it is important that you document the accident by taking photos, videos, and even gathering witness statements and police reports.

Once you have gathered the necessary information, exchange contact information with everyone involved and once you have completed everything it is highly recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney about your case. From there, they will be able to handle your case to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident and sustained serious injuries, then you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. As filing personal injury claims can be a difficult and confusing process especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system, it is imperative that you hire a bicycle accident lawyer who is well versed in the California court system and is experienced in negotiating with the insurance company.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of experienced bicycle accident attorneys are ready to take on your case and serve as your personal representative in this endeavor. We are a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases and with over 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your damages.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to fight for them and watch out for their best interests. As our attorneys understand how stressful being involved in an accident can be, they handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. Whether you were injured by reckless drivers or suffered injuries from negligent motorists, our team of attorneys will be there every step of the way to address any questions or concerns that may arise in your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation for your case, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Accidents in Woodland Hills

How Much Compensation for a Bike Accident?

The awarded compensation in a bike accident will vary on the severity and scale of the accident. For example, if the victim has suffered significant injuries and trauma such as a severe brain injury then they can be awarded anywhere within the six to seven figure range in order to cover the associated costs for treatment and surgery. However, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced attorney to get a proper estimation for recoverable damages.

Who Is Usually at Fault if a Bicycle Is Involved in an Accident?

Typically, motor vehicle drivers are often at fault for accidents involving a bicycle because drivers have a duty of care to follow and any negligence or recklessness can potentially result in a tragic accident. While bicycle riders can be at fault for their actions, however, there needs to be proof to support these claims. However, if the fault is shared between the two parties, then according to California Civil Code 1431.2 the awarded compensation will be altered to properly reflect the amount of liability for each party.

Can Bicyclists Take up the Whole Lane?

Bicycle riders can take up the whole lane if they need to avoid any road hazards or if the road width is too insufficient for side-by-side sharing with motor vehicles. However, bicycle riders do need to be mindful of the cars behind them to unintentionally slow down traffic. Should a driver cause an accident when a bike rider is taking up a whole lane then they can be held liable for their actions.