Cyclists in California face unique risks on the road, and when accidents happen, the results can be devastating. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s essential to have a skilled attorney on your side.
At Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we specialize in helping injured cyclists navigate the legal process, secure fair compensation, and hold negligent parties accountable.
How a Hillstone California Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help
At Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping cyclists injured in accidents recover compensation. Here’s how we assist our clients:
- Free case evaluations: We offer a no-cost consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
- Accident investigation: Our team conducts thorough investigations to determine liability and gather evidence.
- Insurance negotiations: We handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
- Litigation and trial experience: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys have the experience to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
Our firm’s approach is aggressive and results-driven, ensuring that we secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California
Bicycles share the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles, making cyclists vulnerable to collisions. Several factors commonly lead to bicycle accidents, including:
- Distracted driving: Motorists distracted by their phones or other activities may fail to see cyclists, especially when they are in blind spots or merging into traffic. This is a major cause of bicycle accidents and can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Failure to yield: Drivers may not yield to bicycles at intersections, leading to dangerous crashes. Cyclists have the right of way at intersections, and drivers must be aware of their presence and yield accordingly.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and broken pavement can cause a cyclist to lose control and be involved in an accident. These road hazards can be especially dangerous for cyclists who are riding in low-light conditions or on wet or icy roads.
- Dooring accidents: A driver opening a car door without checking for approaching cyclists is a frequent cause of injury. Cyclists may not have enough time to react or avoid a collision when a door is suddenly opened in their path.
- Driver negligence: Speeding, reckless driving, or ignoring traffic signals can result in serious harm to cyclists. These dangerous driving behaviors increase the risk of accidents and can have devastating consequences for cyclists.
- Unsafe lane changes or turns: Motorists making abrupt or illegal lane changes often don’t see bicycles, leading to collisions. Cyclists are vulnerable to being struck by cars that change lanes without signaling or checking for other vehicles, including bicycles.
Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial, as it impacts who can be held liable and what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Even with safety measures like helmets and protective gear, cyclists remain vulnerable to severe injuries in accidents involving motor vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet.
- Broken bones: Fractures, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs, are common in high-impact collisions. The severity of bone fractures can vary widely, from simple hairline cracks to complex compound fractures that may require surgery.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spine can result in paralysis or long-term disability. The location of the spinal cord injury determines the extent of the paralysis, ranging from partial loss of function to complete paralysis.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the lungs or kidneys, may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. Internal bleeding, organ rupture, and other internal injuries can require immediate medical attention and surgery.
- Cuts and bruises: Road rash, deep lacerations, and severe bruising are typical in bicycle crashes. These injuries can become infected if not properly cleaned and treated, so it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent complications.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Seeking compensation can help cover these significant costs.
California Bicycle Laws and Cyclist Rights
California law grants cyclists the right to share the road with other vehicles. Understanding these laws can be key to determining fault and pursuing compensation after an accident.
- Cyclists’ rights to the road: Bicycles are entitled to the same rights as motor vehicles in most situations.
- Helmet laws: California requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets, but helmets are recommended for all riders to prevent head injuries.
- Legal obligations of motorists: Drivers must exercise caution around cyclists, including yielding the right of way and avoiding dangerous maneuvers.
- Liability in accidents: If a motorist violates a cyclist’s rights or drives negligently, they can be held liable for the accident.
Knowing these laws can strengthen your case when seeking compensation for injuries and damages.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, taking the right steps can help protect your legal rights and improve your chances of securing fair compensation. These steps not only prioritize your health but also set a strong foundation for your legal case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a bicycle accident. Delayed treatment can worsen existing injuries or lead to new complications.
A healthcare professional can assess your condition, provide appropriate treatment, and document your injuries for potential legal claims.
Gather Evidence
Collecting evidence is essential for building a strong case after a bicycle accident. Take photos of the accident scene, including the damaged bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any skid marks or debris.
Document your injuries with photos as well. Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the accident, as their testimony can be valuable in court.
If possible, note down the license plate number and make of the vehicle involved.
File a Police Report
A police report provides an official record of the accident and can be crucial evidence in your legal case. Contact the local police department and report the incident, providing accurate details about the location, time, and circumstances.
Request a copy of the police report for your records.
Contact a Lawyer
Consulting with a bicycle accident lawyer is highly recommended after an accident. A lawyer from Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys can guide you through the legal process, help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
They can also advise you on your rights and potential compensation.
Preserve all Records
Documentation is essential for supporting your claim for compensation. Keep copies of all medical records related to your injuries, as well as receipts for medical expenses, lost wages, or other costs associated with the accident.
Maintain a record of all communications with insurance companies, including letters, emails, and phone calls. This documentation can be valuable evidence in your case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
After a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work, as well as potential future earnings lost due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for damage to your bicycle and other personal belongings.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
Each case is unique, and we work diligently to maximize the compensation our clients receive.
Why Choose Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys?
Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys has a well-established reputation for assisting injured cyclists in California. Clients choose us for their cases due to our extensive experience, in-depth knowledge of local traffic laws and court systems, personalized attention, contingency fee structure, and proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts.
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling bicycle accident claims, ensuring that they are well-versed in the complexities of these cases. Additionally, our familiarity with California’s traffic laws and the local court systems allows us to navigate the legal process efficiently and effectively.
We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we strive to provide personalized attention to each case. We keep our clients informed throughout the process and are dedicated to protecting their best interests.
Furthermore, our contingency fee arrangement means that clients pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for them. This ensures that financial concerns do not hinder access to justice.
With a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts, Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys is committed to fighting for injured cyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable.
Call Our California Bicycle Accident Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to take action. Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys are here to provide expert legal assistance and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today by calling (855) 604-4641 . The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong case.
