Today, Californians continue to lead the nation in fitness and exercise, and riding a bicycle is one way to stay healthy. Cycling is not only a great way to get around; it’s good for the environment and easy on the wallet. Sharing the road with motorists, however, can be dangerous and bicycle accidents can result in serious and even fatal injuries.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you deserve just compensation. The bicycle accident attorneys at J&Y help injured cyclists in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Francisco County, Sacramento County, and all of California.
Recent Bicycle Accident Settlements
The Los Angeles-based personal injury attorneys of J&Y have a history of getting favorable settlements for their clients. Recently J&Y Law won a settlement for a bicycle accident victim in Los Angeles for $1.5 million dollars.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (877) 735-7035
Common Reasons for Bicycle Accidents
According to the CDC, over 130,000 bicyclists are injured in bicycle accidents that occur on roads in the U.S. every year. Many motorists tend to be unaware of cyclists around them and are careless when making turns or when speeding up or slowing down. Although the car may not see any damage, a bicyclist can suffer extreme physical injuries and emotional trauma following a bicycle accident. Here are a few common reasons for bicycle accidents in Los Angeles & San Diego:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running red lights
If you were involved in a bicycle accident with an automobile, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Contact our bicycle accident attorneys to schedule a consultation.
Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (877) 735-7035
What should you do after a bicycle accident in California?
After being involved in an accident involving a bicycle in the state of California, you should consider taking the following steps to protect yourself both medically and legally.
Immediate Steps
- Check for Injuries: Assess your condition and that of others involved. If someone is seriously injured, call emergency services immediately.
- Move to Safety: If possible, move out of the roadway to avoid further danger. Take your bicycle with you.
- Contact Authorities: Dial 911 to report the accident. Having a police report is crucial for legal and insurance purposes.
- Document the Scene: Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, any other vehicles involved, and the surrounding area.
- Collect Information: Get names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved, including witnesses.
Medical Attention
- Immediate Medical Care: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked out by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Follow-Up: Keep all medical appointments and adhere to all medical advice.
Legal Steps
- Consult an Attorney: Especially if you’ve been injured or if liability is contested, consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury or bicycle accident cases such as J&Y Law.
- Notify Insurance: Contact your own insurance provider and the insurance company of any other parties involved in the accident.
- Keep Records: Maintain a file with all accident-related documents, such as the police report, medical bills, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Compensation: If you’re seeking compensation for damages or injuries, your attorney will guide you through the legal process, which may involve negotiations with insurance companies or litigation.
Other Considerations
- California Laws: California has specific laws concerning bicycle accidents. For instance, cyclists are generally required to follow the same laws as drivers of motor vehicles.
- Helmet Laws: California law requires anyone under 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. If you are an adult, wearing a helmet is optional but recommended.
Future Prevention
- Bicycle Maintenance: Make sure your bicycle is in good working order.
- Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear.
- Road Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and obey all traffic laws to minimize the risk of future accidents.
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Who is at Fault in a Bicycle Accident?
The experienced attorneys at J&Y know that determining liability depends upon whether the driver was negligent in operating the vehicle and caused the accident. In some cases, the cyclist’s negligence may have contributed to the accident. We can help to identify all the factors in an accident to determine who is at fault or the degree to which each party is at fault, and who is financially responsible.
In California, bicycle accidents are often determined by state and local traffic laws. Both drivers and cyclists must obey these laws and both have a duty to exercise a reasonable amount of care to avoid injuring others. An injured cyclist who pursues a lawsuit to recover damages arising from an accident with an automobile must be able to demonstrate that the driver was negligent. Evidence of negligence includes speeding, running a stop sign, and drifting into a bike lane. A driver who is cited for a traffic violation when the accident occurred may also be deemed negligent.
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J&Y Handles Bicycle Accident Cases In Los Angeles
At the law firm of J&Y, our experienced bicycle accident attorneys know that each case has a unique set of circumstances. If the automobile driver is not cited for a violation, which constitutes “negligence per se,” then proving your case may come down to eyewitness testimony and other critical evidence. We will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, identify and interview witnesses, and review police reports to determine whether there is other evidence of the driver’s negligence.
We will negotiate with the insurance company, and if necessary litigate to ensure that you do not suffer financial harm following a bicycle accident. Our objective is to ensure that you obtain the compensation that you deserve. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, call the office of J&Y at (877) 735-7035 or fill out our online contact form and speak to a bicycle accident lawyer today.
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