As you deal with the consequences of a bicycle accident in Anaheim, you’re likely facing a range of pain and medical bills. You didn’t ask to be injured, but now you’re left to manage the repercussions of an accident that wasn’t your fault.
When a negligent motorist hits you or a dangerous bike path causes a crash, you deserve compensation for your hardships. Our bicycle accident lawyers serving Anaheim can investigate the crash and work to hold the liable parties accountable for the damages you have suffered.
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has been protecting the rights of injured accident victims in California since 2016. Learn how our personal injury lawyers serving Anaheim can help with your bike crash case when you call for a free consultation.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Bike Accident
In Anaheim, bicycle accidents often involve insurance companies, creating additional obstacles to seeking compensation. You may need to deal with insurance adjusters who try to downplay your injuries or deny liability.
An insurer may pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement that is far below what your case is really worth. They might even attempt to tell you there is no need to talk to a lawyer. These are tactics that work in their favor, not yours.
When you understand the process and get help from our bicycle accident attorneys serving Anaheim, you may have a better chance of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. Do not let insurance companies intimidate you.
Benefits of Working With Our Legal Team
Filing a claim after a bike crash means going up against insurers who have attorneys working to make sure they come out on top. Our Anaheim bicycle accident attorneys can level the playing field.
- We will investigate your crash and collect evidence such as dashcam footage and police reports that show what happened in your accident.
- Our team will work to identify every party who played a role in the crash and may bear responsibility for what happened to you.
- We handle all communication with insurance adjusters so you are not pressured into a low settlement.
- Our attorney will calculate the full value of your claim based on what the crash actually cost you.
- If needed, we will bring in medical and accident reconstruction experts who can prove how the crash happened and how it hurt you.
- Our bicycle accident attorneys serving Anaheim will negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement that fully accounts for your damages.
- If insurers will not make a reasonable offer, we will take your case to trial.
Our team works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees when we take your case and owe no fees until we win. We’ll take our fees as a prearranged percentage of your settlement or award, not out of your pocket. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Unfortunately, some motorists don’t understand the importance of sharing the road with bicyclists. You might find that the accident was due to distracted driving or because of reckless driving, such as speeding or running a red light.
Fatigued and Distracted Driver Errors
Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of crashes since drivers who are tired find it difficult to remain focused and to react quickly. Texting while driving can be just as dangerous as entering bike lanes or crossing the road without looking up from their phones.
As a cyclist, you can’t control what others do behind the wheel, but you can take steps to protect yourself. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident due to someone else’s distracted driving, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Our experienced attorneys will fight to secure a favorable outcome in your personal injury case.
Reckless Road Behavior
This kind of behavior involves breaking traffic rules, failing to yield when required, and driving aggressively. Unfortunately, you could also be a victim of cyclist profiling, which involves drivers forming assumptions about you based on your appearance or the type of bicycle you are riding.
It’s important to reduce the risk of an accident by observing good road etiquette, which involves sticking to traffic laws, using hand signals, and being conscious of your surroundings. If you have suffered an injury in a bike accident, you should obtain legal representation from a qualified bicycle accident lawyer.
Poor Bike Maintenance
A poorly maintained bicycle can be a ticking time bomb on Anaheim’s roads, putting you and others at risk of serious injury or even death. When you hit the road on a bike that hasn’t been properly checked and maintained, you’re not just putting yourself in harm’s way but also others around you.
A basic check of bike safety can make a big difference in avoiding accidents. This involves looking over your tires, brakes, and other parts of your bike for any signs of wear and tear. It is especially important to check the chain since a worn chain may break suddenly and cause you to lose control of the bike.
By taking the time to verify your bike is in good working condition before each ride, you can substantially reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact our experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Omega Law Group to seek the compensation you need.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bike Crashes
When you’re involved in a bicycle accident, you’re at risk of suffering severe injuries that can have long-lasting effects on your life. Some common injuries include:
Road Rash and Broken Bones
The kinds of injuries that result from bicycle crashes are usually road rash, broken bones, and damage to the soft tissues. Road rash, which is a form of skin abrasion, can cause infections and scarring if it is not treated correctly. Broken bones, like arms, legs, or ribs, might need significant medical care and rehabilitation.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to consult with our bicycle accident attorneys serving Anaheim who can help you handle the legal process and fight for the compensation you need.
Head and Spinal Trauma
Following a bicycle accident in Anaheim, you may suffer from devastating head and spinal trauma that can have long-lasting, debilitating consequences. These injuries can be particularly severe due to the high risk of concussion and other traumatic brain injuries.
Even if you were wearing a helmet, a crash can still result in serious injury. The risk of suffering a concussion is particularly great in bicycle accidents since the force of the collision can make your brain bounce or twist within your skull and thus cause serious damage.
Delayed symptoms can occur, and prompt treatment can make all the difference in your recovery. Our bicycle accident lawyers working with clients in Anaheim are dedicated to helping you handle the legal process and pursuing the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.
Compensation for a Bicycle Accident
Many Anaheim residents suffer bicycle accidents every year, leaving victims with devastating physical and emotional trauma. If you have been hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault, California law allows you to pursue several types of compensation:
- You may recover the cost of your emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing care.
- Any physical therapy or rehabilitation needed to regain your mobility can also be part of your claim.
- Your lost wages may become recoverable if your injuries kept you out of work.
- A permanent injury that limits your future earning capacity can increase what the liable party owes you.
- We’ll include the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other damaged property in your claim.
- Compensation for your physical pain and suffering may also be available to you.
- The emotional distress the crash caused you counts as compensable harm, as well.
- Punitive damages may be available in cases involving egregious conduct, such as driving under the influence, where there is clear and convincing evidence of malice, oppression, or fraud.
It’s important when you are looking for compensation to understand California’s personal injury laws, as well as the particular regulations concerning the roads in Anaheim. Our experienced Anaheim bicycle accident lawyers can assist you with going through this process.
Resolving Your Bike Crash Claim
Many people worry about the pressure of filing a lawsuit and going to court when they are hurt in an accident. The truth is, most personal injury cases are resolved through settlements. This is usually in the best interest of all parties and can resolve your case much faster.
Our bicycle accident lawyers working with clients in Anaheim will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a settlement that addresses the hardships you have suffered. If it goes well, you can avoid the stress and drama of hearings and courtroom appearances.
However, we aren’t going to let an insurer off the hook for less than you need. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a number that meaningfully impacts your life, we will fight for your award in court.
Comparative Negligence in California Bicycle Accident Cases
California has a rule known as pure comparative negligence. You can receive compensation after a bicycle accident even if you are partially at fault.
Either a court or an insurance company will determine the degree of fault of each involved person, including you. Rather than rejecting your claim altogether, your total compensation will be reduced by your proportion of fault.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to assign more blame than you truly deserve, since this means they have to pay out less. Our team will work to reduce the amount of blame placed on you.
The Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Lawsuits in California
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident in California, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit, per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
However, if a government agency caused the accident, you need to file a formal claim within six months of the crash. This is much sooner than the usual two-year deadline.
If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your chance to get compensation, no matter how strong your case is. It’s important to talk to a lawyer early to make sure you file on time.
Contact an Anaheim Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Anaheim, you could be facing a long road to recovery. You may not be able to work, and your debts may be climbing. You need to negotiate with an insurance company to get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t go it alone when you are up against a powerful insurer and their legal team. Our bicycle accident attorneys serving Anaheim can protect your rights and seek full compensation for your damages.
At Omega Law Group, we put our clients first. Always. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your bike crash.