
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a careless driver, you could be dealing with painful injuries, financial setbacks, and many other challenges. Taking legal action against the at-fault party can feel intimidating when you are in pain and overwhelmed by medical bills. Luckily, a personal injury lawyer in Long Beach can help you get maximum compensation.
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to empower you and fight for justice on your behalf. We have decades of combined legal experience and have recovered millions for injury victims like you. With a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer on your side, you’ll have an excellent chance of receiving fair compensation.
How a Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
After a bicycle accident, you probably won’t have the time or strength to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Fortunately, our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers can step in and provide the legal support you need to get a fair settlement or court verdict.
Here are just a few of the ways our team can help:
- Investigate the cause of your accident to determine who is responsible
- Collect and preserve evidence like crash scene photos, surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, and medical bills
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Review your medical records and calculate the full value of your current and future damages
- Work with medical experts and accident reconstructionists to strengthen your claim
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court
- Advise you on every legal decision
- Offer personalized, responsive legal service, including direct access to your attorney and regular case updates
These are just a few examples of what our team can do to make your claim as successful as possible. No matter how complicated your case is, you can rely on our dedicated team to keep fighting until you get the compensation you need to cover your losses and get your life back on track.
Don’t Trust the Insurance Company After a Bike Accident
Claim adjusters may reach out to you soon after a bicycle accident, urging you to settle without involving legal representation. Sadly, these settlement offers are usually much lower than what you need. Insurance companies will try to downplay the extent of injuries and damages to avoid paying you what you’re owed.
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you; their primary objective is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation. By hiring a skilled Long Beach bicycle accident attorney, you can level the playing field and protect your rights.
Compensation Our Long Beach Bicycle Accident Law Firm Can Pursue
Bicyclists lack the protective enclosures that cars and other vehicles provide. As a result, they are left directly exposed and can suffer severe injuries and losses in an accident. Bikes also lack safety features such as airbags and seat belts, which only makes collisions worse for the rider.
If you were hit by a car while riding your bicycle, you could suffer severe injuries like acute spinal cord damage or even traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers understand the many ways an injury can change your life and will fight to recover your losses.
Depending on the details of your case, we may pursue any of the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Our dedicated team will calculate all your accident-related losses and estimate future expenses. We will use all available evidence, including medical records and financial documents, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Understanding California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law
When both parties involved in a collision are partially at fault, they are each assigned a percentage of fault based on their degree of negligence. Unlike some states that bar recovery if your fault exceeds a certain threshold, California allows you to recover damages even if you are mostly responsible for the accident.
However, the compensation you receive when you are partially to blame for an accident is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident and are awarded $10,000 in damages, your recovery would be reduced by 30%, resulting in a final award of $7,000.
Our bicycle accident attorneys in Long Beach will determine how California’s pure comparative negligence system impacts your claim. No matter how high your percentage of fault is, you can count on us to pursue the damages you need to get back on your feet.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Bicycle Accident
If your spouse or family member was involved in a fatal bicycle accident, please accept our sincerest condolences. Our Long Beach wrongful death lawyers understand how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one in a tragic accident. That’s why we’re here to provide compassionate counsel and fight for the justice your family deserves.
In California, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim against the party who caused their loved one’s fatal injury. Our dedicated team of bicycle accident lawyers in Long Beach can guide you through the legal process and help you hold the at-fault party accountable.
Wrongful death damages after a fatal bicycle accident include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The decedent’s emergency medical bills
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
While no amount of compensation will erase the trauma of an untimely loss, it can help you and your family stay afloat during this painful and uncertain time. Reach out to our firm today to learn more about how we can guide you through the legal process with empathy and care.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Lawsuits in Long Beach
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bike crash, you should know that you may have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for compensation. Under California law, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. A similar two-year deadline applies to most wrongful death cases.
Failing to file a lawsuit within the prescribed time frame may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. Don’t put your recovery at risk. Instead, reach out to our bicycle accident attorneys in Long Beach ASAP. We’ll get started on your case soon and work hard to meet this important deadline.
Long Beach Bicycle Accident Statistics
Long Beach, California, with its scenic coastline and numerous cycling routes, is a haven for bicycling enthusiasts. However, like any other city, Long Beach has its share of bicycle accidents and other incidents involving motor vehicles.
According to the City of Long Beach’s Safe Streets Data, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists account for only 14% of collisions but represent 65% of all traffic deaths and serious injuries in Long Beach. This data shows us just how vulnerable cyclists are and how important it is to practice safe driving practices when on the road.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Long Beach
Our firm has handled countless bike accident cases in the past. We’re closely familiar with all the forms of driver negligence and other factors that can cause a bike crash. We’ll thoroughly investigate your accident and gather evidence that shows the at-fault party acted negligently.
Our bicycle accident lawyers in Long Beach will work hard to file a strong claim on your behalf if you were injured in a crash caused by one or more of the following factors:
- Driver inattention
- Speeding
- Doored by a parked vehicle
- Failure to yield
- Drunk driving
- Road rage
- Fatigued driving
If your accident was caused by one of these factors or another form of negligence, we can step in and get to the bottom of your case. Our team will work tirelessly to gather solid evidence and file a well-supported personal injury claim on your behalf.
Long Beach Biking Laws and Safety Guidelines
Cyclists in Long Beach must adhere to laws and safety guidelines to ensure their safety and the safety of others. To avoid future collisions, make sure to abide by the following rules when you are riding your bicycle:
- Ride with traffic
- Use bike lanes
- Riders under 18 are required by law to wear a helmet
- At night, bicycles must have a white front light and red rear reflectors
- Riding on sidewalks in business districts is prohibited
- Cyclists should use hand signals to indicate turns and stops
While abiding by these rules can help you stay safe on the road, it isn’t a foolproof method for avoiding an accident. In some situations, avoiding a reckless driver can be impossible. If you’ve been injured by a negligent motorist, reach out to our skilled Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers for legal help.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself and your right to fair compensation. Make sure to take the following actions after a bike crash in Long Beach:
Seek Medical Care
If you’ve been hit by a car or other vehicle while riding your bike, you should assess your injuries and determine if you need immediate care. If you are badly hurt, call 911 and wait until the ambulance arrives.
It’s important to note that some injuries can go unnoticed due to shock and adrenaline. It’s best to seek medical attention even if you aren’t in serious pain.
Document the Accident Scene
If you don’t need immediate medical attention, you should do your best to document the scene of the accident. Start by using your phone to take pictures of the vehicle, your injuries, and your damaged bike. You should also take photos of any other damaged objects, like signs or guardrails.
Exchange Insurance Information
You should also exchange insurance and contact information with the driver who caused your accident. Your Long Beach bicycle accident attorney can use this information to file an insurance claim with the appropriate provider.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone was nearby when the accident occurred and saw what happened, go up to them and ask them about what they witnessed. Take down their information and pass it on to your attorney once you’ve hired a lawyer. Your legal representative can use statements from eyewitnesses to strengthen your claim.
Consult With a Skilled Lawyer
Once you’ve documented the accident scene, exchanged information with involved parties, and sought medical attention, it’s time to take your case to an experienced Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer.
Having an attorney on your side will show the insurance company that your case is legitimate and that you need to be compensated for the injuries and losses you’ve suffered.
We Help Bicycle Accident Victims Rebuild Their Lives
At our law firm, our commitment to our clients is at the forefront of everything we do. We maintain a client-focused approach, providing personalized attention tailored to your needs. Our lawyers understand the importance of accessibility, which is why we make sure that someone is always available to address your concerns about your bicycle accident case.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or a serious condition caused by a bike accident, we’ll provide the compassionate guidance and effective counsel you need to make a full financial recovery. We don’t see you as just another case number. We see you as a human being who deserves support during this painful time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Skilled Long Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney
Getting back on your feet after a bike crash can be incredibly difficult. That’s why the team at Omega Law Group is here to help you get the justice and compensation you need to move forward with your life after a serious accident.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer. We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident, answer any questions you have about filing a personal injury claim, and help you take the first few steps toward a fair settlement.