San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you experience a bicycle accident, you can sustain severe injuries that could jeopardize your long-term financial stability. If a driver’s negligence contributed to the collision, a bicycle accident lawyer in San Diego can hold them accountable.

With decades of combined experience, the legal team at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys is dedicated to serving the injured across California. Throughout our practice, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

Our San Diego personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free initial consultation.

Strong Legal Representation for Bicycle Accident Victims in San Diego

We understand California’s laws and are dedicated to seeking justice for you. You can trust our legal team to pursue justice on your behalf. At our personal injury law firm, we always put our clients first.

Our bike accident lawyers can gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to support your personal injury claim against a liable party.

We can guide you through every step of the legal process. Knowing that legal professionals are handling your case allows you to focus on healing from your bicycle injury while we handle your financial recovery.

Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in San Diego Can Handle Negotiations With the Insurance Company

The main goal of insurance companies is to make a profit and minimize payouts. With teams of adjusters and lawyers dedicated to safeguarding the company’s interests, you may find yourself at a disadvantage.

Having a lawyer manage communications helps balance this dynamic. As experienced bicycle accident attorneys in San Diego, we can negotiate effectively with insurance companies for a fair settlement.

With us handling all communications with the adjusters, you can rest assured that you won’t inadvertently jeopardize your settlement by saying the wrong thing. Trust us to advocate for your best interests throughout the process.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents and Their Impact on Your Case

Even if you follow California’s bicycle laws and ride responsibly, such as with reflective gear, you can still be severely injured by a negligent driver. Unlike with motor vehicles, bicyclists have no protective barrier to absorb the force of a collision.

Without features like airbags or seat belts, cyclists are directly exposed to impacts, making them more vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Common injuries in bicycle accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Even with a helmet, a hard impact can cause a TBI, leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. These head injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, significantly increasing the value of your case.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. These life-altering injuries typically involve permanent disability, loss of income, and substantial medical expenses.
• Fractures and broken bones: Bicycle crashes often cause broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones, which may require surgery and physical therapy, limiting mobility and quality of life.
• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions that require emergency surgery and prolonged recovery.
• Road rash and soft tissue injuries: Severe abrasions and ligament damage can cause chronic pain, scarring, and limited functionality.

Severe Injuries Can Warrant Significant Compensation

These bike accident injuries can have devastating financial, physical, and emotional consequences. Medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity are major factors when calculating compensation.

Additionally, the extent and permanence of your injuries can significantly affect the outcome of your case. At Omega Law Group, our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers understand the long-term impact of catastrophic injuries.

We’re here to help you secure the compensation needed to cover your medical care, lost income, and ensure a better quality of life.

Possible Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

After a bicycle accident in San Diego, you could get the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical bills: Compensation can cover the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other medical treatments related to your injuries.
• Future medical expenses: If your injuries require ongoing care, you may be entitled to compensation for future treatments, rehabilitation, or assistive devices.
• Property damage: This includes reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your bicycle, helmet, or other damaged personal property.
• Lost wages: If you missed work due to your injuries, you can recover the income you lost during your recovery period.
• Lost earning potential: If your injuries result in a long-term or permanent inability to work, you may be compensated for the diminished ability to earn income in the future.
• Out–of–pocket expenses: Costs like transportation to medical appointments, prescription medications, or home modifications can also be reimbursed.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages can compensate you for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
• Emotional distress: This covers the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship or support.

As your lawyers, we assess all your accident-related losses and anticipate future expenses to facilitate your full financial recovery. Our attorneys can use various forms of evidence, such as medical records and financial documentation, to build a strong case on your behalf.

How Will California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law Impact Your Case?

In this negligence system, each party involved in an accident receives a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the incident. California allows injured parties to pursue compensation regardless of their level of fault, provided they are not entirely responsible for the crash.

The assigned percentage of fault proportionally diminishes any compensation awarded. For example, if you are 30% at fault for the bicycle accident and receive $50,000 in damages, your recovery would be reduced by 30%, resulting in a final award of $35,000.

At Omega Law Group, we will easily guide you through California’s pure comparative negligence system and advocate for your rights. We will navigate the legal complexities to increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Wrongful Death Damages After a Fatal Bicycle Accident

If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one in a bicycle accident fatality, our wrongful death lawyers in San Diego can help you honor the memory of your loved one by taking legal action.

In California, surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party to seek compensation. You could claim wrongful death damages, such as funeral and burial expenses.

Although no compensation can erase the pain of losing your loved one prematurely, it can offer financial stability for your family. Seeking justice may also provide a sense of closure during this challenging period.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego

San Diego’s pleasant weather and scenic bike paths make it a popular destination for cyclists. However, the city’s bustling streets and heavy traffic also make it a hotspot for bicycle accidents.

According to a 2022 UC Berkley SafeTREC bicycle safety study, San Diego ranked third for counties with the most serious injuries suffered by bicyclists. It had a total of 93 seriously injured bicyclists that year. 

Many cycling accidents result from driver negligence, poor road conditions, or unsafe interactions between vehicles and cyclists. Leading causes of bicycle accidents in San Diego include:

• Distracted driving: Motorists texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice cyclists in their vicinity or check their blind spots.
• Failure to yield: Drivers frequently fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists at intersections or in crosswalks, leading to serious collisions.
• Dooring incidents: On busy streets like those in Downtown San Diego, cyclists may be struck by car doors opening into bike lanes.
• Unsafe passing: Many drivers fail to provide the legally required three feet of space when overtaking a cyclist, causing side-swiping accidents.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it harder for drivers to avoid hitting cyclists.
• Poor road conditions: Uneven pavement, potholes, and insufficiently marked bike lanes on San Diego roads, such as those in North Park or Hillcrest, create dangerous conditions for bicyclists.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Impaired drivers account for a significant number of traffic accidents in San Diego, including those involving cyclists.

At Omega Law Group, our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers have experience handling cases involving distracted drivers, poor road maintenance, and other common causes of accidents in the area.

We will thoroughly investigate the details of your case to identify all responsible parties and maximize your compensation.

California’s Statute of Limitations for Bike Accident Lawsuits

The statute of limitations sets a timeframe for legal proceedings after an accident. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within a two-year window.

Neglecting to initiate a lawsuit within California’s statute of limitations may lead to your case being dismissed. Thus, seek guidance from an experienced San Diego bicycle accident attorney to make sure all necessary documents are filed within the prescribed period.

Taking These Steps After a Bicycle Accident Can Protect You

Taking the right steps after a bicycle accident can help protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what our bike accident attorneys in San Diego suggest.

Ensure Your Safety and Get Medical Attention

Your immediate priority is your safety. If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic to avoid further harm. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.

Even if you feel fine, seek a medical evaluation as some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away.

Medical records will also play an important role in building your bike accident case.

Report the Accident to the Police

Contact law enforcement so they can create an official accident report. Provide accurate details about what happened, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident.

The police report will document critical information, including the driver’s details, witness accounts, and the conditions at the scene.

Document the Scene

If you’re able, document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos or videos of your injuries, the damage to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, road conditions, and any traffic signs nearby.

This evidence can help establish the cause of the accident and demonstrate the severity of the impact.

Exchange Information

Make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the driver involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact details, as their statements may strengthen your case.

Preserve Evidence

Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and any other gear as they are. These items may serve as evidence to show the extent of the collision’s impact. Avoid repairing or discarding anything until your case is resolved.

Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in San Diego

Before speaking to insurance companies, consult an experienced attorney. Insurers often try to minimize payouts, and settling without legal guidance could leave you undercompensated.

A skilled lawyer can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Omega Law Group, our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers are ready to help you through the legal process and work to secure fair compensation.

The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer as Soon as Possible

After a bicycle accident, hire a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong case. Delays can result in lost evidence, missed deadlines, and reduced chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.

At Omega Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case, allowing us to begin working immediately without adding to your financial burden.

Don’t wait to take action. Hiring our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers early ensures your case is handled properly from the start.

Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in San Diego are Ready to Help

Omega Law Group handles every bicycle accident case with a sense of urgency and compassion. Our San Diego bicycle accident lawyers craft customized strategies that align with your unique goals.

Through a comprehensive evaluation of your case, we create an effective plan to secure the best possible outcome for you. You can trust our team to pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us today to explore your options.