Many people see California as an ideal place to be a bicyclist. Not only is the weather nice year-round but the state of California and the city of Los Angeles have started to invest in bicycle infrastructure designed to keep cyclists safe.
Despite good weather and bike lanes, biking is incredibly dangerous. Indeed, cycling can be fatal, and Los Angeles is one of the major cities that contributes to the high number of bicyclists’ deaths.
If you are involved in a bicycling accident in Los Angeles involving a motor vehicle, it is important that you retain the counsel of an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles who can help you to understand your options and how to recover compensation for your damages. Call our team at the Dolan Law Firm today for a free consultation: (213)-667-0308.
Determining Liability
Liability for a bicycle accident in Los Angeles is based on fault; the at-fault party may be required to pay for damages sustained by the injured party.
Fault is found when someone has been negligent. Under the law, someone can be negligent if they:
- Had a duty to others;
- Breached the duty;
- Caused an injury;
- And that injury resulted in damages to another.
Motorists on the road have a duty to operate their vehicle safely and not cause injury to cyclists who share the roadway with them.
If you were in a cycling accident caused by another driver, a bicycle accident lawyer at the Dolan Law Firm in Los Angeles can help you file a claim against that driver’s liability insurance policy, or file a lawsuit directly against the other driver. Examples of driver error that cause bicycle accidents include:
- Driving while intoxicated or impaired;
- Distracted driving;
- Speeding;
- Failing to yield;
- Failing to look before making a right- or left-hand turn;
- Otherwise breaching traffic safety laws.
Keep in mind that not all accidents are caused solely by the actions of the driver; they can be attributed to other factors as well. Examples of additional causes of bicycle accidents may include:
- Poor road conditions;
- Poor weather conditions.
If you are found to be partially at-fault for the accident, your damages award can be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. This is one of the primary reasons why hiring a bicycle accident attorney who can disprove allegations of fault that are made against you is so important.
Potential minor to catastrophic injuries from bicycle accidents
Even experienced and cautious cyclists can suffer a bicycle accident. These can range from mild to severe injuries. Examples of injuries sustained by bicycle victims may include:
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Internal organ damage;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Fractured bones;
- And in catastrophic cases, death.
Bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles tips for cyclists
When commuting or riding for pleasure, wear safety gear, including your helmet, obey traffic laws, and be mindful of your surroundings. As well, Los Angeles bicycle accident attorneys recommend you protect yourself by carrying uninsured/under insurance coverage and a smartphone.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: An excellent way to protect yourself
Cyclists can be protected by their car insurance policy when they are riding their bicycles and are hit by a car if they carry “Uninsured/Underinsured” coverage. So long as they have elected to have the coverage, and a car is involved in the accident, the cyclist may be covered. Among other benefits, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Both past and future losses can be claimed under the policy. Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance can cover whether the person who hit the cyclist has no insurance, too little insurance, or hits and runs. Whether a person is walking, biking, or driving, they may be protected. If you are having doubts as to whether you should accept this insurance or not, in the opinion of your Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer, this insurance is a great way to protect yourself.
How your smartphone can help you in crash
Keep your health ID information up to date on your smartphone. It is also possible to create a lock screen photo with emergency contact information included. The emergency dispatch number of the city or county where you ride regularly should be stored in your phone. When 911 calls come in from cell phones, some municipalities route them to the California Highway Patrol. Almost any municipality’s dispatch number can be found on the internet. Your smartphone camera will also come in handy to take photos and/or record videos of the accident scene. If you do not have a smartphone, you can wear a road ID bracelet with your emergency contacts and vital health information. Of course, another important number to have with you is that of your bicycle accident attorney at the Dolan Law Firm who is available 24/7.
A bicycle accident lawyer can help you recover damages you have suffered
You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of harm that you have suffered. Our lawyers understand that your injuries and losses may extend well beyond the obvious. For example, if you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, bone fracture injury, or another serious injury type, you may be coping with the injury as well as a disability, disfigurement, loss of quality of life, loss of earning capacity and wages. As well, you can suffer psychological injuries, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder with any of these physical injuries. Rather than just fighting to recover compensation for your medical expenses, our lawyers work hard to improve your chances of recovering damages to cover your economic and non-economic losses. It is imperative that you have a bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles who can be on your side from the onset of your personal injury claim if you have been injured in a bicycle accident. The Dolan Law Firm can help you assess your damages by gathering the evidence and presenting your claim in an organized, persuasive manner.
Call a bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles after an accident
Knowing what to do immediately after a bicycle accident improves your chances of recovering your damages. We strongly recommend that you do the following.
Seek medical care immediately
If you are hit by a car while riding your bike, one of the first things that you should do, even if you do not think that your injuries are serious, is to seek medical care. Creating a link between any injuries suffered and the accident is important; going to the hospital helps to do that.
File an accident report
You should also file an accident report with the authorities as soon as you are able. Request a copy of the report for your Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer.
Document your injuries
In the days and weeks following your accident, pay attention to your injuries and to what you see or feel as you heal. Take note of the amount of pain you experience, your limitations, your feelings about any disability you have suffered, etc.
Notify an insurance adjuster
If you have car insurance, you should contact your insurance company within 24 hours of your accident to file a claim. If you do not have car insurance and are pursuing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company, you will need to get the driver’s insurance information at the scene of the accident and let your bicycle accident attorney Los Angeles follow up with this company immediately.
Open an investigation
Remember, liability for a bicycle accident is based on fault, which means that in order to recover damages, you will need to prove the fault of the other party. Your bicycle accident lawyer can conduct an investigation into your accident and gather the evidence to determine who was negligent in your personal injury case.
Call a bicycle accident attorney
To assist you in opening an investigation, determining liability, filing a claim, calculating your damages, and negotiating a compensation award, working with a bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles is a wise idea. You should contact a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you are able to after an accident to start the investigatory process as early as possible.
A bicycle accident attorney Los Angeles from Dolan Law Firm can help you
Being in a bicycle accident is a terrifying experience, and if you do not have insurance, you may be wondering whether or not there is any way that you will be able to recover monetary damages to pay for the economic and non-economic losses you have suffered. If your bicycle crash was caused by the actions of another driver, you maintain the right to file a claim for compensation against this driver or their insurance company.
Sadly, cycling accidents in California are common, leaving injured people feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Also, drivers in these types of accidents often blame bike riders for the accident. An experienced bicycle accident attorney at the Dolan Law Firm can assist you if you have suffered from injuries in a bicycle accident. Furthermore, we can assist you in filing a bicycle accident claim against the individual who caused your accident. For a free case review consultation, call us today at (213)-667-0308.
When you call our law office, a bicycle accident lawyer will immediately get to work building your case. We know what you are going through and empathize with the shock and frustration you may be experiencing.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a compassionate bicycle accident lawyer Los Angeles, please send us a message today, or call our offices directly. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
FAQ
Do I have to hire a bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles?
It is not necessary to hire a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles to file an insurance claim, but it is recommended. Your bicycle accident attorney can handle all the paperwork and can help you understand the value of your claim so you do not settle for less than you should. An attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies and represent your interests in court. At the Dolan Law Firm, you can count on our dedicated and skilled attorneys to help you with your claim. Contact us for your free case review.
How much does a bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles cost?
Your first consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer at the Dolan Law Firm in Los Angeles is absolutely free of charge. Should you decide to hire a bicycle accident attorney to handle your case, the legal fees at the Dolan Law Firm are contingency based. That means the bicycle accident lawyer will take a percentage out of the amount you receive. If there is no recovery, you pay nothing!
How do I choose a good bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles?
After an accident, if you need legal assistance, you should seek out a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer, like the Dolan Law Firm. Our team is trustworthy, highly regarded by past clients, and experienced with bicycle accidents. As your legal counsel, we will communicate with you regularly regarding your case. See our excellent case results here.
I was injured in a bike accident. How can a bicycle accident attorney in Los Angeles help?
If you have been injured, get in touch with a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles who knows local laws, courts, and insurance policies. The Dolan Law Firm has years of experience and knowledge and is ready to work for you. The recovery process can be difficult after an accident, especially if you were on a bicycle. This is why we work hard to represent you. Call the Dolan Law Firm today for a free consultation.