According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 470,000 bicycle injuries every year. With so many people riding bikes today, there are bound to be accidents. However, many of these accidents can be avoided if drivers, pedestrians, and other bicyclists follow basic guidelines and laws.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your accident and recover compensation for your expenses. An Oakland bicycle accident lawyer can review your case and explain your legal options.
Just because you were in the victim of an accident does not mean that you should bear the burden of unexpected costs and other losses. At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we help accident victims seek the compensation and justice they deserve. Call our team today at (800) 761-5225 to discuss your bicycle accident case.
Bicycle Accident Laws and Liability
While many people do not realize it, bicycles are considered to be vehicles by the California Department of Transportation. By definition, vehicles can include any device that makes you travel faster than the effort you put into it. Bicycles do this mechanically, which is why they can be considered vehicles.
Because of this, bicycles are subject to the same laws of other vehicles with few exceptions. Why is this important? Because the judge will have to determine liability in your case to award damages, and how you ride your bike can affect your liability in your case. If you followed the laws governing vehicle use properly, you will likely not be found liable for the accident—but if you violated the law, you may be held partially or entirely responsible.
Police will investigate the accident and try to determine who should be held responsible. An Oakland bicycle accident lawyer can also review your actions and determine if liability will be an issue in your case. If you are not held responsible for the accident, you will be treated as the victim and can sue the other party for compensation to cover your expenses.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Oakland, call (800) 761-5225
Bicycle Accident Expenses
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you are likely to have two types of medical expenses—emergency medical expenses and ongoing care. Ongoing expenses may include follow-up appointments with your care provider and any recurring treatments that you need, such as physical therapy.
Medical expenses can add up over time and have a significant impact on your finances. However, determining how much compensation you will need for ongoing care is often difficult at the time of your accident, because these expenses have not happened yet. Be sure to document everything you can. An Oakland bicycle accident lawyer can help you estimate the amount of compensation you will need going forward. The more accurate your numbers are, the easier it is for the judge to grant adequate compensation.
Oakland Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 761-5225
Settlement vs. Trial
Settling a civil lawsuit for a bicycle accident can take a long time because the courts are always backed up with cases. Waiting can create a lot of stress for an accident victim, as expenses continue to mount and they worry about what will happen. You can relieve a great deal of stress at the outset by knowing that most civil cases never make it to trial.
Instead, the majority of civil lawsuits are resolved through settlement agreements. One side may grow tired of waiting for the trial or begin to doubt their chances of winning and decide to offer a settlement. While it may be tempting to agree to the settlement right away, be sure to have an Oakland bicycle accident lawyer assess it first.
The initial settlement offer may reduce the amount of time you have to wait to resolve your case, but it will not likely include as much compensation as you could win at trial. If you have substantial expenses because of your bicycle accident, settling for a lower amount of compensation may put you in a tough financial position. Fortunately, an Oakland bicycle accident lawyer can renegotiate the settlement agreement to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call our team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today to learn more.
Click to contact our Oakland Personal Injury Lawyers today
Why Hire a Lawyer
There are many reasons to hire a lawyer to represent you after a bicycle accident. Your bike accident likely left you with significant injuries that will take time to heal. You may not have the strength or the resources to fight a legal battle as you try to recover. Hiring an Oakland bicycle accident lawyer gives you access to someone who can fight on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery.
While most bicycle accident lawsuits are between two civilians, there is a chance that you may be involved in an accident with a government vehicle. If this is the case, there is a special process that must be followed when filing a lawsuit. The legal system can be complex—having an Oakland bicycle accident lawyer by your side can help give you the best possible outcome for your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact Us Today
Bicycle accidents can have a significant impact on your life, but you should not have to struggle with financial problems if the accident was not your fault. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your accident and seek compensation for your expenses. An Oakland bicycle accident lawyer can review your case and help explain your options.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (800) 761-5225 to get started. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. We only take a fee if we are able to win your bicycle accident case.
Call or text (800) 761-5225 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
