Bicycle collisions can happen when drivers and other cyclists are inattentive, careless, or breaking laws. The injuries from a bike accident can cost you hundreds to thousands in medical bills.
If a vehicle crashed into you or your family member while riding your bike, you might have a claim for financial compensation. An Anaheim bicycle accident lawyer can review your case and help you seek reimbursement for health care expenses and more.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, you do not have upfront costs, as we work on a contingency basis. Contact us at (800) 761-5225 and speak to one of our team representatives.
Responsibility in a Bicycle Accident
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider is responsible for paying for related losses, like medical bills and bicycle replacement costs. The insurance company may argue that their policyholder is not at fault for the accident and refuse to pay. They might also offer a settlement that is too low to cover your costs.
Evidence of who is at fault for a bicycle accident can help strengthen your case. For instance, if the driver drove off the road and crashed into you while riding on the sidewalk, photos of where the accident occurred could show the driver is at fault.
Many bike accidents involve drivers sideswiping cyclists who are in the bike lane or on the side of the road. Evidence of the driver being at fault could include:
- Video footage, such as from security cameras or personal devices
- Witness testimony
- Cell Phone records
- Medical records
Not all bike accidents involve a vehicle. Other cyclists might be liable for your losses if they caused an accident that led to your injuries.
When a Rideshare Driver Hits You
The rideshare industry is growing, especially in Southern California. However, rideshare drivers might pose a risk to cyclists. They might stop to pick up or drop off passengers in bike lanes, leaving open the possibility of dooring a cyclist or running into them. Rideshare drivers might also be distracted by their app and cause an accident.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have insurance coverage for accidents. The company may be liable for compensation of medical bills, losses, and death in the following circumstances:
- If the rideshare driver caused an accident, the policy would cover the rideshare passengers and any other victims. The rideshare driver and their insurance company are liable for their personal injuries and property damage.
- If the rideshare driver caused an accident, the policy would also cover the other driver, passengers, and bystanders injured in the accident.
An Anaheim bicycle accident lawyer can work on your behalf to seek compensation from the liable party. Speak to one of our representatives at Ben Crump Law, PLLC about your bike accident.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Anaheim, call (800) 761-5225
Bike Accident Lawsuits
You have a personal injury claim or lawsuit if you are seeking compensation for injuries someone else caused. According to the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you have two years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries.
When you file a lawsuit, you request an amount to cover the losses you suffered because of the incident. You may seek compensation for:
- Financial losses: Medical bills and the damage to your bicycle are likely your two biggest financial losses. Medical bills, even for a minor injury like a broken bone, can be incredibly high. You may also seek payment for wages lost because you could not go to work due to the accident. Lost earnings can include future lost income if the accident prevents you from returning to your profession.
- Pain and suffering: Being hit by a car while on a bike is physically painful if your bones broke, you have road rash, or you suffered other injuries. You can seek non-economic damages for your or your loved one’s mental anguish.
- General damages: You might deserve a higher award if the accident caused you or your loved one permanent losses. Bike-vehicle accidents are severe and can result in the loss of limbs, disability, and disfigurement.
Evidence to highlight your losses can be helpful. For example, a copy of your medical bills confirms your calculations for financial losses. Medical records and professional testimony to your condition can illustrate what pain and injury you or your family member suffered.
Wrongful Death Cases
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that more than 850 bicyclists died in traffic crashes in 2018. Even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet and safety gear, injuries from a car strike are serious and can cause death.
If a driver killed your loved one in an accident, you might be able to seek financial compensation for their death. Lawsuit awards can help pay for the medical bills and funeral and burial expenses.
If your family member was a provider, you might also be entitled to:
- Lost wages and expected earnings.
- Compensation for lost benefits, like medical insurance from the victim’s employer.
- Compensation for the value the victim would have provided.
You can also ask for non-economic damages for mental suffering from losing a parent, child, or spouse. In some cases, awards from non-economic damages are higher than reimbursement for financial losses.
Anaheim Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 761-5225
Getting a Legal Team on Your Side
An Anaheim bicycle accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on recovery. Insurance companies have legal representation on their side—you should, too.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC works on a contingency fee basis. Our fee comes out of the lawsuit award, so you do not have any upfront costs. Give our team a call at (800) 761-5225.
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