Bicycle riders generally have the same duties and rights as motor vehicle drivers on California roads. However, bicyclists and motorists must exercise due care to prevent bicycle accidents. When a crash happens, it can be unexpected, and the resulting injuries can be life-changing. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help an injured cyclist and their family through this traumatic time. An attorney can explain to an injured party how to protect themselves from difficult insurance companies and what to expect from their case.

Our bicycle accident lawyers can protect your rights if you are injured in a cycling crash in Brentwood. We can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more, call our law firm for free, friendly advice at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400.

Those involved in collisions between bicycles and cars will likely suffer catastrophic injuries and require extensive medical care. In some cases, injured cyclists will need lifelong medical treatment. This may lead to financial hardship, mainly if they cannot return to work for weeks, months, or even years. An experienced attorney can help relieve stress for an injured cyclist by handling all aspects of their personal injury case. Call our law firm today to learn about the benefits of hiring our Brentwood bicycle accident attorneys to represent you and protect your best interests.

Driver error is responsible for 94 percent of all motor vehicle collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many times, these crashes involve cyclists who suffer all types of catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. Protect yourself from careless drivers when riding your bicycle on the road by following these steps:

• Obey the rules of the road.
• Keep a lookout for negligent drivers.
• Maximize your visibility by equipping your bike with lights and wearing reflective clothing.
• Keep your bicycle in good operating condition
• Take bicycle routes with less vehicle traffic

If a cyclist suffers severe injuries in a car vs. bicycle accident, it is essential to determine the cause of the incident. If a driver violated traffic laws and caused injuries to a bicyclist, the injured party may have a right to bring a bodily injury claim. This type of case will seek recovery of economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Past medical bills related to the cycling crash
• Future medical expenses if injuries from the bike collision require ongoing treatment
• Lost wages from missing work because of an accident-related injury
• Loss of consortium for damage to the marital relationship because of a traumatic crash
• Pain and suffering for the physical injuries and emotional trauma suffered by an injured party following a collision
• Property damage for repairing or replacing a bicycle, clothing, prescription glasses, etc.

Specific factors may affect the value of a bicycle accident injury claim. To learn more, watch the video below.

Unfortunately, not all drivers involved in accidents with cyclists will stay at the scene. If a bicycle accident is caused by a hit-and-run driver and goes unidentified, the injured cyclist may have recourse if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).

An injured cyclist may make an uninsured motorist claim on their auto insurance policy for a hit-and-run accident. If the bicyclist did not have car insurance at the time of the incident but lived with a relative who did and carried UM/UIM coverage, a claim may be filed against that policy. This is a potential option for an injured cyclist to recover if they are not listed as an excluded policy member.

In California, a cyclist injured in a bicycle accident has up to two years from the incident date to file a lawsuit in civil court. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Once the two-year statute of limitations has passed, the claimant may lose the right to personal injury compensation if a lawsuit is not filed on time or the insurance company does not accept a settlement.

When bringing a bodily injury claim for a cycling crash, it is essential to remember that you should reach maximum medical recovery before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company. The reason is that insurers want you to settle your claim quickly before realizing the full extent of your injuries and personal injury damages.

Insurance companies often use defense tactics to reduce the value of a bodily injury claim or deny it. Be aware of insurance claims adjusters who request written or recorded statements to get your account of the bicycle accident. Also, beware of requests for medical releases to verify your cycling injuries. These are some of the many tactics insurance carriers use to protect their bottom line. Avoid being taken advantage of by insurers looking to pay you less than you deserve by contacting an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Brentwood today.

Negligent drivers, including cyclists, can endanger others’ lives, with little to no bodily protection from motor vehicles. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a cycling crash caused by someone else’s negligence, our bicycle accident lawyers in Brentwood can explain how to protect your legal rights and best interests from complex insurance companies. Call our legal team today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

Our personal injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that there are no out-of-pocket or upfront expenses when you work with our law firm. You only have to pay lawyers’ fees if we recover fair compensation on your behalf. We are available anytime to discuss your potential case through a free consultation, so do not hesitate to reach out today.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 9.25.23] Photo by “Lincerta” via Pixabay ds [cs 1026] cha}