Alameda Bicycle Accident Lawyer

bicyclist

Bicycles are a useful form of transportation as they are economical and provide endless health benefits. However, some risks come with riding a bicycle. Inattention and aggression from drivers create a dangerous environment for cyclists. While riding on a bicycle in and around Alameda, you may find yourself injured by the carelessness or negligence of a motorist. To assist in your recovery from bicycle-related injuries and damages from the incident, you need to have a compassionate and skilled bicycle accident lawyer serving Alameda County, California, on your side.

Dealing with the aftermath of a cycling crash may be stressful and frustrating. Let our Alameda bicycle accident lawyers take the burden off your shoulders and handle your case while you focus on recovering. Learn more by calling for free, friendly case advice at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400.

Our legal team at AutoAccident.com is here to help if a cycling crash injures you or deprives your family of a loved one. We aim to seek maximum compensation for our clients while making Alameda safer for bicyclists. We invite you to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team. Our skilled and compassionate bicycle accident attorneys in Alameda will guide you through the process, seek maximum compensation, and help you rebuild your life after a cycling crash. Do not delay and contact our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.

What Are the Most Common Injuries from Vehicle Versus Bicycle Crashes?

Injuries in bicycle collisions involving motor vehicles may vary from mild to severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 130,000 individuals annually sustain bicycle-related injuries on roads throughout the U.S. According to CDC data, the costs of injuries from bicycle accidents often exceed $23 billion in the nation. Common injuries in cycling crashes include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Internal trauma
  • Concussions or TBIs
  • Disfiguring lacerations and abrasions
  • Spinal cord injuries leading to incomplete or complete paralysis

Injuries from a car versus bicycle collision may be life-changing for cyclists and their families. This may lead to extensive medical treatment and time out of school or work for recovery. When an individual has been injured in a cycling crash through no fault of their own, they deserve a bicycle accident attorney on their side to help them obtain the justice and total compensation they deserve.

How is Liability Proven in a Vehicle Versus Bicyclist Accident Case?

Establishing liability in a cycling crash case may be challenging, especially when the driver and their insurance company dispute liability for the incident. To prove that the motorist was at fault, the evidence must clearly show that:

  • The driver of the vehicle owed a duty of care to the bicyclist
  • The motorist of the automobile breached their duty of care
  • The breach of the duty of care was the cause of the collision
  • The cyclist or survivors suffered damages due to the incident

A skilled Alameda bicycle accident lawyer will conduct an independent investigation into the incident and work with expert witnesses to properly establish liability. Learn about our legal team at AutoAccident.com and how we can assist you by watching this video or setting up a free consultation.

Damages in a Cycling Crash Case

If you were riding a bicycle and suffered injuries in a collision caused by a negligent or careless motorist, you must schedule a free consultation with a California personal injury lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for non-economic and economic damages, such as:

  • Costs of past and future medical care
  • Wage loss and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering from injuries related to a bicycle accident
  • Loss of consortium for the impact that injuries have had on a marriage
  • Property damage for the repair or replacement of a bike and personal belongings
  • Out-of-pocket costs for permanent injuries, like home renovations for wheelchair accessibility

Economic and non-economic damages in an injury case are intended to make a claimant whole again. However, not all insurers are reasonable regarding a mutual settlement agreement. That is why it is essential to retain legal counsel to ensure maximum compensation is sought on your behalf.

Can Survivors Seek Compensation for a Fatal Bicycle Collision Case?

Families who have lost loved ones in cycling crashes caused by negligent parties may be entitled to compensation for their damages. In a wrongful death action against the at-fault party and their insurance company, surviving family members may seek recovery of the following losses:

  • Expenses for funeral and burial services for the deceased
  • Loss of protection, support, guidance, care, and companionship
  • Bills for medical care received by the decedent for final injuries (through a survival action)
  • Loss of financial support for the family, including earnings, employment benefits, inheritance, and more

In wrongful death claims for bicycle accidents, proving which party was responsible for the incident often requires an attorney's expertise. A skilled Alameda bicycle accident lawyer will review evidence, determine the value of damages, and build a strong case for full compensation through a verdict or settlement.

What if the Driver Has Little to No Insurance?

Some vehicle versus bicycle accidents are caused by motorists with insufficient or no auto insurance. In these cases, an injured cyclist or survivor may have other avenues for recovery. For instance, if the injured bicyclist or a family member in their household has uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on their auto insurance policy, a claim may be brought under that policy for reimbursement of resulting damages. The latter is an option only if the cyclist is not excluded from the relative's plan.

Alameda Cycling Crash FAQ

relative's filing deadline for car versus bicyclist crash cases?

An injured cyclist or a family of a decedent has two years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a case in civil court, according to CCP 335.1. In some instances, there may be less time. Exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations may apply when the case involves a vehicle owned by a government entity, like a city bus. In these cases, claimants have six months to file a notice of claim. Failing to protect the statute may lead to losing the right to seek damages.

Is it expensive to hire a lawyer to handle a cycling collision case?

Most personal injury attorneys in California, like ours from AutoAccident.com, operate on contingency. This means that no upfront costs are due to retain legal counsel. Under a contingent fee agreement, the client will not be charged any attorney’s fees unless their lawyer securesattorney'sful case resolution. It is essential to note that the costs of legal representation usually increase when an accident case moves into litigation.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Alameda, California

Riding a bicycle and sharing the road with motor vehicles may have many risks. Unfortunately, one too many cyclists are injured in crashes through no fault of their own. If you have been injured or lost a family member in a cycling crash in Alameda County, California, contact an injury attorney at AutoAccident.com to discuss your case and options for recovery. Dial (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400. Our Alameda bicycle accident attorneys can provide free, friendly case advice anytime.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 8.10.23] Photo Credit: “SebastianArieVoortman” on Pexels ds [cs 1226] bw

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