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El Dorado Hills Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When a bicyclist is hit by a car, the cyclist often suffers the most harm. Unfortunately, collisions between motor vehicles and bicyclists are fairly common in El Dorado Hills, California.
A report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association revealed that California bicyclists are at a much higher risk of being involved in an accident with a motor vehicle when compared to cyclists in other states. Over 50 percent of all bicycle accident deaths occurred in six states, with California at the top of the list. Compared nationally, California has twice as many fatal accidents involving bicyclists and automobiles as other states.
Sadly, many bicycle accidents were likely avoidable if only the at-fault driver exercised more precaution and vigilance. If you have recently suffered an injury or have lost a loved one in a cycling crash in El Dorado County caused by the carelessness of a driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Call our experienced El Dorado Hills bicycle accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for a free case evaluation.
Common Injuries Suffered in Bicycle AccidentsSome of the most common types of injuries endured by bicyclists include:
- Clavicle fracture
- Rib fracture
- Dislocation Injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck injury
- Nerve and/or spinal cord damage
- Partial or full paralysis
- Broken Bones
- Lacerations and scarring
Bicycle accidents tend to result in traumatic injuries. The motorists involved in the collision often walk away unscathed because they benefit from an airbag encased in steel, metal, and component parts. Bicyclists have no such protection, leading to life-altering catastrophic injuries like the ones described above.
Financial recovery is available in bicycle accident cases resulting from another person's negligence. In California, negligence is defined as a deviation from reasonable safety precautions, such as failing to look before turning or not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or a red light. Texting while driving and DUI are also forms of negligence that create the basis for an actionable personal injury or wrongful death claim.
All bicycle accident victims have legal rights. If you have suffered an injury at the hands of a negligent motorist, the types of financial restitution you can seek through a personal injury claim include the following:
- Reimbursement of your medical expenses. This includes all direct costs from the accident, such as ambulance bills, ER bills, and physical therapy. This also includes reasonable future medical costs.
- Reimbursement of your lost income. This includes the wages you would have earned had it not been for the accident. You could also pursue future income if you cannot return to work.
- Pain and suffering, including the emotional and mental anguish caused by the collision.
The financial compensation you can expect to recover through a personal injury claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical bills and lost wages, and the amount of available auto insurance coverage.
Limited Time to File an Injury ClaimIf you or a family member were involved in an accident while riding a bicycle, a timer is set and begins ticking away. Under California law, an injured bicyclist must file a claim within two years. If you wait to file a lawsuit after two years have passed, there is a good chance a judge will dismiss your case as being untimely filed. This means you lose your right to pursue a financial recovery. Do not make this mistake.
When filing a successful bicycle accident injury claim, having an attorney with experience litigating these cases and the skill to persuade a jury is extremely important. Contact an accident attorney today to discuss your case.
Watch the video below from AAA to learn about bike safety rules for sharing the road.
El Dorado Hills Bicycle Accident FAQWhat is comparative fault in a bicycle accident case?
According to California's comparative fault law, an injured bicyclist would receive compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to them. Insurance companies will look for evidence suggesting a bicyclist shares some responsibility in the collision. Because of this law, injured bicyclists should consult an experienced lawyer regarding their injury claim.
Why do I need a lawyer for my bicycle accident case?
Insurance adjusters do not have your best interests at heart. Retaining legal counsel to handle your El Dorado Hills bicycle accident case is essential. Your lawyer can help navigate the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce the value of your case.
Contact Our Skilled El Dorado Hills Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a bicycle accident, please contact our injury lawyers for compassionate, free and friendly case advice. Our El Dorado Hills bicycle accident lawyers can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
When you call, we will discuss the facts of your potential case to decide whether it makes sense to move forward with a claim to recover compensation for your losses.
We are proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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Editor's Note: updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 4.5.23]
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