Newark Bicycle Accident Lawyer

bicyclist

Riding a bike comes with many health benefits, from improved balance and coordination to mental health and cardiovascular fitness. However, it may come with risks when sharing the road with others. As cyclists, it is essential to be aware of our surroundings, including places where we may unexpectedly come into contact with a careless driver. If a bicycle accident occurs and leaves you injured or deprived of a close relative, you may have grounds for a claim against the at-fault party. To learn more about your situation, contact a skilled attorney near you to learn how they can help.

A skilled attorney from AutoAccident.com can help you if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident in Newark, California. Contact our experienced and skilled legal team to learn more and receive free, friendly advice on your potential case at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400.

Seeking full compensation following a cycling crash in Newark, California, can be challenging to handle on your own. Insurers have resources and dedicated teams to dispute claims of bodily injury and will often resort to defense tactics to get out of paying what is rightfully deserved. Since 1982, our legal team has helped countless clients obtain full financial recovery for their losses that consider immediate and future needs. Learn how we can assist you with your case by scheduling a free consultation with one of our California bicycle accident lawyers serving Newark.

Statistics on Traffic Accidents Involving Bicyclists

In a report by SafeTREC of UC Berkeley, approximately 133 fatalities occurred in cycling crashes in 2019. This accounted for an overall decrease of 19.4 percent from 165 bicycle-related deaths the previous year. In California, bicycle accident fatalities represented 3.7 percent of the total traffic deaths in 2019.

  • Approximately 14.3 percent of cyclist deaths occurred in rural areas and 85.7 percent in urban areas.
  • Males were more likely to suffer serious injury and death in cycling crashes than in their female counterparts, with 84.7 percent in comparison to 15.3 percent.
  • The age groups with the highest serious injury and death rates were 55-64 (18.4%) and 45-54 (17.8%). This was followed by 25-34 and 35 to 44 (both 16.0%).

The California Vehicle Code must be followed by drivers and cyclists alike. When a motorist fails to uphold this duty and causes a cycling crash, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.

Importance of Hiring an Attorney After a Bicycle Accident in Newark, California

A traffic collision that causes an injury to a bicyclist may change the course of an individual’s life. It may impact an injured party’s enjoyment of life, relationships, work, and health. Accident-related injuries may also cause mounting medical expenses and require missed time at work for recovery. Obtaining financial compensation from the party or entity who caused the bicycle accident is essential. However, it is challenging to do so when recovering from injuries. It is recommended that injured parties retain legal counsel to handle their cycling crash cases.

Hiring a California personal injury attorney to handle a Newark bicycle accident case comes with many benefits. This includes navigating the legal complexities specific to your case, conducting in-depth investigations, handling communications with insurers, negotiating with insurance companies and defense counsel, and taking the case to civil court if necessary. By enlisting the assistance of an experienced injury lawyer, you can rest assured knowing your cycling crash case is in good hands and focus on recovering.

Working with a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of California personal injury law and experience handling cases like yours is necessary for favorable results. It is common for insurance carriers and defense counsel to take advantage of a party injured in a cycling crash. They may unfairly shift fault onto the injured party, present low-ball settlement offers, and pressure the injured party into signing an agreement. However, if a Newark bicycle accident lawyer is there to step in and protect an injured party’s rights, their expertise can level the playing field. Learn about our firm’s services in this video.

Is There Enough Insurance to Cover Bicycle-Related Injuries?

While California law requires that all motorists have liability coverage, approximately 16.6 percent of drivers in California do not have auto insurance, according to a 2019 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A cyclist who has been injured in a crash caused by a driver with no insurance may be able to recover damages through their uninsured motorist coverage. There are cases where an injured bicyclist has no auto insurance. When that occurs, an attorney may look into if the cyclist lives in a household with a relative who has UM coverage and if a claim may be filed through that policy.

What Happens if a Cyclist is Injured in a Hit-and-Run Crash?

When a bicyclist is injured in a crash and the involved driver leaves the scene, the injured party may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident. It is essential to note that local law enforcement is not always successful in identifying hit-and-run drivers. An experienced injury attorney can help a bicyclist obtain the full compensation they deserve by investigating the incident, working with a private investigator to find the fleeing motorist, and holding them accountable. Moreover, a lawyer will work to determine if an injured cyclist has grounds for a claim through their uninsured motorist coverage.

Newark, California Cycling Crash FAQ

Can a pre-existing condition affect a bicycle accident case?

A cycling crash has the potential to exacerbate or worsen a pre-existing condition. Having one does not necessarily mean that an injured party cannot collect compensation. Rather, insurers may use a pre-existing condition against a claimant and argue that the reported injuries are unrelated to the incident. An experienced Newark bicycle accident lawyer can help an injured party navigate this challenging situation, protect your rights, and work with insurers on your behalf.

What if the insurance company disputes a bodily injury claim for a cycling crash?

In most cases, liability is clear and can be proven through evidence. Conversely, it may not be a straightforward process in other cases. An insurer may conduct an investigation, figure out who is responsible, and the conclusion may not be in favor of the claimant. A skilled and knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney serving Newark, California, can help an injured party in proving that another party is to blame for the incident to the insurance company and defense counsel.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Newark, California

Life is overwhelming after a cycling crash, especially when traumatic injuries or the loss of a family member are involved. However, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. The California bicycle accident attorneys at AutoAccident.com have decades of combined experience representing clients injured or lost loved ones in cycling crashes all over Newark and Alameda County. Call our law office today for your free consultation at (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400. We can answer your questions and provide compassionate guidance and advice that is free and friendly.

Photo Credit: “SebastianVoortman” through Pexels

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