Rocklin Bicycle Accident Lawyer

helmet

Rocklin, California, is centrally located in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains, with easy access to outdoor recreational areas. Rocklin is a great place for bicycle enthusiasts with its panoramic mountain views and nice year-round weather. 

If you have been injured in a crash as a cyclist, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced Rocklin injury attorney. Contact our law firm at (916) 921-6400 for a free consultation regarding your potential personal injury claim.

Bicycle Accidents in Rocklin

Bicycle accidents are common in and around Rocklin and across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 800 bicyclist deaths occurred in 2017.

In California, there were 124 bicyclist deaths reported. The NHTSA stated that California had the highest or second-highest bicycle deaths yearly from 2007 to 2017.

Common Types of Injuries from Cycling Crashes

In many car accidents involving bicycles, the cyclist is often severely injured, while the driver of the larger vehicle usually walks away unscathed or with only minor injuries. Drivers cruise around in cars whose manufacturers often advertise extensive safety features. However, bicycles have no essential safety equipment besides what the cyclist wears, which usually means the only form of protection is a helmet. As a result, it is common for bicyclists to suffer the following types of injuries in accidents with motorists:

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

When a bicycle is hit by a motor vehicle on a road or highway, it is often the result of a driver's negligence. There could be many reasons, such as failure to look before turning or changing lanes, sideswiping a cyclist on the road, or "dooring" a cyclist riding in a bike lane. 

Filing Deadline for a Bicycle Collision in California

In many cases, cyclists can claim financial restitution against the responsible party or parties for their harm and losses. Any lawsuit resulting from injuries sustained in a bicycling accident must be brought within two years from the cycling accident date. Valid suits are typically brought against the at-fault driver (with their insurance company as the primary source of financial recovery).

Types of Injury Compensation for a Cycling Crash Claim

In bicycle accident cases, the theory of legal recovery is negligence. If a plaintiff is thriving in a negligence lawsuit, the plaintiff is generally entitled to economic and non-economic damages designed to compensate for any injury caused by the defendant's negligence. The categories of damages that plaintiffs can recover are:

  • Accrued and future medical bills include ambulance fees, surgery, and physical therapy.
  • Lost wages and reasonable future salaries (if you are left permanently or partially disabled after the collision).
  • Pain and suffering comprise a personal injury lawsuit's "non-economic" damages. These damages typically include mental anguish, stress, inconvenience, and a diminution of the quality of your life after the wreck.

You could also pursue punitive damages if the driver's conduct was egregious or shocking. This unique form of damages is intended to punish a defendant for genuinely appalling behavior.

Though, punitive damages are rarely awarded since there needs to be clear and convincing evidence of the defendant's egregious behavior. Consult with a Rocklin bicycle accident lawyer for your legal options.

Tips for Protecting Yourself After a Cycling Crash

While filing a bicycle accident injury claim without legal representation is possible, it is generally not wise. First and foremost, insurance companies and defense attorneys attempt to take advantage of claimants lacking quality legal representation. It is common for an insurance company representative to call you shortly after a cycling crash. 

Insurance claims adjusters may want you to provide a recorded statement before you have spoken to a bicycle accident lawyer in Rocklin. Second, studies have shown that clients with legal counsel typically recover more through settlement or jury verdict.

The video below provides tips on how bicyclists can ride safely around cars.

Rocklin Bicycle Accident FAQ

How do I know if I need a bicycle accident lawyer?

It is best to consult with an injury attorney to discuss the specifics of your case. It will be clear whether your accident case requires a lawyer during the meeting. The attorney's job is to protect your rights and ensure you get fair compensation for your bicycle accident case. Most insurance companies will tell you that they will compensate you for your medical expenses and damages. However, the insurance adjuster is not your friend and has its own financial interests in mind. Injured individuals who represent themselves receive a less settlement amount than those who had a lawyer advocating for their behalf.


Can I afford an injury attorney for my bicycle accident claim? 

Your lawyer will be paid on a contingent fee agreement in most injury accident cases. Your accident attorney will keep a percentage of the final settlement from your bicycle crash injury case. The portion will be discussed with you beforehand so there is no misunderstanding about the legal fees. The agreement will state that your attorney will work on your case in exchange for the percentage outlined in the contract. 


Start Working with a Rocklin Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a crash as a cyclist and have questions regarding your potential claim, contact our Rocklin bicycle accident lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. Our legal team from AutoAccident.com has handled cases like yours and can help you through this difficult time.

Our law firm has served the Rocklin and Northern California communities since 1982, helping people wrongfully injured in bicycle accidents and their families recover. 

Proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See our past verdicts and settlements and our reviews on AvvoYelp, and Google.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 7.25.23] Photos by depositphotos.com sid rey [cs 1029]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.