If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you’ll want an attorney to handle your case and make sure you’re compensated and covered for your injuries and damages.
Looking for an experienced Los Angeles bike accident lawyer? Call for a free consultation now (844) 966-0965.
A Los Angeles bike accident lawyer can help you if you have been involved in a bicycle accident. They can provide legal advice and representation, help you understand your rights and options, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
They can also help you pursue a legal claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. It’s important to consult with an experienced bike accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident, as there may be strict time limits for taking legal action.
What does a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer do?
A Los Angeles bike accident lawyer is a type of personal injury lawyer who specializes in helping people who have been involved in bicycle accidents. They can help their clients with a variety of legal issues that arise from such accidents, including pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
They can also assist with legal issues related to bike safety, such as advocating for better bike infrastructure or working to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
In short, a bike accident lawyer can help protect the rights of people who have been injured in bicycle accidents and help them get the justice and compensation they deserve.
How do I file a bike accident claim in Los Angeles?
If you have been in a bike accident in Los Angeles, you can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
To do this, you will need to provide the insurance company with evidence of the accident, such as witness statements and pictures of the accident scene. You will also need to provide evidence of the damages and injuries you sustained as a result of the accident.
It is a good idea to speak with an attorney who specializes in personal injury claims, as they will be able to help you navigate the process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
What are some common injuries from bicycle accidents?
Common injuries from bicycle accidents include:
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
It is important for cyclists to wear protective gear such as helmets and knee and elbow pads to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, it is important for cyclists to follow the rules of the road and be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents.
What if I was partly at fault for my bicycle accident in Los Angeles?
If you were partly at fault for a bicycle accident, you may still be able to recover damages, but the amount you recover may be reduced by your degree of fault. This is known as the doctrine of comparative fault, and it varies by state. For example, in some states, if you were found to be 50% at fault for an accident, you would only be able to recover 50% of the damages.
It’s important to talk to a bike accident lawyer in Los Angeles to understand your rights and options in this situation. California is a “comparative negligence” state, meaning you will share and pay for your end of the accident if you were partly at fault.
Proving negligence in a bike accident
To prove negligence in a bike accident, you need to show that the other party involved in the accident failed to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in the same situation.
This can be difficult to prove, so it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This might include witness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, and any relevant medical records or reports.
It’s best to have a bicycle accident lawyer help you with organizing evidence and dealing with insurance adjusters and the other party. It can make or break your case if you fail to prove that the party that caused your bike accident was not being negligent.
What if the person that hit me on my bicycle is uninsured?
If you are hit on your bike by an uninsured driver, the situation can be complicated and it’s important to gather as much information as possible. If you are able, get the other driver’s contact and insurance information, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle.
You may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover the damages to your bike and any medical expenses. However, you may have to pay a higher deductible and your premiums may increase.
If the accident was severe and the uninsured driver cannot pay for the damages, you may need to file a lawsuit against the driver to seek compensation. It is important to consult with an attorney in this situation to determine the best course of action.
What are some typical bicycle accident cases?
Some common types of bicycle accidents can include:
- Collisions with cars
- Slip and fall on wet, uneven, or debris-covered surfaces (these can occasionally be the city’s fault or a construction company’s fault)
- Collisions with fixed objects (sometimes these objects are in the path of protected bike lanes as shown over a decade ago by Casey Neistat)
Other types of accidents may be caused by defective or poorly maintained bicycles, or by cyclist error or recklessness. In many cases, a combination of factors may be involved in a bicycle accident. It’s important for cyclists to be aware of potential hazards and to ride safely to avoid accidents.
It’s equally important for a competent bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles to assess your case to see if your crash was a result of negligence from other parties (bike manufacturers, city workers, other motorists).
What should bicycle accident victims do to treat their injuries?
If you have been in a bike accident and have sustained injuries, the most important thing is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is especially important if you are experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, or if you think you may have broken a bone.
Once you have received medical attention, there are a few steps you can take to help your injuries heal:
- Rest the injured area: This will help to reduce swelling and prevent further injury. Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort, and try to keep the injured area elevated above your heart if possible.
- Apply ice: Applying ice to the injured area can help to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth and apply it to the injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compress the injury: Applying gentle pressure to the injured area can help to reduce swelling and stabilize the injury. Use a bandage or wrap to gently compress the area, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication: Pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and only take the recommended dose.
It’s important to follow the advice of your medical provider and to continue to monitor your injuries for any changes or worsening symptoms. If your injuries are severe or if you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort, be sure to follow up with your medical provider for further treatment and advice.
It’s also important to record all the details of your injuries, including photos and doctors’ notes, to provide to your bike accident attorney. This will help in building your case and get the maximum compensation you can by showing the nature and damages resulting from the bike accident.
What if I can’t afford a doctor for my bicycle accident?
If you cannot afford a doctor after an accident, there are a few things you can do. One option is to visit a community health center, which provides medical care at reduced cost to people who cannot afford it.
You can also contact organizations such as the American Red Cross or the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, which may be able to help you find low-cost or free medical care. Additionally, many hospitals have programs in place to help uninsured or low-income individuals pay for medical care.
It is also a good idea to contact your local or state health department to inquire about any programs or services that may be available to help you afford medical care.
However, by hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, your medical fees and bills might be covered. Many bike accident attorneys work with doctors and specialists who work on liens, which essentially means you don’t have to pay until your case settles.
Is there a statute of limitations on filing a bike accident claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from a bike accident, is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.
It’s important to keep in mind that this time limit can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, so it’s always best to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.