Clovis Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Clovis Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents can be a traumatic experience, especially if they involve motor vehicles that cause serious injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. Our Clovis bicycle accident lawyer can provide you with the support and guidance you need. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer Clovis can further ensure your rights are protected and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries Sustained in a Bicycle Accident

Injuries that cyclists can sustain after an accident range from minor to severe and life-altering. The most common injuries include road rash, sprains, fractured or broken bones, spinal cord injuries, dental injuries, jaw fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Types of Compensation

Compensation for a bicycle accident is intended to cover the costs and losses resulting from the incident. A bicycle accident victim may be able to receive compensation for damages, including:

• Economic damages: These are tangible losses that can be easily calculated, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future economic losses.
• Non-economic damages: These are intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: If the other party’s conduct was reckless or malicious, you may be able to recover punitive damages to punish the defendant.

Comparative Negligence in Bicycle Accident Cases

In some bicycle accident cases, both the cyclist and the driver may share responsibility for the accident. This can happen when a cyclist violates traffic laws, such as failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic light.

If a cyclist’s negligence contributes to the accident, their ability to recover damages may be reduced, but California’s comparative negligence laws allow for partial recovery. For example, if the cyclist was found to be 10% at fault for the accident and was awarded $100,000 in damages, this amount would be reduced by 10%, so they would receive $90,000.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, it is essential to take immediate steps, even if you are feeling confused or overwhelmed. Insurance companies may review your actions to determine if you are eligible for compensation.

The first thing you should do if you can, is to move to a safe location. You should also seek medical attention immediately, even if you believe your injuries are not severe. Medical records could become important evidence for a future claim.

The police should be called to the scene to document all the evidence. You should obtain the contact information of the driver who hit you and any witnesses or passengers. Remember, you should never admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you believe you may have some fault.

Take photographs of the scene, and get copies of your medical records and the police report. You should then contact your own insurance company to inform them of the accident. Before you accept any settlement, consult with an attorney.

Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents

California has specific time limits for filing a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to take legal action. There are other factors to keep in mind, such as:

• If the injuries were not discovered until later, you have two years from the date that they reasonably should have been found.
• If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations begins on their 18th birthday, so they have two years from that date.

The statute of limitations can expire quickly, so it is important to contact an accident lawyer as soon as possible. If you pass the date, it is less likely that a claim can be made.

How Can Our Clovis Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help?

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, our Clovis bicycle accident injury lawyers can assist you. We can help you navigate the complex legal process, giving you time to focus on your recovery. We can handle your insurance claim, negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer, and, if necessary, litigate your case to secure the compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Clovis, CA Bicycle Accident Law

How Much Compensation Am I Entitled to for a Bicycle Accident?

The amount of compensation you’re entitled to for a bicycle accident depends on your medical costs, lost income, physical and emotional distress, and how severe your injuries are. Your attorney can provide a more accurate and personalized estimate for you. They can assess the specific details of your case and provide you with a better understanding of your legal options.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Bike Accident in California?

You should get a lawyer for a minor bike accident in California. Even minor accidents can have hidden costs. A lawyer can help you navigate insurance claims, negotiate for fair compensation, ensure all necessary documents are submitted on time and accurately, and protect your rights if injuries arise down the line. They can also provide peace of mind and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Even if you were partially at fault for a bike accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. This is due to the comparative negligence laws, which allow for partial recovery even when the injured party shares some responsibility. The amount you may receive can be reduced based on your degree of fault.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bike Accident?

After a bike accident, you should prioritize your safety. Seek medical help and, if possible, call the police. Gather all relevant information like the driver’s name and insurance information, document the scene, and avoid admitting any fault. When it is safe to do so, consult a lawyer so you can pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

How Can I Prove That the Driver Was at Fault?

To prove that the driver was at fault, you need evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, medical records, and even accident reconstruction. Your lawyer can play a vital role in gathering and analyzing this evidence so that it is effectively used to support your claim.

Fight for Your Rights After a Clovis Bicycle Accident

Don’t let an unfair settlement or a denied insurance claim leave you struggling. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Clovis, you deserve fair compensation. Our experienced legal team is here to fight for your rights, so contact us today for a free consultation.