Following a bike accident, you may want to take legal action against an at-fault party. To do so, it may be best to consult with a Sylmar bicycle accident lawyer. You can work with a Sylmar personal injury lawyer who may help you pursue damages from a liable party.
At Venerable Injury Law, our top-rated personal injury and accident trial lawyers can help you deal with the aftermath of a bicycle accident. We offer the CLAIMTRACK℠ client portal and other services to our injury clients. For more information, get in touch with us.
Bicycle Safety
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), over 10,000 bicyclists are injured in collisions every year. As a cyclist, you are responsible for sharing the road with motorists. If you do not follow traffic signs and signals, you may cause an accident that leaves you with an injury.
A motorist must account for bicyclists when they are driving. If a driver does not see a cyclist and crashes their car into the rider, the motorist may be held accountable. At this point, the driver may have to cover the cyclist’s injury-related losses.
If you have been hurt in a cycling accident/lime and bird eScooter accidents, it may be a good time to pursue legal help. At Venerable Injury Law, our team can help you determine if you should file a claim for damages. Contact us today to discuss your case with our Sylmar bicycle accident attorney.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
Who Is Responsible for a Bicycle Accident
A motorist may be liable for a cycling accident. For example, a motorist may change lanes but not see a bicyclist in their blind spot. If this happens, the driver may crash their vehicle into the cyclist and be at fault for the incident.
There are times when a bike manufacturer, government entity, or another party may be responsible for a cycling accident. To determine who is at fault for your collision, it may be beneficial to meet with a bicycle accident lawyer in Sylmar. Your attorney can review the facts surrounding your crash and determine liability.
Your attorney understands common injuries that happen in cycling accidents and the costs to treat them. If you have a valid case, your Sylmar bicycle accident lawyer may encourage you to submit a claim. They can help you file your claim before your window to do so lapses.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
How Much Time You Have to File a Bike Accident Claim
Generally, there is a two-year statute of limitations for a personal injury claim. You may have up to two years from the date of your accident to seek damages from an at-fault party. If you decide not to file a claim within this period, you may be solely responsible for your accident-related losses.
A bicycle accident attorney in Sylmar may encourage their client to ask for economic and non-economic damages. You may get economic compensation based on your medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses. A judge or jury may award non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and other subjective harm.
You are responsible for the burden of proof in your case. If you gather a wealth of evidence, you may be able to make it clear to a judge or jury that you deserve the most damages possible. Alternatively, if you cannot provide a compelling argument, a judge or jury may award you partial damages or no compensation at all.
How Comparative Negligence Applies to a Bike Accident Case
You may want to call 911, take photos and videos, and take other protective measures at the scene of your bicycle accident. Doing these things and many others may help you secure a fair settlement. Also, it may improve your chances of showing a judge or jury that you are in no way responsible for your accident.
In California, you may seek damages as part of an injury claim, even if you are 99% liable. On the other hand, the defendant in your case may argue that you are partly or fully responsible for your injury. In this situation, a judge or jury may limit your damages or choose not to provide you with any compensation.
For example, a judge or jury may say you are 20% at fault for your cycling accident. This means the defendant in your case may be ordered to pay 80% of the damages that you originally requested. If a judge or jury finds you are primarily or completely responsible, you may wind up having to pay most or all of your accident-related expenses out of your own pocket.
You are not just a case number – you are our top priority.
Proving Negligence in a Bike Accident Case
For those who want to get the best verdicts and settlements, proving negligence is key. This requires you to prove to a judge or jury that an at-fault party chose to put you in danger, causing your accident and injury. To secure damages, you must show that four elements of negligence you must show were present at the time of your accident:
- Duty of Care: A party has a legal obligation to avoid reckless and careless acts that could harm you and others
- Breach of Duty of Care: This party violated their obligation
- Causation: Because the party chose to breach their duty of care, they caused your accident
- Damages: You are facing economic or non-economic losses due to the party’s actions
You may use a police report, medical records, witness statements, and other forms of proof to support your case. If you have an abundance of evidence, the defendant in your case may be inclined to offer you a reasonable settlement. Or, if you have to bring your case to trial, you may be well-equipped to present a strong argument that leads a judge or jury to rule in your favor.
Partner with a Sylmar Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Your bike accident costs may be significant, but you may not be accountable for them. At Venerable Injury Law, our team can take a look at your case and determine if you have grounds for an injury lawsuit. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.
