You may ride your bike and be involved in an accident due to no fault of your own. In this instance, you may be able to seek damages from the at-fault party. An El Monte personal injury lawyer may help you determine if now is the right time to sue the party responsible for your accident.
Venerable Injury Law has top-rated personal injury attorneys on staff. Our El Monte bicycle accident lawyer is available to review your case. To get started, contact us today.
El Monte Bicycle Safety
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), over 10,000 bicyclists are injured in collisions in California every year. Motorists and cyclists have the same legal rights. There are many things a rider can do to stay safe, including:
- Maintain control of your bike at all times.
- Wear a helmet.
- Obey traffic laws.
- Use reflectors and lights when traveling at night.
You may take every precaution when you ride your bike. Regardless, a motorist may crash their vehicle into you. If this happens, you can partner with an El Monte bicycle accident attorney who may be able to help you file a claim against this at-fault party.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
You have bicyclist rights on the roads. If you are involved in a crash caused by a negligent motorist, it may be best to focus on getting through the incident rather than seeking damages from the at-fault party. Here are things you can do after your accident happens to protect yourself and avoid compromising your injury case:
- Call 911. Let medical professionals and police officers come to the accident scene to assist you and anyone else involved in it.
- Collect Evidence. Use your smartphone to capture photos and videos at the crash scene.
- Get the Driver’s Information. Ask the driver for their full name, driver’s license number, and auto insurance information. R
- eceive Medical Care. Go to a hospital to receive a medical evaluation and treatment for your injuries.
The at-fault driver may pressure you to accept responsibility for your accident. If they do, you do not have to take the blame for it. By taking accountability for your crash, you may hurt your chances of getting compensation you can use to cover your accident-related losses.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Bicycle Accident Liability
A motorist may be at fault for your bicycle crash. For instance, a driver may speed through a stop sign and slam their vehicle into you while you are riding your bike. In this instance, the motorist may be liable for the collision.
To prove fault after a bike accident, you must show an at-fault party had a legal obligation to avoid careless and reckless acts. Also, you must verify this party ignored this obligation, which led to your accident. In addition, you must confirm the party’s actions caused you to incur losses.
At Venerable Injury Law, our bicycle accident lawyer in El Monte may be able to help you prove liability. We can answer frequently asked questions and any others you have regarding bike crash claims and how to submit one. To learn more, reach out to us.
How to File a Bicycle Crash Claim
There is a statute of limitations of two years for injury claims in California. You may have up to two years from the date you get injured in a bike collision to seek damages from an at-fault party. After two years, you may be ineligible to pursue compensation.
A bicycle accident attorney in El Monte can help you file your claim. They may encourage you to pursue economic and non-economic damages. You may receive economic damages for medical bills and other quantifiable losses and non-economic compensation based on your pain and suffering.
The time it takes to get compensation for a bicycle crash claim depends on your case. Your attorney may advocate for you and attempt to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. They may also have to bring your case to trial to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
You are not just a case number – you are our top priority.
Bicycle Accident Settlement
There are verdicts and settlements relating to bike crash cases. Just because you request compensation from an at-fault party does not guarantee you will receive compensation. You are responsible for the burden of proof and must present a compelling argument to show you deserve the compensation you are requesting.
If the defendant in your case believes you have a strong argument, they may propose a settlement. You do not have to approve a settlement offer. It may be helpful to review a proposal with your attorney, examine its pros and cons, and decide if it is in your best interests to accept it.
An at-fault party or their insurance company may do everything within their power to avoid paying you damages. They may even contact you in the hopes you will make a statement on the record regarding your cycling accident and accept partial or full responsibility for it. If this occurs, you can notify your attorney, and they can speak about your case on your behalf.
Bike Accident Comparative Negligence
You may be in no way responsible for your cycling accident. The at-fault party may disagree, and they may claim you share fault for your crash. If they can prove you are partly responsible, the damages you receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, a judge or jury may rule you are 20% responsible for your cycling crash. In this example, you may receive 80% of the damages you initially requested. On top of that, you may be forced to pay some of your accident-related costs out of your own pocket.
You may pursue damages in a cycling crash claim even if the other party is 99% responsible. If you have an experienced legal team at your side, you may be able to present an abundance of evidence and witness testimony to support your case. This may help you make it clear to a judge or jury you deserve to be awarded 100% of the damages you originally requested.
Hire an El Monte Bike Accident Lawyer
Venerable Injury Law is efficient and transparent. We prioritize our clientele, and our El Monte bike accident attorney is here to help you in any way we can. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us today.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.
