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Bicycle Accident Lawyer Whittier

Bicycle accident lawyers in Whittier, CA

It’s no secret that across Los Angeles, cars are the dominant mode of transportation. Yet with rising gasoline prices and heavy traffic, more and more Southern California residents are choosing to travel on two wheels. Bicycles are an excellent alternative to cars and provide a multitude of benefits for the driver and the environment. However, riding a bike across busy city streets doesn’t come without risks.

Bicycle-car accidents can leave a biker scarred for life – mentally, emotionally, and physically. Not to mention the financial burden that comes from medical bills, lost income from missing work, and more. If you suffered financial losses and physical injuries in a Whittier, CA bicycle accident, you need a legal advocate to fight for your rights. Our personal injury legal team at Greenleaf Law Group can be there for you in your time of need. 

Why Hire a Whittier Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

A bicycle accident lawyer in Whittier, CA can help you recover financial compensation in the event you were injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else's negligence. Given the emotional and physical pain following a collision, it’s comforting to know you have legal representation taking care of you.

Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to work with. This is because they receive thousands of claims every year, and their job is to settle for as quickly and cheaply as possible. Our skilled bicycle accident lawyers don’t fall for their tactics. We negotiate higher settlements because we know the difficulties accident victims face. Our team is available 24/7 to guide you through the process from start to finish.

Working with our trusted accident lawyers, you will not have to pay a dime until we win your case. That’s because our law form works on a 100% contingency fee basis, meaning we do not charge hourly fees or require payment upfront. If we are not successful in your case, you don’t pay. Schedule a free consultation with our law firm today to learn more about your bicycle accident case and how we can help.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Whittier, CA

Law firm in Whittier, CA

Los Angeles has the reputation for being one of the most dangerous cities for cyclists. Congested roads, a lack of designated bike lanes, and busy intersections have led to numerous serious and fatal accidents involving cyclists and motorists. Beverly Boulevard and Colima Road are two of Whittier’s busy streets that see a number of accidents. 

Take a look at some common bicycle accident causes due to motorist’s negligence:

  • Failure to yield
  • Driving distracted
  • Speeding
  • Diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Dooring
  • Improper lane changes
  • Poor road conditions
  • Lack of visibility

While most bicycle accidents are caused due to driver error, there are instances where a cyclist may be at fault. For example, cyclists who ride against traffic are at increased risk of being involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. Additionally, inexperienced riders may not know how to properly navigate traffic or avoid hazards on the road, which can increase their risk of being involved in an accident.

It’s always best to speak with experienced bicycle accident lawyers if you have been involved in a bicycle accident. 

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Accidents involving a bicycle and motor vehicle can result in a range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries that can have long-term effects on a victim’s health and well-being. Some common bicycle injuries include: 

Road rash

This type of friction wound can be extremely painful and can cover a large area of the body. Scarring or infection can occur if left untreated. 

Fractures

A biker may sustain broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Head injuries

Head and neck injuries are a major concern in bicycle accidents, particularly if the rider is not wearing a helmet. Injuries can range from minor concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries that can have long-term effects on a person's cognitive function.

Spinal cord injuries

A devastating accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, which can result in paralysis or other long-term disabilities.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, are common in vehicle accidents, particularly if the rider is thrown from the bike or lands awkwardly.

Internal injuries

Bike accidents can also cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent.

Psychological injuries

Bike accidents can also have psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a bicycle accident, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, it is important to take steps to prevent bicycle accidents, such as wearing a helmet and following traffic laws.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

Our Whittier office can give you an estimate of most common injuries

All bicycle accidents are different, which means every claim is going to vary. Typically, the more serious the accident, the higher the settlement. When speaking with a lawyer, they will explain to you the two types of damages available in a bike accident claim: economic and noneconomic damages. These damages are generally similar across all personal injury claims, and can include:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of any medical treatment that was necessary as a result of the accident, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages: If you are unable to work as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
  • Property damage: If the bike or any other property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
  • Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident, including any chronic pain or disability caused by the injuries.
  • Loss of consortium: If you are married or in a domestic partnership, your spouse or partner may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship and support caused by the injuries.

It’s very important to file a claim as soon as possible. By law, injured bikers have two years from the date of their accident. This deadline is part of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Once this deadline passes, you lose the right to pursue compensation.

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Proving Negligence in Bike Accidents

In order to recover damages, accident victims must be able to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. Doing so requires extensive investigation into the accident and quality evidence to support a claim. When dealing with bike accident cases, an attorney will walk you through the four elements of negligence that must be proven.

Duty of care

The defendant owed the plaintiff (the cyclist) a duty of care. For example, a motorist has a duty to operate their vehicle in a safe manner and follow traffic laws.

Breach of duty

The defendant breached the duty of care, by speeding, failing to yield, etc. 

Causation

The defendant caused the bicyclist’s injuries.

Damages

The cyclist suffered financial loss from the accident.

If you can prove the above elements, you have a valid claim. Yet you will still need evidence such as witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and the police report to file a claim and prove liability. Talk to our experienced bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible to get the legal process started. 

California Bike Laws

Accident lawyers in Whittier, CA

By and large, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers (California Vehicle Code 21200). Therefore, those riding bicycles must follow the same traffic rules as all other vehicles. Below are some are the most important bike laws in California:

  • Ride with the flow of traffic and on the right side of the road.
  • Bicyclists should use bike paths or bike lanes when they are available. However, if the bike path is crowded or unsafe, bicyclists may ride on the roadway.
  • If you are under 18 years old, you are required to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
  • Bicyclists are required to have a white headlight and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night.
  • When passing a bicyclist, drivers of motor vehicles are required to leave a safe distance between their vehicle and the bicyclist (at least 3 feet in most cases).

Contact a Bike Injury Lawyer in Whittier, CA for a Free Consultation

If you were hit by a car while riding your bike in Whittier or near Whittier College, you need legal representation. With the expertise of our bicycle accident lawyers, you may be eligible to recover losses including medical bills, lost wages, and more. Don’t leave your fate to the insurance company – our personal injury law firm will work day and night to get you the compensation and successful outcome you deserve. 

Our Whittier, CA law firm is available 24/7 to take your case. Call us at or fill out this quick online form to set up a free consultation.

 

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CALL OUR LAW OFFICE TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

You never pay a fee unless we win your case for you, and we’ll never receive more financial compensation than you do. We always put accident victims first – so you can get back on the road and back to your normal life as quickly as possible.