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Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Navigating the rights of bicyclists relative to drivers and pedestrians can be complex. Bicyclists, often with dedicated bike lanes, face heightened risks when vehicles enter these lanes or pedestrians encroach into them, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

In densely populated urban areas, where diverse vehicle types crowd the roads, bicycle accidents are notably frequent. Securing a bicycle accident lawyer is crucial if you find yourself in such a situation. Yet, the legal landscape is varied, with many attorneys claiming expertise in bicycle accidents. It’s essential to choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and can openly discuss your accident. Our legal team, with decades of experience representing bicycle accident victims, is committed to offering personalized attention and meticulous legal research for every case.

Our personal injury attorneys are available around the clock and provide comprehensive legal support throughout your lawsuit. We ensure our clients are well-informed and comfortable at every step of the legal process.

It is very dangerous for bicyclists since they have to share the road with the following vehicles: 

Types of Bicycle Accidents

There are several different ways a bicycle accident could occur:

  • Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle hits a bicyclist from behind. This is the most common type of bicycle accident in California.
  • Sideswipe collisions: A sideswipe collision occurs when a vehicle drives too close to the bike lane and collides with the bicyclist from the side, throwing the bicyclist to the ground.
  • Door accidents are also common when a vehicle is in a bike lane, and a driver or passenger opens the door into an oncoming bicyclist. The bicyclist then collides with the vehicle door. 

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

  • The motor vehicle driver was drunk or high
  • A car door was opened without looking, right into the cyclist’s path
  • A cyclist is side-swiped by a passing vehicle
  • A cyclist is rear-ended by a car
  • A car cuts off a bicycle when entering the roadway
  • A vehicle turning left at an intersection, or through a gap in traffic, crashes into the cyclist
  • A vehicle turning right cuts off someone cycling straight in a bike lane
  • A car driver doesn’t pay attention to a cyclist’s signaling
  • The motor vehicle runs a red light or a stop sign

Personal Injuries That Result From Bicycle Accidents

Various personal injuries can result from bicycle accidents, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common bicycle injuries are:

How Can I Prevent a Bicycle Accident?

Our attorneys recommend that you wear a helmet and always be mindful of your surroundings when biking. If biking at night, make sure that you wear reflective or bright clothing.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

You should take specific steps immediately after a bicycle accident to preserve the chances of winning a case.

  • Make sure that you’re safe. Get out of harm’s way (off the road) and check for injuries.
  • If your accident involved another party, exchange information with them. Do not say statements that minimize your injuries (“I am okay”) or accept responsibility for the accident (“I should have been looking.”). Do not concede to attempts to negotiate with the other party. If the other person flees, take down any information you can (license plate number, physical description, etc.).
  • Once the police arrive at the scene, ensure you have the opportunity to report your version of the events to the officer. Having a police report to verify the accident helps your case later in court. Your bicycle accident attorney will be accessing this file if they believe you have a case.
  • Even if you don’t go to the hospital after the accident, it’s essential to see a doctor shortly after. This doctor visit will help your legal case and any insurance claims.
  • Keep records of anything related to your accident, including lost hours at work, medical bills, prescription costs, and non-economic damages.
  • Never speak to the other party, their lawyer, or their insurance company.
  • Consult with an experienced accident lawyer to understand if you have a case.

Don’t be afraid to follow through with these steps. You must document everything that occurs during an accident.

How Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Our top-rated bicycle accident attorneys will review your case details during your first free consultation and let you know if you have an eligible case. You may seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:

  • Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and damaged property.
  • Non-economic damages: Pain, suffering, and lowered quality of life
  • Punitive damages: if the driver was incredibly irresponsible, the judge might deem punitive damages to be justifiable

You can discuss with your bicycle accident attorney what damages you should seek.

Could I Still Recover If I Was at Fault?

There are situations in which a bicyclist may be responsible for their own injuries. But if another vehicle was involved and they were partially responsible for the bicyclist’s injuries, the bicyclist could still recover compensation.  California has comparative fault laws that allow a bicyclist to recover compensation, even if they were partially responsible. Some examples that a bicyclist may have been partially accountable are:

  • The cyclist was biking intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  •  The cyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet 
  •  The cyclist wasn’t driving within the bicycle lane

Frequently Asked Bicycle Accident Questions

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?

After a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to ensure your safety by moving away from traffic if possible and seeking medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Document the scene by taking photos of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries. Avoid speaking to any insurance adjusters until you’ve gotten in contact with legal representation. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved in the accident. Seek advice from an experienced law firm such as Heidari Law Group.

Do I need an attorney to handle my bicycle accident claim?

While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to hire an attorney for a bicycle accident claim. An experienced attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, help gather evidence, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. They can also help you build an argument to prove the most important aspect of fault in a bike accident case – how the other party’s negligence directly contributed to causing your injuries.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene or was uninsured?

If the driver fled the scene or was uninsured, you might still have options, such as filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. An attorney can assist you in exploring all potential sources of compensation.

How do I prove the driver was at fault in a bicycle accident?

Proving fault in a bicycle accident involves collecting evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports. Your attorney can help organize this evidence and may consult accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case.

What should I not do after a bicycle accident?

After a bicycle accident, avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability. Do not negotiate directly with insurance adjusters before consulting with your attorney, as this could jeopardize your claim.

How does Heidari Law handle bicycle accident claims?

Heidari Law handles bicycle accident claims by providing personalized legal representation tailored to the specifics of your case. We thoroughly investigate each accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue litigation if necessary to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

Heidari Law Group for Your Bicycle Attorney Needs

Heidari Law Group provides high-quality legal expertise for bicycle accident cases in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Irvine, and Sacramento. We offer free consultations, are available 24/7, and don’t collect any fees until we win your case.

Many clients are surprised to find out they have a case when they thought otherwise. For example, accidents that occur in California fall under the state’s ‘comparative fault law.’ This law allows people injured in an accident to collect damages from the other party, even if the other party wasn’t entirely at fault.

Let us get you the compensation you deserve. Book your no-obligation, free consultation with us today by calling 1-833-225-5454 or booking an appointment online.