Bicycle Accidents
Everyone loves to ride a bicycle in San Diego! We have mild weather, plenty of bike lanes, trails and pathways that give cyclists miles of beautiful scenic rides. But when a cyclist wants to share the road and is hit by an automobile the scene can turn ugly. You have the right to ride your bicycle and feel safe on the road.
One of the primary causes of many bike accidents is found to be motorist negligence. People driving cars often do not pay attention to cyclists. They do not observe them in the same way they do the rest of motorized traffic. This leads to common accident scenarios such as:
- A car turning suddenly into a cyclist
- Turning in front of a cyclist
- Motorist failing to yield or stop for signals
- Motorist driving under the influence.
- A parked car colliding with a cyclist by opening their door without checking for oncoming bicycle traffic
Because of the vulnerability of bicycle riding alongside motor vehicles, the injuries sustained in an accident can be severe. If you or a loved one has been hit by an automobile while riding a bicycle, you need to consider legal action against the responsible party and be compensated for your medical bills, wages lost due to work absence, and pain and suffering. You must act quickly because of statute of limitation laws in California that restrict the amount of time you have to pursue a suit in court or you will lose the right to file for damages or other relief. The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 states this amount of time: ” Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another”.
After you have filed a claim and decide to pursue a lawsuit against the motorist, the insurance company may use a variety of strategies and tricks to try and convince a jury that you are to blame in the accident. You will need an experience personal injury attorney who can deal with an insurance company who will try to present false or misleading evidence to the court and discredit you as the victim.
A reputable personal injury lawyer will almost always be able to obtain a considerably larger settlement from an insurance company and a larger amount for you, even after the attorney’s fees and costs are paid. Insurance companies treat claimants differently who retain professional representation. In order to secure full legal compensation for your injuries, call our office today at 877-603-8473 for a free, personal and confidential consultation. Or fill out the secure mailing form and we will respond to you or inquiry quickly.
This article is for educational and marketing purposes only and does not in any way constitute legal advice. It also does not establish an attorney-client relationship.