Common injuries from a bicycle accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with significant medical bills, time off work, and a painful recovery. The stress of dealing with insurance companies can make healing even harder. You are not alone, as a compassionate bike accident lawyer could help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Our team could help by collecting medical records, securing video evidence, and communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf. The attorneys at Colvin Accident Lawyers are experienced in handling claims involving the common injuries from bicycle accidents in Bakersfield. We could ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process, giving you some peace of mind while you focus on healing.
Cyclists can sustain a wide range of injuries during an accident, from minor scrapes to life-changing trauma. Concussions, broken collarbones, wrist fractures, and knee damage are some of the most common injuries suffered in Bakersfield cycling accidents. In addition, many cyclists sustain catastrophic injuries in such collisions, including:
Road rash is also common and can leave extensive scarring. Similarly, dental damage or shoulder trauma may require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation efforts. These injuries are typically evaluated under the state’s negligence law, which aims to establish whether a driver or another party failed to use reasonable care on the road.
California Vehicle Code § 21200 recognizes that cyclists share many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Other provisions cover bike equipment, lane use, and passing rules. Cal. Veh. Code § 21760, sometimes called the Three Feet for Safety Act, requires motorists to give cyclists adequate space when overtaking. Violating these rules may form the basis for a legal claim.
In addition, the state applies a pure comparative negligence standard, meaning you may recover damages even if you share some of the blame for your Bakersfield bicycle accident and resulting injuries. However, the total amount available may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, most injury claims must be filed within two years. However, claims against a city or county have shorter deadlines, often only six months. Consulting an attorney as early as possible could help ensure you do not miss important deadlines when filing your claim.
Compensation may cover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include:
Non-economic damages often account for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving permanent injuries or long-term medical care, expert testimony and keeping detailed records of your injuries and treatment may help demonstrate the full scope of your future needs. Taking the following actions may also strengthen your case:
Working with a skilled Bakersfield bicycle accident attorney could ensure you do not make unnecessary mistakes when filing your injury claim, including accepting settlement offers that do not address the full impact of your injuries.
An attorney could work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and engineers to establish that your injuries occurred as a result of your collision. Police reports, photos, and even dashcam or store security footage can provide crucial evidence. This level of preparation can be crucial to demonstrating liability and calculating damages for your injuries sustained in your Bakersfield bike crash.
Insurance coverage can be complicated. Some claims utilize the driver’s liability policy, while others may involve uninsured motorist benefits or medical payments coverage. Coordinating these different policies is important to avoid missing opportunities for recovery, and a lawyer could negotiate on your behalf. Our attorneys’ dedication and willingness to go to trial if necessary could keep your case moving efficiently.
Recovery after a cycling accident takes time, and navigating the personal injury claims process on your own can feel overwhelming. Having a seasoned lawyer explain the steps involved, answer questions, and present realistic options for recovery may help ease your burden.
If you are ready to learn more, reach out to Colvin Accident Lawyers today. During a consultation, we could explain the possible outcomes for cases involving common injuries from bicycle accidents in Bakersfield, helping you to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
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