A bicycle crash can leave you injured, unable to work, and facing mounting medical bills. Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident in Bakersfield could help you prepare for the legal process of filing a claim for compensation. An attorney from Colvin Accident Lawyers could help you determine your options, collect evidence, and meet necessary deadlines while you focus on your physical recovery.
A dedicated bicycle accident attorney could also identify long-term medical needs, future wage issues, and the laws that may shape your claim. This measured guidance could help you make decisions with less guesswork, so contact our firm today.
California Vehicle Code § 21200 gives bicyclists the same rights and duties as drivers. Provisions that often arise in local cases include:
A proven traffic violation may support negligence per se, making it easier to determine liability.
The state uses pure comparative negligence, meaning injured individuals can still pursue compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident that caused their injuries. In such cases, the court or jury will assign each party a share of fault, reducing available recovery accordingly.
Most personal injury actions must be filed within two years, under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims against a public entity, such as those involving a road defect case or a collision with a city vehicle, generally require individuals to file a government claim within six months. If you are wondering what steps to take after a Bakersfield cycling incident, an experienced attorney could help you meet critical deadlines and understand how state law may affect your case.
Strong claims tend to start with orderly evidence. Medical records could help connect your injuries to your accident and outline future care requirements. Photos, videos, and witness details may show how the collision occurred, and prompt preservation letters could help retain intersection camera footage, vehicle data, or store surveillance that might otherwise be overwritten. When trying to determine what to do after a Bakersfield bike crash, collecting evidence should be a priority.
Helpful items often include:
Negotiations with insurance may involve the at-fault driver’s liability policy, medical payments coverage, or uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits. Recoverable losses can include medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic harm, such as pain and suffering. Careful documentation and realistic valuations could give adjusters and courts a clearer picture of what happened and the full impact of your injuries.
The aftermath of a cycling accident may feel overwhelming, but a dedicated lawyer could help you understand your rights. During your consultation, we could explain what to do after a bicycle accident in Bakersfield, what evidence to gather, and which deadlines govern the process.
For steady guidance and compassionate support, contact Colvin Accident Lawyers today. We could outline your options, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
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