Altadena Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Whether it’s to burn calories, skip the traffic, or see the sights, thousands of Californians are enjoying the benefits of cycling. However, more and more commuters are finding themselves pedaling toward disaster. Every year, cyclists are injured by errant motorists on the road with many victims suffering life-altering injuries. Our Altadena bicycle accident attorneys are here to help. Through the years, the attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers have helped more than 5,000 clients obtain $300 million in settlements and verdicts. To discuss your options with our attorneys, contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS. The initial consultation is free.

Important Steps to Take after a Bicycle Accident

One minute you’re pedaling to your local store; the next, you’re splayed out on the asphalt trying to make sense of what happened. Most of us aren’t prepared for what to do after a bicycle accident—as such, it’s only normal to feel scared and confused in the aftermath. However, the actions you take immediately after a collision can have a profound impact on your recovery and the outcome of your personal injury case. If you can stay calm and take some of the steps listed here, you may be able to avoid disputes that could otherwise cost you a favorable settlement: 

• Contact Authorities: Before considering any other actions, you should dial 911 immediately. This will ensure that you, and anyone else who is injured, receives the treatment they need. Additionally, police officers may arrive at the scene to investigate the accident. Typically, they will compile an official report documenting details about the collision such as injuries, property damage, deaths, and their observations on who or what may have caused the wreck. This document could help corroborate other evidence in your claim.

• Track Down Eyewitnesses: Anyone who saw the accident take place could play an important role in your case. For example, if a bystander noticed that the driver was using their cellphone in the moments before the accident, their deposition could help prove liability. As such, you should note the contact details of any eyewitnesses and share this information with your attorney. It’s likely that your bicycle accident lawyer will want to interview any onlookers to determine whether their deposition could help strengthen your case.

• Document Your Injuries: An accident can spark abrupt chaos, making it difficult to stay focused on the steps listed here. However, if you can, snapping a moment to photograph your injuries and property damage or taking videos of the accident scene could help lay a strong foundation for your future claim. For instance, pictures of your injuries at the accident scene could make it easier to connect your condition to the bicycle collision.

• Seek Medical Treatment: Bicycle accidents often lead to serious injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and whiplash. However, many of these conditions may—at least initially—present with minor or latent symptoms. As such, you might believe that you’ve survived the accident unscathed. To ensure that a potentially serious condition does not go undiagnosed, you should undergo a full medical assessment as soon as possible after the accident. Not only can your healthcare provider check for hidden injuries, but he or she will create a record of your condition that could help you prove damages down the line.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

Medical bills, repair costs, childcare, and your day-to-day expenses; after a serious bicycle accident it can feel like your bank balance has sprung a leak. To make matters worse, many victims are unable to work after suffering serious injuries in a wreck, sinking them further and further into debt. What you and your loved ones need right now is a financial lifeline. Fortunately, filing a claim for the accident against the at-fault parties could help you secure a financial award that will give you and your family a buffer against the threat of bankruptcy. As such, you may be eager to hear what your case could be worth.   However, due to the unpredictable nature of the claims process, it’s impossible to predict how your case may unfold. Our legal team will first need to investigate the accident and review the available evidence before we can approximate a fair sum for the damages you’ve suffered. Here are a few factors we may consider:

• Were You Able to Work After the Accident? A broken bone can take weeks to mend, leaving many victims sidelined from work. More serious conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, could affect your ability to ever work again. For many families, just a single missed paycheck can upend their lives. Fortunately, if you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, wages you lost due to your injuries may be recoverable as part of your claim. These damages can include both compensation for earnings lost in the past and income you are likely—due to your injuries—to miss out on in the future.

• How Serious Are Your Injuries? A broken arm will typically cost far less to treat than a spinal cord injury or brain trauma. Additionally, victims of catastrophic injuries tend to experience greater levels of pain and suffering than those who have sustained relatively minor wounds. As such, the severity of your injuries will almost always have a major influence on the potential value of your financial award.

• Were You Responsible for Causing the Accident? If the motorist is clearly at fault, you may think he or she is 100% liable for your damages. However, it’s possible that multiple parties may share liability. For instance, if the motorist who struck you is employed by a rideshare service, the company and their insurer may also be liable for your injuries. Alternatively, if you played a role in causing the accident—or actions you took after the collision contributed to your damages—you may share some of the fault.

Speak to an Altadena Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

If you were struck by a motorist while out on your bicycle, turn to the attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. We can investigate the accident to determine who is liable for your injuries and may be able to help you build a convincing case to assist you in your fight for a fair settlement. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or visit our Contact Form to schedule a free case review.