Arcadia Bicycle Accident Attorneys

California’s scenic rides and sunny climes make the state the perfect escape for cyclists. Winding trails and coastal roads will take you past breathtaking vistas, giving you more reason to swap the car for something with pedal power. However, when you’re in the saddle, you’re far more exposed than behind the wheel. As such, you have a far higher chance of suffering catastrophic injuries in an accident. If you were injured by a negligent motorist while riding, turn to our Arcadia bicycle accident attorneys for advice. Through the years, we’ve represented numerous cyclists in personal injury cases against at-fault drivers. We know what it takes to succeed—whether it’s during settlement negotiations, the early stages of litigation, or trial. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to find out more about our legal services.

Common Damages in a Bicycle Accident Claim

If you were seriously hurt in a bicycle accident, the resulting damages may be adding up at an alarming rate. Fortunately, you can pursue compensation for both the direct and indirect costs associated with your injuries. As long as you weren’t solely responsible for causing the accident, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and/or their insurance carrier for a range of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Almost all personal injury damages awards will include compensation for the victim’s medical expenses. These costs can encompass a wide range of costs such as ambulance fees, anticipated procedures or surgeries you will need as you reach various stages of recovery, diagnostic testing, emergency department services, home care, hospitalization, medical devices, mobility aids, ongoing rehabilitation, office copays, and psychological counseling.

• Home and Vehicle Modifications: If you suffered a permanent disability, you may have to make modifications to your house and car to accommodate limitations stemming from your condition. In some cases, you may have to fork out thousands of dollars for a complete renovation, a significant investment for any family. Fortunately, the cost of home and vehicle modifications may be recoverable as part of your claim. As such, you should make sure to compile any quotes and invoices to share with your attorney during the initial consultation.

• Lost Earnings: Whether you were stuck in hospital recuperating or your doctor ordered you to take time off work to let your injuries heal, you may have missed out on weeks—if not months—of wages. It’s possible that your injuries are so severe that they will inhibit your ability to work again in the future, essentially depriving you of a lifetime of earnings and benefits. To prove the extent of lost income, your attorney may rely on a wide range of evidence, such as pay stubs, expert witness testimony, tax returns, letters from your employer, and bank statements.

• Property Repairs: As any cycling enthusiast will tell you, road bikes can be incredibly expensive. Even mid-range models can cost thousands of dollars. If your bicycle—or any of your other personal property—was damaged in the crash, you may be able to pursue compensation for the cost of replacing or repairing it.

• Non-Economic Damages: Emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering; the invisible effects of your injuries can take a toll on your emotional well-being, leaving you unable to live life to the fullest. As such, accident victims in California can pursue funds for these intangible losses. Your attorney may ask you to start a personal injury journal to track your pain levels and describe the other ways your injury has affected your everyday life.

How to Avoid Disputes over Failure to Mitigate Damages

As a plaintiff in a bicycle accident case, you have a personal responsibility to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages. While someone else may have caused your injuries, you still have a duty to minimize your losses. As such, if you do something that exacerbates your injuries—such as deviating from your treatment plan—you may face disputes over failure to mitigate damages. Below are a few ways you can avoid these disputes:

• Stick to Your Treatment Plan: Whether you’ve been prescribed certain medications, instructed to avoid physical activity, or told to attend follow-ups, you should never deviate from your doctor’s instructions. Any signs that you went against your healthcare provider’s orders could lead to disputes. For instance, if you were advised to take time off work to let your injuries heal, but continued working, opposing parties may assert that your negligence caused your condition to worsen. In such cases, you may be held partially liable for your damages.

• Disable Your Social Media Accounts: From pictures to reviews to check ins, there are many ways your posts can be used to challenge your personal injury case. For instance, a status update discussing the details of the accident might read as if you were responsible for causing the collision. Pictures of you knocking back drinks at a party just a few days after the accident could be used to assert that your injuries are not as serious as your attorney claims. As such, it may be in your best interests to deactivate your social media accounts until your claim is resolved. If this isn’t possible in your situation, you should dial up your privacy settings to make sure that only those in your online circles can view your posts.

• Be Patient with Your Recovery: It can be difficult to sit at home while everyone is out and about enjoying their lives. During this time, it may be tempting to join in, even if doing so could harm your personal injury case. However, the insurer may be keeping a close eye on your activities. For instance, if you returned to work too soon, your colleagues might be deposed during discovery. Alternatively, you could be placed under surveillance. Ultimately, you need to consider your actions carefully as anything you say or do while your claim is pending could turn your fight for a fair settlement into a losing battle.

Find a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Arcadia Today

Suffering a serious injury in a bicycle accident can force you to put your life on hold. Instead of returning to work or spending time with friends and family, you’re likely scrambling to cover your medical expenses and tackling the hard work of healing. At HPIL, we may be able to help you hold the at-fault motorist financially responsible for the damage they have caused. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or by tapping through to our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.