Lake Forest Bicycle Accident Attorney

Our bicycle accident attorneys in Lake Forest are dedicated to helping the injured and their families navigate the murky waters of the California legal system. We have helped clients recover more than $300 million, yet we remain committed to providing the compassionate representation and personal touch of a small, local law firm. You can reach our office 24/7 by calling 1-800-GO-HARRIS. We will come to you if you cannot come to us.

How Much Is My Claim Worth?

From your medical bills to your property repair costs, post-accident expenses can add up quickly. It’s a terrifying tally that doesn’t just threaten to sink your savings but also could take a toll on your sanity. In these uncertain times, you’re likely looking for any concrete information that could help bring a little order to the chaos. While no credible lawyer will ever guarantee a specific outcome in a personal injury case, our team of bicycle accident lawyers in Lake Forest can assist you by approximating a fair settlement amount. Factors that may be weighed into these estimations can include:

• Lost Wages: If you had to take time off work to heal, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages. In the event that your condition or injuries will prevent you from returning to your same job in the future—or you will not be able to work again—you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of future earnings. Your lawyer might enlist the help of an economist or vocational expert to assist with estimating the value of such damages.

• Non-Economic Damages: While tangible costs, such as your medical bills and repair expenses, could make up a major portion of your claim, you may also have a right to seek compensation for non-economic damages such as emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, and pain and suffering. Our Lake Forest bicycle accident attorneys can help you determine whether or not non-economic damages may be recoverable and can approximate their value.

• Severity of Your Injuries: Typically, serious injuries or permanent disabilities warrant higher financial awards as they often result in steeper medical expenses and lost income, and victims tend to experience greater levels of pain and suffering.

• Your Level of Liability: Sometimes the defendant is entirely responsible for causing the accident that led to the plaintiff’s injuries. If this applies to you, the defendant would be liable for 100 percent of your damages; however, this is not always the case. In some situations, the plaintiff is at least partially responsible for their own damages. For example, if you contributed to the accident or failed to follow your doctor’s instructions, you may be held at least partially liable for the resulting damages.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

When you think about a courtroom, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a stern judge, glaring at you as she raises the gavel, or an unsympathetic lawyer peppering you with deliberately confusing questions. Whatever the image, walking into that room is likely a frightening proposition. Fortunately, very few personal injury cases proceed to trial; the majority of claims are resolved through negotiations. However, if the insurer or at-fault party does not agree to a fair settlement, it may be in your best interests to move to litigation. Here are a few factors that might impact whether or not your case goes to court:

• Is There More Than One Liable Party? In a personal injury case, you may be seeking compensation from multiple liable parties. It’s possible that some of these parties will dispute how liability is apportioned. As a result, negotiations may reach an impasse, giving you no other option but to file a lawsuit.

• How Strong Is Your Evidence? Your personal injury case lives—or dies—based on the strength of your evidence. Miss crucial details and you will give opposing parties ammunition to dispute the pertinent facts of your case. Not only can this lead to delays as your legal team is forced to counter disputes, but it could also cause negotiations to stall, increasing the chances of your case going to trial. A skilled personal injury lawyer will know which evidence to collect based on the specific circumstances of your case. However, keep in mind that much of this evidence may be time-sensitive, so it could benefit your claim for your attorney to begin the investigation as soon as possible after the accident.

• What Is the Nature of the Negotiations? Sometimes filing a claim is a relatively straightforward process. But often, especially when claimants are seeking significant damages, negotiations can turn ugly. Insurers may leave no stone unturned in their quest to find evidence to challenge your claim. If the defendant or the insurance company refuses to come to the table, your lawyer may decide it is in your best interests to proceed to litigation.

Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Lake Forest Bicycle Accident Lawyer

There’s no cost for the initial consultation. To speak with a member of our team, send us a message or dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS.