Seal Beach Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Were you or someone you love hit by a negligent driver while riding a bike? The liable party may be responsible for covering medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Seal Beach can take the necessary steps to help you pursue the settlement you deserve. You cannot trust the opposing party to cooperate. Even if they have insurance, the claims adjuster will have incentive to pay you as little as possible. To discuss your options with one of our lawyers in a free consultation, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

What Factors Could Affect the Value of My Bicycle Accident Case?

Recovering after a serious accident can be a downright miserable experience. Not only may you be in severe pain, but you’re also likely sidelined from work, left to watch weeks, if not months, of much-needed wages disappear into thin air. With your financial future at stake, it would help to have an idea of what your claim is worth. Unfortunately, our bicycle accident lawyers in Seal Beach cannot guarantee a specific outcome in your case. No attorney can. But by conducting a thorough investigation and possibly consulting with various experts, we can help estimate a reasonable settlement for the damages you’ve incurred. The value of your claim may depend on a variety of factors such as:

• Permanence of Your Injuries: The longer it will take you to recover from your injuries, the greater your potential recovery will likely be.

• Limitations: Has your condition affected your income-earning capacity? Are you unable to return to a normal routine such as tackling household chores or taking care of your kids? Will your injuries prevent you from advancing in your field of work? The degree to which your condition impacts your ability to earn a living, engage in everyday tasks, or even enjoy your hobbies can have a major influence on the potential value of your personal injury case.

• Punitive Damages: If there is enough evidence to prove the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice, punitive damages may be awarded in your case.

• Your Age: Someone who suffers a permanent disability in their early 20s will incur greater medical expenses and miss out on more wages in their lifetime than someone nearing their 80s.

• Your Own Liability: Whether you were partly responsible for causing the accident or your negligent actions exacerbated your injuries in the aftermath, your financial award may be reduced by your percentage share of the liability. For example, if you did not follow your doctor’s orders and this led to your condition worsening, the insurance company may argue that you were negligent and thus are liable for these additional damages.

Common Mistakes Claimants Make When Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Whether it’s forgetting to pick up your child from school or blanking on your wedding anniversary, everyday slipups often don’t carry any serious consequences besides the cost of an ice cream cone or a box of chocolates. However, if you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, even minor errors could cause your case to crumble. Remember, the insurance company is likely looking for evidence that could be used to dispute your case and minimize how much they have to pay out. As such, you need to be careful about everything you say or do as one false move could affect your potential recovery. Below are a few mistakes you should avoid until your case has concluded:

• Do Not Ignore Your Doctor’s Instructions: Maybe you think your doctor is being overly cautious, or you’re just tired of being sidelined from social activities. However, deviating from your healthcare provider’s instructions is a grave mistake that won’t just endanger your health but could also affect the outcome of your bicycle accident claim. Fail to follow their orders, and the insurance company may assert that you did not take sufficient steps to mitigate damages or that your actions caused your condition to worsen.
• Do Not Post on Social Media: Spilling your guts about your claim, your injuries, or the accident online might feel good in the moment, but this “tell-all” could be an “end-all” for your claim. There are many ways you could jeopardize your case, from inadvertently admitting fault for causing the accident to contradicting other evidence in your case to downplaying the extent of your injuries. Until your claim is resolved, you should abstain from publishing any comments or pictures online.
• Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement: In the wake of the accident, it’s likely the claims adjuster will reach out to you for a recorded statement. While it may seem like a reasonable request, these phone conversations are often designed to elicit specific responses that can later be used to challenge your case. Instead, you should direct any and all correspondence to your Seal Beach bicycle accident attorney.

Speak with a Seal Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Contact our 24/7 phoneline at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us an email to set up a consultation. We don’t charge anything for the case reviews, and no attorneys’ fees will be owed unless we prevail.