Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Lawyers Offer Insightful Legal Help After An Injury
Accidents involving bicycles are by no means trivial. When a car hits a bike, the cyclist usually suffers more. These collisions may result in severe injuries, leaving victims facing a long road to recovery. Arash Law stands alongside injured cyclists and their families. Our Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers bring experience and compassion to every case, working diligently to pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Bicycle accident cases can be complex and may require legal knowledge. At Arash Law, our Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers bring experience handling these unique cases. We understand the challenges cyclists may face, which is why we aim to help them explore their legal options. Our lawyers can handle the legal process on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
We offer a free case review, allowing you to understand your rights and receive the support you need during this challenging time. During this consultation, we’ll answer your questions and explain how we can help you with your claim.
Does v. California Farm (confidential) –settlement for a group of farmworkers who were killed when the car they were transported in to work flipped over in Merced County.– BENNY KHORSANDI
How Can Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Lawyers At Arash Law Help You
Here’s how we can help you pursue compensation for your losses:
Prepare A Strong Case
Once representation begins, our Santa Cruz bicycle accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your bicycle accident. We can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and enlist expert witnesses to provide testimonials, if needed. With this groundwork, you may be able to pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Advocate For Your Interests
Insurance companies review the details of your claim closely to estimate the settlement they can offer you based on their investigations. Accepting the initial settlement may seem like a quick way to wrap up the case. However, failing to review the fine print may be a costly mistake.
Our Santa Cruz injury law firm can help you review the offer and advise you whether it adequately accounts for the full extent of your losses. We can handle communications with insurers on your behalf and advocate for fair compensation.
Negotiate And, If Necessary, Litigate
Insurance companies may raise defenses that challenge the extent of their responsibility. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate strategically with these insurance companies. At the negotiation table, we work diligently to steer the conversation toward fair compensation. If we can’t reach an agreement on reasonable terms, we can consider filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
When someone’s negligence causes you harm, our Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers can help. We’ll explain your legal options and assist you in seeking fair compensation for your losses.
Common Causes Of Bike Accidents
Bicycles, cars, and other vehicles share California’s vast road network. However, the inherent physical disparity between these modes of transportation significantly alters collision dynamics. The exposure and minimal safety measures naturally put bicyclists at a higher risk of sustaining more severe injuries in an accident compared to their motor vehicle counterparts.
Here are some of the common causes of accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles:
- Distracted Driving — One of the major contributors to road accidents is distracted driving. California has actively tried to mitigate this risk with laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving.
- Impaired Driving — The dangerous act of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol endangers everyone on the road, particularly cyclists and pedestrians.
- Insufficient Space for Cyclists — Drivers neglecting to allow at least a three-foot gap when overtaking or traveling alongside cyclists dramatically increases the chances of a collision.
- Failure to Yield — Accidents can occur when drivers fail to yield to cyclists at intersections or other places of convergence.
- Disregarding Traffic Signals — Ignoring traffic lights and stop signs creates a significant hazard for cyclists.
- Speeding — Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, which is a crucial factor in making safe decisions on the road.
- Dangerous Lane Changes — Weaving between lanes, making unsafe lane changes, or overtaking bike lanes can result in serious accidents.
- Unsafe Turns — Even if a driver has a green signal at an intersection, they hold an ongoing responsibility to check for cyclists and pedestrians before executing a turn.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights under California’s personal injury laws.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
An average cyclist versus a multi-ton vehicle is an immense mismatch. The cyclist often bears the brunt of the impact, first against the vehicle, then against the pavement. This brutal sequence can lead to a range of injuries, some of which carry lasting consequences.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries — TBIs range from mild (often called concussions) to severe, and they can have various short-term or long-term physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral effects.
- Amputations — When a limb sustains such irreparable damage that it cannot be saved, surgical removal may become necessary.
- Paralysis — Severe injuries can result in a cyclist losing control over their body, leading to paraplegia (immobility of the lower body) or quadriplegia (complete body paralysis).
- Fractures — When gravity takes over, cyclists often brace for impact, making clavicles, hips, arms, and wrists particularly vulnerable to fractures.
- Facial and Dental Injuries — When a cyclist is catapulted over the handlebars, landing face and head-first is quite likely, making facial scars and dental trauma common occurrences.
- Joint Dislocation — As cyclists often attempt to decrease the impact of falling by sticking out their wrists, elbows, or shoulders, these joints are subjected to extreme pressure and can dislocate.
- Road Rash — Skidding or tumbling across the hard pavement can cause severe skin scrapes and bruises, commonly known as road rash.
These injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. In addition to recovery, navigating the legal process can also be overwhelming.
Our Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers can guide you through the claims process and advocate for your interests every step of the way. With legal support, you can focus more on your healing and rebuilding your life.
How To Determine Responsibility For Your Injuries After An Accident
The aftermath of a traffic accident can leave you with painful injuries, emotional distress, and uncertainties. You may be wondering who may be liable for your losses. Identifying the responsible party involves understanding the legal concept of negligence, which rests on four key elements.
- Duty of Care — Every road user, whether they’re a motorist or cyclist, owes a fundamental duty of care to others. This duty involves acting reasonably to avoid causing harm.
- Breach of Duty — Did someone violate that duty? Did a driver run a red light? Were they talking on the phone while driving? Identifying the breach forms the foundation of your claim.
- Causation — Did the breach directly cause your injuries? A pothole you swerved to avoid might not hold the same weight as colliding with a reckless driver’s vehicle. Establishing a clear link is crucial.
- Damages — These include the physical, emotional, and financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. Medical bills, mental health assessments, repair receipts, and lost wages are often used to prove these damages.
These elements form the foundation of any negligence claim. Establishing each of them requires detailed evidence and legal knowledge. Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers can assist in gathering documentation, working with experts, and presenting your case clearly to support a claim.
What Compensation Can Bicycle Accident Victims Pursue
Bicycle accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the injuries they’ve suffered. Here’s a breakdown of the types of damages you can file a claim for:
Economic Damages
These are the tangible costs of your accident, such as:
- Medical Bills — From emergency room visits to ongoing therapy, your accident-related medical bills are recoverable.
- Lost Wages — Missed workdays due to injuries translate to lost income, which you may be compensated for. If you suffer from a permanent disability that affects your ability to work in the future, you can also pursue damages for lost earning capacity.
- Damaged Property — This compensates for any damage to the bicycle or any other personal items during the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These go beyond the bills and address the accident’s intangible impact on the victim. These types of damages are relatively subjective and often challenging to quantify.
- Pain and Suffering — The physical pain and emotional distress that you experience fall into this category. Expert testimony may be necessary to assess these damages adequately.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — This covers the inability to enjoy life’s pleasures due to physical restrictions, ongoing pain, or psychological trauma.
- Scarring and Disfigurement — Permanent physical reminders of the accident can have lasting psychological effects on the victim.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, if the at-fault party acted with malice or recklessness, you may be able to seek punitive damages. These exist primarily to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future. Bicycle accident victims can obtain punitive damages only under specific circumstances, and they are typically reserved for particularly harmful conduct.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Average Settlement For Bicycle Accident Claims In Santa Cruz, California
Getting hurt in a cycling accident can be overwhelming, and figuring out potential compensation adds another layer of uncertainty. However, there is no fixed amount for these cases, as each claim depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Because every case is different, determining the potential value of your claim requires a close look at the circumstances and available evidence. Consulting an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Santa Cruz can help you understand your options and pursue a fair outcome based on your unique situation.
Statute Of Limitations For Bicycle Injury Claims In Santa Cruz, CA
In California, including Santa Cruz, the statute of limitations for bicycle injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply for certain situations. For example, if the claim involves a government entity (such as a city vehicle or unsafe public road conditions), you typically have only six months to file a notice of claim.
Acting within the appropriate time frame is essential. As time passes, it may become more difficult to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or fully document your losses. Consulting a Santa Cruz personal injury lawyer early may give them ample time to preserve evidence, collect witness statements, prepare a case, and manage deadlines on your behalf.
Steps To Take After A Bicycle Accident In Santa Cruz
Being involved in a bike accident can be overwhelming. Taking certain steps may help protect yourself and your rights to seek compensation. Here’s what you can do following a bike crash:
Prioritize Safety
Take a deep breath and assess your injuries. Call 911 immediately. If you’re able, move yourself and your bike to a safe spot out of traffic. Signal to motorists and warn passersby.
Stay Calm And Don’t Admit Fault
Emotions run high after an accident, but staying calm and level-headed will help you make sound decisions. Avoid apologizing or taking responsibility, even if you’re unsure of what happened. Stick to the facts and let the investigation unfold.
Seek Immediate Medical Help
It’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention, especially if your injuries are anything beyond minor bumps and bruises. Sometimes, certain injuries may not be apparent immediately but may manifest a day or two following the accident.
Report The Incident
File a police report, even for minor accidents. It creates a legal record and helps support your case if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later on.
Document Everything
Gather as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. Record the other party’s contact and insurance information, details of the accident, witnesses’ information, and photographs of the scene and your injuries. Keep all paperwork related to the accident, including medical bills, police reports, and insurance documents.
Consult A Lawyer
Get in touch with Santa Cruz lawyers who handle bicycle accident cases. They can provide valuable guidance, answer any questions you may have, and help with the legal process.
FAQs About Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Claims
Do I Need A Bicycle Accident Attorney, Or Can I Settle On My Own?
After a bicycle accident, you might be tempted to handle the insurance yourself. However, this may be a costly mistake. During the claims process, you may encounter various pitfalls, such as accepting an offer without considering your future expenses or making a recorded statement without legal guidance, among others.
Working with a bicycle accident attorney can help you understand the full value of your claim, avoid making mistakes during the process, and seek fair compensation. Since the litigation process can be costly, insurance companies may be more inclined to settle out of court, knowing that you’re legally represented. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Santa Cruz can calculate the value of your losses and pursue appropriate compensation under the law.
If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, it can be helpful to consult one to assess the complexity of your case and clarify your legal options. At Arash Law, we offer free initial consultations.
What Is My Case Worth?
The value of your case can vary depending on the injuries and losses you suffered. The court may take into account your medical bills, lost wages, or any property damage. However, remember that the impact of the accident extends beyond economic damages. The court may also consider pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.
Even with these factors in mind, the worth of a personal injury case can wildly vary. Differences in jurisdiction, the quality of evidence presented, the negotiating skills of Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers, and the specific circumstances of the injury can lead to different outcomes even for similar cases.
Should I Talk To The Insurance Adjuster Before Consulting An Attorney?
It is generally advisable to speak to Santa Cruz bicycle attorneys first before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster’s role is primarily to investigate the accident, assess damage, injuries, and liabilities, and ultimately, extend an offer that is based on their observations. However, the settlement they offer may fail to account for the full extent of your losses.
On top of that, communication with an insurance adjuster can be tricky. While it’s necessary to report your accident promptly, it may also be wise to be cautious about the information you provide. Preliminary conversations with an adjuster can inadvertently lead to misconstrued statements, adversely affecting your claim.
Consulting bicycle accident lawyers in Santa Cruz before speaking with an insurance adjuster can help you avoid mistakes during the claims process. They can guide you through what to share and withhold from the adjuster and how to convey the information.
What If I'm Partially To Blame?
California follows comparative negligence laws, which are legal concepts used to evaluate the degree of fault among parties involved in an accident. In some situations, the victim might have contributed, albeit inadvertently or minimally, to the circumstances leading to the accident. Other times, multiple parties may share the blame.
Under the rule of pure comparative negligence, your awarded damages may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For instance, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your compensation may be reduced by the same percentage.
Our bicycle accident lawyers in Santa Cruz can help you understand how these laws apply to your situation and guide you through the claims process. Additionally, we’ll strive to pursue fair compensation for your case.
Consult Our Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Attorneys
At Arash Law, we understand the unique challenges cyclists face after an accident. Medical bills pile up, lost wages impact your finances, and emotional distress adds another layer of burden. We provide comprehensive legal services, allowing injured victims to focus on healing.
Our Santa Cruz bicycle accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. We have the resources and experience to handle complex personal injury cases, including bike accidents. Our lawyers work diligently to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related losses.
We offer our services in Santa Cruz and neighboring areas, including Scotts Valley, Felton, Live Oak, Twin Lakes, Soquel, and Pleasure Point.
