Do You Need a Lawyer After You’ve Been in a Bike Accident?

There isn’t a cut and dry answer to this question. The short answer is most likely. If your injuries are severe enough to warrant hospitalization, ongoing therapy, repeated doctor visits and extensive time off work, you should be compensated for damages in order to pay for these bills as well as your regular bills like the mortgage, etc. Other factors will also come into play, such as if you’re the breadwinner of the family, how extensive your injuries are, how extensive the property damage is, and who was at fault.

Because there’s no straight answer to this question across the board, it’s best not to leave anything up to chance. See a bike accident lawyer after obtaining medical attention to discuss the parameters of your case further. Only a qualified, experienced personal injury lawyer can truly answer the question: do you need a lawyer after being in a bike accident?

Breaking it Down

Experiencing injuries as part of a bike accident in Los Angeles may have you thinking your case is rock solid against the other party. And while it’s true you could be entitled to have your resulting costs covered or reimbursed, the hard truth is that getting those significant costs covered is not always an easy task, especially on your own. So it can never hurt to at least consult with a bike accident lawyer, as the first visit is free. Let your lawyer decide if you have a case or not.

Most times, any payout you may get will come from insurance companies whose primary motivation is to pay you as little as possible. It’s simply not in their best interest to give out any more money than they have to. In fact, it goes against their whole operating model. That’s when the gloves come off, as they do all they can to discredit, manipulate, and confuse you in an effort to avoid paying your claim in full.

This isn’t fair, but it’s reality. Most people don’t have the tenacity, perseverance and thick skin to keep going at the insurance companies time and again. Lawyers do! In the aftermath of a bike accident, secure an experienced partner who will work with you to get the compensation you deserve.

Extent of Injuries

One of the biggest factors contributing to your case is the extent of your injuries. You have a better chance at a win or settlement if your injury is grave, such as a traumatic brain injury, bad concussion, bone fracture, facial disfigurement, or muscle tear. The costs for these types of treatments can quickly pile up, leaving you out of money fast. Sometimes people realize this far too late and by then their window of opportunity has closed – yet another reason to call a lawyer soon after your accident.

A good bike accident attorney will consult with your medical team to come up with an estimate of lifelong costs for your injury. Insurance companies don’t like this and aren’t happy to pay out expensive claims like that. You will be rebuffed at every turn, unless you have a lawyer on your side. He or she has the tools to combat and overcome the manipulative tactics these companies rely on.

The Law

The circumstances surrounding the accident also contribute to the outcome of your claim. The laws in California regarding motorists and bicyclists are complex. Your bike accident lawyer deals with the intricacies of these laws every day and knows how to navigate them. According to The National Law Review, right-hand turn bicycle accident claims are one of the most common in Southern California. More and more people in Los Angeles are choosing to ride bicycles as a primary mode of transportation They’re not alone. Nearly one million Americans use their bicycles to commute.

It’s important to note that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the roadways as do other motorists. While some bicycle accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the cyclist, many are caused by the negligence of the motorist, who may be guilty of:

• Failing to signal when turning
• Speeding
• Cutting cyclists off
• Failing to obey traffic control devices
• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving
• Inattentive driving

Any cyclist injured by a driver in California is entitled to compensation; however, two requirements must be met in showing the driver was at fault. Did the driver act negligently by breaching the duty of care? Or did the driver intentionally and recklessly cause harm? Your bike accident lawyer can help you answer these questions, as well as what compensation you may be able to claim, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Loss of ability to provide household services
• Loss or destruction of personal property
• Property damage

The biggest benefit of hiring a lawyer for your bike accident case is the expertise they offer in determining the circumstances of your case and estimating all costs associated with damages. The other big benefit is having a professional go to bat for you when it comes to playing dirty with the insurance companies.

Contact Power Legal Group

Whether you think you have a case or not, it’s always prudent to call a bike accident lawyer. Here at Power Legal Group, we offer free initial consultations for your peace of mind. Call us today at 800-323-POWER. Let us determine if your case is worth pursuing.