Santa Clarita Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The entire Los Angeles County area was not built with the bicyclist in mind. The area consistently scores near the bottom of surveys of bicycle-friendly areas. Bicyclists have to contend with a number of challenges every time they leave their homes.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Santa Clarita, One Law Group has the experience negotiating with insurance companies and courtroom skills to obtain the fairest injury settlement for you.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Santa Clarita

The number of bicycle accidents is on the rise. Not only are there more people on their bikes these days, but drivers have gotten more careless and reckless. Some of the leading causes of bicycle accidents in the Santa Clarita area are:

• Distracted drivers not seeing bicyclists
• Illegal turns that cut into the area where the bicyclist has the right of way
• Reckless driving that causes a motorist to lose control of their car
• Sheer carelessness, where drivers do not look where they are going
• Drivers not looking when they open their car doors when bikers are passing by

Bicycle Accident Injuries Can Be Serious

There is very little to protect a cyclist from serious injury when they are struck by a vehicle. After a bicyclist has been struck by a car, they are thrown from their bike and either onto the vehicle or the ground. Bicycle accident injuries are likely to be severe and can include the following:

• Fractures and broken bones (including compound fractures)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Organ damage
• Internal injuries

Most injured bicyclists in Santa Clarita will require medical treatment at the scene of the accident. Even if you did not get treated immediately, you should still see a doctor in the days following the accident for an examination. Some injuries do not immediately show symptoms in the days after an accident. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Remember, you cannot file a claim for compensation until you have an exact diagnosis for your injuries and know what the future may hold for you. Your examination and diagnosis will generate the medical records that will form the basis for your bicycle accident claim. You cannot prove things like lost wages or pain and suffering until you can prove how badly you have suffered an injury.

Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident

When a driver is legally responsible for your injuries, you will file a claim with their auto insurance company or sue them in court. The first hurdle is proving that they were the cause of your injuries. You will need the evidence that shows that they did something wrong that caused your accident. In legal terms, this accountability is known as negligence.

Here is the evidence that you may need to prove that the motorist was at fault for your bicycle accident:

• Eyewitness testimony from people who saw the accident
• Dashcam footage from drivers in the surrounding area
• Pictures of the scene of the accident
• A police report (which cannot be used in court because it is hearsay)
• Testimony from an accident reconstruction expert about the cause of the crash

Even if you filed a lawsuit, you will need to try to negotiate a settlement at some point with the insurance company. Then, you will need to deal with the insurance company to get the amount of money that you deserve. The insurance company does not willingly write checks, nor do they make it easy for you to get a fair settlement check. They may pressure you directly to accept a low settlement or stretch things out by making poor settlement offers.

Why You Need a Santa Clarita Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When you hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney near you, One Law Group will handle all dealings with the insurance company on your behalf.

Our bicycle accident attorneys will:

• Gather the facts of your accident to prove that someone else was responsible
• Review your case to help you estimate your damages
• Negotiate a potential settlement with the insurance company
• Take your case to a jury if the insurance company either denies your claim or will not make you a fair settlement offer

You do not have to worry about finances getting in the way of hiring a lawyer. We will work for you on a contingency basis, and you do not have to pay us out of your pocket. If you do not win your case, you will not pay us at all.

Contact a Santa Clarita Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, you may be legally entitled to significant financial compensation. The attorneys at One Law Group can review your case and advise you on the most effective way to get the money you deserve. First, you need to reach out to us to schedule your free initial consultation. You can contact us online or call us at (844) 626-1529.

Bicycle Accident FAQs

Can I sue if the car never hit my bicycle?

Yes. You can still file a negligence lawsuit against the driver if their actions caused you to lose control of your bicycle and fall.

What if I was partially at fault for my bicycle accident?

California law allows you to still recover financially for the proportion of the accident that was not your fault. This rule covers situations where you were not wearing a helmet.

How long will my bicycle accident case take?

A bicycle accident case can take up to two years, but it does not mean it will be this long for every claim. Some may settle more quickly.