Any collision on the road is a serious matter. Even a minor fender bender can result in serious injuries or damage to your vehicle. Typically, most accidents occur when cars and trucks collide with each other as they often share roads and highways.

However, cars and bicycles collide often in city streets and residential roads where the two parties must share space. When cars collide with bicycles, accidents typically become much more serious as bicyclists are fully exposed and therefore more prone to becoming injured.

Just like other types or personal injury cases, bicycle and car accidents boil down to liability. Whoever is deemed liable for the accident is the negligent party, who is then responsible for paying a settlement that compensates the victim.

Just as a car driver is held responsible for their actions on the road, a bicyclist is just as responsible for their own actions. In the state of California a bicyclist can certainly be deemed at fault in a traffic accident, so if you find yourself the victim of a bicyclist’s negligence, speak with a car accident lawyer about seeking compensation.

If My Car Collides With A Bicycle, How Can I Know Who’s At Fault?

There have been many personal injury lawsuits in California in which a bicyclist failed to properly obey the rules of the road and caused an accident. When there is a designated bicycle lane and a bicyclist fails to ride within the confines of that lane, this is a blatant disobeying of the rules of the road. If this causes an accident, that bicyclist can likely be held liable for their negligence.

In order to hold a bicyclist liable for their negligence, it’s important to have evidence. After your accident, take photographs of the surrounding area in order to properly document the rules of the road. Document speed limit signs, crosswalks, and especially the beginning or ending of the bicycle lane where you were hit while driving. This will serve as evidence and will strengthen your personal injury case.

Eyewitness testimony is another strong component of your personal injury case. Talk to anyone who witnessed the accident and the negligence of the bicyclist. Physically write or type out the eyewitness testimony to serve as evidence in court.

How Should I Proceed After Colliding With A Bicycle?

First, seek medical help to ensure you haven’t sustained any serious injuries. If you fail to properly document your injury immediately after the accident, there will be no evidence of the damage that the accident did to your body. It will then make it difficult to award you compensation for your medical bills or lost wages due to your injury, because there will be no way to connect your injury to the date of the accident. Always seek medical help immediately to ensure you are healthy, even if your injuries seem minor at a first glance.

At the scene of the accident, be sure to take pictures of the surrounding circumstances to serve as proof that the bicyclist was negligent. Photographs and eyewitness testimonies will serve as evidence before a judge to prove that the bicyclist was at fault. The more evidence that you are able to collect, the more proof you have. Without evidence, it can be extremely difficult to demonstrate liability.

Next, contact a personal injury attorney in California. Proving negligence can be hard, that’s why it’s important to turn to a lawyer that understands this specific type of case and is accustomed to working with car and bicycle accident victims. Your bicycle accident attorney will leverage California state law as it applies to the facts of your case. Using your evidence, eyewitness testimonies, and personal statement, your lawyer will present a strong personal injury case before a judge in order to earn you the compensation you deserve.

Do I Need A Lawyer If I’ve Been Hit By A Bicycle?

If you have been involved in an accident due to the negligence of another person, you should not have to be burdened with paying out of pocket for your medical expenses. You do have the option to defend yourself in court, but without extensive knowledge of California liability and personal injury law, you will be at a disadvantage. It’s best to contact a bicycle accident attorney.

The Accident Network Law Group is accustomed to working with cases just like yours. If you have been hit by a bicycle, you may wrongly assume that you can’t hold the bicyclist liable, but you have every right to attempt to do so. Accident law can be difficult to understand, as demonstrating liability can sometimes boil down to a “he said, she said” type of situation. With the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can compile evidence and documentation that supports your case and demonstrates the fault of the bicyclist.

Contact The Accident Network Law Group as soon as possible and get started with the process of filing your personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer will ensure that you understand every option that exists before you, and will take the time to listen to every detail of your case in order to properly understand what you’ve suffered. When you work with The Accident Network Law Group, you’re working with a compassionate team that knows the implications of California accident law to the fullest extent. You can feel confident working with our team of attorneys as the outcome of your case is in good hands.

Schedule A Free, No-Obligation Consultation With The Accident Network Law Group Today

The amount of money car accidents settle for may vary depending on the amount of property and personal damage caused. Our bicycle accident attorneys can seek damages on behalf of the pain and suffering you have gone through, present and future lost wages, and expensive medical bills you have and will continue to accrue.

If you’re unable to work, disability compensation is paid depending upon if the injury is permanent or temporary and varies depending upon the affected body part. Your attorney will help you navigate this unique situation and help you come out on top.

Schedule a consultation with The Accident Network Law Group today by sending us an email at info@accidentnetwork.com.