Whether you were hit by a bicycle that did not recognize you had the right of way while crossing the street or you were simply struck by a reckless or negligent cyclist, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover damages for any serious injury you sustained and any parts of your life that were affected by your pedestrian injury.
If you have been hit by a bicyclist, first stop and make sure you are not hurt. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should seek medical attention right away. Even minor injuries like bumps, bruises, and scrapes can be an indicator of a more serious injury and, if left untreated, can cause serious medical problems down the road. After getting hit by a cyclist, seeking medical care is the most important step you can take.
The second step you should take is to call a pedestrian accident lawyer right away. Many pedestrian accident victims fail to realize that getting hit by a bicycle can be just as serious as getting into a car or truck accident, and that they may be entitled to compensation that covers their damages. With the help of a pedestrian accident attorney in California, you may be able to receive a settlement after your accident that helps cover the cost of your medical care or lost wages.
How Can I Strengthen My Pedestrian Accident Case?
After any accident, getting immediate medical attention is the most important first step to take. Ensuring that you are safe and healthy is of the utmost concern, but it is also crucial that you properly document your injuries right away. If you do not go to the emergency room or schedule a doctor’s appointment promptly, you run the risk of not being able to connect your injury back to the pedestrian accident. In order to strengthen your pedestrian accident case, you will need to be able to prove that your injuries are a direct result of being hit by the bicycle.
It is important to remember to collect evidence at the scene as well. If you were walking and got hit by a bike, gather as many witness testimonies as you can. A witness is a person with first-hand knowledge of an event that testifies to that knowledge during a trial or other legal proceeding. Be sure to document each witness’s contact information as well, as their personal account of the accident will be helpful to use in court.
Taking photos to use as evidence is another way to strengthen your pedestrian accident case. Your personal injury lawyer will need to demonstrate the cyclist’s negligence before a judge, and having photos of the scene of the accident will help. Take photos of street signs, crosswalks, bike lanes, and other factors that paint the picture of how the accident happened. Take photos of the damage done to your property or body, as well as damages the cyclists’ bike sustained. The more photos you have of the scene of the crime, the stronger your side of the story will be.
Can I Receive Compensation If I Was Hit By A Bicycle While Walking?
From investigating the specifics of your accident and analyzing evidence, to negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf with the insurance company, help is just a phone call away. Many California pedestrian accident victims fail to realize that being hit by a bicycle is just as serious as getting hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle. Bicycles can travel at high speeds, and bicyclists are known to weave in and out of both car and foot traffic in order to get to their destination. Reckless bicycle drivers need to be held accountable just like car, truck, and motorcycle drivers, and pedestrians deserve compensation just like any other victim does.
Your pedestrian accident attorney will seek to provide you with damages that cover the cost of medical bills, or reimburse you for medical expenses you had to pay. This can include the cost of emergency room visits, hospital care, doctor’s office co-pays, prescription medication, and much more. In some cases, medical bill compensation can even cover the cost of long-term medical treatment, such as physical or occupational; therapy. Even if your injuries are minor, you should not have the be burned with the cost of medical care if the accident was not your fault.
If you have to stay home from work to heal your injuries, your pedestrian accident attorney will fight for your right to lost wage compensation. This will reimburse you for any wages you missed out on while you were forced to stay home due to your injuries.
There are many types of compensation a pedestrian accident may be entitled to after being hit by a cyclist in California. In some cases, punitive damages may be required of a bicyclist who was operating especially negligently, such as if they were driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs. In cases where a pedestrian accident victim suffers post-traumatic stress, depression, or anxiety after being struck by a bicycle, that victim may be entitled to pain and suffering damages as well. Again, every accident is different, so be sure to consult with an attorney in order to know if you are eligible to file a personal injury claim.
How Do I Know If I Am Eligible To File A Personal Injury Claim?
The only way to fully understand your legal options after being hit by a bicycle in California is to contact a pedestrian accident attorney. At The Accident Network Law Group, we have helped many California accident victims uncover the compensation they deserve via filing a personal injury claim.
We are proud to offer a free, no-obligation consultation to any California pedestrian who has been struck by a bicycle. Remember, when you work with us, you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
Schedule your free pedestrian accident consultation with The Accident Network Law Group today by calling (714) 844-1010 or sending an email to info@accidentnetwork.com. The Accident Network Law Group has offices in Costa Mesa and Riverside and will consult with any Californian in need of legal guidance after a pedestrian accident.