Saratoga Bicycle Accident Attorney
Helping You Get the Compensation You Deserve in Silicon Valley
Taking your bicycle to work or just on a fun ride through the Bay Area has its benefits. Not only do you give yourself some needed exercise, but you help keep the environment greener and cleaner. Unfortunately, it comes with serious dangers from Saratoga bicycle accidents caused by careless motorists.
When was the last time you traveled the streets of Saratoga? Comprised of several thoroughfares and intersections, multitudes of cars drive through this section of Silicon Valley each and every day. Despite being several lanes wide, many of its smaller side streets lack the necessary bike and pedestrian paths that could boost not only people’s ability to exercise but also the safety of those using the roadways.
Schedule a complimentary case evaluation for your Saratoga bicycle accident by calling our team at (408) 577-3441 or filling out this online form today.
What are Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Saratoga?
Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but most occur as a result of someone else’s negligence or careless actions. Some of the most frequent causes of bicycle accidents in Saratoga include:
- Distracted Drivers
- Speeding Drivers
- Failure to Yield
- Unsafe Lane Changes
- Poor Road Conditions
- Driving Under the Influence
- Dooring Accidents
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Saratoga, taking the following steps can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel severely injured, it’s important to seek medical attention after any bicycle accident. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment.
- Report the Accident: If the accident involved another party, such as a motor vehicle, it’s important to report the accident to the local law enforcement. The police will create a report that can be used as evidence in your case.
- Document the Scene: If you’re physically able, take photos of the accident scene, including the location, any damages, and your injuries. Additionally, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Contact a Saratoga Bicycle Accidents Lawyer: Contacting a Saratoga bicycle accidents attorney as soon as possible is essential for protecting your rights. An experienced lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and help you pursue a claim for compensation.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in California?
The statute of limitations refers to the legal time limit within which an injured person can file a lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims generally falls under personal injury law. For most personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years to file a lawsuit if you wish to pursue compensation for your injuries.
What are the Compensations Available for Bicycle Accident Injuries?
When you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation for your losses. A Saratoga bicycle accidents attorney can help you pursue the maximum compensation possible by ensuring all your damages are properly accounted for. The types of compensation that may be available in a bicycle accident claim include:
- Medical Expenses: Medical bills are one of the most significant costs associated with any injury. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your current and future medical expenses. This includes costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation services and/or medical equipment (e.g., crutches, braces)
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If you are unable to work for a period of time, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you lost while you were recovering. Compensation for lost earning capacity may also be available to cover the long-term effects of your injury on your ability to earn a living.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering is a form of non-economic damage that compensates you for the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries. This category includes physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: If your bicycle was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement. Additionally, if any personal items, such as clothing or accessories, were damaged, you may be entitled to compensation for those as well. A Saratoga bicycle accidents lawyer can help you estimate the cost of property damage and seek reimbursement for it.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless, malicious, or fraudulent. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Wrongful Death Compensation: If a loved one has died as a result of a bicycle accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for their loss.
How Do I Prove Liability in a Bicycle Accident Case?
To prove liability in a bicycle accident case, your Saratoga bicycle accidents lawyer will investigate the accident and gather evidence, including:
- Police reports: Official documentation of the accident from law enforcement.
- Witness testimony: Statements from bystanders who saw the accident happen.
- Traffic camera footage: If available, video footage showing the sequence of events.
- Medical records: Documentation of your injuries and treatment.
- Expert testimony: Accident reconstructionists or medical professionals who can testify about the cause of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
Proving liability is essential in securing compensation for your injuries, and a skilled attorney can help build a strong case.
Can I File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still file a claim. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%. A Saratoga bicycle accidents attorney can help assess the extent of your fault and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How a Saratoga Bicycle Accidents Lawyer Can Help?
A Saratoga bicycle accidents lawyer plays a critical role in your recovery after a bicycle accident. They will handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing. Some of the key ways a Saratoga bicycle accidents attorney can assist you include:
- Investigating the Accident: A lawyer will gather evidence, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports, to determine fault and build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they are worth. A Saratoga bicycle accidents attorney will negotiate with insurers to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: A skilled attorney will ensure that all aspects of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment, are taken into account when determining your compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t face the challenges of recovery and legal claims alone. A Saratoga bicycle accidents lawyer can be your advocate and guide you toward the compensation you need to move forward.
Get the compensation you need after a Saratoga bicycle accident. Our skilled attorneys are ready to help. Contact us today by calling (408) 577-3441 for a free case evaluation.
