The Law Office of Nikolaus W. Reed represents those hurt in bicycle accidents in San Pablo. Out of all the accidents you might get into, getting hit from behind is one of the worst, especially when you’re on a bicycle. It can cause a lot of different injuries and damage. If you’ve been in a rear-end bicycle accident in San Pablo and want to talk about your options, contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Work With a Lawyer?
When you’re injured, it can be really tough to handle. This is especially true if you’re in a bicycle accident, which can change your life in a big way. But not all accidents are serious. If yours isn’t too bad, you might not need to worry about working with a lawyer.
However, most bicycle accidents, and especially rear-end ones, can leave you hurt. In California, you don’t have to get a lawyer, but if you’re really hurt, you’ll probably need some extra support. That’s where my firm comes in. Here’s how we help:
- We figure out what happened and who’s responsible.
- We help you gather all the paperwork and proof you need.
- We let you focus on getting better while we handle the legal side of things.
At first, what you need most is for things to be less complicated. We work hard to make that happen for all our clients, including you. We’ll walk you through everything and explain what you can do next.
Who’s Responsible For Your Injuries in a Rear-End Bicycle Accident?
One of the first things you need to do when you’re involved in a rear-end bicycle accident is to figure out who’s responsible. In legal terms, this is known as “liability,” and it pretty much sets the course for how your claim plays out.
In most rear-end accidents, it’s the driver of the vehicle that hit you from behind. But there could be other people or factors involved, like:
- Another driver
- Another bicyclist or pedestrian
- The government, if the road or traffic signals played a part
- The makers of brakes or car parts if something went wrong with the vehicle
Ultimately, it comes down to who was careless and caused the crash and your injuries. Even if you’re the one hurt, you might still share some blame, which can affect how much financial support you can get. That’s because of California’s “comparative negligence” rule. What’s important, though, is that you need to file an injury claim.
Why Do You Need to File an Injury Claim After a Bicycle Accident?
The entire point of having the law on your side as a bicycle injury victim is that it gives you the option to file a claim to recover “damages.” The amount you receive depends on how severe your injuries are and how responsible the other party is.
Specifically, you have two main options:
- Filing an insurance claim outside of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Both options proceed in much the same way, but again, the reason you need to file your claim is to recover the financial support that California law makes available to you. This differs from case to case, but generally includes:
- Medical bills, including surgery, emergency care, treatment, and ongoing medical needs.
- Repair or replacement costs for your bicycle or any other damaged property.
- Lost wages or earning potential from not being able to work due to your injuries.
- How the accident has affected your enjoyment of life, including relationships.
- Physical pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress you’ve experienced.
The evidence you provide and how well it shows the impact of the accident determines how much you get in damages. It’s crucial to file your claim within two years of the accident under California law. Missing this deadline means you can’t file a claim or get these much-needed damages.
How Can You Show the Extent of Your Damages?
Because it’s up to you to show the extent of your damages in a rear-end bicycle accident, it’s not just about your actual injuries (although that will be a big part of it.) Rather, it’s about putting together a strong case, and that process starts right after the accident itself. It’s about what you do–or don’t do. Here’s what you need to do to show your damages:
- Make sure you’re safe and call for help – If you can, move to a safe area away from the road, especially since you’re at risk in traffic. Call 911 right away for an ambulance.
- Report the accident to the authorities – Reach out to the San Pablo Police Department to report the rear-end bicycle collision. It’s vital to have an official record, especially in cases like rear-end collisions where fault might be clear. Swap insurance and contact details with everyone involved, including the driver who hit you.
- Get medical help immediately – Even if you feel fine at first, it’s crucial to get checked by medical pros at the scene. Rear-end bicycle accidents can lead to various injuries, from whiplash to head trauma. Paramedics can check you out and provide necessary treatment or take you to a nearby hospital or emergency room.
- Collect evidence at the scene – If you can, gather evidence right then and there to back up your case. Take pictures of the accident, focusing on your bike’s damage, any vehicles involved, and any injuries visible on you or others. You’ll also want to get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Keep up with medical care – After the initial check, seek further medical help from pros who specialize in accident injuries. Even minor injuries can worsen if they’re not treated correctly. Follow their advice for treatment and attend all follow-up appointments to make sure you recover well.
- Document everything – Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident, like medical visits, talks with insurance companies, and any expenses from the accident. These records will be crucial when filing insurance claims or seeking damages.
By following these steps, you can focus on your safety, gather important info, and make sure you get the medical care you need after a rear-end bicycle accident.
NWR Law Can Help You After a Rear-end Bicycle Accident in San Pablo
Dealing with the aftermath of a rear-end motorcycle accident can feel incredibly daunting, as it involves grappling with physical, emotional, psychological, and financial hurdles during recovery. No matter what difficulties you’re facing, our team at NWR Law is committed to standing by you every step of the way.
We’re dedicated to helping you in the aftermath of a rear-end bicycle accident. We’re devoted to securing a fair resolution and protecting your rights. To get the process started, contact us today for a free consultation.