Bicycle accidents can be serious and cause devastating injuries. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Glendale can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti and we can get started on your case today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Cycling Accident?
How much money you get will depend on several different factors, like how bad your injuries are, how much your medical expenses are, and if you have loss of wages. Unfortunately, substantial compensation is only paid to victims of bicycle accidents who are seriously injured. If the injuries are serious and the so-called "economic" damages are high, the settlement or verdict will be higher, and could well be in the millions of dollars.
Beware: If any lawyer tells you in the initial consultation how much you are going to get, run the other way. No lawyer can tell you what your case is worth until they know the full extent of your injuries and damages, which comes later. An honest lawyer will tell you that the don't know your case is worth at the beginning of a case.
Who is Usually At Fault if a Bicycle Is involved In An Accident?
Every bike accident is unique. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will investigate the scene, review traffic footage, speak to witnesses, and review any police reports. After investigating all of the evidence, a good lawyer will tell you the results of the investigation and come up with a strategy to help you get the best possible results possible under the circumstances.
Is it Legal to Ride a Bicycle on a Sidewalk in Glendale, California?
In Glendale, California, riding a bike on sidewalks is usually not allowed in business areas, unless the sidewalk is officially marked as part of a bike route. This rule comes from Glendale Municipal Code §10.64.025.
A “business district” includes areas with lots of buildings, like stores, apartments, offices, or public spaces (but not schools), as defined in California Vehicle Code §240. Because this definition is broad, it can be hard to tell exactly where it’s okay to ride.
To be safe, stick to roads or bike lanes whenever possible. Always follow traffic laws and give pedestrians the right of way.
What if am I Found Partially at Fault for the Accident?
California’s comparative negligence rule allows victims who are partially to blame to still claim compensation, with liability distributed according to each party's percentage of fault. Our experienced lawyers know how to argue on your behalf so that the injured party gets as much compensation as possible.
How Much Does a Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost?
You pay zero.....until we win. That's our no-fee guarantee. This is called a "contingency fee basis." After we win, you pay a percentage of the winnings, usually between 33% and 40% of the total recovery. All the risk is on us. None of the risk of is on you. All you have to do is focus on getting better and give our law firm a call.
How do Glendale Bicycle Accidents Usually Happen?
Bicycle accidents happen in a variety of different ways. Here are the most common types of bike accidents:
- Crashes with Motor Vehicles: Common situations include when a driver opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists--known as dooring accidents--and vehicles making sudden right-hand turns, cutting off cyclists in bike lanes. Distracted driving is also a major factor, with things like texting significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident. In Glendale, CA, data from the California Office of Traffic Safety reveals that 29% of bicycle accidents involve collisions with motor vehicles.
- Road Hazards: Uneven pavement, potholes, loose gravel, and debris can cause cyclists to lose control, especially in areas with poor road maintenance. Add bad weather, and the situation becomes even more dangerous as visibility reduces and surfaces become slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Lack of Proper Bicycle Infrastructure: When cities don't have enough bike lanes or safe places for cyclists, it makes riding a bike more dangerous. Cyclists are at risk when they have to share busy roads with cars, especially in areas with high-speed traffic. This problem can make cyclists ride more carefully to avoid accidents.
What are Common Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents can be very dangerous for riders and can lead to serious injuries. Even when cyclists wear safety gear and obey traffic laws, accidents can still happen. These accidents can result in different types of injuries, which may cause big medical bills and other costs for ongoing care.
- Broken bones: Fractures are extremely common after a bicycle accident, whether with a negligent driver or an unexpected obstacle. These injuries can occur even at low speeds and can lead to chronic pain and require extensive medical treatment.
- Head Injuries: These types of injuries can be serious and can happen even if a cyclist wears a helmet. Head injuries account for more than half of all bike accident deaths, showing how serious this type of accident can be. There are different types of head injuries, like skull fractures and bleeding in the brain, and some can cause long-lasting problems. Even a minor concussion can have serious effects on a person's health, so it’s essential to get checked by a doctor right away.
- Psychological Trauma: Bicycle accidents can multiple psychological problems like PTSD, anxiety, or depression, which can significantly impact a bike rider's mental health and quality of life. These kinds of injuries often require professional help and long-term support for recovery.
What to Do Before and After a Bicycle Accident in Glendale
Here's what you need to avoid a cycling accident and what to do afterwards to make sure your legal rights are protected:
- Safety First: You can do a lot before an accident to ensure your safety. Start by wearing a helmet and protective gear, like reflective clothing, to reduce the risk of a major head injury and improve your visibility to drivers on the road. Also, avoid reckless behaviors like weaving in and out of traffic, and follow California's bicycle laws, which require you to follow the same traffic law as motor vehicle drivers.
- Report the Incident: Call 911 and the paramedics right after the accident. While you're waiting for them to arrive, take photos or videos of your bike's damage, the car, its license plate, and any visible injuries you have. Get the contact info of any witnesses.
Know Your Rights as a Bicyclist in California
Cyclists have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers, unless they are riding on a sidewalk, which can complicated the analysis.
If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you can seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Sadly, in cases where a cyclist dies, family members such as spouses or children can file a wrongful death claim against the responsible motor vehicle driver. In these kinds of cases, bringing on a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer is a must. Good lawyers can provide guidance and support, allowing injured cyclists or grieving families the chance to focus on recovery and healing.
What is the Claims Process for Bicycle Accident Cases?
- Initial Consultation: The first thing you want to do is speak with the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti. The first meeting is called an initial consultation, which is confidential. Your lawyer will go over the case details with you and let you know whether you have a case.
- Making a Claim: After you hire our law firm, we will make a claim with the insurance companies your behafl. We will also help you get in touch with the best medical professionals so that you can get the best medical care possible.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: After you are done with medical treatment, we will negotiate with the insurance company in order to get the maximum compensation possible.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company plays around and doesn't offer fair value, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
What Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Do For You
At the Law Offices of Adrianos we have handled over 1,000 cases and we have decades of experience. We have a deep knowledge of local laws and regulations. For example:
- Bicyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers, such as signaling turns and riding in the flow of traffic.
- Helmets are mandatory for those under 18, providing essential protection against traumatic brain injuries.
- Drivers can be held liable for accidents caused by negligence, including distracted driving or disobeying traffic signals.
Our superior knowledge of these regulations and others helps us protect the rights of injured cyclists just like you, so you can get fair compensation.
Contact Us Today For Responsive Legal Help
Bicycle accidents can turn your world upside down and leave you hurting. If you've recently been involved in a bike accident, the bicycle accident attorneys at Law Offices of Adrianos are ready to help guide you through this difficult time.
We discuss compensation options with you, including medical expenses and loss of earnings.
Our firm can provide the support and legal representation so you can focus on your recovery.
Call us today at 626-793-8607.
