Pasadena Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a bicycle accident with a car, you might be worried about the mounting medical bills, calls from the insurance company, and just trying to keep your job. If your losses were caused by a negligent driver, you might be eligible for compensation for those losses. A Pasadena personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti is equipped to help you with your bicycle accident case. We can talk about your case during your free case consultation.

Recoverable Damages for Pasadena Bicycle Accident Cases

Getting into a bike accident can change your life. Not only can you suffer catastrophic injuries, but there can be emotional problems, too. The good news is that you may be able to get money for what you’ve been through! Knowing what types of compensation are out there is important for anyone who’s had a bike accident. Let’s take a look at the different ways you might receive help after an accident. When you're in a bicycle accident, you may face different financial losses that can hurt your finances. These are known as economic damages, and they include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing healthcare.
• Lost Wages: You can get compensated for money lost while you're unable to work during recovery.
• Property Damage: This includes costs to repair or replace your damaged bicycle or other personal items, like sunglasses or your cell phone.
• Rehabilitation Costs: These costs help pay for therapies you need to recover and improve your quality of life.
• Loss of Future Income: If your injuries lead to long-term problems that affect your ability to earn money, you might receive compensation for this as well.

Non-economic damages are the losses you can't put a price tag on but that greatly affect your life after a bike accident. Here are some key types:

• Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and mental distress you experience after the accident.
• Emotional Distress: This covers the emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, or trauma from the incident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your ability to enjoy activities or hobbies has changed, you may be entitled to compensation.

Loss of Consortium: This impacts your relationship with your spouse or family, which includes the loss of companionship. In California, there's no limit on these non-economic damages, giving people the chance at full compensation for their losses.

Punitive damages are special payments awarded when the person at fault acted really badly. These damages serve two main purposes: to punish careless or harmful behavior and to stop others from doing the same in the future.

• Extreme Negligence: If the driver's actions were very reckless or done on purpose, a lawyer might seek punitive damages to hold them accountable.
• Extra Compensation: Unlike regular damages, which help cover the victim's direct costs, punitive damages are meant to discourage serious wrongdoings from happening again in the future.

Need for Legal Help: To get punitive damages, it's essential to have a skilled attorney who can investigate the case and show how the defendant behaved irresponsibly.

An experienced bike accident attorney can guide you through the process of seeking compensation after a crash. Every cycling accident is different, which means the compensation you can receive varies based on your situation and injuries. Having a skilled lawyer by your side can boost your chances of getting fair payment for both the financial costs and emotional struggles you face after the accident. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we work hard to make sure you maximum compensation so you can focus on getting better.

You Have 2 Years to File Your Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Pasadena

If you find yourself in a bicycle accident, it can be a traumatic experience for you. And dealing with the legal side can feel overwhelming. One important part to know about is something called the “statute of limitations,” which is the time you have to file a personal injury claim. In California, you basically have two years from the date of the accident to make your claim. CCP 335.1.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Government Vehicles: If a government vehicle is involved, you typically need to file a claim with the government agency first. They have six months to respond. If denied, you have another six months to go to court.
• Minors: If a child is injured, the filing time might be extended until they reach a certain age.

Acting quickly after an accident is key. Evidence can get lost, and witnesses might forget details if you wait too long. Plus, filing a claim sooner means you can start getting help with medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional pain you may be feeling from the accident.

An experienced attorney knows how to meet deadlines and can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation through the legal process. Don't wait before it's too late—reach out for legal help to guide you through the process.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents That Could Be Similar To Your Case

Car drivers usually aren't looking for bicyclists, which leads to many bicycle accidents. Here are some of the most common causes:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the biggest reasons for accidents. When drivers text, chat on the phone, or change the radio, they're not paying attention to the road. Even a quick distraction can cause them to miss seeing a cyclist, leading to serious crashes.

Reckless Driving

Driving recklessly, like speeding or ignoring traffic rules, puts cyclists at risk. When drivers don't yield the right-of-way, run red lights, or make illegal turns, they create dangerous situations for cyclists.

Bad Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roads filled with potholes, debris, or bad lighting can endanger cyclists. In Pasadena, if hazardous road conditions lead to accidents, the city may be held responsible for not keeping the roads safe.

Lack of Bicycle Infrastructure

Reports show that nearly 90,000 cyclists were injured in a recent seven-year period in California. This often happens because drivers don’t notice cyclists or don’t take the time to be aware of them. Improving or adding bike lanes and pathways will help keep cyclists safe.

Injuries Our Law Firm Commonly Sees in Bicycle Accident Cases

Head Injuries

Head injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can be some of the worst outcomes from bicycle accidents. Cyclists are more exposed than drivers and can get serious head injuries even in small crashes. These injuries can include skull fractures and TBIs, which may hurt thinking skills and overall health. Healing from these injuries often needs a lot of medical care and support, including help for emotional effects. Helmets offer some protection, but they don’t remove all risks, showing how important it is to promote cycling safety in the community.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are common injuries in bicycle accidents, especially in the wrists, elbows, and collarbone. Since cyclists lack protection like airbags and seat belts, they are more likely to get hurt. Victims often face severe pain and may need a long recovery that includes surgery and rehabilitation. This not only causes physical challenges but also leads to high medical bills. Having a Pasadena bike accident lawyer is important to help get fair compensation for these costs, especially if the accident was due to driver negligence or reckless driving.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, like strains and sprains, and road rash, happen often but can be overlooked. These injuries may need a lot of treatment to heal properly. Because they usually happen with more obvious injuries, dealing with insurance can be hard. Having a knowledgeable lawyer is important to make sure all medical costs are included in your claims.

Why You Should Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you've been in a bicycle accident, life can get really tough. You're not just dealing with injuries; there’s also emotional stress and the hassle of insurance claims. That’s why hiring a bicycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, is so important. Here’s what we can do for you: 1. Expertise: We know how to prove that the driver acted carelessly, which is necessary for getting the compensation you need. 2. Negotiating Skills: Insurance companies often make low-ball offers. An experienced lawyer from our firm can fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. 3. Understanding of the Law: We know traffic laws and safe biking practices, which helps in building your case. 4. Dealing with Complicated Issues: Bicycle accident claims can get complicated. If you were partly at fault, they will help clarify how that affects your claim. We also know deadlines for filing claims. When you work with the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, you can focus on healing while we handle all the legal details. From reviewing police reports to gathering evidence, we've got you covered. Whether you’re facing medical bills or severe injuries, having a skilled lawyer is necessary for getting the justice you deserve. Call the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on your bike!

Our Law Firm Has Secured Millions for Bike Accident Victims

The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti have an impressive track record when it comes to helping bicycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We have secured millions of dollars for clients in bike accidents.

• We managed to secure an amazing $2,750,000 for a motorcycle rider, even though the insurance policy limits were only $100,000. This shows how hard our team works to fight for our clients and go beyond what the insurance companies initially offer.
• In another case, a client who tried handling their situation on their own for six months only received a low offer of $6,000 from the insurance company. After teaming up with our office, they ended up getting $95,000.

The team is great at understanding and correcting any misunderstandings the insurance companies might have about the law, making sure that victims are not left without the help they need.

Call the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti today for a free consultation.

Proving Negligence Against the At-Fault Driver

A bicycle accident lawyer helps prove negligence by showing that the driver didn't act safely and caused the accident. To do this, they look for four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: The motor vehicle driver had a responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty: The driver failed to meet that responsibility, like speeding or ignoring a stop sign.
3. Causation: This failure directly led to the accident and the injuries the cyclist suffered.
4. Damages: The cyclist has real injuries or losses, like medical bills or lost wages.

Comparative negligence means that if the cyclist is partly at fault for the accident, the amount of money they can recover may be reduced. For example, if the cyclist was not wearing a helmet, this could be seen as contributing to their injuries. Our lawyer will help explain how this could affect the case and work to get the best outcome possible.

What You Should Do After a Pasadena Bicycle Accident

Going through a bicycle accident can be be very stressful. Knowing the right steps to take can help you get fair compensation. Here’s what you should do:

• Move to a safe area away from traffic. Remember, safety first.
• Call 911 to report the accident and get help.
• Seek medical attention even for minor injuries to make sure you're okay and create important records for later.
• Write down the date and time of the accident.
• Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and your damaged bicycle.
• Collect contact information from witnesses and their statements.
• Always report the accident to the police by calling 911.
• Keep a record of the police report and officer details.
• Exchange information with the driver, including their name and insurance details.
• Don’t talk about who is at fault or apologize at the scene, as this can hurt your case.
• Focus on gathering facts and evidence instead of discussing liability.
• Get a copy of the police report for official documentation.

By following these steps after a bicycle accident, you can put yourself in the best possible to win fair compensation.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Pasadena

In 2021, there were 771 collisions that resulted in injuries or even deaths, which included 57 bicycle injuries. In fact, Pasadena is ranked 34th out of 60 cities in the 2021 OTS (Office of Traffic Safety) report. This means Pasadena is in the lower half of the rankings, showing that the city has more work to do to make its streets safer and prevent traffic accidents compared to other cities in California. This shows just how dangerous it can be for cyclists in Pasadena when drivers are distracted, impaired, or speeding. Although the city is trying to make biking safer with bike lanes, accidents can still happen and can lead to serious injuries that change victims' lives. Busy streets make cycling even more dangerous. Large vehicles often speed and ignore traffic signals, which can lead to serious accidents. Distracted drivers and vehicles that drift into bike lanes also create risks. Other road problems, like potholes, can add to the danger. Some streets are especially known for bike accidents, like Colorado Ave., Red Bluff Rd., and Del Mar Blvd. These areas have a lot of traffic and drivers often break the rules, like running red lights. Areas around CalTech, Pasadena City College, and the Rose Bowl are also riskier for cyclists. The growing number of bike accidents in California highlights the need for cyclists to be aware and take safety precautions in these dangerous areas.

Rules of the Road and Safety Tips for Cyclists in Pasadena

Here are some important tips for staying safe while riding your bike in Pasadena.

Wear Your Gear

Wearing a helmet is very important. It helps protect your head if you fall or get into an accident. Besides helmets, consider wearing elbow and knee pads for extra safety. Remember, bicycles don’t offer the same protection as cars, so it’s crucial to be careful. Serious injuries can happen, so wearing the right gear is a must. Bright clothing and lights can also help you be seen by drivers.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Following traffic laws is key to your safety. You should ride in the same direction as traffic and stay to the right unless you’re passing or turning. Always use designated bike lanes if you’re going slower than cars. Make sure to signal when turning so drivers know what you’re doing. If you don’t follow these rules and get into an accident, you could be considered at fault.

Be Visible and Alert

Wear bright or reflective clothing to make sure drivers can see you easily. Using bike lights and reflectors is critical, especially at night or in bad weather. Stay alert while riding; avoid distractions so you can react quickly to things around you. Give cars plenty of space to create a safety buffer because sometimes drivers may not see you. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe on the road and reduce the chances of accidents. For more safety tips, check out the Rules of the Road & Safety Tips guide for cyclists from the City of Pasadena.

Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer From Our Firm Today

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident in Pasadena, the lawyers from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti are here to listen to you and help you.

We offer a no-cost, no obligation initial consultation. And we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you don't pay us a dime unless we win. So there is absolutely no risk to you. Call us today to get the legal representation you deserve.