California is great for bicycle riding, with many trails through parks and canyons. The state has worked to make roadways more accessible to bicyclists, but still, there is a high risk of injury for bicycle riders in Irvine.
If you have been critically injured and do not know how to get help, turn to an experienced Irvine bicycle accident lawyer at The Simmrin Law Group for a 100% free consultation today. Our personal injury legal team will help you demand justice for your suffering.
When to Sue After a Bicycle Accident in Irvine
The legal system can be very complicated, and knowing when to sue after a bicycle accident can be confusing. The person liable for the injuries you sustained can be held responsible for your damages. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Irvine, you should speak to an attorney about your rights before speaking with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
The insurance adjuster is not trying to get you the best compensation. Instead, their goal is to protect their bottom line. They will often offer you the lowest possible settlement hoping you will accept. They will use deceptive practices stating you only have a short time to accept their offer or you may not receive a higher offer.
These are both inaccurate and a bicycle accident attorney in Irvine, CA, can help you negotiate with the insurance company. Bicycle accident claims are typically settled outside of court, but if a negotiation cannot be made, a lawyer with The Simmrin Law Group can help you file a legal lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Irvine, call (310) 896-2723
Common Types of Irvine Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle injuries are often the most severe due to the lack of protective gear a bicyclist has. In cases where the bicyclist crashes due to uneven or unkempt roadways, the fall can still cause injuries, or the bicyclist may be hit by an oncoming car after the fall.
The most common injuries that occur after a bicycle accident include:
1. Broken Bones and Fractures
When a collision occurs between a car and a bicyclist, they can suffer painful hairline fractures, compound fractures, or multiple shattered bones. Injured bicyclists can receive multiple fractures and require several surgeries to repair broken bones.
2. Road Rash or Dermal Damage
Road rash occurs when the flesh is violently scraped against concrete or asphalt. These dermal abrasions can be incredibly painful as the top layer of skin is removed. When the worst road rash occurs, several dermis layers can be scraped away, causing exposed muscle tissue.
3. Brain Injuries
A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur even if you wear a safety helmet. If a bicyclist is not wearing a helmet, the chances of suffering moderate to severe brain damage can be much higher.
4. Back, Neck, and Spine Injuries
Whiplash is most often associated with rear-end car crashes; however, that same violent neck-whipping motion can also occur when a bicyclist is hit by a car. The ligaments, tendons, and muscles in your back and neck can get torn, overextended, or twisted. Partial or total paralysis is of concern as a crash could damage your spine.
5. Facial Damage
Many bicycle helmets are fitted with a small protruding piece that is made to protect your face from making direct contact with the concrete; however, you can still sustain severe facial injuries. One of the biggest concerns is eye protection. Flying glass or debris can damage unprotected eyes and even cause vision loss.
People can damage their front teeth by being knocked out or chipped. Broken ocular sockets or noses also occur quite often. Facial damages often heal over time, but there may be permanent scarring and disfigurement that can lower your quality of life.
Irvine Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Liability and Causes of Bike Wrecks in Irvine
There are several causes leading to bicycle accidents. These factors depend on the behavior of other drivers, the condition of the bicycle, and the condition of the roadways. Some of the more common causes of bicycle crashes in Irvine, CA, include the following:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Reckless behavior
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical malfunction or defective part
- Unkempt roadways
Click to contact our Irvine Personal Injury Lawyers today
Reimbursing Bicycle Accident Victims for Their Damages
The at-fault party is responsible for reimbursing any costs associated with the injuries you sustained. The following are the damages you may seek compensation for.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the monetary expenses associated with a bicycle crash. These damages include:
- Medical expenses for doctor’s appointments, diagnostic procedures, and any required treatments
- Personal property destroyed or damaged in the accident
- Loss of wages or income during the time you need to recover from your injuries
It is important to document your economic damages by keeping track of all paystubs, time cards, repair receipts, and medical records.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are the non-monetary cost of the pain and suffering you may have experienced due to the bicycle accident. These damages include:
- Psychological trauma
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
You can document these non-economic damages by making a note of any counseling or therapy you receive and journaling how the injuries from the accident affected your daily life.
An experienced bicycle accident attorney at The Simmrin Law Group will help you explore all the damages you can seek compensation for.
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How the Bicycle Accident Claims Process Works
A bicycle accident lawyer in Irvine will help you through the complex legal process of pursuing a bicycle accident claim. Here is what you can expect from our lawyers:
- Accident investigation through reviewing police reports, talking to witnesses, and collecting evidence
- Determining liability by proving negligence of the at-fault party
- Calculating damages by placing a value on the damages suffered due to the bicycle accident
- Filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Negotiating a fair settlement for you
Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys will help you navigate the confusing claims process.
Get in Touch with a Dedicated Irvine Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you have sustained injuries due to a bike crash, an Irvine bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve. We want to ensure you are given the time to recover from any injuries you may have sustained, letting us handle the legal side of your case. Contact The Simmrin Law Group today for a free case evaluation using our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form