Bicycle Accident Lawyer Santa Monica CA
The Santa Monica area weather offers plenty of opportunities for bike enthusiasts. There are a number of reasons why people ride – for pleasure, for exercise, and as a mode of transportation. Unfortunately, as each Santa Monica, CA bicycle accident lawyer from our firm knows based on the cases we handle, bike riding presents a significant risk for cyclists. Nationally, there are approximately 800 people killed in bicycle accidents each year. At Cohen Law Group, P.C., we understand the serious – sometimes catastrophic – injuries that victims suffer and how these injuries can significantly impact their lives.
Steps in a Bike Accident Claim
Victims of bike accidents caused by a vehicle driver’s negligence or recklessness are entitled to financial compensation for the losses their injuries have caused them. The key to collecting damages is proving the driver’s negligence.
Some of the factors that can help prove the driver’s negligence include:
- The driver was engaged in some type of distracted driving behavior, such as texting and driving, eating, etc.
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- The driver violated a traffic law, such as driving through a stop sign, traffic light, etc.
The first step your Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer will take for your claim is to draft and send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. This demand letter is an exhaustive discussion of the accident, your injuries, your medical bills, any lost wages or other monetary damages, and additional evidence to prove your case.
How much should you ask for?
Much like the negotiations that happen when buying a car or other big items, negotiations with insurance companies require a bit of finesse. Rather than asking for the exact amount of your damages, your lawyer will likely present the first offer higher than you would need to settle the case.
This creates a ceiling for the negotiation, and it is much better to start too high and come down than to start too low and fight your way back up. By inflating your demand, your lawyer creates some space for negotiation and improves your odds of walking away with the money you deserve.
When do you finally settle the matter?
There will likely be some back-and-forth between your lawyer and the insurance company, with the exchange of offers and counteroffers. There’s no special formula for how long such negotiations could or should last; it usually depends on the specifics of the case and the decisions made by the individual insurance claims adjuster.
If both sides are unable to reach a fair and just offer, your lawyer may recommend filing a civil lawsuit.
It’s important to note that even if your lawyer does file a lawsuit, there is still a strong possibility that the case will eventually be settled. In certain circumstances, filing suit is just another step in the negotiation process, a show of force to the insurance company that the case won’t simply be swept away.
Contact a Dedicated Santa Monica Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, call Cohen Law Group, P.C. to schedule a free case evaluation with a skilled Santa Monica bicycle accident lawyer. We will evaluate your case and determine what type of financial compensation you may be entitled to.
How an Attorney Can Help
If you have been involved in a bike accident in Santa Monica, California, and have suffered injuries, damages, or losses due to someone else’s negligence or fault, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified attorney who specializes in personal injury law, such as CL Attorney. A personal injury attorney can provide you with the guidance and support you need to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Additionally, an attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case on your behalf. They can also advise you on the types of damages you may be entitled to recover and ensure that you file your claim within the required time frame.
While it is not always necessary to hire a personal injury attorney after a bike accident, having one on your side can significantly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and damages. It is recommended to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that your rights are protected and to maximize your chances of success in your case.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver error, road conditions, and environmental factors. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Driver error: Many bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence or reckless behavior of other drivers on the road. Common examples include distracted driving which causes Santa Monica car accidents, speeding, failure to yield, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Road conditions: Poor road conditions such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or debris on the road can cause bicycle accidents. These hazards can cause a cyclist to lose control of their bike, leading to a crash.
- Environmental factors: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog can significantly reduce visibility and traction, making it challenging for bicyclists to control their bike. Strong winds can also affect a bicycle’s stability, especially on highways or other open roads.
- Dooring: Dooring occurs when a driver opens their car door without checking for bicyclists passing by. This can cause a cyclist to collide with the door, leading to injury or damage to the bike.
- Improper passing: When drivers pass bicyclists too closely or too quickly, it can cause the bicyclist to lose control of their bike or collide with the vehicle.
- Riding against traffic: Bicyclists who ride against traffic are at an increased risk of being involved in an accident because drivers are not expecting to see them coming from the opposite direction.
To avoid bicycle accidents, cyclists should always wear appropriate safety gear, obey traffic laws, and be aware of their surroundings. Drivers of other vehicles should also be aware of bicyclists on the road and give them sufficient space and respect their rights. Additionally, city governments can improve safety for bicyclists by implementing bike lanes, sharrows, and other infrastructure improvements, as well as educational programs to promote safe bicycling practices.
According to the Santa Monica City website, the city is committed to providing safe and accessible streets for all road users and is continuously working to improve infrastructure and safety measures for bicyclists. Additionally, the city has implemented programs such as the Santa Monica Bike Center, which offers free classes on safe bicycling practices, maintenance, and repair. Bicyclists can also take advantage of bike lanes, sharrows, and green lanes that have been installed in many areas throughout the city to improve safety. It is important for bicyclists to always wear appropriate safety gear, obey traffic laws, and be aware of their surroundings to minimize the risk of accidents.
Contact Injury Law Firm Santa Monica Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a bike accident in Santa Monica, California, and are seeking legal assistance, Injury Law Firm, a reputable law firm, can provide you with the guidance and support you need to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. The firm’s experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured bicyclists and can help you navigate the complex legal process to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
