Bicycles being ridden on the road can be vulnerable to fast-moving motor vehicles. This issue does not end here; motor vehicle drivers are often distracted, and bicycle riders don’t have bulletproof protection or a hard -hell exterior to protect them from injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to talk to a Beverly Hills bicycle accident lawyer. We at Gould & Jefferson understand that this may be a difficult time for people who have been injured, and our team of attorneys handle each case with the required compassion, ensuring that you are receiving the best treatment and getting adequately compensated for your damages.
Gould & Jefferson of Beverly Hills is home to experienced and dedicated bicycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles County standing by to assist you. Call (310) 899-9529 now to schedule a free one-hour consultation with our team of attorneys.
Los Angeles County Bicycle Accident Information
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Beverly Hills
Car collisions with bicycles are often the result of one of the following scenarios:
- Driver made a right turn on red while not seeing the bike rider in the bike lane
- Driver failed to stop at a stop sign or ran a red light and struck a bicyclist who had the right-of-way
- Driver made a left turn in front of an oncoming bike rider
- Driver did not notice the bike rider while changing lanes
- Driver was drunk or inattentive because he/she were using their phones and hit a bicyclist from the rear
These accidents can cause extreme physical injuries and emotional trauma to a bicyclist. When injured in a bicycle accident, the responsible party’s insurance will be liable to reimburse you for your medical expenses, loss wages and pain and suffering.
Determining Liability in a Bicycle Crash
The attorneys at Gould & Jefferson of Beverly Hills know that determining liability depends on whether the driver was negligent in operating the vehicle and that their negligence was the direct cause of the accident. In some cases, the cyclist’s negligence may have also contributed to the accident. A Los Angeles County bicycle accident lawyer can help identify all the factors in an accident to determine who is at fault (or the degree to which each party is at fault) and who is financially responsible.
When Do You Need Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Beverly Hills?
There are certain situations in which you should always secure an attorney after a bicycle accident. You may be able to get a settlement without the use of a lawyer, but these offers will likely be very low and can cause you to miss out on the true value of your case.
Here are some instances of such cases that necessitate the assistance of an attorney:
- When the other party denies fault
If this occurs, it is important to have an attorney on your side that can assist you in investigating, obtaining the proper evidence, and proving the negligence of the other party. Having proof of fault will make it much easier for you to recover compensation. - When there are catastrophic or permanent injuries that will have an impact on an individual’s life for a significant period of time (such as loss of employment and permanent medical conditions that require in-home nursing assistance)
If you’ve lost your job or can no longer care for yourself, you could be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. You’ll need a team of bicycle accident lawyers in Beverly Hills to evaluate your claim, assess the value of your future treatments, and the losses correlated to your injury. - When there is a severe psychological injury involved
These damages are hard to prove, but attorneys can help to obtain records that will serve as evidence to insurance companies so as to help you obtain monetary compensation for these complex injuries.
When Should I Call Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles County?
It is best to consult with an attorney immediately after an accident. A lawyer will be able to direct you to the proper medical attention at no out-of-pocket cost. They will also be able to investigate the scene and make sure that fault is not denied by the opposing party’s insurance company.
Victims of bicycle accidents have two years from the date of injury to file a claim, so it is essential that you seek an attorney as soon as the accident occurs. This will also enable you to begin getting the treatment you need so you can recover sooner. In California, if the victim is a minor, his or her two-year period begins once he/she turns 18.
Hire a Knowledgeable Beverly Hills Bicycle Accident Attorney
The unfortunate truth is that there are hundreds of bicycle accidents every day, many of which cause property damage, physical injury, and death. When such bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence (fault) of another party, victims of these accidents are frequently compensated for their loss through monetary rewards.
This recovery does not occur automatically, as insurance companies are businesses with the primary motivation of maintaining profits. Insurance adjusters will always try to get away with paying as little money as possible. In cases such as these, you need a Los Angeles County bicycle accident attorney.
The attorneys at Gould & Jefferson know how to approach and negotiate with insurance companies to get the highest compensation for bicycle accident victims and their losses. We are knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys who know how to overcome insurance arguments and tactics.
As you can see, it’s critically important to have an experienced and knowledgeable team of Beverly Hills bicycle accident lawyers battling for your case. Call (310) 899-9529 to speak with the best Los Angeles County bicycle accident lawyers.