Shafter Bicycle Accident Lawyers | Shafter, CA

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Shafter Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Biking is an incredibly popular way to get around congested cities. It is both good for the environment and your cardiovascular health. The problem is that most automobile drivers don’t feel the need to share the road, meaning they often don’t slow down or safely move around nearby cyclists.

There are more than 460,000 cycling injuries every year, and that’s just within the United States itself. Tragically, of those nearly half a million injuries, about 1,000 of them result in death. These accidents are most often caused by careless, distracted, aggressive, or drunk drivers.

If you or someone you love have been injured in a biking accident in Shafter, California, Chain | Cohn | Clark is here to fight for you. We have the experience to successfully lead your case and will give it our all to help you win compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.

Should I Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

You should contact a law firm immediately if you have been injured in a biking accident. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to collect all of the necessary evidence.

The driver that hit you may claim their insurance company is on the case, but it is important to remember that insurance companies will work hard to pay as little as possible when resolving claims. If they can get you—as the injured party—to admit any form of negligence, then you will likely walk away with nothing.

Insurance companies often do this early on by trying to get you to record a statement over the phone. Always refuse. Do not speak with insurance companies until you contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer like the ones at Chain | Cohn | Clark.

The insurance company may also offer you a lump sum, which may seem generous. While the sum will likely cover your immediate expenses, it could end up leaving you high and dry when it comes to future accident-related issues. It will only be later when you realize they lowballed you using high pressure tactics.

Whether or not you want to take your time considering all of your options, the fact remains that you only have so long to take legal action. Legally, you have two years from the date of the incident. And if you were hit by a government vehicle, you only have six months to pursue legal action. It’s always a good idea to seek advice from an experienced attorney as soon as possible following an accident. 

Free Consultation Attorneys in Shafter, CA

Here at Chain | Cohn | Clark we for fight for the rights of our clients in Shafter, California. Contact us at 661-616-9829 or fill out an online form for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Shafter 

There is a long list of possible accident types for cyclists. The truth is that cyclists are more likely to face catastrophic injuries because they have less protection on an uncovered two-wheeled vehicle.

And some collisions are far from simple. For example, a motorist could hit a pedestrian, forcing the cyclist into traffic. Below is a list of common types of bicycle crashes:

• Intersection collisions: Sometimes a driver is going too fast when a light is turning from yellow to red. If the cyclist stops in time but the vehicle behind them does not, a rear end crash may result.
• Left turn collisions: Drivers making left hand turns may not be paying attention if they are already in the intersection. They may slide into a cyclist coming by as they complete their turn or the cyclist may crash into the side of the car.
• Right hook collisions: A driver preparing to turn right may not signal. If a cyclist is in the biking lane and going straight, a distracted driver may swing right into them when the light turns green.
• Collisions with doors: A cyclist may be traveling straight when someone opens the door of a stopped vehicle. This may cause the cyclist to slam into the vehicle or to fly over the open door.
• Distracted driving accidents: A driver may be preoccupied with their phone, texting, scrolling social media, daydreaming, listening to loud passengers, or be otherwise distracted. They could hit a cyclist in any manner of ways if this is the case.
• Drunk driving accidents: A motorist operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is more likely to endanger cyclists.

Types of Compensation

Incredible losses have been faced by those suffering from severe bicycle accident injuries. Here at Chain | Cohn | Clark we can tell which claims have a multi-million dollar price tag attached to them. Many settlement amounts will include more than just medical care; pain and suffering is often considered as well.

Bicycle Accident Injuries 

Bicycle accident injuries we’ve seen include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Severe sprains
• Loss of motor control
• Bone fractures
• Wrongful death
• Damaged organs
• Hemorrhage

Bicycle Accidents FAQ

What sort of damages can I recoup in a biking accident case?

You can recover lost wages, medical bills, damages for pain and suffering, and even property damage—including damage to the bike itself.

What should I do if my bike and I are damaged in a hit and run?

Hit and runs are incredibly common. These cases can be complicated, but a trusted lawyer at Chain | Cohn | Clark is here to handle your case.

Should I talk to the insurance company of the party that caused the damage?

You and the insurance company are on opposing sides when it comes to a fair resolution. Have a lawyer represent and speak for you in order to win a full and fair settlement.

If I’m Hurt in a Bicycle Accident, What Should I Do? 

The first thing you should always do after an accident is to seek medical attention. Sometimes people are unaware of the full extent of their injuries—internal bleeding, for example—after an accident. But remember, no dollar amount is more important than your health.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, the next thing you should do is to contact your local law enforcement immediately to file a police report. Then, if possible, take as many pictures of the accident scene as you can. If there are any bystanders, get their contact information in case you need to dispute liability later down the road.

It is also important to note that you shouldn’t further discuss the accident with anyone but your lawyer. It is especially important that you don’t post anything on social media. Anything you say or do can be used against you in a future case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

In the state of California, you usually have two years to file a bicycle accident lawsuit. Once the statute of limitations has passed, you cannot do much to recover damages.

If I Was Partially at Fault for the Bicycle Accident, Can I Still Recover Compensation?

This depends on the state in which the accident occurs. In most states, if you had any amount of negligence, your reward will be reduced by a certain percentage. California law calls this “comparative fault.”

Do I Need to File a Police Report for a Bicycle Accident?

We highly recommend you file a police report if you have been in a bicycle accident in California. Promptly contact the authorities so that as many facts as possible can be reported. This will help validate any further investigation carried out by the experienced legal team at Chain | Cohn | Clark.

File Your Bicycle Accident Lawsuit With Chain | Cohn | Clark

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident in Shafter, CA, it is important to work with a skilled, local firm that you can trust.

The experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark are here for you and will only collect a fee if you reach a settlement or win your case in court. If you don’t get paid, then neither do we. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.