San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Advocacy, Fighting to Help Injured Cyclists Seek Justice

Even as more people opt to ride bicycles for daily activities and enjoyment, bike infrastructure in our country is still somewhat minimal. While California certainly is ahead of the curve, there’s only so much the government can do to prevent negligent motorists from causing accidents that lead to life-changing injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured while cycling due to the negligence of others, a San Diego bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help you secure fair compensation.

At Finn Trial Attorneys, our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys has seen what can happen when traffic collisions involve bicycles. It’s not uncommon for victims to suffer traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and other serious damage — and we’ve seen far too many cyclists killed by reckless driving, leaving their families wondering how to move forward. Our law firm handles accidents involving bicyclists on pedal bikes, electric bikes, and even racing bikes. Don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule your free consultation at Finn Trial Attorneys today. We’re here to help.

When Are Bicycle Accidents Eligible for Financial Recovery?

There are many parties that could be liable in bicycle accident cases. They could include negligent motorists, local transportation agencies, government authorities, and even bicycle manufacturers. However, only victims who can prove liability will be able to recover compensation. This requires showing that another party engaged in wrongful acts that created risk, and these risks directly led to personal injury damages.

In most cases, the existence of these elements results in cases being resolved with an insurance settlement. However, insurers won’t always pay what bicycle injury claims are worth. When this is the case, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary — and at this point, the following damages may be available:

Special damages: This is reimbursement for monetary losses (e.g., lost income, medical bills)
General damages: This is reimbursement for non-monetary losses (e.g., emotional distress, pain and suffering)
Punitive damages: When negligent parties are particularly egregious in their actions, courts may award additional damages as punishment

Cycling accident victims deserve compensation when negligent parties cause them harm. After involvement in an accident, make sure you seek medical treatment immediately. Once you’ve done this — or when you find time after dealing with your loved one’s accident — your next call should be to an experienced legal professional. At Finn Trial Attorneys, we’ll put a dedicated bike accident attorney on your case who will fight to seek justice on your behalf.

There are filing deadlines involved, and important evidence can disappear the longer you wait. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.

Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After a Bicycle Accident in San Diego

Bicycle accident cases can be very complex. They often involve multi-party liability, and even when they don’t, proving negligence and securing appropriate damages can be an uphill battle. If you’re considering handling your claim on your own, you should first consider the benefits of hiring an experienced attorney to take on your San Diego bicycle accident case.

1. Understanding Bicycle Accident Laws

Bicycle accidents involve a unique set of laws and regulations that differ from other vehicle accidents. As a cyclist, you have specific rights on the road, but understanding how these rights are protected under California bicycle laws can be challenging. A personal injury attorney who specializes in these accidents will have a deep knowledge of these laws and how they apply to your case, ensuring that you are fully protected and informed.

2. Dealing with Serious Injuries

Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to motor vehicles. Injuries like fractures, head trauma, and spinal damage can have long-term consequences on your health and quality of life. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of medical claims, ensuring that all current and future medical expenses are covered in your compensation. They’ll also work to secure damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.

3. Navigating Insurance Claims

Insurance companies may not always offer fair compensation, especially when it comes to bicycle accidents. They might argue that you were at fault or try to minimize the extent of your injuries. A personal injury attorney will handle all communications with insurance companies, using their expertise to negotiate a fair settlement that truly reflects the impact of the accident on your life. They’ll ensure that your claim is taken seriously and that you aren’t pressured into accepting an unfair offer.

4. Gathering Critical Evidence

Proving fault in a bicycle accident can be complicated, especially if there are no witnesses or clear evidence of wrongdoing. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony. They’ll also work with accident reconstruction specialists, if necessary, to build a strong case that supports your claim.

5. Handling the Legal Complexities

The legal process following a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re trying to recover from injuries. Filing claims, meeting legal deadlines, and understanding the complexities of liability and negligence can be daunting tasks. A personal injury attorney will take these burdens off your shoulders, ensuring that every legal aspect of your case is handled professionally and efficiently.

6. Maximizing Your Compensation

Determining the full extent of your damages after a bicycle accident can be challenging without legal expertise. A personal injury attorney will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case, including medical costs, lost wages, future rehabilitation needs, and the emotional toll of the accident. They’ll fight to maximize your compensation so you receive the full amount you deserve to support your recovery and future well-being.

7. Focus on Recovery

After a bicycle accident, your primary focus should be on healing and regaining your strength. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you can concentrate on your recovery without the added stress of managing a legal battle. Your attorney will keep you updated on the progress of your case, but they’ll handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on getting back on your feet.

8. Contingency Fee Arrangement

One of the biggest concerns people have about hiring an attorney is the cost. Most personal injury attorneys, including those who specialize in bicycle accidents, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront, and your attorney only gets paid if they win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

9. Local Expertise in San Diego

San Diego is known for its beautiful cycling routes, but it also has its share of busy streets and challenging intersections. A personal injury attorney with local experience understands the specific hazards that cyclists face in this area and knows how to navigate the local legal system.

Should Victims Speak to Insurers About Their Bike Accident?

It’s not uncommon for bicycle accident victims to ask whether they should speak to the negligent motorist’s insurer on their own. After all, liability often seems clear in these cases. Envision a scenario where a negligent driver was using bike lanes as a way to bypass slow traffic — and they struck a cyclist who was just trying to get to work. In this case and many others, one might assume that the insurance company would offer a fair settlement. They surely know that a jury would side with the plaintiff. Right? Unfortunately, any San Diego bike accident attorney can tell you that things don’t always work out this way.

Insurance adjusters are experienced at spinning the facts of traffic accidents to benefit their employers. For instance, California is a comparative negligence state. This principle means an insurance company can reduce their potential liability in cycling accidents by getting the injury victim to admit even the smallest amount of fault. In fact, they’d more than happily pay out nothing if doing so was possible. Put simply, insurers are not going to be forthcoming with a fair settlement in your bicycle accident claim, and if you go to court alone, you’ll be facing a team of experienced insurance lawyers.

At Finn Trial Attorneys, you’ll work with a San Diego bicycle accident lawyer who will fight to ensure insurers don’t take advantage of you. Contact us today.

Contact a San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Bicycle accidents can have life-altering consequences, and navigating the aftermath alone can be overwhelming. In many cases, people find themselves facing mounting medical bills at a time when they’re experiencing lost income. If you throw in having to file and deal with bicycle accident claims on top of all this, it’s not surprising that things can become incredibly stressful incredibly quickly. By hiring a personal injury attorney in San Diego, you’ll have an experienced advocate on your side, dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

At Finn Trial Attorneys, our dedicated legal team has seen the traumatic aftermath that can stem from serious bike accidents. Catastrophic injuries are not uncommon, and even when liability seems overtly obvious, you’ll find that the insurance company involved will try its best to avoid paying a fair settlement. That’s why you need a trial attorney on your side. Don’t let the complexities of the legal system stand in the way of your recovery — reach out to our law firm today to take the first step toward getting your life back on track.