While cycling in Union City, California, your life may change in a split second from a negligent driver or a road defect, causing you to lose control and crash. Given the lack of physical protection against a motor vehicle in a bike collision, injuries may be traumatic and medical expenses may mount quickly. Whether you were injured by a vehicle while riding your bike or due to a dangerous condition on the road, it is essential to understand your rights and options for compensation under California law. That starts with retaining legal counsel that can help you maximize your financial recovery.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a cycling crash, it is important to discuss your case in detail in a free consultation with an experienced Union City bicycle accident lawyer like the ones at AutoAccident.com. Call (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly case advice.

The legal team at AutoAccident.com is well-versed in California personal injury law and has years of combined experience in handling cycling crash cases. Our law firm has successfully represented clients with serious injuries or those who have lost loved ones in many types of accidents since 1982. We are committed to holding at-fault parties accountable, obtaining justice, and recovering full compensation on behalf of those we represent. Discuss your Union City bicycle accident case in detail with one of our skilled and compassionate attorneys in a free consultation today.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 130,000 individuals sustain injuries, and almost 1,000 people are killed in cycling crashes in the nation annually. CDC data highlights the importance of bicycle safety and sharing the road:

• Cyclists compose two percent of traffic fatalities on roads throughout the United States.
• The highest rates of bicycle-related deaths have been found to occur in adults from the ages of 55 to 69.
• The highest number of fatalities in bike collisions occur on stretches of roadways a considerable distance from intersections and in urban areas.
• Approximately one-third of accidents that result in fatal injuries to a cyclist have been reported to involve alcohol consumption on the part of the bicyclist and/or operator of the motor vehicle.
• Roughly one-third of injuries associated with bicycle accidents seen in emergency departments are composed of individuals ages 10 to 24.
• Young adults, teenagers, and children have the highest rates of injuries from cycling crashes and cases in emergency departments.

Data from the CDC and compounded with the unfortunate reality that cyclists are sharing roads with negligent motorists, means that bike crashes are far too common. If a bicycle accident in Union City left you injured, contact our California personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.

Getting struck by a motor vehicle while cycling may cause traumatic injuries. This is attributed to a bicyclist’s lack of physical protection in an accident. Common injuries include head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more. In some cases, a loss of life may occur. If the incident is the result of another party’s carelessness or negligence, the injured cyclist may be entitled to recovery of non-economic and economic damages. Eligible claimants may be compensated for wage loss, out-of-pocket costs associated with crash-related injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related losses.

Fatal car versus bicycle collisions may occur anywhere, from a parking lot to an intersection and rural areas to community parks. The losses experienced by surviving family members are many. These may include intangible harm and financial losses like funeral service costs, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, mental anguish, etc. To learn about the ways a skilled Union City bicycle accident lawyer can help your family after losing a loved one in a cycling crash, contact our legal team for a free consultation. Learn about our services in this video.

h

When a vehicle collides with a minor child riding a bicycle, the parents or legal guardians of the injured adolescent may have grounds for a claim for damages against the negligent motorist. In California, drivers are required to exercise a greater duty of care to children on the road. Moreover, motorists must proceed with additional caution in areas where the presence of children is expected. This may include community parks, school zones, residential neighborhoods, and more. When a driver fails to uphold this obligation and causes a cycling crash, a claim for personal injury may be in order.

Uninsured motorist coverage may apply in a cycling crash case when the at-fault party does not have auto insurance. It may also come into play if a motorist causes a hit-and-run accident and is unidentifiable. Having UM/UIM limits of $100,000/$300,000 can provide you peace of mind when injured in an accident. You will have coverage of $100,000 available to you. Not having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may put you in a position where you cannot cover medical treatment, replace wage loss, or support yourself after getting injured in a California bicycle accident.

What if the driver that caused the bicycle accident fled the scene?

In some vehicle versus bicycle collision cases, the motorist may leave the crash site. The unfortunate reality is that this is common when the driver does not have liability coverage or is driving under the influence. While it may be challenging to track down hit-and-run drivers, it is not entirely impossible. The right attorney will have the resources to work with a private investigator. They will work together to locate the fleeing motorist if local law enforcement is successful in doing so. In the meantime, the lawyer will handle an uninsured motorist claim for a hit-and-run with the injured cyclist’s insurer.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a cycling crash case?

Most California personal injury attorneys offer free case evaluations and operate on contingency. Under this arrangement, no upfront costs, hourly rates, or retainers are required. Attorney’s fees will only be due if the attorney obtains a favorable resolution on behalf of the client. By working with our legal team at AutoAccident.com, you can rest assured knowing that the costs of legal representation will be due unless and until we successfully resolve your Union City bicycle accident case. We are also available anytime to review your case in detail in a free consultation.

A cycling crash may result in painful injuries, mounting medical bills, time missed at work, and other losses. Those injured in these collisions through no fault of their own should consider retaining legal counsel to protect their rights. If you were struck by a motor vehicle while riding your bike, do not go through the legal process alone. Work with one of our experienced California bicycle accident lawyers serving Union City. Learn about our services and how we can assist you by dialing (510) 631-0200 or (800) 404-5400. Our injury attorneys offer case advice that is free and friendly.

^{Photo Credit: By “u_d7hddm5o” via Pixabay ds llo [cs 1254]}