Cycling is a healthy and cost-effective way of getting around the Bakersfield area. However, cyclists are at increased risk of injury from traffic crashes. If you’ve been injured in a recent wreck, you need the services of a Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyer.
The attorneys at Sweet James have over 25 years of experience litigating injury cases in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. We can help injured cyclists recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Send our offices a message online or call today to discuss your case with a California bicycle accident lawyer.
Why You Should Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After an accident, you may be in pain and distress. Medical bills may drain your finances, and injuries can keep you from working. Insurance companies are also notoriously difficult to deal with and engage in tactics to avoid paying out claims.
A bicycle accident lawyer can be your legal representative throughout the entire accident claim process. We can investigate the accident, gather evidence, calculate your losses, and send demand letters to insurers. We will also represent you in settlement negotiations to maximize your recovery.
You don’t legally need a lawyer to file a personal injury claim, but having one can only help. Let us be your advocate and fight for your rights and interests.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Bakersfield
Cyclists are exposed to the environment and lack safety protections like seat belts or airbags, meaning accidents can cause severe injuries.
Even at low speeds, a collision with a motor vehicle or fixed object can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Scrapes and abrasions
- Bruising and soft-tissue injury
- Cuts and lacerations
- Arm, hand, and finger injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Chest and torso injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Face, dental, and eye injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Amputations and crushing injuries
No matter the severity of your injuries, you need to see a doctor to get an official diagnosis. You also need medical documentation when you file a claim.
Liability for Bicycle Accidents in Bakersfield
Several parties could be responsible for your injuries. A significant part of making a claim involves investigating the causes that contributed to the crash. If multiple parties are liable, you could potentially pursue each individually for compensation.
Motorists
Motorists are liable when they fail to yield to cyclists or otherwise ignore the rules of the road. Many motorists don’t pay attention to cyclists and may drive in bike lanes or cut riders off. If you’ve been injured by a negligent motorist, you can file a liability claim against their auto insurance.
Bicycle Manufacturers
Bicycle manufacturers may be responsible if an accident happens due to defective bike parts. Chains, brakes, seats, and frames can cause accidents if they fail under operation due to material defects. Bicycle manufacturers can be liable in a product liability lawsuit when defective products cause harm.
Local Municipalities
Many bicycle accidents occur because roads or cycling infrastructure are damaged or poorly designed. If the accident happened due to poor road conditions, the local municipality could be responsible. You could potentially sue whatever entity is in charge of road maintenance and design (although you will have much less time than a typical personal injury lawsuit).
What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Accident?
Based on the accident circumstances, a Bakersfield personal injury lawyer can pursue financial compensation for the following types of losses:
- Emergency hospital bills and future necessary medical expenses
- Lost work income and diminished lifetime earning capacity
- Cost of replacement household services you cannot perform
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Physical pain, conscious suffering, mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life and inconvenience
- Loss of capacity to engage in enjoyed activities
The losses from a bicycle accident can extend beyond immediate medical expenses and impact your long-term prospects. Our demands for your compensation will account for these far-reaching impacts to fully redress your losses to the greatest extent possible.
Time Limit for Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Bakersfield
California’s personal injury statute of limitations gives you up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for bicycle accident injuries. The two-year timer starts on the accident date or the date you discovered your hidden injuries. After two years pass, you won’t be able to file a lawsuit anymore. If you try, it will get rejected by the courts.
Even though you have two years, you shouldn’t wait to get started. Evidence from bicycle accidents fades quickly, and it becomes harder to connect the accident events to your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can get started on your claim quickly to reduce the chance of delays or complications.
Sweet James: Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield
Bicycle accident victims may face a long road to recovery, but we are here to offer legal and moral support. The team at Sweet James will use every resource and strategy available to recover your losses and give you the stability you need.
Lawyers are a dime a dozen, but there is only one Sweet James. Fill out our contact form today, or call us to schedule a free consultation with a Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyer.
