If you or someone in your family has suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) in a bicycle accident, you may already be familiar with the exorbitant medical costs that tend to accompany such a diagnosis. It is also common for victims to be put out of work for several months during recovery, and many are never able to earn an income again. Beyond the direct financial losses, there are also non-economic damages to consider such as lost enjoyment in life and pain and suffering. Because these damages … [Read more...]
3 FAQs About Bicycle Accident Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in an unexpected accident is never easy, but it can be especially difficult to cope if another person’s careless or reckless behavior played a role. If a member of your family was killed in a bicycle accident that a negligent driver caused, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. These cases can be incredibly complex, and there are all sorts of reasons why the at-fault party or their insurance company might dispute your claim. A seasoned attorney can help you avoid … [Read more...]
4 Essential Tips for Avoiding Bicycle Accidents
Riding a bike is fun, healthy, and environmentally conscious. That's probably not news if you've ever ridden one, but neither is the fact that cyclists are vulnerable to serious injury or death when bicycle accidents happen. While there’s always a chance that you’ll encounter a negligent driver while riding, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and to mitigate the severity of injuries if you are involved in a crash. Read on to learn four key safety tips that all cyclists should … [Read more...]
Can I File a Bicycle Accident Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, whether or not you were wearing a helmet at the time could become a point of discussion during settlement negotiations or litigation. The insurance company might argue that your failure to wear a helmet was negligent and you should therefore be held partially or entirely liable for your own damages. Fortunately, there are many potential ways for a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer to overcome such a dispute. Arguments Your Attorney May Use to Combat … [Read more...]
6 Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Even the most safety-conscious bicycle riders cannot control the actions of the drivers around them. With little protection from the force of impact, a cyclist is likely to sustain devastating injuries in the event of a crash. Below is a brief overview of the most common injuries suffered in bicycle accidents: 1. Road Rash Falling off your bike at a high speed can cause serious burns and skin abrasions. Also known as “road rash,” this injury can be excruciatingly painful due to the number of … [Read more...]
8 California Bicycle Riding Regulations You Should Know
With beautiful landscapes, an eco-friendly culture, and thousands of miles of scenic trails, California is home to some of the most enthusiastic bicyclists in the entire country. But with more riders on the road comes a higher accident rate. In fact, California had more cyclist fatalities in 2016 than any other state. To curb this statistic and keep riders safe, state legislators have enacted laws aimed at preventing cyclists from putting themselves and other people at risk. Below are eight … [Read more...]
Umbrella Coverage: A Potential Source of Recovery in Tort Claims
Recovering a fair settlement after a serious injury or wrongful death is a tricky process that may involve several insurance policies. Ideally, the person or entity that caused your injury or loss will have liability insurance that covers such scenarios, whether it was a car accident, slip and fall, product defect, etc. In addition to auto, home, and renter’s insurance, some defendants have umbrella coverage. This is extra liability insurance that will kick in if the policyholder is held … [Read more...]
Three Things Savvy Cyclists do to Prevent Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cycling to work is great for the environment and great exercise, but it can be dangerous. In 2017, 62 people in Los Angeles County died from bicycle accident injuries. The number of bicycle accident deaths has declined, however, since 2012. In that year, California had the highest number of bicycle accident deaths in the country. Thousands of people safely bike to work each day in Long Beach and throughout Southern California. Commuting while avoiding bicycle accident injuries is possible when … [Read more...]
7 Reasons You Might Need Bicycle Accident Insurance
California is the third most bicycle friendly state in the nation, according to the League of American Bicyclists. The League’s annual ranking names California as the best state for having bike-friendly policies and programs. It lists California as fourth for the number of commuters who bike to work. Thousands of cyclists ride on Los Angeles County roads each day. These cyclists enjoy the same protections, rights, and responsibilities as motor vehicles, with a few exceptions. Despite the many … [Read more...]
Would a Bike Lane on Westwood Boulevard Reduce Bike Accidents?
Westwood Boulevard is a busy road with many cars and bicycles. More than 3,100 students, faculty members, and staff ride their bicycles to UCLA daily, and as many as 800 of the bike trips occur on Westwood Boulevard. Unfortunately, from 2002 to 2013, this road was also the site of 52 reported bicycle accidents. Of those crashes, motorists were found responsible for causing 35 of the collisions. To try to make Westwood Boulevard safer for bicycle riders commuting to school, … [Read more...]