Immediately after a Bike Accident
Seek medical care right away, even if you think you are not injured. Many times, the pain from the accident won’t show up until your adrenaline subsides. File a police report and preserve all video or photographic evidence as well as statements from witnesses.
The Tustin Bicycle Accident Lawyers of Bisnar Chase believe that negligent drivers should be held accountable for their faults. Bicyclists involved in a motor vehicle accident often require immediate medical attention and incur significant medical expenses.
Bike accident victims and their families need to remember that help is available. The Tustin personal injury attorneys at Bisnar Chase have won over $1B in compensation for victims of bicycle accidents and achieved a 99% success rate for clients. If you or a loved one has suffered from severe injuries from a bike accident, call 949-203-3814 to receive a free consultation.
Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Tustin
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Accident
- What is the average settlement for a bicycle accident in Tustin or California?
The compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and whether you are partially responsible for the accident. Your lawyer will be able to tell you approximately what your case is worth after reviewing all the evidence.
- Do I need a lawyer after a bicycle accident in Tustin?
If you want to receive maximum compensation for your bike accident, a lawyer can help you achieve that using their expertise and knowledge of the laws that protect you.
- How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in California?
In California, the time to file a personal injury claim is two years. Once you pass the statute of limitations, you can no longer seek compensation.
- Can I sue if a car hits me while biking in Tustin?
Yes. Unless you were 100% responsible for the accident, you can file a lawsuit to seek compensation from the person who injured you.
- Should I talk to the insurance company after a Tustin bike crash?
Once you’ve filed a police report, you can contact the insurance company of the person who injured you. The defendant may not immediately report the accident to their insurance to avoid being held responsible. Don’t tell the insurance adjusters anything other than to report the accident. Speak to your attorney for the next steps he will take on your behalf.
- Can I get compensation for pain and suffering in a bike accident?
Yes. Your attorney will evaluate your injuries, pain level, and other factors to determine how much you will be entitled to from the accident.
- How much does a lawyer for bicycle accidents in Tustin cost?
In California, personal injury attorneys don’t charge a fee unless they win your case. There are no upfront costs to you, and the lawyer is only paid after the case settles; they take a percentage of the money to cover their work and case-related costs.
- Can I claim compensation for a bicycle accident caused by poor road conditions?
Yes. A dangerous road condition that caused you to crash is a different type of bicycle claim, and your attorney may go after the city or state if negligence was involved.
What Are the Common Causes of Tustin Bike Crashes?
Motorists have the responsibility not only to keep themselves safe on the road but to keep others from danger as well. This includes bikers and pedestrians. All too often cyclists are injured or killed in an incident that could have been avoided in the first place.
These causes can involve:
- Speeding: Motor vehicles must proceed cautiously when sharing the roads with cyclists. This involves abiding by the posted speed limit. There are many incidents that occur due to motorists speeding and running red lights. According to AAA Newsroom around two people are killed every day due to reckless driving.
- Distracted driving: Exactly 48 states in the U.S. have declared texting and driving to be illegal, one of them being California. Data indicated that those who were most likely to text while driving are people from ages 16-24. If you need to answer a text or a call move over to the side of the road to do so.
- Failing to yield: In California, drivers must give the right away to pedestrians and cyclists. Failure to do so can be seen as carelessness. Many drivers who are making a left-hand turn and attempt to beat a cyclist on that turn can cause serious injuries. No matter how much of a rush you are in, never try to surpass a biker when turning.
What Damages Can You Be Compensated For?
There are legal options available for victims of bicycle accidents involving a hit-and-run driver. If the authorities track down the motorist, then, financial compensation may be available through a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Compensation for your bicycle accident in Tustin can include:
- Medical bills
- Loss of wages
- Property damage
- Towing expenses
- Ambulance fees
Unfortunately, not all drivers are found. In these types of personal injury lawsuits, a skilled Tustin bicycle accident attorney can help the victim recover losses through his or her own insurance policy.
Insurance Companies Do Not Have Your Best Interest
After you have received medical treatment, call your insurance company right away to make a claim. Your claim will then be assigned to an insurance adjuster who will negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Do not sign any type of document or settle for an amount that will not cover the entirety of your losses and damages.
The main goal of the insurance company is to give you the smallest amount for your collision. The reason is that insurance companies are motivated to save as much money as possible.
An important fact to note is that you are not required to speak to the opposing party’s insurance company either. There are tactics insurance adjusters use to pressure a bicycle accident victim into accepting the offer. Insurance companies may also misinform you about how much you are entitled to. Speak to a bike collision attorney in Tustin to get free legal advice on the steps to take after your incident.
Seeking Compensation for your Tustin Accident
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 22 people were injured in bicycle accidents in Tustin recently.
According to Orange County police reports, 12 people were killed, and 1,199 were injured in bike crashes during that same year. Bisnar Chase’s Bicycle Accident Lawyers understand that being injured in a bike accident can drastically affect the physical and emotional state of a victim. Costs can be expensive, and you may be wondering how you can afford to recover from the accident.
When you file a personal injury case, you can be compensated for the following losses:
- Medical bills
- Hospital visits
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to property
- Counselor or therapy aid
What Are the Hit-and-Run Laws in California
All motorists are legally required to remain at the scene of the crash when someone has been injured. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states:
“The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”
A hit-and-run is a term used when a vehicle hits a car or person and then leaves the scene immediately after the collision. If an animal is involved in a hit-and-run some states would consider that a legal issue as well. Few states would also provide relief for drivers who have left the accident in order to seek immediate help.
It can be complicated to determine the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor hit-and-run. The difference lies in the damages that have been acquired in the accident. A hit-and-run misdemeanor involves solely the damage of property and the hit-and-run felony concerns the injury of a person. If you have experienced a serious bicycle accident injury there three factors to take into account when filing an injury claim.
3 Questions to answer before hiring a Tustin bicycle accident attorney:
- Who was the person at fault?
- How much damage took place?
- What was the level of severity of the injuries?
Tustin Bicycle Hit-and-Run Injuries
Victims of bicycle hit-and-run accidents are often left on or alongside the roadway. If no one else witnessed the crash, the victim may be left there without medical attention. In cases involving head injuries and spinal cord injuries, every second counts. The longer they are left without care or medical attention, the more their chance of survival diminishes.
This is why drivers have a moral and legal obligation to notify the authorities immediately following the crash.
Bicyclists can suffer life-changing or fatal injuries if a vehicle strikes them. Below is a collection of common injuries that bicycle collision victims can suffer from.
7 Common Bike Incident Injuries:
- Arm, leg, or chest fracture
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Organ injuries
- Lacerations
- Skin abrasions
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
All of these injuries require immediate medical attention. Victims of hit-and-run accidents are also in danger of being struck a second time. Victims who are struck a second time are likely to suffer injuries that often prove fatal.
It is unacceptable to leave a bicyclist without stopping, calling the authorities, and offering assistance to protect the victim from further harm.
How to Avoid a Bike Accident in Tustin
It is an unfortunate fact that there are reckless drivers on the road, meaning accidents are inevitable. As a cyclist, you have the duty to protect others and most importantly yourself.
Tips to lessen your chances of being in a bicycle crash are:
- Try to avoid congested streets
- Wear bicycle protective gear such as a helmet
- Make sure your bike has reflectors so you may be seen at night
- Follow the same traffic laws as motorists (this is required)
- Maintain the upkeep of your bike
- Be extra cautious at intersections
- Use hand signals when changing lanes or crossing
Our Tustin Bicycle Accident Lawyers Will Obtain Fair Compensation For You
If you or a loved one has been injured while riding a bicycle,, you need the representation of an experienced Tustin bicycle accident lawyer.
Bisnar Chase injury lawyers have a long and successful track record of obtaining just compensation for injured victims and their families and they have a long track record in Orange County courts. Please contact us for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation. Call 949-203-3814 today. Our no fee no win lawyers are only paid if we win your case.
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
