At Maison Law, our California bicycle accident attorneys are here for you after your life has been upended by an accident. When you know that another party is to blame for your bicycle accident and the injuries you have suffered, you have every right to hold them responsible for your damages. We will help you navigate the complex insurance process and work toward the financial recovery that you need to get back on your feet. Please contact us today for a completely free consultation.
Bicycle Accidents in California: Am I Covered?
Many individuals choose to bike in California. There are many significant bike paths that offer hours of recreational cycling, from the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail to the Crystal Springs Regional Trail. However, there are circumstances where bicyclists have to enter traffic at intersections or on highways. This can put them at risk of a serious accident that leads to devastating results. If you are involved in one of these accidents, will you be covered by regular car insurance?
Based on California’s at-fault rules, the other driver’s car insurance will be responsible for covering you if you were involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle driver. Even in cases where you were found to be partially at fault for your accident, your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages will be covered under their auto insurance. Drivers are expected to share the roads with cyclists and, when they fail to do so, they could be responsible for an accident.
Unfortunately, many injured bicyclists in California find that the other party’s auto insurance only covers their expenses up to a certain amount. This means that you will need to rely on your own insurance to cover the rest of your damages. When it comes to bicycle accidents, you can only use your insurance for coverage if you have uninsured or underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. If your damages exceed the insurance, your only option may be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party for recovery.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California
Bicycle accidents involving passenger vehicles are serious and life-altering matters. These accidents can happen due to a wide array of reasons, from road defects to bike manufacturing problems. However, one of the most common reasons for these accidents is an accident with a negligent driver. Some examples of driver negligence that lead to bike accidents in California include the following:
- Drivers tailgating cyclists
- Failing to follow traffic signals
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Illegally driving in bicycle lanes
Damages Available to You After a California Bicycle Accident
The unfortunate reality is that insurance companies do not always offer bicycle accident victims in California a fair settlement. This means that you may only be left with the choice to file a lawsuit against an at-fault party after one of these accidents. Through a personal injury claim, you may be eligible for some of the following damages:
- Medical expenses you have incurred or expect to incur
- Lost wages and future loss of income due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries
- Therapy-related costs
You have limited time to file a claim after a California bicycle accident under California’s statute of limitations. You only have two years from the time that you discover your injury to file a claim before you are unable to do so. This is why it is crucial that you act quickly to retain your rights at this time.
Contact a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
As you are working on your physical recovery following a California bicycle accident, you may wonder what options you have. Especially when it seems as if the insurance company is not on your side, you still have the right to recovery.
Our California bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law are here to help you protect your rights after a life-altering bicycle accident. We understand how overwhelmed you may be feeling after one of these accidents and offer our help and resources to you along the way. Please contact us today for a free and no-obligation case consultation so that you can get started.
