Maison Law helps people that have been hurt in bicycle accidents across Bakersfield. While every bicycle accident is going to cause some level of injury, any single one of them can end up being fatal. This raises the stakes considerably, but you and your family still have legal options. Our team will be there to support you and your family with proven experience in these cases. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer?
Even with a fatal bicycle accident, you’re not required to get a lawyer. But given that this is an incredibly difficult situation, having experienced legal support can make a crucial difference for your family.
Our team at Maison Law can:
- Clearly explain your legal options.
- Develop a personalized strategy for your case.
- Gather important evidence to support your claim.
- Guide you and your family through every step of the process.
No matter what type of accident it is, it’s overwhelming to deal with the loss of a loved one. That’s why our team aims to make things easier, allowing you and your family to focus on moving forward.
Who’s Responsible for Damages After a Fatal Bicycle Accident?
Even though a fatal bicycle accident is tragic and very hard to deal with for either you or your surviving family members, there’s still a legal process in place. This means that the starting point is figuring out who’s responsible for the accident–and legally responsible for paying for the resulting damages.
In legal terms, this means showing negligence. So in that respect, it’s the same as any other bicycle accident. It’s about showing that someone failed to act in a way that kept you or others safe. But the circumstances are also important, so depending on what happened, any of the following can be responsible for damages in a fatal bicycle accident:
- The driver involved in the crash may be responsible if they caused the accident.
- Bicycle or part manufacturers could be at fault if a defective part led to the crash.
- Local government agencies might be liable if poor road conditions or broken traffic signals played a role.
Fatal bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but they usually involve:
- Reckless driving – Unsafe moves by drivers around cyclists can cause serious crashes.
- Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reactions, making deadly accidents more likely.
- Bad weather – Fog or storms in Bakersfield can reduce visibility and increase the risk of crashes.
- Poor roads – Potholes and bad road conditions can cause dangerous accidents.
- Faulty bike parts – Broken brakes or tires can lead to serious accidents, especially on hills or busy streets.
Fatal bike accidents in Bakersfield can happen for many reasons, but any accident can turn deadly. This puts you and your family in a much more difficult situation. Thankfully, though, there are claims options for recovering.
What Damages Are Available After a Fatal Bicycle Accident?
Losing a loved one in a bicycle accident in Bakersfield is something no one should ever face, but given all the potential risks, it’s unfortunately common. When this happens, your family still has legal options, though they are a bit different from a standard injury claim.
A fatal bicycle accident typically leads to a “wrongful death” claim. In California, only certain individuals–like spouses, children, parents, or people named in the will–can file this type of claim.
The process starts with an insurance claim or lawsuit, but the damages focus on the loss caused by the accident. So, when there’s a wrongful death claim, you or your family can potentially recover things like:
- Funeral expenses – This covers burial, cremation, or funeral service costs.
- Loss of financial support – This covers any income the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of companionship – Similarly, this covers the emotional and social impact of losing your loved one.
- Emotional distress – Importantly, this covers the emotional toll caused by the loss, like grief and pain experienced by your family.
A fatal bicycle accident can devastate families, but legal options are available to help you seek justice. Keep in mind that wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the accident.
How Can You Build a Strong Claim After a Fatal Bicycle Accident?
A fatal bicycle accident is something nobody wants to think about, let alone go through. But if you spend any amount of time riding a bike, you know how dangerous an accident is. This is only increased when it results in fatal injuries, but it’s also important to do what you can to strengthen a potential claim. Here’s how you (or a family member) can do that:
- Call 911 right away – After the accident, call 911 for police and medical help right away. If it happened on private property, let the owner or manager know. If a faulty bike part was involved, keep any receipts or product information.
- Gather evidence – Get witness statements, medical records, accident reports, and any video footage. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
- Keep track of expenses – Record all costs like medical bills, funeral expenses, and any other financial losses. This helps show the impact of the accident.
- Be careful what you say – Stick to the facts when talking to police or insurance. Avoid saying too much, as anything you say could hurt your case.
Taking these steps will protect your family’s legal rights and help secure the financial support available through a wrongful death claim. Understanding what causes fatal accidents can also help you be better prepared. But, a fatal accident is a devastating experience. Working with our legal team can make a big difference and ease the process for you and your family.
Experienced Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Losing a loved one (or them losing you) in a fatal bicycle accident is life-changing. At Maison Law, we’re committed to helping Bakersfield families through this challenging time. It’s not something you and your family have to go through alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you through the claims process after a fatal bicycle accident.
