Maison Law represents bicycle accident victims throughout California. Any bicycle accident is going to cause you at least some level of injury or damage. But it’s the evidence you’re able to present that will ultimately make your claim. So, having access to accident reconstruction teams like we do can be very beneficial. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer?
If you spend any amount of time bicycling in your local area, you know how ideal the conditions are in California. This comes with a tradeoff, though. Bicycling being so popular means that there’s a lot of other bikers on the road with you, along with a huge number of cars and other vehicles to contend with.
Hopefully, your bicycle accident is only minor. That said, you have the legal right to file an injury claim whenever you’ve been hurt in any type of accident caused by the negligence of someone else. So, when you’re hurt in a bike accident, our lawyers can help you by investigating what happened, explaining the legal process, and helping you build a case. A huge part of case building includes the use of an accident reconstruction team, so it’s vital to know how this will factor into your case in particular.
How Does an Accident Reconstruction Factor Into a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Obviously, there’s no two accidents that are exactly alike. So when you think about it, an accident reconstruction is one of the only pieces of evidence you have that shows what happened to you. That’s the essence of an accident reconstruction–it shows what happened.
In terms of how it factors into your claim, an accident reconstruction will hopefully answer a lot of important questions like:
- Who was at fault?
- What caused the accident?
- How damaging was the accident?
- Did you, as the victim, share any fault?
- What were the weather conditions like?
- Do you have a viable claim?
A typical accident reconstruction goes to great lengths to rebuild the scene and recreate the accident by gathering physical evidence, thoroughly examining the scene, getting vehicle data, looking at weather and other conditions, interviewing witnesses, and then taking everything and putting it into a visual simulation of the accident itself.
Even with all this evidence, it’s important to remember that you still have to make your claim–and present this evidence.
Liability and Damages in a Bicycle Accident
The way that an accident reconstruction actually proves liability is that it likely shows who:
- Acted negligently
- Caused your accident and injuries
In a typical bicycle accident, this happens when another driver tailgates you, sideswipes you, hits you while being distracted, or something similar. As such, this is the crux of liability–and sets the parameters of who pays for your damages.
No matter what type of bicycle accident you find yourself in, it’s likely that your injuries and damages will be significant. This is due to the unfortunate fact that you basically have no protection while on a bike, especially against a moving vehicle. Not only do you have to contend with potential impact with a car, but also the injuries that come from then being thrown off your bike and onto the pavement.
But that’s not the only source of your damages, there’s also the emotional and mental trauma. California law tries to take all of this into account when figuring up your “damages.” These typically include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care costs
- Lost income or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses
If you’re like most people involved in bicycle accidents, you may not fully comprehend the extent of your losses, particularly if you have severe injuries or complications. This is why having our experienced team by your side is very important. We can aid you in evaluating all your losses and working with our accident reconstruction colleagues to make sure your claim is as strong as possible.
Turn to Maison Law After a California Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents are always unfortunate, especially in a beautiful place like California. Despite the joys of riding, there are serious risks beyond your control. If you’ve been hurt in a bike accident, don’t hesitate to contact Maison Law. Our team of California bicycle accident lawyers can manage your claim and offer the support you need to recover fully. Contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.
