Were you injured in a bicycle accident in Irvine, California? If someone else caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Contact Fielding Law at 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation with an experienced Irvine bicycle accident lawyer.
Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries because cyclists have little protection from the force of a motor vehicle. Our law firm helps injured cyclists understand their rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation while they focus on their recovery.
Why Choose Fielding Law for Help After a Bicycle Accident in Irvine, CA?
After a serious bicycle accident in Irvine, CA, the attorney you choose should take the time to understand your injuries, concerns, and goals. At Fielding Law, we believe quality legal representation starts with personalized attention and clear communication.
Our personal injury lawyers in Irvine have 33 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $98 million for clients. We use that experience to carefully investigate claims, evaluate available insurance coverage, and help clients make informed decisions about their cases.
As a boutique personal injury law firm, we emphasize ethical representation and individual attention rather than treating clients like case numbers. If you were injured while cycling in Irvine, contact our team for a free consultation with an Irvine bicycle accident attorney to discuss your rights and legal options.
What Is My Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
No two bicycle accident cases are the same. The amount you may be able to recover depends on your injuries, financial losses, and the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Factors that may affect the value of your claim include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- Whether you need future medical care
- The length of your recovery
- Whether your injuries are permanent
- Your lost wages and reduced earning ability
- The strength of the evidence establishing liability
- Whether you share responsibility for the accident
- Available insurance coverage
- How your injuries affect your daily life
An Irvine personal injury attorney can review these factors and help you understand what compensation may be available based on the specific facts of your case.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Bicycle Accident Victims?
If another person’s negligence caused your bicycle accident, California law may allow you to seek compensation for the losses resulting from your injuries.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for financial losses that can generally be documented through bills, receipts, employment records, and other evidence.
They may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Hospital and emergency room bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other accident-related expenses
These damages are intended to address the measurable financial consequences of your accident.
Non-Economic Damages
A serious bicycle accident can also cause losses that do not have a specific dollar amount.
Non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium when available
The amount of non-economic damages depends on factors such as the severity and duration of your injuries and how they affect your everyday life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are available only in limited circumstances involving particularly wrongful conduct. Under California law, they may apply when there is sufficient evidence of conduct involving oppression, fraud, or malice.
An attorney can determine whether the circumstances of your bicycle accident could support a claim for punitive damages.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Am Being Blamed for a Bicycle Accident in California?
It is possible because California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for your bicycle accident.
Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible for an accident, your compensation could generally be reduced by 20%.
Insurance companies may attempt to place some or all of the blame on a cyclist. Evidence such as photographs, video footage, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle damage can help determine how the accident actually occurred.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Personal injury attorneys commonly handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This generally means that attorney fees are based on an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation recovered rather than an hourly fee paid upfront.
The exact terms of the fee arrangement and responsibility for case expenses should be explained before representation begins.
A free consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your case, ask questions about fees, and learn about your options before deciding how to proceed.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Irvine, CA
Bicyclists can suffer significant injuries when struck by a motor vehicle or thrown onto the roadway.
Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee and leg injuries
- Internal injuries
- Road rash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial injuries and scarring
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent after a collision. Seeking prompt medical attention can help protect your health and document your injuries.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in California?
Many bicycle accidents occur because a driver or another party fails to exercise reasonable care. Determining the cause of a collision is an important part of establishing liability.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Impaired driving
- Unsafe turns
- Drivers failing to check blind spots
- Opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path
- Following cyclists too closely
- Poor visibility
- Dangerous roadway conditions
Some accidents have multiple contributing causes. A thorough investigation can help identify what happened and which parties may be responsible for the resulting injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in California?
California generally gives an injured person two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions can change the applicable deadline.
Claims involving a government entity may have significantly shorter deadlines and special procedural requirements. Other circumstances can also affect how much time you have to take legal action.
Waiting too long can also make it harder to preserve evidence and locate witnesses. Speaking with an attorney soon after an accident can help you understand the deadline that applies to your particular claim.
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident in Irvine?
The steps you take after a bicycle accident can affect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Your safety and medical needs should come first, but preserving information about the accident can also be important.
If possible, you should:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries initially seem minor
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene, your bicycle, the vehicle, and your injuries
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and other equipment
- Save medical bills, receipts, and records of missed work
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before understanding your rights
- Contact a bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options
Taking these steps can help preserve evidence, document your losses, and protect your rights after a collision.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Recovering from a bicycle accident can involve medical appointments, time away from work, unexpected expenses, and difficult conversations with insurance companies.
A bicycle accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Gathering photographs, videos, and witness statements
- Identifying potentially responsible parties
- Reviewing available insurance coverage
- Documenting your injuries and financial losses
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Addressing allegations that you contributed to the accident
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit when appropriate
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
Throughout the process, your attorney should keep you informed and explain important decisions in clear terms so that you remain involved in your case.
Contact an Irvine Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Fielding Law for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a bicycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may have questions about your medical expenses, insurance coverage, lost income, and legal rights. Fielding Law can help you understand your options and determine an appropriate path forward.
We are a boutique personal injury law firm committed to compassionate, client-focused legal guidance, personalized service, and clear communication. Contact us today at 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation with an experienced Irvine bicycle accident attorney.