Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident that was someone else’s fault? You may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Madison Law Group to find out more about your options.

It was a beautiful day in Long Beach, and Sarah decided to bike along the Shoreline Bike Path. As she pedals along, catching glimpses of the stunning Pacific Ocean views, she suddenly hits a deep pothole and flies off her bike, crashing onto the pavement.

Sarah suffered multiple broken bones and a concussion that prevented her from working for over six months. Angry, upset, and overwhelmed with medical bills piling up, Sarah needed help.

The above is a fictitious story, but bicycle accidents just like this occur regularly in Long Beach. At any moment, bicycle riders can have their lives turned upside down by a negligent driver, a malfunctioning bike part, or even poor road maintenance.

Long Beach Bike Accident Attorney

At the Madison Law Group, we understand the joy and freedom of riding a bicycle, especially in a bike-friendly city like Long Beach. However, we also realize bike accidents happen, and the consequences can devastate a rider’s life.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports bicycle accident deaths increased 9.2 percent compared to 2019, the highest number of deaths since 1987. Additionally, 22 percent of the bike fatalities in 2020 resulted from hit-and-run crashes.

We know the aftermath of a Long Beach bicycle accident can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, so our top priority is to make your pursuit of justice as easy as possible. Our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers will guide you through each step of your case, from the initial free consultation to the final settlement.

Request your free case consultation today. One of our skilled personal injury attorneys will call you back within 24 hours. We guarantee it.

What to Expect From a Long Beach Bicycle Accident Case

At the Madison Law Group, we understand the trauma of Long Beach bike accidents. There’s so much to deal with, such as recovering from serious injuries, struggling with income loss, and paying medical bills. If you were injured while riding your bike and you believe someone else is liable, you have the right to pursue compensation to cover your damages.

That’s how we can help. When you hire the Madison Law Group to represent you in your Long Beach bicycle accident case, you can expect skilled, compassionate, and results-driven attorneys dedicated to getting you the best possible outcome. Here’s a brief overview of what we offer:
1. An In-Depth Investigation
We leave no stone unturned when investigating your case. Our goal is to build the strongest case possible on your behalf, so we gather every bit of relevant evidence to support your claim. This includes obtaining witness statements, police reports, accident footage, medical records, and other documentation.
2. A Winning Strategy
Our attorneys work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy that gives you the best chance of winning your bike accident case. We can negotiate with your insurance company and the other party’s attorneys to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
3. Open Communication
Our Long Beach bicycle accident lawyers will keep you updated on every step of your bike accident case. We will answer any questions you have and make sure you feel supported throughout the process.

At the Madison Law Group, we know every bike accident case is unique, and we will tailor our approach to meet your needs. Please contact us if you or a loved one sustained serious injuries from a Long Beach bicycle accident. We’re here to advocate for your rights.

5 Common Causes of Long Beach Bike Accidents

Long Beach has a vibrant bike culture. The city makes cycling a go-to mode of transportation for work and recreation with its network of bike-friendly streets, bike lanes, and bike paths. Unfortunately, the potential for bicycle accidents increases as more bikers share the roadways with motor vehicles.

These bicycle accidents occur for several reasons, such as:

1. Driver Inattention: Drivers get distracted by their phones and may not see cyclists on the road.
2. Failure to Yield: Sometimes drivers don’t yield at intersections or when turning onto a street.
3. Dooring: Dooring occurs when a motorist opens their vehicle car door, obstructing the path of a cyclist approaching them, causing a bike accident. This occurs most often on busy streets with bike lanes.
4. Poor Road Conditions: Road conditions like potholes or uneven pavement can also lead to bike accidents. Sometimes the bike lane is in need of maintenance, creating a hazardous situation.
5. Intoxicated Drivers: Unfortunately, drunk drivers are a common cause of bike accidents. An alcohol-related accident can happen at any time of day or night but occurs most often during late-night or early-morning hours.

6 Common Types of Long Beach Bike Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries. Whether you are a seasoned or novice cyclist, bike accidents can lead to disability, traumatic injury, or death. Having awareness about these common bicycle-related injuries in Long Beach can help you take steps to stay safe on the road.

1. Head and Brain Injuries: A helmet lowers the risk of head injuries, but cyclists can still suffer from concussions or other traumatic brain injuries.
2. Neck Injuries: When a cyclist is involved in a crash or collision, the sudden impact can cause the head and neck to be jerked forward, backward, or to the side. Common neck injuries include whiplash, cervical fractures, and herniated discs.
3. Broken Bones: The most vulnerable areas on the body prone to breakage include arms, legs, and collarbones. These injuries range from minor fractures to more severe breaks requiring surgery.
4. Soft Tissue Injuries: Some soft tissue injuries include contusions, lacerations, and abrasions. Although these injuries don’t seem serious, they can produce debilitating pain and take time to heal.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries: If cyclists land on their back or neck during an accident, they can experience a spinal cord injury. These catastrophic injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis requiring long-term medical treatment.
6. Internal Injuries: These injuries result from the force of impact of a bike accident. Cyclists can experience anything from minor bruises to more severe ones like organ damage. Because this bicycle accident injury isn’t visible on the surface, it can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash

Bicycle accidents can leave you shaken to your core. If you’ve had a bicycle mishap in Long Beach, there are ways to safeguard yourself and your legal rights. Here are some steps to take following a bicycle collision:

1. Get Medical Care: Don’t overlook the importance of seeking medical assistance after a bike crash, no matter how fine you feel. Some severe injuries don’t exhibit symptoms immediately and can worsen without prompt treatment. Plus, seeking medical treatment ensures documentation of your injuries, which counts as a crucial piece of evidence if you choose to pursue legal action.
2. Call the Police: Contact the Long Beach Police Department and file a police report, regardless of how minor the incident may seem. This police report is valuable when dealing with insurance claims or taking legal action. The information helps ensure that your story is accurately recorded and represented.
3. Gather Information: You need names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved in the incident, including any witnesses. Collecting information from everyone involved in the Long Beach bicycle accident helps build a solid case.
4. Take Photos: Capture the scene’s details. Take photographs of the scene, including any harm to your bicycle, the other person’s vehicle, and any injuries you might have sustained. These pictures can serve as vital evidence for your claim.
5. Contact an Attorney: Consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney if you sustained any injuries. An experienced attorney can handle the legalities so you can focus on your recovery.
6. Don’t Admit Fault: Regardless of whether you think you might be partially responsible, avoid admitting fault in any way. Let the insurance company and the legal system determine responsibility. This ensures you don’t harm your case inadvertently.

Following these steps can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the proper medical care and compensation after a Long Beach bicycle crash.

The Biggest Mistake Cyclists Must Avoid After Long Beach Bike Accidents

In the aftermath of a bike crash, you may be left with physical and emotional injuries, struggling to navigate the complicated legal and insurance processes. You may be tempted to handle everything on your own, but without a skilled attorney in your corner, you risk falling prey to the deceptive tactics of an insurance provider.

Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts for bike accidents. Without an attorney, they may try to offer the lowest amount to settle your claim. Be aware of their helpful demeanor and smooth-talking manner. Insurance agencies aren’t there to help you. These companies care about protecting their bottom line.

Never speak to an insurance adjuster or company representative without consulting an experienced Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer first. An insurance provider may attempt to discredit the cause of your accident or injuries, making it easier for them to pay less if your case goes to court.

Insurance adjusters will look for and use any information to reduce your claim amount, so don’t agree to be recorded or take their recommendations. Hire an experienced California bicycle accident lawyer and let them speak to the adjuster on your behalf.

At the Madison Law Group, our skilled attorneys have extensive experience fighting insurance companies on behalf of those who have been injured due to the negligence of others, and we’re here to help you too.

Don’t allow insurance companies to exploit you following a bicycle accident. Get in touch with us now to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

6 Best Safety Tips for Long Beach Cyclists to Follow

Whether cycling at Belmont Shore, El Dorado Park, Signal Hill, or anywhere in Long Beach, riding a bike is an exhilarating experience. Of course, there’s no room for ignoring safety. By following these tips, you have a better chance of minimizing your involvement in a bicycle crash:

1. Wear a Helmet: A properly fitting helmet can help protect your head in a bike crash. Make sure your helmet is in good condition and fits snugly. Consider helmets certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
2. Obey Traffic Laws: Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, using hand signals, and riding with traffic flow.
3. Stay Visible: Wear bright clothing, use lights and reflectors, and avoid blind spots to ensure that motorists can see you.
4. Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings, anticipate hazards, and avoid distractions such as using your phone while riding.
5. Stay in Bike Lanes: Use designated bike lanes when possible and avoid riding on sidewalks, which can be dangerous for pedestrians.
6. Take a Safety Course: Consider taking a bike safety course to learn how to navigate the roads safely and improve your riding skills. For example, the Long Beach police department, the City of Long Beach, and Long Beach Bike Share offer bike safety classes.

Remember, being a safe and responsible cyclist protects you and helps create a safer environment for everyone on the road. Stay safe, and enjoy your ride in Long Beach.

Establishing Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Claim

Establishing negligence in a bicycle accident claim can be complicated. A skilled attorney who handles bicycle accident cases in Long Beach can help you determine liability in your unique situation.

The factors determining negligence include:
Duty of Care
The first step in establishing negligence is proving that the other party owed you a duty of care. In the case of a bicycle accident, motorists must exercise reasonable care when sharing the road with cyclists. For example, stopping at a red light and following speed limits.
Breach of Duty
Once you establish the duty of care, you must prove that the other party breached that duty. For example, if a driver failed to check their blind spot and hit you while you rode in a bike lane, they breached their duty of care.
Causation
You must prove that the other party’s breach of duty caused your injuries. For example, if the driver’s failure to check their blind spot caused them to hit you, resulting in a broken arm, you can prove causation.
Damages
Finally, you must establish that you have damages you need to recover. This is typically the easiest to prove because it can be shown using copies of your medical bills, lost income and benefits, and you may also be able to collect for your pain and suffering.

What Types of Restitution Are Available for Your Long Beach Bicycle Accident?

The answer depends on the specifics of your case, but here are some types of payment you may be eligible for:

1. Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for your medical treatment expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and other costs related to your injuries.
2. Lost Wages: If your injuries resulted in you being absent from work, you might be eligible for compensation for lost income. This includes the missed days and any future income you may fail to earn due to your injuries.
3. Pain and Suffering: This monetary award covers the physical anguish and emotional distress you suffered from the accident.
4. Property Damage: If your bicycle or any other property sustained damage in the accident, you may qualify for compensation to repair or replace it.
5. Punitive Damages: In rare cases, when a defendant’s actions are particularly reprehensible, the victim may be awarded punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which cover the victim’s losses, punitive damages penalize the defendant for their behavior and deter them and others from acting in a similar way.

Wrongful Death and Fatal Accident Lawsuits

Losing someone you love is heartbreaking, especially when someone else’s careless or reckless actions cause their death. If you have lost a beloved family member in a fatal accident in Long Beach, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

1. What is wrongful death? Wrongful death is a legal claim that arises when someone’s death is caused by another person or entity’s negligence or wrongful act.
2. What is a fatal accident lawsuit? A deadly accident lawsuit is a type of personal injury lawsuit filed on behalf of a person who has died due to an accident caused by another party’s negligence. These lawsuits compensate the deceased person’s family for their losses due to their loved one’s death.
3. Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Long Beach? California law specifies the individuals who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, this includes the deceased person’s spouse, children, or parents. If the victim has no surviving family members, the parents or siblings can file a lawsuit.
4. What damages can you recover in a wrongful death lawsuit? Surviving family members may recover various damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. These awards may cover various costs like medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, and damages for physical and emotional distress. Additionally, family members can recover damages for losing their loved one’s companionship.
5. How can an attorney help with a wrongful death lawsuit? Handling a wrongful death lawsuit can be challenging, especially when mourning the death of someone you love. An experienced lawyer can assist you throughout the procedure, providing guidance at every stage. They can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for compensation for the surviving family members. They will handle the case on your behalf.

FAQs About Bicycle Accident Cases

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit?
California’s statute of limitations for filing a bicycle accident lawsuit is two years from when the accident occurred. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident, or you lose your right to recover compensation. For example, if you were in a bicycle accident on May 1st, 2021, you would have until May 1st, 2023, to file your lawsuit. There are some exceptions to this rule, including scenarios where the statute would be less than two years. It’s best to have an experienced Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer representing you as soon as possible after the accident to ensure you don’t miss your statute or any other important deadlines.
Will my case go to trial or can it be settled out of court?
Whether a bicycle accident case goes to trial or settles out of court depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the amount of damages sought, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement.

In most cases, the involved parties reach a settlement prior to trial, and this occurs through negotiations between the parties, a mediator, or arbitration.

For example, suppose a cyclist suffered relatively minor injuries in a bicycle accident, and the driver’s insurance provider is willing to offer a fair settlement amount. In that case, the parties may resolve the case without needing a trial.

However, if the injuries are more severe and the insurance company is unwilling to offer a reasonable settlement, it may be necessary to take the case to trial to secure full and fair compensation for the victim. Ultimately, the plaintiff (injured person) decides whether to settle a case or proceed to trial, in consultation with their attorney.
How long does it take to settle a bicycle accident case?
The time it takes to settle a bicycle accident case can vary depending on many factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the case, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to settle.

For example, a cyclist was struck by a car and suffered serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. The cyclist’s medical bills and lost wages amounted to tens of thousands of dollars, and the driver’s insurance company was initially reluctant to offer a fair settlement.

In this case, the cyclist’s attorney may need to conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance agency for several months. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, the case may need to go to trial, adding several months or even years to the process.

On the other hand, if the insurance company is willing to offer a fair settlement, the case could be resolved within a few weeks or months. Ultimately, the time it takes to settle a bicycle accident case depends on the unique circumstances of each case.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
In California, it is still possible to recover compensation for a bicycle accident even if you were partially at fault. California follows a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that your percentage of fault will reduce the compensation you receive for the accident.

For example, if the court finds you are 25 percent at fault for the accident and the total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 25 percent, resulting in a recovery of $75,000.

To illustrate this, let’s say you were riding your bicycle on the wrong side of the road when a car made a left turn in front of you, causing a collision. In this scenario, the defendant’s attorney can argue you were partially at fault for riding on the wrong side of the road, but the driver was also at fault for failing to yield.

If the court determines damages from the accident are $50,000, and you were found to be 25 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 25 percent, resulting in a recovery of $37,500.

It’s important to note that determining fault in a bicycle accident case can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of each accident. This is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer who can help investigate the accident and fight for your rights to maximum compensation.
Can I file a lawsuit if I was hit by an uninsured driver while riding my motorcycle?
Yes, you can still file a lawsuit in California if you were hit by an uninsured driver while riding your motorcycle. California requires all drivers to have insurance, but some don’t follow this law.

In this case, you can still seek compensation through other means. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.

Do You Need a Bike Accident Lawyer?

You may be questioning whether you need a bike accident lawyer. The answer is yes, and here is why a lawyer makes your outcome so much better:

1. Understanding of the Law: Lawyers who specialize in bicycle accidents have a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and can assist you in navigating it. They possess in-depth knowledge of personal injury law and can help you understand your legal rights.
2. Experience with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to offer you a settlement that is less than what you deserve. A bike accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
3. Proficiency in Handling Bike Accident Cases: A bike accident lawyer specializes in these cases and has experience representing clients in similar situations. They can use their knowledge to build a solid personal injury case and protect your interests.
4. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A bike accident lawyer can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to construct a compelling argument in your favor. They can also consult with accident reconstruction experts to identify who was at fault for the accident.
5. Maximum Compensation: A bike accident lawyer can help you get the full compensation possible for the harm you suffered, medical care expenses incurred, income lost, and emotional distress experienced.
6. Peace of Mind: Enlisting the services of a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer can provide reassurance and alleviate stress during this trying period. You can concentrate on recuperating while your attorney takes care of the legal aspects of your personal injury case.

Get Legal Help Now With a Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer

We offer a free consultation
We understand that hiring an attorney can be intimidating, so we offer a free consultation. We’ll listen to your bike accident story, assess your personal injury case, and give you our professional opinion on how we can help. We will do all of that for free regardless of whether you choose to move forward with our firm.

Be sure to speak with a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer immediately. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation, and let us fight for your rights.