Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Accident Attorney in Glendale, CA

Bicyclists are especially vulnerable on the road due to their lack of protection compared to drivers of larger vehicles. Even minor accidents can result in serious injuries, ranging from broken bones to life-altering head trauma. In Glendale, where busy streets and high traffic volumes are common, cyclists are at greater risk of collisions. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, a Glendale bicycle accident lawyer can help you fight for compensation.

Many people enjoy bicycling in Glendale on the Baum Bicycle Bridge and the Los Angeles River Trail Loop, the Riverside Drive Loop, and many in the area also use their bicycles for easy local transportation. However, whenever bicyclists ride with or near motor vehicle traffic, accidents can happen unexpectedly in many different ways.

The legal team at Duque & Price understands the unique challenges cyclists face after an accident. We provide personalized, client-focused representation to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our priority is to protect your rights and guide you through each step of the legal process so you can focus on healing and recovery.

Why Choose Duque & Price?

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Glendale or the surrounding areas, Duque & Price is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries, leaving victims with long recovery times and financial strain.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported that in 2022, a total of 48 bicyclists were injured or killed in accidents in Glendale, and four of these victims were under the age of 15. Bicycle accidents can happen on busy city roads as well as in quiet residential areas. Navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming, but our team is dedicated to making the legal process as smooth as possible for you.

We focus on a limited number of cases to ensure that each client receives the attention their case demands. From thorough investigation and handling property damage to trial preparation, our trial-ready lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation needed to help you recover and move forward with your life.

Common Injuries Following a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection for cyclists:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious, even when helmets are worn, as the force of impact can cause lasting damage. The International Brain Injury Association estimates that about one million Americans receive emergency room treatment for brain injuries each year, and about 80,000 cause permanent damage.
• Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbones, are common in high-impact collisions.
• Road rash, a painful skin abrasion from sliding on the pavement, can lead to infections or permanent scarring.
• Spinal cord injuries. These are catastrophic injuries that can potentially result in lifelong disabilities, including paralysis.
• Internal damage, such as organ injuries or internal bleeding, is also frequent in serious accidents.

Cyclists may experience chronic pain or long-term disabilities, significantly impacting their quality of life. Even minor collisions can result in soft tissue injuries or psychological trauma. The victim of a bicycle accident should seek medical treatment immediately, even if they think they only sustained minor injuries. Once they are stable, it’s vital for them to hire a bicycle accident lawyer at their first opportunity to help them recover their damages.

Determining Fault Following a Bicycle Collision

Determining fault following a bicycle collision is a crucial first step for anyone seeking compensation for their injuries and lost wages. This process requires analyzing the actions of all involved parties.

Drivers may be at fault if they violate traffic laws, fail to yield to cyclists, or swerve into bike lanes; however, cyclists are also expected to follow traffic signals and remain in designated areas. Some of the most common causes of bicycle crashes in Glendale include: 

• Dooring, which happens when a parked driver opens their door into a bike lane.
• Intersection collisions. It’s possible for bicyclists to be struck when making turns or when other drivers make turns, especially when those drivers are distracted.
• Accidents resulting from poor visibility. Bicyclists should have reflectors attached to their bikes, especially when riding at night.
• Moving violations. Bicycle accidents can happen when drivers commit moving violations, such as failure to stop for red lights or stop signs, failure to yield the right-of-way, and performing illegal turns.

It’s possible for a driver to be at fault for a bicycle accident, but under certain conditions, the bicyclist could also bear fault. California’s comparative negligence law allows injured parties to recover damages even if they share some responsibility for causing the collision. The amount the plaintiff can receive is reduced by their percentage of fault. Your attorney can explain what to expect if this comes into play in your bicycle accident case.

Proving fault often involves gathering evidence like police reports, eyewitness accounts, and photos of the accident scene. In some cases, traffic camera footage or testimony from professionals who are familiar with recreating accident scenes may also be needed. You have limited time to gather this evidence and compile your case, so it’s crucial to hire a bicycle accident lawyer right away after your accident.

How an Attorney Can Secure Compensation for Your Injuries

An attorney plays a critical role in securing compensation after a bicycle accident. They begin by investigating the collision and collecting evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to establish fault. Attorneys also handle communications with insurance companies, which often attempt to minimize payouts. This can ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even future costs for long-term care. If negotiations with the insurance carrier fail, an attorney can file a claim and advocate for you in court. They can also work to minimize any claims of comparative negligence that could reduce your recovery.

When you choose Duque & Price to represent you in a bicycle accident case, we can immediately begin gathering the evidence you need to prove liability for the accident, and trust us to accurately calculate all of the damages you are eligible to claim from the at-fault driver.

We can assess the severity of your injuries and the scope of long-term or permanent effects they carry to ensure we fully address all of your economic losses in your recovery efforts. You can rely on us to resolve disputes with insurance carriers, build an effective personal injury case for you, and pursue maximum compensation for the damages you suffered.

Ultimately, a bicycle accident could be life-changing, and you have limited time to pursue accountability for your damages. Duque & Price can provide unmatched legal representation in this difficult situation, so reach out to our firm at your first opportunity and learn how we can help.

FAQs

Who Is Usually at Fault in a Bicycle Accident?

The fault in a bicycle accident depends on the actions of both the driver and the cyclist. Drivers are often at fault for failing to yield, speeding, or driving distracted, while cyclists may share responsibility if they ignore traffic laws. Evidence, such as witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and road conditions, is key to determining who is liable.

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

Accident attorneys in California often work on a contingency fee basis. This means they are only paid when their client secures compensation. Contingency fees are typically a percentage of the settlement or award. This arrangement benefits clients because it eliminates upfront costs, allowing them to focus on their recovery while ensuring legal representation is accessible.

How Do You Get Money From a Bike Accident?

To recover compensation after a bike accident, you must document your injuries, medical expenses, and property damage. File a claim with the responsible party’s insurance and provide evidence of their negligence. If the insurer disputes your claim, pursuing a personal injury claim may be necessary to recover damages for your losses.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Cycling Accident?

Compensation for a cycling accident depends on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and lost wages. Damages may also include pain and suffering or the cost of ongoing medical care. Thorough documentation of your injuries and financial losses strengthens your claim and increases the likelihood of receiving a settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.

Schedule Your Consultation With a Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Glendale or the surrounding areas, you need a legal team that understands the unique challenges cyclists face. Duque & Price is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We know how devastating these accidents can be, and we are committed to fighting for your rights.

We limit the number of cases we take on to ensure that each client receives the personal attention they deserve. Whether through settlement negotiations or litigation, our trial-ready legal team is ready to take the necessary steps to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact our legal team today to schedule your free consultation and get started on your case.