Average Bicycle Accident Settlement in California [2024 Updated]

Biking is an extremely popular outdoor activity in California. Unfortunately, this leads the state to see many different bicycle accidents that can cause significant injuries and financial burdens for those affected. Knowing the average bicycle accident settlement in California can help victims have better expectations of what financial support they may receive depending on how severe their injuries are that can be linked directly to the accident.

How Can I Maximize a Bike Accident Settlement in California?

The devastating consequences of bike accidents in California leave many victims wanting to do everything in their power to maximize their settlements as a consolation for the physical and emotional impacts. Some of the most influential steps one can take to maximize their settlement include:

Seek Immediate and Ongoing Medical Attention

Even if you are under the impression your injuries are minor, seek medical attention immediately. This will ensure that all of your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. It will also create an official medical record that an attorney will be able to use as evidence to link your injuries directly to the bike accident case. If anyone were to question the severity of your injuries, having this medical report can combat any skepticism.

Continuous medical care helps to demonstrate the ongoing impact the injuries are having on your life. This can help you to substantiate claims for long-term treatment and rehabilitation needs. The longer you need treatment, the more likely your bike accident settlement will be increased compared to your peers with less severe injuries.

Document the Incident Thoroughly

Work with your personal injury attorney to document every detail of the bike accident possible. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is photographs and videos directly from the scene. Take photographs immediately after the accident to capture where the incident took place, the conditions of the road, and if there were any relevant traffic signals or signs that could point to someone else’s negligence in the case.

If law enforcement was called to the scene of the accident, their report would also be useful evidence. These reports often contain an unbiased account of the incident along with information on any witnesses present or if any citations were issued. All of this can help support your claim by illustrating the circumstances that led to your injuries.

Consult With an Experienced Attorney

It is not recommended to file a bike accident claim alone. Having a skilled attorney on your team can help provide invaluable guidance throughout the process. This includes collecting and preserving evidence and spending time negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. They also bring a wealth of knowledge to the case, where they understand how specific traffic laws and common causes of accidents can play a role in maximizing your settlement.

An area where personal injury attorneys add huge value is when dealing with insurance adjusters. These professionals may attempt to minimize your settlement. Having an attorney supervise this process can provide peace of mind, knowing that no one is trying to take advantage of your rights or inexperience.

Consider Your Future Needs

Bike accidents can result in injuries that require long-term care. This is why it’s important to consider what future medical needs you may have while the legal process is going on. Collaborating with medical and financial professionals can help you quantify the projected costs of future treatments, surgeries, and therapy sessions if applicable. Any evidence that you cannot return to work, no matter for how long or short of a period, can increase your compensation.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Bike Accident Claim in California?

A: You have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for a bike accident in California. Anyone who fails to meet this deadline will unfortunately not be able to pursue their case, no matter how compelling the evidence may be. However, if an individual discovered specific injuries after the date of the incident, the two-year time period would start then. To verify if your case qualifies for this exception, share the details of your case with a bike accident attorney.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in California?

A: There isn’t a universal formula from the California government to help calculate personal injury damages sustained in a bike accident. This doesn’t mean that seeking compensation for any pain and suffering in these cases is not possible. An attorney will review the entirety of your case to see what conditions may qualify you to seek reimbursement for pain and suffering. One example is reimbursement for mental health therapy sessions.

Q: Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bike Accident in California?

A: Liability for bicycle accidents in California can fall on many different parties depending on the circumstances. Drivers of other motor vehicles involved in the collision are a common party held liable in these cases. Government entities could also be held liable for circumstances like unsafe road conditions or inadequate signage to keep bicyclists safe. A personal injury attorney can help you identify all liable parties to hold accountable for your injuries.

Q: What Should I Do Immediately After My California Bike Accident?

A: Immediately after your bike accident, find medical care. Even if you feel fine and don’t believe you have any injuries, you want the medical report that comes with these types of visits. It helps to document all of the healthcare professional’s observations, which could even diagnose you with an issue that was not visible to you but will be helpful in maximizing your settlement claim. Hire an attorney to supervise your case the entire time to prevent case delays.

Contact Heimanson & Wolf, LLP Today

If you have recently been in a bike accident in California, it is recommended to hire a skilled attorney who has experience winning personal injury cases. Fortunately, the attorneys at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP are always just a phone call away, ready to help serve your interests and maximize how much money you can receive in your bike accident case. Contact us today to begin.