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Folsom Bicycle Accidents Lawyer
Practice Areas
Folsom
Bicycle Accidents Attorney
Bicycle Accidents Lawyer in Folsom, CA
No one sets out on a drive or a ride hoping to get into an accident. Unfortunately, that does not mean accidents will not happen. In fact, bicycle accidents are more common than you might think and are often incredibly damaging for the riders involved. These accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries, trauma, and emotional injuries that sometimes cannot be cured.
talk to Kreeger Law about your Bicycle Accident injuries
If you have experienced a bicycle accident, the team at Kreeger Law is ready to help you. We understand the incredible amount of damage that can occur during a car accident involving a bicyclist, no matter which side you are on. If you are a bicyclist and the accident was not your fault, you are likely entitled to compensation for your damages.
For over 30 years, Kreeger Law has been helping individuals in the Folsom area navigate bicycle accident claims. Whether you have experienced injuries and medical bills related to the accident, damaged property, or even lasting post-traumatic stress following the event, we can help you pursue compensation to recover from your damages. We represent people who have had their lives upended by a bicycle accident and help to ensure that insurance companies and guilty parties pay their fair share.
What Is Bicycle Accident Law?
Bicycle accident law is a facet of personal injury law that deals specifically with accidents involving bicyclists. When a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle collides with a bicycle, the rider often suffers serious injuries. This is because they do not have the protective advantage of a car frame, roof, and doors. As a result, anyone injured in the collision can face serious injuries and their associated medical bills on top of the need to repair physical damages.
Just as in a car versus car accident, the responsible party or their insurance company is liable for paying for the damages incurred. Of course, it is not always obvious who is at fault after an accident. Even if fault is evident, insurance companies often try to avoid paying by any means possible.
Folsom bicycle accident attorneys help injured parties navigate the insurance and legal systems after a bicycle accident. You should not be held financially responsible for damages after a bicycle accident, especially if the collision was not your fault. A bicycle accident attorney can protect you from predatory insurance companies and fight for your right to fair compensation.
Why Do I Need A Folsom Bicycle Accidents Attorney?
Pursuing compensation for your damages without legal representation is never a good idea. Your opposition will almost certainly have an attorney skilled in personal injury law who will likely win the case without proper rebuttal. In addition, you risk missing procedural requirements and filing deadlines critical to the success of your case. A Folsom bicycle accident lawyer can ensure your case proceeds smoothly, especially if litigation becomes necessary.
Remember, there is a great deal at stake in bicycle accident cases. Your settlement could mean the difference between healing comfortably and paying medical bills for years to come. The settlement available can help you and your family recover from the accident and move on financially, physically, and potentially even emotionally.Proving Negligence In Personal Injury Claims
To receive compensation for your damages, it is important to establish who was at fault for the accident. This is referred to as establishing negligence because oversights are a common cause of accidents. To prove negligence, your attorney must prove that:
- Laws of the road required the driver to act with reasonable care
- The driver failed to act with the appropriate care, causing the accident
- Their actions—and the accident—caused you harm
- You experienced losses as the result of this harm
To establish who is at fault, your Folsom bicycle injury attorney needs to gather sufficient evidence to show the driver acted negligently, causing your damages. This evidence can come in many forms, depending on the specifics of your case. Your attorney may collect:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Pictures of the accident injuries
- Documentation of road signs and signals in the area
- Medical records for any injuries
- Expert witness testimony regarding your injuries or the laws involved
Negligent Actions That May Cause Bicycle Accidents
As with any other accident on the road, there is no singular way for negligence in a bicycle accident case to occur. There are many ways a driver or rider can cause an accident. Examples include:
- Texting, talking, or otherwise using a cellphone while driving or riding
- Failing to keep eyes on the road ahead
- Missing or disregarding road signs and traffic signals
- Driving or riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to signal before merging or turning
- Performing high-risk maneuvers
- Traveling at a high rate of speed
- Failing to obey other traffic laws
Potential Injuries And Other Damages In A Bicycle Accident Case
Though no two accidents are the same, there are some common injuries that occur during a bicycle accident. These include:
- Back and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash and other abrasions
- Broken teeth and other dental injuries
- PTSD and other lasting mental or emotional effects
Each of these conditions can be very serious and is deserving of proper compensation. The victim should not be responsible for paying these bills as they did not cause the damages in question.
It is important to note that you may be eligible for compensation for multiple types of damages following a bicycle accident. Attorneys consider property damage, financial damages like medical bills and lost wages, and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering or loss of companionship when determining a claim amount. In addition, if the driver acted maliciously, extremely recklessly, or broke certain laws while causing the accident, the judge may require punitive damages.It is also important to consider mental health when determining your damages. Here at Kreeger Law, we take mental health very seriously. If you feel distress, anxiety, guilt, depression, or PTSD following your bicycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation for mental anguish.
Settlement vs. Litigation In Personal Injury Claims
One of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of a bicycle accident case is arguing your case in court. Litigation comes with significant fees, including filing fees and court fees, along with paying your attorney’s rate. Fortunately, not all bicycle injury cases end in litigation. In many scenarios, your attorney can advocate for you against the other party’s insurance company, or the attorneys in the case are able to come to an agreement outside of court. This is called a settlement.
If a settlement occurs in your bicycle accident injury case, it is likely because one side has a high probability of winning in court. When a case is this clear, neither party wants to go through the time and expense of unnecessary litigation. In some cases, a settlement may mean a slightly lower payment. However, any compromise that your attorney makes with your settlement sum is likely less than you would spend on litigation.
However, not all cases should avoid proceeding to litigation. Should your case require litigation, your Folsom bicycle accident lawyer should be prepared to represent you in court. The skilled attorneys at Kreeger Law will relentlessly advocate for your needs if we believe you are owed more than what a settlement can offer.What To Expect From Your Folsom Bicycle Accidents Lawyer
If you are facing your first personal injury case, it is natural to feel uncertain about what to expect. Though no two court cases unfold in the same way, you can expect certain standards from your personal injury lawyer no matter your circumstances:
- You should always feel as though you can speak openly with your attorney. You will need to share details of the accident, which can cause distress or even apprehension in some individuals. Your attorney should remain responsive and understanding, even when the topic is difficult.
- Your attorney should have experience in your specific type of case. It is not enough to hire a personal injury lawyer; you must find someone who has experience with Folsom bicycle law. This experience gives you the best chance for success in your case.
- You should always discuss matters of payment with your attorney before agreeing to hire their services. Each attorney and firm bills differently, and you do not want to end up with an unwelcome surprise when your case draws to a close.
- When you do hire an attorney, you should expect them to communicate clearly with you regarding their strategy and any changes to your case. Your attorney should remain diligent regarding deadlines and paperwork, and they should work to collect evidence and make phone calls. They should also handle all communication with the insurance companies, even your own.
Contact Kreeger Law
If you have been in a bicycle accident in Folsom, Kreeger Law can provide the skilled representation you need to receive compensation for your damages. Contact us online today to request a consultation or more information.
