Redondo Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Top-Rated Bicycle Accident Attorney in Redondo Beach, CA

When you enjoy biking for leisure or as a means of transportation, experiencing a bicycle accident can significantly strain your day-to-day activities. You may be facing severe injuries and a long recovery time, missed work due to injuries, and the need to repair or replace your bicycle and other personal belongings. When you need help seeking compensation following an accident, a Redondo Beach bicycle accident lawyer can help.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve suffered damages from a bicycle accident, you should hire a bicycle accident lawyer to represent your interests and help you receive fair compensation. At Shaffer Law, we have decades of experience representing clients in the greater Los Angeles area who have suffered personal injuries. Attorney Shaffer handles each case personally, so you receive a fair settlement offer through negotiations or litigation.

Bicycle Accidents in the United States

Because of the vulnerable nature of riding a bicycle, a bicycle accident can result in significant injuries and other damages. These accidents have increased as the popularity of bicycle riding has increased. According to the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center at UC Berkeley, there were a total of 1,166 bicyclist deaths nationally due to vehicle crashes in 2023. Representing a 4.4% increase from 2022.

In California, during 2023, the number of bicyclists who died in vehicle crashes was 145, a decrease of 20.8% from 2022. A total of 3.6% of all road users who were fatally injured during a crash were bicyclists. Los Angeles County ranked first for the overall number of bicyclists killed and seriously injured.

Redondo Beach, CA, has several areas that are especially dangerous for bicycle traffic. Areas such as The Strand, North Harbor Drive corridor, and the Plaza Area. Heavily enforced “walk-only zones,” reckless e-bike users, sand accumulation on paths, and careless drivers can create hazards for bicyclists.

It is not always possible to negotiate for a fair settlement after a bicycle accident. If your accident happened in Redondo Beach, you can file a civil claim with the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Cases are often handled by the Torrance Courthouse, located in Torrance, or one of the other designated Los Angeles County Superior Court locations.

How to Strengthen Your Claim

There are steps you can take to increase the likelihood that you receive fair compensation after a bicycle accident. A bicycle accident attorney can advocate for your rights and pursue full compensation. These steps include:

Legal Considerations

Bicyclists have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers when sharing the roads. There are legal protections available for bicyclists. Vehicles are required to share the road and yield to bicycle riders. If you are struck by a vehicle, even if you are not seriously injured, and the vehicle drives away, that is considered a hit-and-run.

FAQs

What Is the Average Compensation for a Cycling Accident?

There is no average compensation for a cycling accident. The amount you could receive is based on the circumstances of the accident. Injury severity is a leading indicator of a potential settlement amount. Severe injuries often receive larger settlements than minor injuries. Your settlement should cover all the economic and non-economic damages you have suffered. If you share fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Pain and Suffering?

Yes, it can be worth it to file a claim for pain and suffering after a bicycle accident. If you experienced injuries due to the accident, you have also suffered non-economic damages from the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of life enjoyment. Recovery can be long and difficult when you are injured during an accident. You have the right to receive compensation for the distress you have endured.

What Shouldn’t You Say to Your Insurance Company?

After a bicycle accident, you should contact your insurance company and provide them with information about the accident, but there are some things you should avoid. Never admit fault. Even apologizing could be taken as an admission of guilt. Don’t downplay the seriousness of any injuries you sustained. If an initial offer is made, do not accept it without first determining how much your damages are. Do not agree to give a recorded statement.

How Is Fault Determined After a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, fault is determined by an insurance adjuster based on the evidence available. The adjuster and your Redondo Beach bicycle accident attorney use evidence collected at the scene of the accident, the police report, and they look to see who violated traffic laws or acted carelessly to determine which percentage of fault is assigned to whom. A cyclist who violated appropriate safety requirements may share fault for the accident.

Should I Notify My Insurance Company If I am Hit by a Car While Biking?

Yes, if you have been struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, you should notify your insurance company. California requires that all accidents involving injuries or property damage over $1,000 to be reported to the DMV within 10 days. You may also be covered by your own uninsured motorist coverage that can help with expenses related to the accident. Report the facts to your insurance company, but don’t speculate or admit fault.

Contact Shaffer Law

After a bicycle accident, you need time to recover from any injuries you sustained. We can take over the burden of handling negotiations with the insurance company, so you can focus on your recovery. Our team offers personalized attention to every client. Contact Shaffer Law to schedule your initial consultation.