Cycling has long been an important part of transportation in Long Beach. More than just a recreational activity, many cyclists rely on their bikes to get to work or go about their day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, many cyclists face the risk of serious bodily injury when they cross paths with a motor vehicle.
If you were struck by a motorist while cycling, you might be entitled to compensation. With the help of an attorney, you could show that the driver that struck you was at fault for the crash. Let a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer assist you in pursuing legal action against the party that is responsible for your injuries.
What Types of Compensation Are Available Following a Bike Crash?
If you suffered injuries in a bike crash and decide to pursue a personal injury case, there are various types of damages you might be entitled to recover. No two bike accident cases are alike, as the extent and nature of your injuries will determine the compensation in your case. In addition to your physical injuries, there could also be damages related to your financial and emotional hardships. Some of these damages include:
Lost Wages
As you recover from your injuries, it might be impossible for you to return to work right away. Serious physical injuries can limit your ability to do your job, and this can impact your primary source of income for weeks or months to come. When you pursue a personal injury case following a bicycle accident, you could recoup your lost wages if your case is successful.
Pain and Suffering
You might also be entitled to damages based on your pain and suffering. Bicycle injuries can be especially painful, and these injuries would not have occurred if it were not for the acts of the driver that struck you. These damages can vary based on how severe your pain is and how long it lasts.
Medical Expenses
Bicycle accident injuries frequently result in large medical bills. The expenses related to your medical treatment might be significant immediately after the accident, but they can also continue to grow over time. You might be entitled to compensation based on your past and future medical costs.
Diminished Future Earning Power
For many people, it is impossible to fully recover from the physical effects of a bicycle accident. Even if your wounds heal, you could face extended physical disabilities that limit the type of work you are able to perform.
These disabilities could bar you from performing some types of work and limit your future earnings. You could be entitled to damages based on the difference between your future earnings and what you could have earned had you never been injured in a bicycle accident.
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Delays Could be Catastrophic for your Bicycle Accident Injury Case
There are plenty of reasons why it is not in your best interest to delay pursuing an injury case following a bicycle accident. Every day that you put off pursuing your case is a day that the other side has a chance to build their defense.
It can be challenging to develop a strong case for negligence if too much time has passed since your accident. Evidence that might have been available right away—like security video footage or the opportunity to reconstruct the accident scene—could be lost over time. Memories can also fade, making it important to speak with witnesses early on to get their entire story.
Other risks come with delaying your injury case following a bicycle crash. Top of the list among those risks is the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the deadline that every bicycle accident injury lawsuit must comply with.
In most cases, this deadline expires two years from the date of the crash. If you file your lawsuit after this deadline, the judge in your case is likely to dismiss it with prejudice. Our firm could help you avoid this worst-case scenario.
Bicyclist Rights and Responsibilities in Long Beach
Bicyclists have a number of rights in Long Beach, but they also face some responsibilities. The rules related to cycling are covered not only by state law but also by local ordinance. When these rules are violated and an accident ensues, the violation could be evidence of negligence.
The City of Long Beach has ordinances related to the use of bicycles within the bounds of the city. According to city ordinances, bicyclists are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk in certain areas. These areas include business districts, bridges, pedestrian overpasses, and designated areas on Ocean Boulevard and the Downtown Marina. Cyclists must also verbally notify pedestrians when they intend to overtake them on sidewalks.
State law also applies to bicycles. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21200, cyclists have the same rights and duties as any other motorist. They have the right to ride on city streets, and motorists must yield the right-of-way just like they would with motor vehicles they share the road with.
Contact a Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If your bicycle accident resulted in serious injuries, you deserve to hold the at-fault party accountable. This could be possible by pursuing a civil lawsuit and recovering compensation for your injuries. The litigation process can be challenging, but you do not have to face it on your own. The right legal team could provide you with invaluable guidance moving forward with your case.
The attorneys of Greenberg Gross are prepared to provide you with compassionate legal counsel in your bicycle accident injury case. We understand what it takes to build a successful negligence case, and we are prepared to help you maximize your financial recovery. Reach out to a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer today to get started.
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