San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycling is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to get around, but it can be dangerous. Every year, thousands of bicyclists are injured or killed in accidents with motor vehicles. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in San Diego, you need a legal partner who understands the complexities of these cases and can help you protect your rights.

At Conger Law Injury Attorneys, we understand how difficult it can be to recover from a crash. Reach out to a Sand Diego bicycle accident lawyer and our team will work hard to get you the compensation you’re due. 

San Diego Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Who They Are and What They Do

A San Diego bicycle accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing clients who have been injured while riding their bicycles. These attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving bicycle accidents and understand the unique challenges that these cases present.

Types of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego

When you’re hurt in a San Diego bicycle accident, determining the cause of your accident can help you determine who’s at fault for that accident. Your lawyer can take a look at the accident type and determine your best path forward. 

Below is just a sample of the types of San Diego bicycle accidents we’re prepared to handle: 

• Intersection accidents
• Dooring accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Left-turn accidents
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Bicycle-car accidents

Understanding the Severity of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, including internal organ damage, brain injury, and broken bones. While some injuries may be immediately apparent, others may not show up until days or even weeks after the accident. Internal organ damage is a serious consequence of bicycle accidents that requires prompt medical attention.

The impact of a crash can cause internal organs to rupture or bleed, leading to life-threatening complications. The liver, spleen, and kidneys are particularly vulnerable to injury in a bicycle accident. These organs are located in the abdomen and can be easily damaged by blunt force trauma.

Head injuries are also common in bicycle accidents and can lead to long-term cognitive impairment or even fatalities. Wearing a helmet while cycling is essential as it provides protection against head injuries during an accident.

To prevent bicycle accident injuries, it’s important to wear protective gear such as helmets and follow traffic laws while cycling. Bicyclists should always ride with traffic and signal their intentions when turning or changing lanes. Additionally, bicyclists should avoid distractions such as using their phones while riding.

Recovering Damages for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries

Personal injury claims can help you recover compensation for damages suffered in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence. When you are involved in a bicycle accident, you may suffer severe injuries that require expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. You may also lose income if your injuries prevent you from working. Fortunately, the law allows you to seek compensation for these damages through a personal injury claim.

Fair compensation for your injuries may include economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Economic damages can cover medical bills and expenses related to your injuries, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. They can also include lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working or force you to take time off work.

Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify but can be just as important as economic damages. Pain and suffering is one type of non-economic damage that refers to the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injuries. Other types of non-economic damages include loss of enjoyment of life or loss of consortium.

What Is Comparative Negligence? 

The pure comparative negligence system in San Diego lets you recover damages even if you contributed to the accident. Even if you were 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can recover 50 percent of the damages awarded in your case.

Comparative negligence is used in personal injury cases where both parties are at fault. Based on their pre-accident actions, the court will assign each party a percentage of fault. If the injured party is partially responsible, their award will be reduced.

For instance, Jane, a texting driver, hit John while he was riding his bike without a helmet. Due to not wearing a helmet, the court found John 30 percent at fault for the accident. Texting while driving made Jane 70 percent responsible for the accident, according to the court. John’s total damages of $100,000 will be reduced by 30 percent, or $30,000, to $70,000.

A skilled bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate comparative negligence and negotiate a fair settlement for your injuries. They can investigate the accident to determine fault and gather evidence for your claim. They can estimate damages and negotiate with insurance companies.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

When you’re hurt in a San Diego bicycle accident, the immediate aftermath of the accident can be confusing and scary. Fortunately, your lawyer can help you get the compensation you’re due and can guide you through this process. 

As you prepare to speak with a lawyer and file a claim, take the following steps to protect your health, your safety, and your claim’s future: 

• Get the insurance company name and policy number of the driver involved in the accident
• Provide your own insurance company name and policy number to the driver
• Exchange contact information with the driver, including their phone number and email address

• Take photos of the driver’s insurance card and any damage to their vehicle
• Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident
• Avoid discussing fault or liability with the driver or their insurance company until you have spoken with your own lawyer

Seek Out a Bicycle Accident Lawer in San Diego

San Diego cyclists should know the risks of cycling on busy roads. Accidents can still happen due to motorist negligence or recklessness, even if you wear protective gear and follow traffic laws.

An experienced and knowledgeable San Diego bicycle accident lawyer can represent you if you’ve been injured in a San Diego bicycle accident. Our firm, Conger Law Injury Attorneys, is dedicated to helping our clients receive compensation for their injuries and other damages.

We listen to each client’s needs because we know every case is different. We’ll keep you updated on your case throughout the legal process.

Contact us today for a free consultation if you were injured in a San Diego bicycle accident. We’ll fight for cyclists’ rights and compensation. Without representation, fault can be hard to determine. Let us help you through this difficult time and reach a fair resolution. Reach out by calling 619-569-1919 or by completing our online contact form below.