The city of Fullerton is one of California’s most picturesque and ideal places to ride a bicycle. With its location in northern Orange County, beautiful views and weather await any person that wants to take in the sights on any one of Fullerton’s various bike paths or roads. But unfortunately, riding a bicycle can be dangerous. For one, bikes offer very little protection in the event of an accident. Whether the accident occurs with a vehicle or because of a pothole in the street, there are very serious physical and financial consequences in these accidents.
Being in a bicycle accident is never ideal, but it’s important to realize that you have options and you’re not alone. No matter what injuries you sustain in a Fullerton bicycle accident, the team of experienced Fullerton injury lawyers at GK Legal Group can help.
Free Consultations For Fullerton Bicycle Accident Victims
At GK Legal Group, we understand that the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer free consultations to help you navigate your legal options without any financial burden. During this consultation, you will:
- Discuss Your Case: Share the details of your accident and injuries with our experienced attorneys.
- Understand Your Rights: Learn about your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to.
- Receive Expert Advice: Get professional guidance on the next steps to take in pursuing your claim.
Our goal is to provide clarity and confidence as you decide how to proceed. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Schedule your free consultation today, either over the phone or at our conveniently located office on 1400 N Harbor Blvd in Fullerton. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Fullerton?
Because of its ideal conditions, bicycle riding is quite popular in Fullerton. What this means is that there are plenty of people that try to take advantage of these conditions. However, this also means that there is a stronger likelihood of bicycle accidents in our city. Thus, the likelihood that you or a loved one will find yourself in one of these unfortunate accidents is probable. No one gets on a bicycle expecting to be in an accident, but it never hurts to be prepared. Part of that preparation involves considering your options if an accident occurs.
Having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can significantly simplify the claims process and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. At GK Legal our bicycle accident lawyers handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Identifying Liable Parties: We investigate all potential sources of liability, from negligent drivers to defective bicycle components.
- Gathering Evidence: We collect crucial evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a robust case.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. We manage all communications to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Hiring Specialists: When necessary we will hire medical consultants who we work with on a regular basis to assist.
- Negotiating and Litigating: Whether through settlement negotiations or court proceedings, our goal is to secure the maximum possible compensation for you.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Fullerton
Another unfortunate aspect of bicycle accidents is that they have a wide variety of different causes and circumstances. The vast majority of these accidents occur with other drivers on the road. In these cases, drivers perform irresponsible or reckless maneuvers to try to get around you. California law maintains that bicyclists have the same right to use the road as any other vehicle, but not every driver extends that courtesy to bicyclists. The legal term for a driver acting irresponsible behind the wheel is “negligent”, and it frequently leads to accidents. Not only that, but the negligent party is also liable for any damages or injuries in a bicycle accident claim.
Bicycle accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving multiple contributing factors. Understanding these causes can help in both prevention and in building a case:
- Driver Negligence: Many bicycle accidents occur due to drivers failing to share the road or follow traffic laws. Common negligent behaviors include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can easily overlook bicyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists at intersections or when making turns.
- Speeding: High speeds reduce the driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of collisions.
- Road Hazards: Poorly maintained roads can pose significant dangers to bicyclists, including:
- Potholes: Deep potholes can cause a cyclist to lose control.
- Debris: Loose gravel, leaves, or other debris can create slipping hazards.
- Inadequate Signage: Lack of proper signage can lead to dangerous situations, especially in areas with heavy vehicle traffic.
- Defective Bicycle Components: Malfunctions due to defective parts can lead to accidents, including:
- Brake Failures: Inadequate or malfunctioning brakes can prevent a cyclist from stopping in time.
- Chain Issues: A chain coming off or breaking can result in sudden loss of control.
- Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire blowouts can cause a bicyclist to crash.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can make bicycling hazardous:
- Rain: Wet roads reduce tire traction, increasing the risk of skidding.
- Fog: Poor visibility due to fog can make it difficult for drivers to see bicyclists.
- Wind: Strong winds can push bicyclists off balance, especially when passing large vehicles.
- Cyclist Errors: Although less common, cyclists can also contribute to accidents:
- Failure to Signal: Not signaling turns or lane changes can lead to misunderstandings with drivers.
- Riding Against Traffic: Riding against the flow of traffic increases the risk of head-on collisions.
- Inadequate Lighting: Riding without proper lights or reflectors at night makes cyclists less visible to drivers.
Understanding these causes helps in building a comprehensive case, highlighting the negligence or external factors that contributed to the accident. Our team at GK Legal Group uses this knowledge to advocate effectively on your behalf.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident in Fullerton?
Once you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Fullerton, there are several things you’ll need to do to make sure that you don’t add to any injuries or damage. At the same time, the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident often involves important things that you shouldn’t do. Insurance companies try to use any leverage they can to avoid giving you the maximum amount of support you’re owed, and they often seize on minor details after an accident to do this.
First and foremost, you need to get to safety after an accident. To the extent you’re able, moving off to the side of the road or off of the bike path should be your first step. After that, you should do the following:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident to authorities
- Exchange information of everyone involved
- Take photos, videos, or any other documentation of the scene
- Visit your doctor in the days after for further treatment
These important steps also include avoiding the following:
- Don’t apologize or disclose fault
- Don’t get rid of any evidence
- Don’t repair any damage to your bike or any other property
- Don’t refuse medical treatment
- Don’t speak to the insurance company
Again, while it’s not required to have a lawyer represent you in a Fullerton bicycle accident claim, it’s still in your best interest to do so. After you’ve been in a bicycle accident and are able to take stock of the incident, consider contacting our team of experienced bicycle accident lawyers to help you.
Should I Pursue a Bicycle Accident Claim in Fullerton?
The short answer here is a resounding yes. Most likely, if you’ve been in bicycle accident in Fullerton, you will be dealing with extensive injuries and other damages. In a Fullerton bicycle accident injury claim, there are generally two categories of damages that are available: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are the actual dollar amount that’s derived from your injuries, like medical bills. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, include things like pain and suffering and mental anguish that the accident caused. These are usually harder to place a dollar amount on, but are nonetheless extremely important. This is because a bicycle accident that caused you an injury will likely be very traumatic, and have long-lasting effects throughout your life.
Your particular bicycle accident will have its own circumstances that will determine the extent of what you can recover from the at-fault party. Still, as a general matter, the following damages are available to you after a Fullerton bicycle accident:
- Medical bills and treatment related costs
- Physical therapy costs and bills
- Lost wages from missing work
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
The path to recovery after a Fullerton bicycle accident is not an easy one. That’s why our team at GK Legal Group takes such pride in our ability to not only help you through the claims process, but also with the various setbacks that can occur with your health and stability. We strive to treat every client with the respect they deserve.
Contact Skilled Fullerton Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Any way you look at it, bicycle accidents are unfortunate. Riding a bicycle should be an exciting, pleasurable experience, especially is a city as beautiful as Fullerton. However, the fact is there are serious risks that come with riding your bicycle, most of which are outside of your control.
When you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team of Fullerton bicycle accident lawyers at GK Legal Group. We can help you by handling the responsibilities of yoru claim, as well as providing you with the important emotional and legal support you need to make it back to full health. To schedule a free consultation with our office, contact us today.
