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
Bicycle accidents can often result in permanent and life changing injuries. Still, many of these bicycle accident victims do not realize that there is support available to them. Working with the skilled and experienced team of Fullerton bicycle accident lawyers at GK Legal Group can help you or a loved one get this much-needed support. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.
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.
There is no legal requirement that you need to have a bicycle accident lawyer represent you in an injury claim, but doing so can make navigating the process much easier on you. Our team at GK Legal Group has years of experience in helping Fullerton bicycle accident victims through the claims process. Our proven system of success includes the following:
- Determining who or what entity is responsible for your accident.
- Gathering and analyzing necessary evidence.
- Interviewing witnesses and experts.
- Communicating with and handling the day-to-day responsibilities of your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Negotiating and litigating your claim for damages.
The nature of bicycle accidents means that you will likely be dealing with injuries. This means doctor’s visits, surgery, and physical therapy. On this road to recovery, trying to also handle claim-related issues with insurance companies can be overwhelming. That’s why our team can be so vital. We take that burden from you, and allow you and your family to focus on your health and recovery.
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.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents you will find in Fullerton include:
- Not sharing the road
- Failure to signal when turning or pulling out from the curb
- Dooring accidents, or opening their car door into your path.
- Failure to yield
- Not giving the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe passing or lane switching
- Driving under the influence
- Defective bicycle or parts
- Improperly marked bike paths and bike lanes
- Defects of the roadway, such as potholes, malfunctioning traffic signals, or faulty streetlights
Knowing the causes of bicycle accidents can provide you with a good understanding of what to watch out for while riding your bike in Fullerton, but it can’t totally prevent an accident. Thus, it’s important to understand what to do (and what not to do) in the event that you suffer a bicycle accident in Fullerton.
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.
