Bicycle Accident Settlements in California

Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from severe rib fractures, trauma, minor scrapes, or even death. The role of bicycle accident settlements in California is to provide financial compensation to aid the injured victim’s recovery.

Due to the numerous factors involved, there’s no specific answer on the worth of bicycle settlement. Each case is unique, and how much you can receive for your losses depends on the relevant facts and circumstances.

More importantly, obtaining a fair settlement value for your losses enhances your chances of recovering from the injury.

You should consult a trusted California bicycle accident attorney to learn about your rights and best ways of obtaining compensation.

Average Hit-By-a-Car on a Bike Settlement in California

Hit-by-a-car on a bike accidents occur due to various circumstances. While some injuries might seem minor, they often develop long-term complications.

As such, injured victims deserve all the damages to facilitate their recovery process. Several factors, including the type and severity of an injury, determine the value of a hit-by-a-car on a bike accident settlement.

Here are some of the damages that comprise a bike settlement:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Funeral expenses

Factors That Can Increase Bicycle Accident Settlement Amounts

Here are a few factors that can increase a bicycle accident settlement:

Severe Injuries

Medical expenses form a substantial component in a bicycle accident settlement. That said, the severity of an injury determines the value of your bicycle accident settlement. Examples of severe injuries include broken bones, head injuries, and neck injuries.

A bicycle accident victim who sustained a traumatic brain injury is likely to receive a hefty settlement value compared to someone with minor bruises. Recovering from a severe injury requires a lengthy treatment plan, necessitating a hefty settlement value that matches your losses.

The severity of an injury is determined by a medical professional who evaluates the extent of the injury and the time it takes for a victim to recover. A bicycle accident attorney can rely on medical records to prove the extent of your injury before a court or jury.

Impact on Your Daily Life

How an injury has impacted your life is essential in determining the value of bicycle accident settlement. For instance, a victim whose leg became amputated after a bicycle accident involving a drunk car driver.

In that case, they may receive hefty compensation to compensate for losses related to permanent disability. In addition, the compensation should include loss of enjoyment of life damages if the victim can no longer engage in particular activities.

Length of Recovery

The value of a bicycle accident settlement also depends on how long it takes to recover from bodily injuries. The longer it takes to recover from a physical or emotional injury, the higher the value of a bicycle settlement.

The hefty settlement is necessary to compensate for the days the victim missed work and additional expenses, including medication and physical therapy charges.

Following Doctor’s Recommendations

Following instructions issued by a doctor, including a physical therapist or visiting a specialist, is also recommended.

Suppose you don’t follow those instructions and return to the emergency room weeks later. In that case, it can be challenging to convince the jury that you did everything to mitigate the impact of your injury and facilitate the healing process.

Factors That Can Cause Bicycle Accidents to Settle for Less Money

Here are a few factors that may reduce the value of your bicycle accident settlement:

Settling Too Soon

An insurer may make a settlement proposal immediately after receiving your personal injury claim. Usually, an insurer makes a low first offer in the hope that you accept it without much scrutiny.

When you accept the first settlement offer, you’ll likely leave money on the table, which will affect your chances of recovery.

Limited Insurance Coverage

The insurance coverage limit of the at-fault party also determines the value of your bicycle accident settlement. Some vehicle owners maintain minimum insurance coverage, affecting injured victims’ compensation.

An attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit if the at-fault party has limited insurance coverage. The judge can commit the assets or income of the at-fault party if their insurance limit doesn’t cover the injury-related losses.

Failure to Obtain Prompt Medical Attention

If you sustained an injury, you should obtain medical attention immediately. Waiting for days or weeks without a comprehensive medical examination blocks your ability to prove the extent of injuries and their impact on your life.

Documentation Tips to Help Maximize Your Claim

The value of your bicycle accident settlement depends on the strength of your evidence. The evidence must be clear to create a link between the accident and your injuries. For instance, take lots of photos and note down your experience.

Photos of the bicycle damage, your injuries, and the healing process are essential to paint an accurate picture of your losses.

Here’s a list of other sources of evidence to enhance your settlement claim:

• Medical records
• Eye witness statements
• Expert opinion
• Video surveillance footage
• Police accident report
• Employment records

How Long Do Bicycle Accident Settlements Take?

It is challenging to anticipate the average timeline of a bicycle accident claim. Every claim is unique, so you can get compensation sooner than another person. Even so, many bicycle accident settlements may take several months and up to three years before completion.

Call The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys for a Free Bicycle Accident Case Review

Suppose you sustained a broken leg in a bicycle accident caused by an aggressive driver. In that case, you may miss several working days during recovery, affecting your present and future earnings.

Therefore, you deserve representation from an experienced attorney like The Barnes Firm, who’ll aggressively fight for your right to compensation.

Contact us  or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes