You Shouldn’t Be on the Hook for Your Bicycle Accident
Many Cyclists are Hit by Inattentive Drivers
What is the Most Common Cause of Bicycle Injuries?
What can I Seek Compensation for in my Cycling Crash?
How will a Bicycle Attorney Help Me?
Do I need a Cycling Accident Attorney?
How to Protect Yourself When Riding a Bike
Arentz Law Group can Help with Your Bicycle Accident
Many Cyclists are Hit by Inattentive Drivers
Riding a bicycle can be a great activity. It gets you outdoors, allows you to get exercise while you travel from one location to another, and helps reduce the amount of pollution that enters into the air. Despite the popularity of riding bicycles, whether for your commute or for pleasure, there are still a lot of inattentive drivers out there. The results can be devastating for those on a bicycle if an accident occurs.
Bicyclists make up less than 1% of the traffic on the roads, and they can be easy to overlook. But those commuting by pedal should not be ignored. Every year thousands are struck by vehicles, and many end up in the hospital, or killed, due to their collisions with cars. In 2013, there were 900 fatal bike accidents, and nearly half a million visits to the emergency room as a result of vehicle vs. bicycle accidents.
If you have been involved in a crash while riding your bicycle, you shouldn’t wait to see how things play out! You need to enlist the help of an attorney from Arentz Law Group P.C. by calling 1-800-305-6000 (or by filling out the contact form on this page). Our attorneys are highly trained in bicycle laws, and have a fantastic track record of helping those who have been hurt or injured receive justice and the compensation that they deserve. The sooner you call, the easier it is for us to build a case on your behalf.
What is the Most Common Cause of Bicycle Injuries?
When you’re out riding your bike, you know that you’re taking a risk. But as an experienced cyclist, you have taken the proper precautions to minimize those risks. By wearing protective clothing and gear, paying attention to the road, and riding in a safe manner, you ensure that you won’t become the victim of an unfortunate bicycle injury.
But knowing “the enemy” is half the battle. What is the most important thing to look out for when you are on the road? There are many different causes of injuries to those who love to ride bicycles, but one cause exceeds all the others.
According to the 2012 survey by the NHTSA, the most common cause for bicycle crashes is being hit by a car. 29% of the respondents said that the cause of their crash was being struck by a motor vehicle; the next highest cause was simply that they fell, clocking in at 17%.
This data gives us two important insights, and can help supply a fresh look whenever we go out to ride our bikes. First, it tells us that the biggest cause of accidents is because there are more than just bicycles on the road. And because other motorists use the road, and a vehicle weighs much more than a bicycle, it is important to watch out and to share the road. The second insight, however, is a little less clear. What the survey doesn’t look into is whether or not the cyclist or the motorist was at fault.
When the motorist is at fault, the ideal solution would be for their insurance company to make sure that you are not left with a financial impact of the crash. However, as we know from motor vehicle accidents, that is rarely the case. This is precisely why you need a bicycle accident attorney after you have been involved in a crash with a motorist.
Your cycling attorney can help you navigate the complex world of insurance negotiations, and help you receive the compensation that you deserve for expenses now, and those that may come up down the road. If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a bicycle crash, call 1-800-305-6000 to schedule your free consultation with an attorney from Arentz Law today.
What can I Seek Compensation for in my Cycling Crash?
Every time that you strap on your helmet, you know the risks you are about to take. You know there are going to be inattentive motorists, there will be damaged sections on the road, and there will be pedestrians, animals, and other hazards that could result in you crashing your bicycle. But the joy of riding, the fresh air, the exercise, and the freedom are worth those risks. But what happens if you are involved in a bicycle accident? Receiving compensation may not be as straightforward as it seems.
If you have been involved in a biking accident, your bicycle accident attorney can help you recover damages in these areas:
Property Damage – If your bicycle is struck by a car, even one moving at a slow rate of speed, it is most likely going to be damaged. For the most part, that damage will be extensive enough that you will need a new bicycle. Depending on how avid of a cyclist you are, replacing your bike could run into the thousands of dollars. Add in the cost of a new helmet, protective gear, any peripherals that may have been damaged, and this accident could result in a substantial amount of money lost due to property damage.
Medical Bills – On a bicycle you’re largely unprotected. When struck by a moving vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds, the result is that you end up with broken bones, lacerations, or worse. Did you know that a week in the hospital costs around $20,000? And that is without major surgery or intensive care treatment! Your health insurance might cover some of that, but it won’t cover everything. And it shouldn’t; you shouldn’t have to use your insurance for any of this.
Future Medical Bills – An injury today is almost never fixed with medical treatment today. Serious injuries will have lifelong implications, and they may require surgery down the road. Are you prepared to negotiate with an insurance company to get them to pay for potential surgeries that might pop up years later? Your bicycle attorney in Southern California at Arentz Law is. You don’t have to worry about it, let us take care of all that work.
Lost Wages – Even if you work at minimum wage, a week of being unemployed means that you lose about $300. If you make $25 per hour, each week costs you $1,000. Being involved in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault can have dire financial impacts on you and your family. You shouldn’t have to use your paid time off to compensate yourself for someone else’s mistake.
Loss of Quality of Life – Riding a bicycle brings you pleasure. What happens if your injuries mean you can no longer ride your bike? You now must either take up a new sport, go through therapy and counseling, or both. Your quality of life is lowered, shouldn’t you be compensated?
Emotional Pain and Suffering – If your loved one was killed by a motorist while on their bicycle, you are going to go through some serious emotional pain. You must be able to cope and still function as a human being. Let us deal with the monetary side of it, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Keep in mind that pain and suffering extends far beyond the $7,000 – $10,000 that a modern funeral costs.
Have you, or a loved one, been hit while riding your bicycle? You need an attorney from Arentz Law to help you receive the compensation that you deserve. There is much more to it than what meets the eye, and we can help you attain justice. Call 1-800-305-6000 to speak with a cycling accident attorney today.
How will a Bicycle Attorney Help Me?
When you’re struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, the chances of being injured are high. With little to no protection against the massive metal vehicle, your bones end up breaking under the stress. The last thing that you want to do from a hospital bed is argue with an insurance company that is denying your claim. Your bike accident attorney will help you through that struggle.
Imagine this scenario: you are cycling down your usual route. You are passing a side street and even though they have a stop sign you pay attention to make sure that nobody is coming. But what you fail to see is that a vehicle from behind doesn’t yield, and turns right in front of you. You slam into the side of the car flipping over the hood and land on the pavement on the other side breaking an arm and a leg. It seems straightforward that the vehicle’s insurance company needs to make sure you’re taken care of.
But in our scenario the driver of the vehicle claims that you were in the wrong. The driver argues what happened, and now the insurance company is denying your claim. You are stuck with high medical bills, a bike that has been destroyed, and you’re trying to solve the mess while in the hospital healing from your injuries. The stress can slow your healing process, and make you have to spend more time in the hospital.
A bicycle accident attorney in Southern California will handle all of that mess for you. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company, speak with witnesses, talk with the other driver, and build a case on your behalf if the whole thing has to go to court. Your focus can be on healing your injuries so that you can get back to living a normal life.
Have you been hit by a vehicle while riding your bicycle? Then you need a bike accident attorney from Arentz Law to be your voice! You deserve justice no matter what the offending party tries to say. Call us at 1-800-305-6000 for your free consultation.
Do I need a Cycling Accident Attorney?
It’s the worst case scenario for those who are avid cyclists. You are out for a ride, whether to commute or for pleasure. Suddenly an inattentive motorist sends you flying through the air. You can only hope that you land on the grass or somewhere away from the vehicle so you aren’t struck again. Now what? You wonder if you need a bicycle accident attorney.
Depending on the severity of the accident, you likely need an attorney. If it was a very low speed collision that resulted in some scrapes and torn clothing, then you might be able to settle the matter directly with the motorist. However, if there was any sort of property damage, or injuries requiring a doctor visit or hospitalization, or if the accident resulted in a fatality, then you definitely need to get in touch with our bike accident attorneys in Southern California.
Even if the motorist’s insurance company is willing to work with you, there is no guarantee that you will receive compensation that fully covers the extent of your injuries. In reality, you may not even know the full extent of your injuries. Medical bills now are easily taken care of, but complications that arise many years from now are often overlooked. Your bicycle accident attorney can help you receive the justice that you need and deserve.
Have you, or a loved one, been involved in a bicycle accident? Was there major property damage, extensive injuries, or did someone die as the result of the accident? Don’t wait another minute, call us today at 1-800-305-6000 to speak with a cycling accident attorney in Southern California that can provide your free consultation.
How to Protect Yourself When Riding a Bike
In an ideal world there would be no collisions. Every motorist would drive in a safe manner, every bicyclist would ride safely, and disputes would be handled cordially without threats. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes can be costly or even deadly. As a cyclist, you have to ride defensively; don’t expect the drivers to do their part.
That starts with wearing the proper safety gear. When you’re riding a bike, you should always:
Wear a helmet – Study after study shows that the best way to prevent permanent injury or death is to put on a helmet every time you hop on that bicycle.
Wear bright clothing – Even if you’re not riding at night, you want to be highly visible. Avoid dark blues, blacks, and even most greens. Stick to reds, oranges, and yellows. If you ride in low light, reflective clothing is a must.
Use a light – A front facing light helps you see and be seen, a flashing red light on the back helps motorists know that you’re there. These lights are an inexpensive way to save your life.
But it goes beyond just the safety gear. You have to ride in a manner that is defensive.
Imagine you’re invisible – Unfortunately those driving don’t always pay attention. Ride as though nobody can see you riding, and be prepared to react.
Be alert – Often you become fatigued while cycling for long distances. Keep your eyes up and watch out for hazards. Those hazards can come in many different forms.
Have an escape plan – Bailing into bushes, water, or grass is always better than being struck by a moving vehicle. Know how to get away with minimal injury and damage to your personal property.
Use a camera – Video evidence is hard to dispute. There are many affordable cameras that can strap to your helmet or bicycle to record your rides. Best case scenario: you catch something awesome and become a YouTube sensation!
If you have been the victim of a bicycle accident, don’t panic! Arentz Law has bicycle accident attorneys in Southern California that have a great track record of helping victims receive the compensation that they deserve. You can have justice, but only if you call us at 1-800-305-6000, and start your free consultation.
Arentz Law Group can Help with Your Bicycle Accident
Here at Arentz Law, our attorneys have one goal: that you receive justice. We help those who are the victims of bicycle accidents by making sure that the defendant (the individual that hit you), or their insurance company, pays a settlement that is appropriate and covers all of your needs.
You are the victim! You shouldn’t have to pay anything when someone hurts you!
Our highly trained bicycle accident attorneys in Southern California have helped many victims get justice. We are able to look deeply into the case, we understand what happens with these cases, and we are able to negotiate settlements that provide you with compensation to cover all of the expenses incurred during this unfortunate time.
Are you the victim of being struck by a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle? Then you need to call us, or fill out the contact form on this page, right away! Simply dial 1-800-305-6000 and you will be able to talk with an attorney, free of charge, to discuss your potential case. Our goal is that you receive justice, let’s make that happen!
Arentz Law Group P.C. is located in Southern California. A bicycle accident attorney will be able to help you receive a fair settlement no matter what state you live in.