Claremont Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Claremont Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured while cycling, a Claremont bicycle accident lawyer at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen can help you navigate the road to recovery. You may suffer serious injuries and face massive medical expenses after a bicycle accident that involves negligent drivers, unsafe roads, or occurs in a hit-and-run situation.

Our team recognizes the traumatic impact of accidents and works tirelessly to secure the necessary compensation for our clients’ recovery and life restoration. We have years of experience representing injured cyclists throughout Southern California, and we tackle each case with compassion, urgency, and a results-driven approach.

Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, we’ve recovered millions for clients in pedestrian, motorcycle, and medical malpractice cases, each of which involves complex injuries, expert testimony, and high-stakes negotiations. This experience is especially valuable in bicycle accident cases, where victims often suffer serious trauma and require extensive medical care.

We understand both the legal and medical elements of injury recovery. When you work with us, you get a team that is equipped to build a strong case and ensure your care and compensation are fully accounted for. Our extensive experience enables us to evaluate your case to determine liability and fight for maximum recovery. When you work with us, you get results-driven advocacy rooted in experience, legal skill, and a clear commitment to your recovery, including cases involving car accidents, personal injury, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and rideshare accidents.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Claremont

Bicycle accidents in Claremont most commonly happen near colleges and universities, intersections, and popular throughways, including Foothill Boulevard and Indian Hill Boulevard. Bicyclists are especially at risk from drivers who don’t yield the right-of-way, open car doors into bike lanes, or speed through residential neighborhoods.

In 2022, 177 bicyclists were killed statewide. Los Angeles County, which includes Claremont, had the highest amount in the state with 38 fatalities. The high levels of pedestrian and bicycle traffic near Claremont schools and parks make crashes more likely when visibility is poor or drivers are distracted. It’s important to determine the exact cause of your crash to prove fault and recover compensation after a bike accident in the Claremont area.

Injuries and Damages We Help You Recover

Cyclists are afforded very little protection from an oncoming vehicle. It doesn’t take a high-speed crash to cause life-altering injuries to a bicyclist. Head injuries such as concussions, spinal cord trauma, broken bones, and internal bleeding are just a few of the common results of bicycle accidents.

In 2022, there were over 1,105 bicyclist fatalities nationally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, meaning it is not uncommon to be hit while riding a bike in America. Unfortunately, even more cyclists were killed in 2023 (1,155 bicyclists), the highest number ever recorded according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, we work to ensure our clients receive compensation for all of their losses, which include medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation and physical therapy, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In the case of long-term or permanent disability, we also pursue damages for future medical care and lost earning capacity. We are skilled in calculating the true impact of your injuries and fighting to make sure you receive everything you deserve.

How to Build a Strong Bicycle Accident Case

A strong bicycle accident case starts with timely action. Seeing a doctor, taking photographs, getting witness information, and filing a police report are all steps that help prove your claim. Per California Vehicle Code § 16025, drivers involved in a crash are also required to exchange insurance information at the scene, even if the only injury is to the cyclist.

A successful insurance claim requires proof, which is why maintaining medical documentation and damaged property, together with immediate legal consultation post-incident, is advised. The proper evidence can be used as a defense against insurance companies that aim to reduce the compensation for the full scope of your injuries or assign blame to you.

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Claremont?

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, call 911 and seek medical treatment, even if you think your injuries are minor. Get a police report, take pictures of the scene and your injuries, and collect witness information. Do not admit fault or give a statement to the insurance company. These actions will help preserve important evidence for your claim. A bicycle accident attorney can use this evidence to help prove liability and seek the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bicycle Accident Case?

Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may be responsible for your injuries. This might include the driver who struck you, a property owner, or a city agency if the roadway was not properly maintained. If the collision was caused by a defective bicycle part, the manufacturer may also be liable.

By thoroughly examining your accident’s circumstances to establish responsibility, your attorney can pinpoint liable parties and ensure proper accountability for full damages recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Claremont, CA?

In Claremont, CA, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim from the date of your bicycle accident. If a government agency may be responsible for your injuries, for example, if your accident involved a pothole or an unsafe road, then you only have six months to file a government claim. If you wait too long to file a claim, you can lose your right to collect damages.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?

Yes, it is possible to collect damages if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your bicycle accident. With California’s comparative fault legal system, your fault level can diminish your damage award, but you can still receive compensation. You should retain legal representation to dispute any undue blame you face, so the attention remains on the other driver’s actions.

Contact a Claremont Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Claremont, Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is here to help. Our experienced team can fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let a trusted Claremont bicycle accident lawyer protect your rights.