The biggest fear people have about bicycling is getting into an accident with a vehicle. Although more people are injured in solo bike accidents, the perception can limit the enjoyment that the freedom and healthy lifestyle of riding a bicycle can provide.
However, accidents between riders and drivers do take place. And when they do, it’s generally because somebody was negligent. The fault may lie with the driver, the bicyclist, a combination of the two, or even the local government entity responsible for providing a safe bicycling infrastructure. If you are a cyclist and sustain damage to your bike or you are injured, it’s in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced bicycle accident attorney. You should make this a priority, and if possible, retain an attorney even before talking to an insurance company.
Although there are many fine personal injury attorneys, you stand a better chance of getting the best settlement when you deal with an attorney who understands bicycling and has the specialized knowledge to put to work on your behalf. That knowledge should include:
Bicycle safety and traffic laws
Negotiating with insurance companies related to bicycle accident cases because the vast majority of bicycle accident cases are usually settled out of court
Going to court and trying bicycle cases in front of a judge and jury
The technical skills involved in riding a bicycle, including the names and functions of all bicycle components
The ability to successfully reconstruct a bicycle vs. car accident in great detail
The ability to determine the value of lost riding time and if a case warrants, the ability to place a value on the permanent loss or diminished loss of being able to ride a bike.
Choulos, Choulos & Wyle proudly serve clients in San Francisco, Oakland and in cities throughout the Bay Area.
