Paceline Law P.C. helps victims of bicycle accidents in Lafayette or the East Bay. Bicycle accidents can vary, but one of the most serious types is a head-on collision. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, my firm is here to help. We can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and support you through every step. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt in a head-on bicycle accident.
Do You Need My Firm After a Head-On Bicycle Accident?
You probably have a lot of questions after you’ve been in a head-on bicycle accident. While many bicycle accidents–and especially head-on collisions–tend to be serious, not every accident requires a lawyer. However, in most head-on collisions, the injuries and damage are significant and long-lasting, making the need for a lawyer much more pressing.
Here’s how my team can help you:
- Helping you with the legal process, whether it’s filing an insurance claim, negotiating a settlement, or thinking about going to court.
- Assisting you in collecting and presenting evidence to strengthen your case.
- Negotiating with the other side and making sure your rights are protected.
- Making things easier for you and your family, so you can focus on getting better.
The decision to work with my firm is entirely yours, but we offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront to work with us.
What Do You Need to Do After a Head-on Bicycle Accident?
What separates a head-on bicycle accident from others is rather obvious: anytime you’re hit head-on by a moving car, it’s going to result in more serious injuries to vulnerable parts of your body, especially your head, face, neck, and chest. While it’s true that these accidents are usually more serious, you still have to take certain steps to protect your claim after the accident itself. Usually, this means you have to:
- Call 911 – Right after the accident, call 911 for help. Even if you don’t feel too hurt, it’s important to get checked out and have the accident reported.
- Wait for help – Stay at the scene until the police and an ambulance arrive. Make sure to tell the police if the driver fled the scene or isn’t cooperating. Also, make sure the EMTs give you medical care at the scene.
- Get the driver’s information – Assuming the driver stays on the scene, ask them for their name, insurance details, and license plate number. This info will be important if you need to file a claim.
- Collect evidence at the scene -Take photos of the accident scene, any damage, and your injuries. There will probably be witnesses, so get their contact information too.
- Watch what you say – Be careful when talking to anyone at the scene. Don’t admit fault or say anything that could be used against you later. Just stick to the facts.
You obviously never want to be in an accident, let alone one where you’re hit head-on by a driver. But this can certainly happen, so it’s important to be prepared and understand how the process works, including who’s responsible for paying you.
Who’s Responsible For a Head-On Bicycle Accident in Lafayette?
Legally, the responsibility for covering your damages is known as “liability.” Establishing liability involves proving that someone was “negligent,” meaning they:
- Failed in their duty to ensure your safety, leading to the head-on collision and your injuries.
In most head-on bicycle accidents, liability might fall on any or multiple of the following:
- Drivers – Usually, the driver who veers into the cyclist’s path, causing a head-on collision, may be held responsible for damages and injuries.
- City or state government – If poor road conditions contribute to the accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.
- Bike makers – If a bike part malfunctions and leads to the accident, the manufacturer or retailer could be accountable.
- Others – In some cases, other cyclists or pedestrians might also share responsibility for the collision.
You could also share some responsibility if you weren’t paying attention or doing risky things like weaving through cars. This is called “comparative negligence.” It means your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault you share in the accident. And even though it’s less likely in a head-on accident, it’s still a possibility.
What Damages Can You Get After a Head-On Bicycle Accident?
Obviously, a head-on bicycle accident is going to be pretty damaging. It’s not difficult to see why: you have very little time to react to a car coming at you, and the impact is going to be pretty serious. This means injuries that usually range from broken facial bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). But when you file a claim, it’s not just about your physical injuries; it also covers all your losses, like missed work and how the accident impacts your personal life.
Whether you decide to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, here’s what you might recover
- Medical expenses – This covered treatment costs like hospital bills, doctor visits, and therapy. It also includes financial support for any rehab and follow-up appointments for your recovery.
- Lost income – These damages are for any income you lose because of missed work from the accident. If you’re permanently injured, you can also recover support for missing out on future earning potential.
- Repair/replacement costs – These damages relate to costs you’ll need to fix or replace your damaged bike or any other property that’s damaged.
- Pain and suffering – These damages cover the physical and mental pain from the accident.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, these damages cover the emotional damage from the accident, like anxiety or depression.
- Wrongful death expenses – These damages cover funeral costs and lost financial support if a loved one died in the accident.
To recover these damages, you need to present a strong case. Our team can help with that, using our experience to build the best possible claim. Also, remember California’s two-year deadline to file your claim. Miss it, and you won’t be able to recover damages, no matter how strong your case is.
Get Help From Paceline Law After a Head-On Bicycle Accident in Lafayette or the East Bay
A serious head-on bicycle accident in Lafayette or the East Bay can be life-changing. When this happens to you or someone you care about, Paceline Law P.C. is here to help. My firm cares about your case and will work tirelessly to get you the financial support you need to recover from your injuries and other losses. Don’t hesitate–contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
