Paceline Law Bicycle Injury Lawyer helps people in Berkeley that have been injured in a bicycle accident. When you ride your bike anywhere in the city, you have to keep an eye out for careless drivers. But that’s far from the only accident threat–it can even involve other bicyclists. When you’re hurt in a bike versus bike accident, my firm can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer After a Bike Accident in Berkeley?
There’s a lot of different ways you could be in a bike accident in Berkeley, but if you’re wondering about getting a lawyer, it really depends on the circumstances.If your injuries are minor, you may not need a lawyer, but even small accidents can lead to serious injuries. The more severe your injuries, the more you may need our help. My team is here to:
- Explain your options
- Figure out who’s responsible
- Gather evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies or other lawyers
Facing an accident with another bicyclist doesn’t change your options, but it does bring up questions and issues. My firm will be there to answer these questions and help you through the claims process.
How Can You File an Injury Claim After a Bike Versus Bike Accident?
A bike versus bike accident is similar to any other bike accident in terms of legal rights. If you’re injured because someone else was careless, you can file an injury claim.
The claims process can get a bit tricky with a bike versus bike accident. In a typical bike accident, you’d usually file a claim with a car driver’s insurance or another responsible party’s insurance. But in a bike versus bike accident, the other cyclist likely won’t have bike-specific insurance coverage. So, you have these options:
- Insurance claim – You can file a claim with the at-fault cyclist’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which may cover your damages, even though it’s not specific to bike accidents. You can also file a claim with your own homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to cover damages.
- Lawsuit – If the other bicyclist doesn’t have insurance, or you’re facing more serious injuries, your best option is to file a lawsuit. This will allow your claim to go through the legal process and be overseen by a judge.
You can choose the option that works best for you, but remember, the goal is to recover damages. In a bike versus bike accident, these damages can be significant and are usually related to your injuries and losses. Damages can include:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Repair or replacement costs for your bike or other property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if someone passes away
Each case will have its own specific damages, but it’s important to know that you can file a claim after a bike versus bike accident. You still have just two years from the date of the accident to file.
Who Pays For Your Damages in a Bike Versus Bike Accident?
When you’re riding your bike in Berkeley, you’re usually on the lookout for car drivers and other potential hazards. But other cyclists can also be a danger, especially if they’re:
- Not paying attention
- Riding recklessly
- Making sudden moves
- Cutting in front of you
- Riding a bike with broken or faulty equipment
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
All of these behaviors count as “negligence,” meaning the other rider can be held responsible if their actions cause an accident and your injuries.
That said, just like in any accident, the details matter. Other parties could also be liable, such as:
- Drivers
- Bike manufacturers
- Pedestrians
- Government agencies
While you can’t control what others do, you do have legal options. Taking the right steps to build your case can help strengthen your claim if you’re hurt in a bike accident with another bicycle.
What Should You Do After Being in a Bike Versus Bike Accident?
Even though it’s relatively unique, it’s quite common to find yourself involved in a bike versus bike accident in Berkeley. So, it’s important to know how to properly approach the situation in case you need to file a claim later:
- Get medical help – As with any accident, the first thing you should take care of is your health by calling 911. Paramedics can assess your injuries, and will create a medical record that will be important for your claim later. Also, make sure the local police is notified if there’s injuries or other damage.
- Talk to witnesses – Witnesses can help provide important details about the accident, especially if the other cyclist denies fault or there are disputes. There may be several witnesses who can back up your version of events.
- Collect important information – Even though bike versus bike accidents don’t involve car insurance, make sure to gather contact information from the other rider, and any relevant details they might have for their insurance or event involvement.
- Take pictures and videos – If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bike. This evidence is going to be very powerful in supporting your claim.
- Be careful – Leave your bike, helmet, and other gear in the same condition as the accident. Insurance companies or investigators may need to inspect the damage before any repairs are made, but be careful when you speak with them or anyone else about the accident. Don’t admit fault or make detailed statements.
A bike versus bike accident might be a bit out of the ordinary, but the reality is that it’s like any other bicycle accident in terms of the fallout. You’re just as vulnerable to injuries in one of these accidents as you are in any other kind of bike accident. And that’s going to mean medical bills and other losses you’ll have to contend with. Our team can make sure you have what you need for a strong claim and a fair settlement.
Contact Paceline Law Bicycle Injury Lawyer After a Bike Versus Bike Accident in Berkeley
Riding a bike in Berkeley comes with its own set of challenges, especially if you’re involved in a bike versus bike accident. Even though accidents can happen, biking should still be an enjoyable experience. If you’ve been hurt, you have options. My firm can review your case and help you understand your next steps toward recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
