Paceline Law Bicycle Injury Lawyer helps those injured in bike accidents throughout the East Bay area. Riding a bike is a popular activity that gives you numerous benefits, and joining a local club like Bike East Bay is a great way to join the community. But it can also mean accidents, especially during group rides. My firm can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer?
Going out on a group ride with Bike East Bay or any other club in the area is a great way to explore the surroundings and provides you with a solid foundation for the basics of riding. Moreover, a bike club like Bike East Bay has numerous events throughout the year that raise money for important causes and awareness for issues.
But because an accident can happen in this environment, you might be wondering if you need a lawyer. You probably don’t if your injuries are minor, but any bike accident carries the risk of serious injuries. The more hurt you are, the more you’ll probably need a lawyer. My team will be there to explain your options and guide you through the claims process.
Are Your Rights Different With an Accident During a Group Ride?
One of the toughest parts about a bike accident is that they can happen at any time, even on a group ride with Bike East Bay. What’s worse, the more people that are biking with you, the more chances there are for an accident. Your legal rights don’t change, though. Regardless of the situation, if there’s negligence, you have the right to file an injury claim.
So, it’s important to look at the different scenarios so you can be ready:
- Communication issues – Not sharing updates on direction, speed, or road hazards can lead to crashes or falls.
- Skill variations – Differences in experience and abilities among riders can cause accidents, especially in tight groups or sudden movements.
- Interactions with traffic – Dealing with cars can be tricky; issues like close passes, sudden lane changes, or confusion at intersections can cause accidents.
- Road hazards – Poor road conditions like potholes, gravel, or debris pose risks, especially when riding closely in a group.
- Equipment problems – Mechanical failures such as brakes or tires failing unexpectedly can lead to accidents during group rides.
- Weather challenges – Bad weather such as rain, strong winds, or low visibility increases the chances of accidents during group rides.
Obviously, there’s a lot that can go wrong during a group bike ride. So, if you get injured, it’s important to remember that you still have legal rights–the main one being the ability to recover damages in a claim.
What Damages Can You Get in an Injury Claim?
Because your rights don’t change in an accident during a group ride with Bike East Bay, it’s important to look at the claims process. The first step is figuring out liability. Determining who is responsible for your bike accident is crucial because that person or entity will have to pay for your injuries and any related damages. To establish this responsibility, you need to prove that someone was negligent–they didn’t fulfill their duty of care and caused the accident and your injuries.
In a group ride accident, this can involve many different parties:
- Other bicyclists – Other cyclists who acted negligently and contributed to the accident might also be responsible.
- Bicycle or parts makers – If a defective bike or parts caused the accident, the company that made or sold them could be held accountable under product liability laws.
- Drivers – If a driver’s negligence, like not paying attention or not yielding, caused a collision with you while biking, they may be responsible for compensating you.
- Government agencies – If poorly maintained roads or inadequate signs contributed to the accident, the government agency in charge of those roads might also share responsibility.
With liability figured out, you can proceed to filing your injury claim, which is done either through an insurance claim out of court or a lawsuit. This gives you the ability to recover certain “damages” like:
- Medical expenses
- Repair/replacement costs for your bike or other damaged property
- Lost income or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Remember, it’s important to file your claim within California’s two-year statute of limitations for injury claims, starting from the date of the accident. From there, it’s on you to strengthen your claim. That means doing certain things after the accident.
What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident With Bike East Bay?
Bike East Bay’s group rides and other events are certainly fun, but you’re not immune to accidents during them. At that point, gathering certain information and evidence becomes very important, just like it does during any other bike accident. So, when you’re in one of these accidents, here’s what you need to do for your claim:
- Get medical help – Just like in any accident, your first priority should be seeking medical care. This not only assesses your injuries but also establishes a medical record crucial for any insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Talk to witnesses – Witnesses can provide crucial details about the accident, especially if the other cyclist disputes their liability or the events leading up to the accident. Events at races or group cycling events often have many witnesses who can corroborate what happened.
- Get information – Collecting contact details and their insurance information is crucial, even though bike versus bike accidents don’t involve traditional car insurance.
- Take pictures and videos – If possible, document the accident scene, your injuries, and any bike damage through photographs and videos. This evidence is vital for supporting your insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Don’t repair anything – Keep your bike, helmet, and equipment in the same condition post-accident. Insurance companies may need to inspect the damage before settling your claim.
While these steps are important, having a knowledgeable team can greatly support your claim. This is particularly true in cases of a bike accident during a group ride. My team can make sure you have what you need to protect your claim.
Contact Paceline Law Bicycle Injury Lawyer After a Bike East Bay Accident
Joining clubs like Bike East Bay is usually a fun experience, and gives you the chance to enjoy the area with friends and others alike. But unfortunately, it can still leave you injured if you’re in an accident. Paceline Law Bicycle Injury Lawyer will be there to help you through the legal process. If you or someone you know has been injured during a group bike ride, contact us today for a free consultation.