Paceline Law Bicycle Injury Lawyer helps accident victims in Walnut Creek. When you’re riding on the Iron Horse Trail or just in your own neighborhood, there’s always the chance that you could end up being in an accident with a larger vehicle–often of the rear-end variety. My firm can help you if you’re in this situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
Any bicycle accident carries the risk of leaving you facing serious injuries–even life-changing or fatal ones. This is especially true with a rear-end style collision, since the initial point of contact is typically your back and neck.
It’s your choice whether to get a lawyer. But if you’re dealing with serious injuries, having extra support can make a big difference. That’s where my team comes in. We can help you by:
- Investigating the accident to figure out what happened and who’s at-fault
- Gathering evidence and information you’ll need for a strong claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court if necessary
We know that life feels more complicated after a bicycle accident. Our goal is to make things easier for you. We’ll walk you through every step and explain what you can do next to protect your rights and move forward.
Why Should You File an Injury Claim After a Rear-End Bicycle Accident?
It’s pretty simple. If you’ve been rear-ended on your bicycle, filing an injury claim helps you recover what you’ve lost–known as “damages.”
In order to do this, you usually file:
- An insurance claim
- A personal injury lawsuit
Both options are pretty similar, with one major difference. An insurance claim happens outside of court and is totally controlled by the insurance company. They get to decide what your claim is worth and how much to offer you. So, it’s quicker, but a lawsuit is more fair and gives you the opportunity at greater financial support. In most rear-end bicycle accident claims, your damages are going to involve:
- Medical expenses – This includes all the costs for hospital visits, surgeries, emergency treatments, follow-up care, and any ongoing medical needs related to the accident.
- Property damage – This covers repair/replacement costs for your bike and any other damaged property.
- Lost wages – This covers any lost income from missed work because of the accident. If you’re permanently injured, it can also cover lost earning potential.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain you go through because of the accident.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, this covers the emotional impact of the accident, like increased stress or anxiety.
- Reduced quality of life – This covers any reduction in your quality of life because of the accident, like if you can’t enjoy things the way you did prior.
- Wrongful death expenses – If your injuries are fatal, your surviving family can file a “wrongful death” claim to recover funeral and burial expenses, along with loss of companionship costs.
The more evidence you have to prove how the accident affected you, the better your chances of getting full damages. But you have to act quickly–California law gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to file a claim at all. But there’s an even more important part of the process, and that’s figuring out who’s responsible for the accident.
Who’s Responsible for a Rear-End Bicycle Accident?
Figuring out who’s responsible for any accident is important because it puts legal responsibility onto that person or group for paying for your damages. While rear-end bicycle accidents might seem simple, each situation is different, and finding fault can sometimes be complicated.
The main question is: Who was careless and caused the accident? This is called “negligence” in legal terms. Also, even if you were hurt, you might share some blame, which could reduce how much you can recover in damages under California’s “comparative negligence” rules. Regardless, though, responsibility in these accidents typically falls on:
- The driver who hit you
- Another driver
- Another cyclist or pedestrian
- Local or state governments
- Vehicle, parts, or bicycle makers
Proving who’s at fault often requires strong evidence and a clear understanding of what happened. That’s why it’s important to look at the underlying causes and what you can do to strengthen your claim.
How Can You Strengthen Your Injury Claim After a Rear-End Bicycle Accident?
A rear-end bicycle accident can leave you shaken and hurt, but taking the right steps afterward can make a big difference when filing a claim. Here’s what to do:
- Move to safety – Get to a safe spot away from traffic and call 911 for help.
- Call the police – Contact the Walnut Creek Police Department (WCPD) so they can document the scene and help you gather information.
- Get medical care – Even if you feel okay, get checked out at a hospital or urgent care after EMTs check you at the scene. Some injuries aren’t immediately noticeable.
- Gather evidence – If possible, take photos of the crash scene, damaged vehicles and bikes, and your injuries. Get contact info from witnesses.
- Track your damages – Keep detailed records of medical treatments, missed work, and any other costs related to the accident.
These steps may seem tough, especially if you’re badly injured, but they’re essential for building a strong claim and protecting your rights.
What Causes Rear-End Bicycle Accidents in Walnut Creek?
It’s not hard to see why a rear-end bicycle accident might happen in Walnut Creek. There’s a lot of activity on the road, and seeing people on bicycles can sometimes cause drivers to act unnaturally. But at the same time, every accident–rear-end or otherwise–is unique. Most of the time, though, they’re caused by things like:
- Distracted driving – Drivers using phones or eating may not see you in time.
- Low visibility – Walnut Creek’s hills, intersections, or weather conditions may make it harder for drivers to spot cyclists.
- Tailgating – Following too closely doesn’t give drivers enough time to stop.
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s ability to react.
- Speeding – Driving too fast reduces reaction time.
Rear-end bicycle accidents can happen in Walnut Creek or the surrounding East Bay areas and often lead to serious injuries to the spine, neck, or head. That’s why having the right legal help is so important.
Contact Paceline Law Bicycle Injury Lawyer After a Rear-End Bicycle Accident
A rear-end bicycle accident in Walnut Creek can be overwhelming, with the fallout impacting not just you, but your entire family. My firm’s Walnut Creek bicycle accident team is here to help. We’ll provide the legal support and guidance you need to build a strong claim and get the results you need to get better.
Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
