Santa Clarita Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Santa Clarita, CA

Bicycle accidents in Santa Clarita can turn a peaceful ride through the city’s scenic neighborhoods into a life-altering event in mere seconds. When a cyclist collides with a motor vehicle, the injuries are often severe due to the lack of protection that bicycles provide, leaving victims facing mounting medical bills and long-term physical challenges. At the same time, insurance companies work to minimize their payouts.

Setareh Law understands the unique challenges that bicycle accident victims face in Santa Clarita and throughout California. Our experienced legal team has recovered over $250 million for injured clients and brings 60 years of combined experience to every case. When you’re injured in a bicycle accident, understanding your legal rights and the path forward becomes crucial for protecting your future. Consult our Santa Clarita personal injury lawyer for experienced legal help through the bicycle accident injury claim process while you focus on recovery.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Santa Clarita Bicycle Accident?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent data, approximately 49,989 cyclists were injured in 2023, accounting for two percent of all people injured in traffic crashes in the U.S. If you find yourself in this situation, the moments that follow are critical for your health and potential legal claim. Your immediate priority should always be seeking medical attention. Whether you’re in pain or feel fine, don’t skip seeing a doctor.

Document everything you can at the scene if you’re physically able to do so. Take photographs of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, your visible injuries, and the accident location. Collect contact information from the driver, any witnesses, and responding police officers.

Gather Evidence for Your Case

Strong evidence forms the foundation of successful bicycle accident claims. Police reports provide official documentation of the incident, while witness statements can corroborate your version of events and help establish fault.

Medical records become essential for proving the extent of your injuries and connecting them to the accident. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and therapy sessions related to your bicycle accident injuries.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Santa Clarita Bicycle Accident?

Determining liability in bicycle accidents often involves examining multiple potential defendants beyond just the driver who struck you. The most obvious party is typically the motor vehicle driver, especially if they did any of the following:

• Violated traffic laws
• Drove distracted
• Failed to yield the right of way to cyclists

However, other parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Government entities can be liable if poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or defective traffic signals contributed to your accident. Vehicle manufacturers may face liability if mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes, played a role in the collision.

California’s Comparative Fault Laws

California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you partially contributed to the accident. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation, but you won’t be completely barred from recovery.

For example, if you were found 20% at fault for not wearing a helmet and sustained a head injury, you could still recover 80% of your total damages. This makes it crucial to work with a Santa Clarita bicycle accident lawyer who can minimize your assigned fault percentage.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Bicycle Accident Victims?

Bicycle accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. Economic damages cover quantifiable losses that result directly from your accident and injuries.

These damages typically include several key categories:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages from time away from work during your recovery period
• Future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
• Property damage to replace or repair your damaged bicycle and equipment
• Transportation costs for medical appointments and alternative transportation needs

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses that don’t have specific dollar amounts but significantly impact your quality of life. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of activities you previously loved, and the impact on your relationships with family and friends.

Factors That Influence Your Settlement Amount

Several factors determine the value of your bicycle accident claim. The severity of your injuries plays the primary role, with catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage typically resulting in higher settlements than minor cuts and bruises.

The clarity of fault also significantly impacts your potential compensation. Cases where the driver clearly violated traffic laws or acted negligently often result in more favorable settlements than those involving disputed liability.

How Can Setareh Law Help Your Santa Clarita Bicycle Accident Case?

Bicycle accident cases require thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy to secure fair compensation from insurance companies. Our Santa Clarita bicycle accident attorneys are familiar with the local traffic patterns, common accident locations, and the tactics insurance companies use to devalue bicycle accident claims.

We handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your healing. Our team investigates the accident scene, interviews witnesses, consults with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary, and negotiates with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation for Your Bicycle Accident Claim With Setareh Law

Bicycle accidents can result in devastating injuries that affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to work and support your family to your enjoyment of activities you once loved. The experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Setareh Law have recovered over $250 million for injured clients and bring 60 years of combined experience to every case we handle.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Our team serves clients throughout Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas, and we’re available to meet you wherever is most convenient during your recovery. Talk with one of our bicycle accident attorneys today at (310) 659-1826 or complete a contact form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.