Indio Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents in Indio and across California can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die, and over 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year. In California, the number of bicycle fatalities hit a 25-year high in 2021, with 455 deaths and a rate of 3.9 per million people. The number of bicycle injuries in California also increased by 21% from 2007 to 2013, reaching 34.4 per 100,000 residents.

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Indio, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our award-winning Indio bicycle accident lawyers, with a perfect 10.0 Superb rating and over 30 honors and awards, have recovered millions for our clients and are ready to provide a free consultation and case evaluation.

Which Roads and Intersections in Indio Are the Most Dangerous?

Bicycle accidents can happen in any part of Indio, but some locations have higher rates of crashes than others. According to the data from the California Highway Patrol, some of the most common places for bicycle accidents in Indio in 2020 were:

• Interstate 10: This major freeway connects Indio with other cities in the Coachella Valley and beyond. However, it also poses a serious threat to cyclists who have to cross or enter the highway at certain points. In 2020, there were at least 12 bicycle accidents on or near Interstate 10 in Indio, resulting in one fatality and 11 injuries.
• Highway 111: This busy road serves as a main artery for local commerce and tourism. It offers a variety of attractions, such as the Indio Performing Arts Center, the Coachella Valley History Museum, and the Indio Fashion Mall. However, it also exposes cyclists to high volumes of traffic and potential conflicts with motorists. In 2020, there were at least 10 bicycle accidents on or near Highway 111 in Indio, resulting in 10 injuries.

To reduce the risk of bicycle accidents in Indio, cyclists should follow the rules of the road, wear helmets and reflective clothing, and use caution when approaching intersections or entering highways. Drivers should also be aware of the presence of cyclists and give them enough space and respect on the road. Together, we can make Indio a safer place for everyone.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Indio?

After a bicycle accident in Indio, you can take a few steps that not only protect your health but also strengthen your position should you need to pursue a legal claim. If you’ve already sought medical attention for your injuries, several important steps can be followed to help build a strong case.

Detailed Documentation of the Accident Any Injuries You Suffered

Documenting every aspect of the accident involves:

• Collecting Evidence from the Accident Scene: If you haven’t already, try to gather any evidence from the scene. This might include photographs of the accident location, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries you sustained. If there were any road conditions, signage, or traffic signals that contributed to the accident, document these as well.
• Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact information. Witness statements can provide an objective perspective of the accident.
• Detailed Medical Records: Keep a thorough record of all medical treatments you receive. This includes hospital visits, medications, treatments, physical therapy, and any other medical expenses. Detailed medical records help quantify your damages and prove the extent of your injuries.
• Journal of Your Experience: Start a daily journal documenting your recovery process. Note down your pain levels, mobility issues, emotional state, and how the injuries are affecting your daily life. This personal record can be used to demonstrate the impact of the accident on your life.
• Record of Financial Losses: Keep track of any financial losses related to the accident. This includes lost wages if you’re unable to work, costs for medical care, and any other expenses incurred due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or costs for home care services.

Reporting Your Accident

If you haven’t already reported the accident, do so as soon as possible.

• Police Report: If the police were not called to the scene, you could still file a report with the local police department. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be used in your legal case.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.

Legal Consultation and Representation From an Indio Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Consulting with an experienced bicycle accident attorney in Indio is the next step. An attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action and help you understand your legal rights and options.

• Case Evaluation: An attorney will evaluate your case, examining all the evidence, medical reports, and financial losses to determine the best strategy for pursuing compensation.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Your attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies so you do not accept a settlement that undervalues your claim.
• Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, an attorney will manage all legal filings, court appearances, and negotiations on your behalf.

Bringing your case to our Indio bicycle accident lawyers at Crockett Law Group means you’ll have an award-winning team dedicated to fighting for your rights and making sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact us as soon as possible to start the process and protect your legal rights.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicyclists are particularly vulnerable in traffic due to their lack of protection compared to motor vehicles.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are a major concern for cyclists involved in accidents. Even when wearing a helmet, the force of a collision can cause significant harm to the brain. Concussions are a common type of head injury where the brain is shaken inside the skull. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more serious and can occur in bicycle accidents. TBIs range from mild to severe and can lead to long-term cognitive issues, memory loss, and emotional and behavioral changes. The impact of these injuries can be life-changing, affecting one’s ability to work and engage in daily activities.

Spinal Cord

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of bicycle accidents. These injuries occur when there is damage to the spinal cord, which is the pathway for messages between the brain and the body. Depending on where the spinal cord is injured and the severity of the damage, the effects can range from numbness or loss of function in certain body parts to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often have a profound impact on a person’s life, potentially requiring lifelong care and assistance, as well as adaptations to living spaces and vehicles.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are also common in bicycle accidents. Cyclists often suffer breaks in their arms, legs, ribs, and sometimes in more severe cases, their hips or pelvis. The severity of these injuries can vary. Some may require simple immobilization and time to heal, while others might necessitate surgical intervention, such as the insertion of metal plates, screws, or rods. The recovery process can be lengthy and may involve physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. During this time, the injured person might be unable to work or perform regular activities.

Road Rash and Burns

Road rash and burns are injuries unique to cyclists who are thrown from their bikes or dragged along the road surface. Road rash refers to severe skin abrasions where layers of skin are scraped away, leading to painful, raw areas that are susceptible to infection. In more severe cases, skin grafting may be necessary. Burns can occur if a cyclist comes into contact with hot surfaces, chemicals, or in the rare event of a vehicle fire following a collision. Burns are categorized by their severity and can require specialized medical treatment. These injuries can lead to significant scarring and, in some cases, long-term disfigurement.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Indio, you might be hesitant to hire a lawyer due to financial concerns. This is completely understandable, as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can quickly add up after an accident.

At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis to make legal representation accessible. This means you won’t pay any upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we successfully win your case. If we don’t secure a settlement or judgment in your favor, you owe us nothing.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Bicycle Accident in Indio

It’s important to know that even if you made some mistakes leading up to a bicycle accident in Indio, you might still have a case for compensation. For instance, if you weren’t wearing a helmet and a car failed to yield at an intersection, there’s a potential for shared responsibility. California, including Indio, follows “modified comparative negligence” rules. This means you may be eligible for compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your potential settlement would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your damages.

What Causes Bicycle Accidents in Indio, CA?

In California, victims of bicycle accidents caused by negligence have the right to seek compensation. Common aspects of negligence in bicycle accidents include:

Distracted Driving

California Vehicle Code 23123.5 specifically addresses the use of handheld devices while driving. This law makes it illegal for drivers to hold and use a cell phone or electronic communication device while operating a vehicle. The purpose of this law is to reduce distractions for drivers, as using a phone can significantly impair a driver’s attention and reaction time. This is particularly important for the safety of bicyclists, who are more vulnerable on the road. When a driver’s attention is diverted, even for a few seconds, it increases the risk of veering into bike lanes or not noticing a cyclist at an intersection, potentially leading to serious accidents.

Speeding

Under California Vehicle Code 22350, it is illegal to drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent. This law takes into account the weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions. Speeding is especially dangerous for bicyclists, as higher speeds mean less time for drivers to react to obstacles, including cyclists. When a driver exceeds speed limits or drives too fast for conditions and causes an accident, they can be held liable for negligence.

Improper Lane Changes

California Vehicle Code 22107 mandates that no person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and without interfering with other traffic. This law is important for bicyclist safety, as improper lane changes are a common cause of accidents involving bicycles. Drivers must always check their blind spots and ensure it is safe to change lanes or merge, particularly when cyclists might be present. Failing to do so can lead to collisions with bicyclists who are lawfully occupying a lane or riding in a bike lane.

How Can an Indio Bicycle Accident Attorney Help?

Here are some of the ways an Irvine bicycle accident lawyer from Crockett Law Group can help you.

Investigating the Cause of the Accident

A thorough investigation is the foundation of a strong legal claim. Our lawyers will collect and analyze evidence related to the accident. This includes obtaining and reviewing police reports, which provide an official account of the incident. We will also gather witness statements, which can offer third-party perspectives on the events leading up to and during the accident. If there is any available footage from traffic or security cameras, our team will work to secure it, as this can be valuable in reconstructing the accident and establishing liability.

Handling All Communication With the Insurance Companies

Our lawyers will handle all communications with the insurance companies involved in your case. By advocating on your behalf, our lawyers make sure that your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your needs and losses.

Calculating Your Bicycle Accident Damages

Our Indio bicycle accident lawyers will carefully calculate your current medical expenses and project future costs related to your injuries. This includes ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and any necessary adaptations to your home or lifestyle. Lost wages, both current and future, will also be accounted for, especially if your injuries impact your ability to work. Also, we will assess non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, which are critical components of your overall compensation.

Negotiating Fair Settlements

Our lawyers aim to reach a settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses without the need for a trial. We use the evidence and information gathered to present a strong case to the insurance companies. Through negotiation, we aim to secure a fair and adequate settlement that covers all your damages, ensuring that your financial needs and health are taken care of now and in the future.

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

We are fully prepared to take your case to court if negotiations do not result in a fair settlement. Filing a lawsuit involves a detailed preparation of legal documents, gathering of substantive evidence, and developing a compelling argument to present before a judge and jury. Our lawyers will manage every aspect of the trial process. While the goal is often to settle out of court, sometimes taking the case to trial is necessary to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Indio Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Indio, reach out to Crockett Law Group. Our dedicated bicycle accident lawyers are committed to fighting for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation today.

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