Due to the beautiful weather in Palm Springs, CA, more people have continued to opt to use their bicycles to school, work, and for fun. However, it also implies that bicyclists will share the road with automobiles that can contribute to bicycle accidents. While a motorist could be automatically at fault and it might not be always the case. In reality, bicycle accidents might be complex and can encompass varied factors. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it would be best if you consult the Palm Springs bicycle accident lawyer for help.
The Palm Springs personal injury lawyers at the Crockett Law Group are ready to start your claim. In addition, the following aspects can be of great help as you prepare for a lawsuit.
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What are the Palm Springs Bicycle laws?
The following are the laws that pertain to bicycle requirements in Palm Springs.- The handlebars should suit the riders without rising above their shoulders.
- Riders are not permitted to ride bikes with deteriorating or broken brakes
- The bike pedals should have white or bright yellow reflectors attached to them.
- All bicycles should have headlights that can be seen approximately 300 ft away.
- The rear of the bicycles should have a bright red reflector that is visible approximately 500 ft away.
How Is Fault Determined in Bike Accidents In Palm Springs?
The California state stipulates that anyone operating a bicycle on a public street should obey all the state and local traffic laws. In determining a fault in a bike accident, the police officers have a duty of care to investigate the collision. During the investigation, the police officer will consider if the rider obeyed several aspects including traffic signals, stop signs, lane restrictions, and turning laws. If you believe that the collision was because of the driver’s negligence, you should contact the Palm Springs, CA bicycle accident attorney to discuss your situation.What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Contact Police
After the accident, you should call the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene. You should not disregard any injuries even if they are mild. You might have internal injuries that can worsen with time. Also, alert the police so that they can file a report. The police report will play a critical role in ensuring that your lawyer has all information necessary to bolster your claims and also help in identifying the driver at fault.Exchange Information
Did anyone witness the bicycle accident? If yes, write down the names, phone numbers, addresses of the witnesses because they will be important if the case proceeds to court.Record the Scene
Take photographs of the damaged items including the helmet and also the condition of the scene. Also, note the area where the accident took place. If you cannot physically do so, request any friends or bystanders to write down any information that can help in the future.Never Admit Fault
In most cases, people try to apologize after an accident, even though they never did anything wrong. After the accident, you should avoid admitting a fault because your words can come back to haunt you. In case the driver becomes aggressive in engaging with you so that you admit a fault, inform them to contact your Palm Springs bicycle accident lawyer.Seek Medical Attention
After the police arrive, you should seek immediate medical help especially for bleeding and small cuts. To receive further tests or treatment for serious injuries you should visit a professional doctor. In this case, you should document all of your injuries and keep all the medical records in a safe place. The medical reports will prove your accidents and the injuries that you suffered. It will also be good if you take photos of the injuries.Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Seeking assistance from a law firm after the bicycle accident would be a brilliant idea. With the help of a bicycle accident lawyer, you can get the compensation that you need and deserve for any losses sustained. In this case, the Crocket Law Group’s personal injury attorneys would be the best option. With an attorney on your side, you will not need to contact insurance companies regarding your claims. Further, a Palm Springs bicycle accident lawyer will help with documentation and other required formalities.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover From A Bicycle Accident Claim?
The following are the common damages awards that can be recovered from a bicycle accident lawsuit:- Medical costs: long-term hospital care, drug costs, and bills associated with occupational or physical therapy
- Loss of wages/earnings: You might be able to receive compensation for the loss of the ability to work and earn money after a bike accident
- Pain and suffering compensation: The amount will mean to compensate you for physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, mental suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, grief, inconvenience, humiliation, and anxiety
- Punitive damages: The damages will be assessed to punish extreme indifference or egregious behavior
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Claim?
A victim of a bicycle accident in Palm Springs has up to two years to file a case for recoverable damages. If you fail to file the case within that timeframe which is also known as the statutory period, the jury can drop the claim. However, if you are not capable of filing a claim due to mental or physical incompetence after the accident, some exemptions can protect you. You might also receive an extended statutory period if your injuries do not become evident until much later. On contrary, the Palm Springs state allows minors involved in bicycle accidents to waiting until they reach 20 years of age so that they file for a personal injury claim. However, after they attain the age of 18 years, they will have a statutory period of two years because they will not be considered minors.How Much Will a Bike Accident Lawyer Cost?
In most cases, a personal injury lawyer will work on a contingency fee structure. The structure works in the following manner.- The attorney will not be paid any upfront fees before they start to work
- You will only pay the attorney after they win your case and receive the compensation
- If the lawyer does not win your case, you will not pay them any fees
