If you or a loved one were involved in a bicycle accident in Torrance, California, you may be facing severe injuries, medical bills, and trauma. Pursuing compensation for these losses can be challenging, especially if you try to do it alone.
At The Simon Law Group, our Torrance bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists navigate the path to financial recovery. Whether you were injured in a minor or severe accident, we can fight for your right to compensation.
Benefit from our 250+ years of combined legal experience. Contact our Torrance, CA law firm at (424) 622-0812 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
How The Simon Law Group Can Help You After a Bicycle Accident in Torrance, CA
Bicycle accidents can be traumatic, especially when cars, trucks, or other vehicles are involved. The aftermath leaves many cyclists with serious injuries, extensive medical expenses, and the daunting task of seeking compensation.
At The Simon Law Group, our team of Torrance personal injury lawyers brings over 250 years of combined experience to your case. Since 2009, we have helped injured accident victims recover over $600 million in rightful compensation.
If you hire us to handle your Torrance bicycle accident case, we’ll assist you by:
- Evaluating your bicycle accident
- Investigating liability
- Collecting evidence, including accident reports and medical records
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Filing insurance claims
- Negotiating settlements
- Representing you at trial if necessary
Schedule a free initial consultation with our Torrance personal injury attorneys if you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle crash.
How Common Are Bicycle Accidents in California?
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2010 to 2021, nationwide bicyclist fatalities ranged from 623 to a high of 966, with a yearly average of 800.
California consistently ranks high among states with the most bicycle accidents and deaths in the United States. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 125 bicyclists were killed in accidents in 2021. While this represented an 8% decrease from the prior year, most of these cyclist deaths should have never occurred.
What Causes Most Bicycle Accidents in Torrance, California?
Bicycle accidents in Torrance, California, occur with regularity. This is despite efforts by local and state officials to increase safety with state laws and local safety campaigns. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial for both preventing them and for those seeking compensation after an incident.
At The Simon Law Group, our Torrance bicycle accident attorneys help injured cyclists regardless of how their injuries occurred.
Our team has helped cyclists injured by:
- Vehicle-Cyclist Collisions: These collisions occur at intersections or during turns. Lack of visibility contributes significantly to these incidents.
- Dooring Incidents: These accidents happen when a car door is opened into an oncoming cyclist’s path.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and road debris can cause cyclists to lose control. Sudden maneuvers to avoid hazards can also lead to accidents.
- Bike Lane Intrusions: Vehicles parking or driving in bike lanes force cyclists into traffic, causing accidents.
- Distracted Driving and Cycling: Drivers and cyclists not paying full attention to the roadway can lead to accidents.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: High speeds and aggressive maneuvers by drivers reduce reaction times and endanger cyclists.
- Failing to Yield: Misjudging or ignoring traffic laws and signals related to right-of-way rules can cause accidents.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Torrance bicycle accident, The Simon Law Group can help you prove your claim for compensation.
What Is My Torrance Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of your bicycle accident claim involves assessing several factors. While each claim is unique, understanding the common factors that typically contribute to a case’s value can help you predict what you might expect.
Key factors that may influence the value of your bicycle crash case include:
- The severity of your bicycle accident injuries
- The value of your medical expenses and other financial costs
- Your lost income and effects on your earning capacity
- The extent of your pain and suffering
- Your property damage
- Whether comparative negligence plays a role in your case
Estimating your case’s worth requires thoroughly investigating your damages. You may also need testimony from medical professionals, economic experts, and others. Schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney in Torrance to learn more.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available To Bicycle Accident Victims in Torrance, California?
Victims of bicycle accidents in Torrance, California, are entitled to seek various types of damages to compensate for their losses and injuries. These damages are categorized into economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Understanding these categories can help you grasp the scope of compensation you may pursue.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for financial losses directly resulting from the bicycle collision. These are quantifiable costs that can be calculated and verified through documentation.
They include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost while recovering from the accident. This includes salaries, wages, bonuses, and other earnings.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries impact the victim’s ability to earn a living in the future, compensation can include the difference between the victim’s projected earnings before the accident and their post-injury earning potential.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing the bicycle and any other personal property damaged during the accident.
Our Torrance bicycle crash lawyers can help you value your total economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover losses that are not financial but significantly impact the victim’s life.
These damages are more subjective and include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for your physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident. This can also include compensation for future pain and suffering if the injuries have long-term effects.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy hobbies and recreational activities you participated in before the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to the spouse or family members of the victim for the loss of companionship and support due to the victim’s injuries.
It can be challenging to demonstrate non-economic damages. It’s essential to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side to ensure you recover an amount that’s fair.
Punitive Damages
In cases where someone’s actions were particularly reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are not tied to your losses but are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Punitive damages are less common and require clear evidence of the defendant’s wrongful behavior.
The damages available to bicycle accident victims can address all of your losses. A Torrance bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim for the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Torrance, CA?
One of the first questions on the minds of injured cyclists is the cost of hiring a lawyer. At The Simon Law Group, our Torrance bicycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer’s fees are contingent upon the outcome of your case.
You do not pay any upfront costs. Rather, we earn a percentage of the final settlement or court award we secure for you. This makes legal representation accessible to those who cannot pay hourly or upfront fees.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
If you have been involved in a Torrance bicycle accident, the road to recovery can be long. It can also be fraught with various medical, financial, and emotional challenges.
Our personal injury lawyers in Torrance are committed to seeking compensation for all your injuries, including:
- Head and brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- Psychological trauma
Our team will ensure that your compensation covers your immediate and future medical costs, including long-term care, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Bicycle Accident in California?
Proving negligence is a critical component of a bicycle accident claim in California. The success of your claim hinges on your ability to demonstrate that another party’s negligent actions led to your injuries.
You will need evidence to establish four elements:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
A Torrance bicycle accident attorney can help you prove these elements to increase your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident in California?
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in California, you must be aware of the time limits for legal action. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations.
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, which includes bicycle accident cases, is generally two years from your accident date. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from pursuing compensation in court.
However, these rules have some important exceptions and nuances, including if the victim is a minor. Be sure to consult an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
Contact Our Experienced Torrance Bicycle Accident Lawyers For a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Torrance, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. Remember that you do not have to face it alone.
At The Simon Law Group, our Torrance bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to supporting injured cyclists during these times. Schedule a free consultation to learn how you can recover compensation for injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma.
