Long Beach Bicycle Accident Attorney

Long Beach possesses some of the best biking trails in Southern California–like, the popular Shoreline Bike Path that spans over 7 miles of beach scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). As a heavily populated area, the city makes regular attempts to improve bike-rider safety. However, the congestion does take a toll, and unfortunate bike accidents do occur.

If you have suffered personal injuries from a local bike accident, contact our top-rated Long Beach personal injury attorney Daniel Kim. Our law firm maintains a 99% success rate and knows how to get injured victims the maximum compensation that they are rightfully owed. Schedule a free consultation today.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Bicycle accidents accumulate thousands in medical bills and other out–of–pocket expenses. Although victims are entitled to reimbursement for these costs, they are often offered meager settlements from insurance companies that are insufficient to cover the full scope of physical and emotional damages.

In order to recoup those losses, expert legal representation is necessary. Long Beach personal injury attorney, Daniel Kim, specializes in bicycle accident cases. He has committed his practice to helping injured bicycle accident victims recover maximum compensation after a motor vehicle-related accident.

He understands the deceiving tactics insurance adjusters attempt and counters them with aggressive negotiation practices, always advocating for each client’s best interest. This is why the firm has managed to hold a 99% success rate and maintain a 10/10 “Superb” client satisfaction rating from Avvo.

Daniel has also earned entry into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, appointed to fewer than 1% of US lawyers who have won multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. He has also been awarded by Martindale-Hubbel as an AV Preeminent Peer Rated Attorney, the most prestigious rating personal injury attorneys can receive for both legal excellence and ethical standards.

Why Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Is a Must

If a negligent driver caused a bike crash, he or she is legally responsible to pay back damages. However, the liable party’s insurance company will push back, reducing the settlement as much as possible. Insurance adjusters are known to deny claims, minimize the severity of bicycle accident injuries, and pressure victims into premature settlements. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim protects clients from insurers and offers the following benefits:

• A free evaluation for each bicycle accident case
• Knowledge of when to accept an offer and when to litigate
• Trial experience if the case goes to court
• Collection of evidence and backing from expert witnesses
• Access to the best local medical care in Long Beach
• 24/7 support line, also available on weekends and holidays
• No win, no fee guarantee

Insurance companies know injured bike accident victims are in a weakened state, and they will seize the opportunity to avoid financial accountability. Do not sign any paperwork or accept an offer from them, even if the offer appears appealing. Instead, schedule a free case evaluation with a qualified Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer to discuss all of the available legal options first.

How Is the Value of a Bicycle Accident Claim Determined?

The worth of a personal injury lawsuit or claim is based on “damages.” In a personal injury case, this includes economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Every case is unique and various losses are suffered. Therefore, the case value will also vary.

Economic damages are monetary losses, typically with a dollar value, such as current medical bills, future medical expenses, and property damage. Lost income from missing work and reduced earning capacity are also reimbursable.

Non-economic damages do not have a specific dollar value and are determined by cases that were settled under similar circumstances. Physical and mental “pain and suffering” fall under such damages. Loss of consortium or companionship also qualifies.

Punitive damages are awarded in addition to economic and/or non-economic damages being granted. This is done in about 5% of court verdicts with the intent to punish and make an example of the guilty party, due to a particularly egregious act of negligence.

Before settling with an insurance company, it’s vital to understand the different types of damages that were suffered from the bike accident. This information and more will be discussed during the complimentary case evaluation provided by our Long Beach law firm.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

When a bicyclist is struck by a negligent driver, it is the cyclist who experiences the brunt of the injury. Like most traffic accidents that involve motor vehicles, bike accidents are often attributed to another person’s negligence. More specifically, Long Beach bicycle accidents commonly occur due to the following reasons:

• Car dooring
• Changing lanes without signaling
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Not checking for blind spots
• Poor road conditions
• Running stop signs or red lights
• Speeding and reckless driving
• Tailgating
• Texting and driving
• Violating a right of way
• Weather

Who Is Liable in a Bike Accident Case?

In a serious accident, a single party or multiple parties can be found liable. Liability is determined by establishing which party acted negligently, therein causing the bike accident. Potential parties include reckless drivers, government entities, and even bicycle riders. Under California law, comparative negligence holds all parties accountable for their role in causing the crash.

A bike accident lawyer will explain that anyone who exhibited negligence can be held liable. Proving negligence consists of establishing its four elements:

1. Duty of care – the defendant had a responsibility to act in a reasonable manner
2. Breach – the defendant did not uphold that responsibility
3. Causation – not upholding that responsibility resulted in an accident
4. Damages – the accident led to economic and/or non-economic damages

In some cases, liability may be very apparent, and the at-fault party will take accountability. In other cases (and more commonly), liability must be proven. A strong case that indicates how the defendant caused the crash and why damages are owed will have a better outcome.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?

Taking key precautions will improve the possibility of a successful personal injury case outcome. After being involved in an accident, follow these steps:

1. Ensure safety. Move to the side of the road and out of traffic.
2. Call 911 and request medical attention if necessary. Get a copy of the police report.
3. Take pictures of the accident scene, bike damages, and visible injuries.
4. Collect the name, phone number, and insurance information from the driver.
5. Speak to witnesses for a statement and collect their contact information, as well.

As important as what to do after a bike accident, it’s vital to avoid common mistakes, such as neglecting to seek immediate medical attention and speaking with insurance companies before consulting with a Long Beach bicycle accident attorney. 

Sustained injury is not always apparent after a crash, so only a medical professional can diagnose injuries and provide medical treatment. Similarly, the amount of damages is not always blatantly apparent to those who do not have a legal background, so it’s important not to settle before an attorney has reviewed the case and confirmed the case value.

Common Bike Accident Injuries That Can Be Compensated

Depending on the severity of the crash, minor injuries, serious injuries, and catastrophic injuries can be sustained. Bike riders who are struck by a car, truck, or another type of motor vehicle often experience one or more of the following injuries: 

• Broken bones
• Concussion
• Dental damage
• Disfigurement
• Facial fractures
• Joint damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Neck injuries
• Paralysis
• Rib fractures
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Wrongful death

The purpose of filing a personal injury lawsuit or a bike accident claim is to get victims back to a state of wellness, just as they were before the accident occurred. 

While there are “common” injuries that are often experienced in bicycle accidents, any form of physical and psychological harm can be compensated with the help of an experienced bike accident lawyer.

Long Beach Bicycle Accident Statistics

Long Beach is a thriving city with a Southern California beach-city charm. Part of Long Beach’s appeal is the comfortable year-round weather, prompting many to commute by means of bikes, versus cars. The unfortunate drawback is that traffic accidents inevitably occur and many of those accidents involve bicyclists.

Spanning from 2015-2020, 88 pedestrians and bicyclists were involved in fatal accidents as a result of reckless driving. Accidents that are not fatal can still result in severe injuries and permanent injuries, completely hindering victims’ physical well-being. In addition, bicycle fatalities have hit a 25-year high in the state with 455 fatalities.

Driving Under the Influence

California continues to make efforts in reducing DUI accidents with over 120,000 arrests made in 2019. However, these issues still remain a major problem, particularly in Los Angeles County with new data reporting the highest number of alcohol-involved accidents.

Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is another huge problem, particularly when it comes to motorists or cyclists that are using mobile devices while on the road. According to a study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), 80% of all accidents stem from driver inattention.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Like any other major metropolitan area, there are some roads and highways that are more dangerous to drive on than others. Similarly, many of those roadways are dangerous to bike around, such as:

• Atlantic Ave. and Pacific Coast Hwy.
• Seventh St. and Redondo Ave.
• Second St. and Pacific Coast Hwy.
• Long Beach Blvd. and Traffic Cir.
• Seventh St. and Long Beach Blvd.

Contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim Today

In order to file a personal injury claim, legal representation is not mandatory. However, it is strongly advised, as an experienced Long Beach bicycle accident attorney protects the rights of victims and significantly increase their settlements. Our law firm will fight to get you the fair compensation that you rightfully deserve. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

Other Long Beach Practice Areas We Specialize In

Directions to Our Office in Long Beach

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim – Long Beach, CA
Address: 3646 Long Beach Blvd #201, Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone: (562) 512-5550