Westminster Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Not every street in California has a dedicated bike lane, and drivers are expected to share the road with cyclists by maintaining a safe distance and exercising caution when passing. When drivers fail to follow these and other steps, bicycle riders can be seriously injured or even killed. If you or a loved one was harmed by a negligent driver, you may be eligible for compensation. A Westminster bicycle accident lawyer can manage your claim from start to finish.

Dedicated Bicycle Accident Lawyers Serving Westminster

When injured bicycle riders are seeking accountability and compensation, they know to trust Easton & Easton to provide critical support. Our dedicated team of award-winning lawyers has reclaimed more than $2 billion for our clients since our firm’s founding. We understand the hardships that high-earning individuals in Westminster can face following a bicycle accident, and we are prepared to provide you with the results-driven representation your case deserves.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

When you secure representation from our top-rated law firm, you gain the support of a trial-ready personal injury lawyers in Westminster who understand the work and preparation that is needed for a successful injury claim. We do not settle for less than our clients are owed and are prepared to take a case to trial when necessary to see that the people we represent are fully and fairly compensated for the harm they endured.

Understanding Bicycle Collisions in Westminster

When a car hits a cyclist in Westminster, whether it’s along Westminster Boulevard, Richardson Way, or elsewhere in the city, it is often the fault of the driver. It is an unfortunate reality that many drivers do not believe cyclists have the right to share the road. A 2022 survey found that 68.2% of drivers believe it is illegal for bicycle riders to use roadways if there is not a bike lane present. That year, 177 bicyclists lost their lives on state roadways.

In Westminster, collisions involving bicyclists are far from uncommon. There were 562 people killed or injured in car collisions or crashes that involved an automobile, and 45 of those victims were riding bicycles at the time of the crash. Common causes of bike crashes include:

• Drivers failing to yield the right of way at intersections
• Distracted driving, including texting or inattention
• Dooring incidents when a parked car door opens into a cyclist’s path
• Unsafe lane changes or merging without checking for cyclists
• Poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or uneven pavement
• Speeding or aggressive driving by motorists
• Low visibility due to inadequate lighting or lack of reflective gear
• Riding against traffic or failing to follow traffic signals

Following a bike collision, injured riders may be urgently taken to Kindred Hospital Westminster, located at 200 Hospital Circle, or Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center, located at 12601 Garden Grove Boulevard in nearby Garden Grove.

Establishing Fault After a Personal Injury

Before a claim can lead to compensation, the claimant or plaintiff would need to establish fault. This is typically done by presenting various forms of evidence that show the driver’s actions or negligence caused the collision. If the driver was speeding or violating another traffic law, that could be used to show that they are liable for the harm they cause.

Common types of evidence include photos from the scene of the collision, dashcam footage, the police report tied to the crash, witness statements, and other forms of documentation. Medical records also play an important role in showing the harm the bicyclist suffered following the collision.

California follows a pure comparative negligence framework when it comes to injury claims. This means that multiple parties could share liability for a claim. If the bicyclist is found to be 20% at fault for a collision, they could recover 80% of an injury claim. Insurance companies are well aware of this rule and may try to minimize their liability in a dispute by finding the injured party to be partly at fault even when they are not.

Compensation You May Be Owed

The aftermath of a bicycle collision can leave riders contending with broken bones, head trauma, a spinal cord injury, and other serious forms of bodily harm. Medical bills can quickly pile, and missed time from work during a recovery can lead to lost wages and missed time from work. For high earners and individuals who support dependents, this can create serious financial strain.

By working with an injury lawyer, you could gain eligibility for a bicycle accident settlement that addresses economic and non-economic damages. Tangible losses can cover things like medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and losses, while intangible forms of harm are considered non-economic damages and reflect forms of harm commonly known as “pain and suffering.”

Most injury claims never go to trial, but a court verdict could potentially lead to compensation for punitive damages, especially when the driver acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others or actively committed misconduct on the road.

See Our Client Testimonials

Easton & Easton is grateful for the feedback of our clients.

“After my slip-and-fall, I suffered from bad back pain, and I happened to see an advertisement for this personal injury firm and am so glad that I did. It’s been a very smooth process since I hired them — Lani put my settlement demand together and explained everything when I had questions. Should I ever require their services again, there is no doubt that I will be hiring Easton & Easton to represent me.” Erin F. 

“I don’t normally post reviews but I had to say something about Easton & Easton because I just don’t know how things would have turned out had I not hired them. To put it bluntly, I had an outstanding experience with this law firm. After I was rear ended by a gigantic Toyota Tundra while driving my Honda Civic in traffic on the freeway, I suffered serious injuries to my head, neck, and back. The pain was so bad at one point that I couldn’t barely walk. Right after the accident, the insurance for the truck tried to offer me a measly $1000 (thanks Allstate) but I knew it wasn’t right. After a bunch of back and forth, I became utterly overwhelmed in trying to fight with Allstate, who also tried to say it was my fault for hitting my brakes too hard.” Beatrice N. 

***Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why You Should Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured due to the negligence of a driver, you can pursue compensation when you hire a bicycle accident lawyer. Legal representation plays a key role in the injury claims process by providing you with an advocate who understands the state’s bike accident laws and how to properly manage your bike accident case. An attorney can begin by carefully explaining the injury claims process and what to expect as the claim moves forward.

If liability is disputed, an injury lawyer can rely on the facts of the case to remind the other party or their representative who really caused the crash. A Westminster bicycle accident attorney can gather evidence, file your claim, and address challenges along the way so your final settlement reflects the full extent of your injury and the setbacks you endured.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident?

The amount of compensation that you can recover after a bicycle accident depends on the severity of your injuries and your attorney’s ability to manage negotiations with an insurer or file a claim in court. An injury claim must be backed by evidence, and there should also be documentation showing the harm you endured. After liability has been established, the outcome of a claim largely depends on the injury lawyer’s ability to secure fair compensation.

Who May Be at Fault in a Bicycle Accident in California?

When a driver strikes a bicyclist in Westminster, it is usually due to driver error. In 2024, 3,208 people lost their lives due to distracted driving, and drivers who are not paying attention to the road can leave victims contending with serious forms of harm. Complex cases may lead to multiple people sharing liability for a car collision. The outcome of an investigation typically settles the matter of who is to blame for a bike collision.

When Should You Consider Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a bicycle accident lawyer if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. The injury claims process allows you to pursue compensation for the harm you endured, and acting quickly can improve your chances of securing the compensation that you deserve. Prompt action can also enable your lawyer to collect evidence while it is still reliable and easily accessible.

What Should a Cyclist Do After an Accident?

After an accident, a cyclist should prioritize their safety by getting away from moving traffic and calling 911. Allowing paramedics to examine them can help the rider find injuries that may not have been apparent after the crash. Scheduling a full examination at a later date can also help document the injury. As soon as possible, they should consider working with an injury lawyer who can help them navigate the claims process.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents often result in a range of injuries, from minor to severe. Common injuries include fractures, particularly to the arms, wrists, and collarbone, as riders instinctively brace for impact. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are also frequent, especially without helmet use. Cyclists may also suffer road rash, soft tissue injuries, spinal damage, and internal injuries depending on the severity of the crash.

Injured in a Bike Collision? Contact Easton & Easton Today

A bike collision in Westminster can lead to serious and long-lasting hardships, but it doesn’t have to cause financial hardships. When you work with the injury lawyers at Easton & Easton, you gain the support of a respected law firm that understands the local court system and how to secure a settlement that reflects the harm you endured.

With representation from our firm, you can focus on recovering while we pursue the compensation you are owed. We understand the hardships that high-earners can face after a personal injury and can take the time to account for lost wages and missed opportunities at work. Once we have built a strong case, we can move forward with negotiations and litigation focused on helping you reclaim what you lost. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.