West Covina Bicycle Accident Lawyer

West Covina Bicycle Accident Attorney

Every year, West Covina sees numerous bicycle accidents, resulting in injuries ranging from minor cuts to serious, life-altering trauma. Cyclists lack the protection that vehicles provide, making them more vulnerable. A West Covina bicycle accident lawyer can explain your legal rights if you’ve been injured in a collision.

Hire an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor

Gregory R. Vanni, managing partner, has held leadership roles in the Pasadena Bar Association. Alongside partners Kevin K. Callahan and Daniel P. Powell, along with skilled attorneys Michael P. O’Connor and Raffi H. Ohanian, our firm offers consistent client communication and a thorough approach to injury claims. Our West Covina personal injury lawyers can represent our clients throughout their bicycle accident cases.

Having to navigate California’s legal system on top of healing from emotional and physical trauma is too much to handle alone. Let our team take over the legal side of your case so you can focus on your well-being.

West Covina Bicycle Accident Laws

In California, 125 bicyclists were killed in car crashes in 2021. In West Covina, 63% of bicycle collisions occur at intersections. This is often due to drivers not seeing bicyclists or fully obeying traffic laws.

Being on the phone, changing a radio station, and even using a navigational phone app can result in distracted drivers, making them negligent during incidents. In California, negligence is determined by the victim providing strong proof, which can include:

• Photos of the incident site, vehicles involved, and visible injuries
• Copies of medical records
• Copies of incident reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert testimony

For those taken to the emergency room at Emanate Health Inter-Community Hospital, the staff can provide your medical records.

Comparative Negligence

California operates under a pure comparative negligence system. This means you can recover damages, even if you share some fault for the crash.

For example, a cyclist collision happens at an intersection where the cyclist ran a red light. However, the driver was speeding and failed to yield. In this situation, a court may find the cyclist 30% at fault and the driver 70% at fault.

If the total damages from the accident are valued at $100,000, the cyclist would see their compensation lowered by 30% of their fault. This means the cyclist would receive $70,000. Even though the cyclist was partly responsible, they can still recover the remaining amount.

These types of cases are typically considered civil issues unless the driver acted with malicious intent. They are usually overseen at the West Covina Courthouse, located at 1427 West Covina Parkway.

Deadlines for Filing Your Claim

California law gives you two years to file a claim in a personal injury case. If your claim is against a government agency, such as from an accident involving a police car or garbage truck, the rules are different. You’ll need to first file a claim with that agency within six months of the injury or death.

It’s important to start the claim process as early as possible. Evidence can be altered quickly, such as eyewitnesses forgetting key information or the incident site being cleaned. Because of how long courts can take to process claims, gathering evidence and filing quickly is key to a successful outcome in your case.

Why Choose Us?

At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, we have secured significant recoveries for clients injured in bicycle accidents. In Hernandez v. West Coast Sand & Gravel, Kevin Callahan won over $1.1 million after a two-week trial, despite the client’s violations of the vehicle code.

In another case, a client who suffered a rare blood clot after a Malibu accident received $500,000. We also obtained $449,000 in a settlement when a client fractured a hip after his bike tire caught in a bridge expansion joint.

Because of our extensive experience in handling cases involving various types of vehicles, we know the common defenses involved and how to argue against them. Because each case is different, our years of experience help us in whatever case a new client brings to our firm.

FAQs

Q: What Types of Damages Are Recoverable?

A: Damages in bicycle accident claims fall into economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses, like hospital care, therapy, and medication
• Lost wages
• Repair or replacement costs for damaged property, such as bicycles

Non-economic damages include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Any permanent disability or disfigurement

The amount awarded depends on injury severity, its effect on daily life, and fault.

Q: What Do I Do After a Bike Crash?

A: Prioritize your safety and health. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Call the police and request a copy of the report. If you’re able to, take photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved. Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident, as this could be held against you later. Get in contact with a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss further measures.

Q: How Much Does a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Cost in California?

A: Most bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are paid only if compensation is recovered. These final fees are generally an agreed-upon percentage of the final settlement amount. This percentage can vary depending on the experience of your lawyer and the complexity of your case. Expect to pay other fees as well, such as filing fees and expert testimony fees. During your consultation with our team, we’ll provide clear pricing expectations so there are no surprises.

Q: How Do I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

A: When deciding whether to hire a bicycle accident lawyer, consider the attorney’s experience with similar cases and knowledge of local laws. Be sure to read online reviews of client experiences with the firm. Look for a lawyer who maintains open communication and clearly explains legal options. Understanding fees and case timelines is important.

Contact Our West Covina Bicycle Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in West Covina or the surrounding areas, contact us today to discuss your case. Our team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor understands that each case is unique and requires careful examination and a unique legal strategy. Reach out today to begin the process of pursuing your claim.