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Long Beach Bike Accident Attorney

Are You Entitled To Compensation For Your Long Beach Bike Accident Injuries?

In Southern California, we're lucky to have weather that allows people to ride bikes year-round. Unfortunately, bike riders share the road with many dangerous and negligent drivers. Tragically, bike riders often suffer serious injuries in accidents.

The challenges that an injured bicyclist faces after a collision are enough to discourage even the most positive person. However, there may be a solution to help you pay for medical care and treatment. Long Beach personal injury attorney Joseph H. Low IV never gives up and certainly won't let his clients quit when times get tough. Mr. Low is dedicated to helping injured bicyclists get compensation for damages associated with their accident. Call (888) 454-5569 for a free consultation to learn more about getting the justice that you deserve.

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A Long Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer Who Rides

As a lawyer who has participated in Ride 2 Recovery multiple times, Mr. Low has experienced the camaraderie, perseverance, and honor of riding hundreds of miles with disabled veterans. As a bicyclist and a former U.S. Marine himself, Mr. Low provides his personal injury clients with unparalleled insight and loyalty. He lives and breathes the challenges of a cyclist and knows the importance of preserving justice within civil law.

Joseph Low participating in Ride 2 Recovery

Seen here helping a wounded veteran at Ride 2 Recovery, Mr. Low understands the dedication of both riders and those who've served. He brings tenacity to each case and a will to help those who need it.

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Shining Light on Your Future

You’ll feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and even angry after your accident. But this doesn't mean you can't get through this difficult chapter in your life. While working to build an effective personal injury case for your bike crash, Mr. Low may consult medical experts as well as accident reconstructionists. By spending time with his clients and fully understanding how their injuries have affected and may continue to affect their lives, Mr. Low is able to convey a convincing argument for an effective case.

broken bicycle laying on street

Legal action isn't about revenge. It's about getting you the compensation that you deserve.

If you believe that your Long Beach bike crash was caused by a negligent driver, a defective bike part, or a dangerous roadway, you may have a legitimate claim. Finding out as much as possible about your legal rights and options will help you make an informed decision as to whether you'd like to hold the responsible parties legally accountable.

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Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Hundreds of miles of dedicated bike lanes have been set aside by Los Angeles County over the past few years, and laws have been passed to protect riders. But accidents still happen, and fatal injuries can and do occur. According to the California Highway Patrol, here are the most common causes of fatal bike accidents:

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Common Injuries from Long Beach Bicycle Accidents

Brain Damage

Traumatic brain injuries can have a profoundly negative impact on a person's physical health and quality of life. Unfortunately, brain injuries are often the result of blunt trauma to the head and frequently occur when a bicyclist is not wearing a helmet or is thrown from the bike. A person suffering from a brain injury may experience the following issues later on:

  • Impaired cognitive functioning
  • Permanent memory loss
  • Mobility issues
  • Loss of vision and other senses

Persons recovering from brain injuries are often faced with mountains of medical bills, and many will need multiple surgeries and physical therapy for the rest of their lives.

Broken Bones

Bone fractures in the leg, clavicle, elbows, and hands are the most common, and they usually occur when a victim is thrown from his or her bike. These injuries heal in time, but depending on the severity, a victim may need physical therapy and orthopedic treatments to recover. Fractures can also lower a person's quality of life, and leave him or her with impaired mobility and physical function.

Dental and Jaw Trauma

Bicyclists frequently sustain dental injuries when they are struck by a moving vehicle. Chipped and broken teeth, damaged jawbones and muscles, and other issues requiring frequent visits to a dentist or oral surgeon are often reported. A bicyclist has an increased risk of sustaining dental injuries if he does not wear a mouthguard or helmet. Visits to dental specialists can easily cost more than $10,000 over time. Some dental trauma can also permanently alter a victim's physical appearance.

Paralysis

When a bicyclist sustains irreversible damage to the brain or spinal cord, paralysis is likely. Paralysis, or a loss of movement in the body, is one of the most life-altering, devastating medical conditions a human can endure. Paralysis is also expensive, since victims must face the prospect of hiring caretakers or residing in special medical facilities for the rest of their lives.

Nerve Damage

A torn or pinched nerve can lead to a lifetime of pain and mobility loss for a bicyclist. Nerve damage is relatively common, and visits to neurologists, physical therapists, spinal surgeons, and other specialists may be needed. Patients suffering from severe nerve damage may be unable to return to work or fully participate in life again. Often, patients will suffer from chronic pain if surgeries and medications fail to remedy the problem.

Head and Neck Injuries

When a bicyclist sustains an injury to the head or neck, he or she will face the following prospects:

If a bicyclist is thrown from the bike, the chance of sustaining a severe head or neck injury skyrockets. Trauma to the head can also lead to hemorrhaging in the brain or skull, which can be lethal if not treated immediately. When blood pools in the skull, the brain is deprived of oxygen. This loss of oxygen can impact a victim's physical and mental functioning if not stopped immediately. Cranial hemorrhages also have a high mortality rate compared to other injuries.

Wrongful Death

Each year, bike accidents lead to about half a million emergency room visits. California has the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in bicycle accident deaths. According to the California Department of Transportation (DOT), there are about 350 bike accident deaths statewide each year.

In the tragic of event that you've lost a loved one in a bike accident, your family may pursue a financial settlement that can help cover the following:

  • Pain and suffering of the victim before death
  • Medical bills
  • Lost future income
  • Lost future benefits (medical benefits, retirement benefits, etc.)
  • Loss of love, affection, companionship, etc.
  • Loss of household duties the victim performed (chores, childcare, property maintenance, etc.)
  • Funeral and burial costs

There is a strict time limit in which you must file a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one in a bike accident. This deadline is called a statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations is two years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who will pay for my damages?

Whoever is negligent and at fault may be responsible. That could be the driver, the owner of the vehicle, the car manufacturer, a repair shop, or a department within the government that is responsible for the road maintenance at the location of the accident.

If a driver cut me off but we didn't actually collide, can they be held responsible?

Yes. If another vehicle's actions or negligence forced you to make maneuvers on the road to avoid crashing, but you ended up with injuries or property damage anyway, you can file a claim against them with proof that they were responsible.

Should I speak with my insurance adjuster before I talk to an attorney?

No. Do not speak to any adjusters before you contact a skilled bike accident attorney. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts from the insurance company. They will look for and use any information they can reduce the amount of your claim. Do not agree to being recorded. Do not take their recommendations. Hire an experienced California bicycle accident attorney and let them speak to the adjuster on your behalf. The Law Office of Joseph H. Low IV will protect your rights and negotiate your claim with the adjusters handling your case. Call (562) 901-0840 and toll-free (888) 454-5569 for a free consultation.

I already have a lawyer who helps me with my business. Can he handle my personal injury claim?

He likely can, but you may not want him to. Any attorney licensed in California may practice law in any area they like, but we don't recommend hiring a lawyer that does not have experience and expertise in bicycle litigation. You get one shot to win your case and receive maximum compensable damages. Make sure you consult with a California bicycle accident lawyer who is not only familiar with the nuances of personal injury litigation, but also bike accident settlements to obtain the best results.

Do I still need an attorney if the police report says another driver was responsible for the accident?

Yes. A police report alone is rarely an admissible opinion in court. At the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, we hire investigators to obtain and preserve every bit of evidence possible for your case. If you do not have an attorney, the insurance company will offer a lower amount to settle your claim. An experienced bike accident attorney will work for you to maximize your settlement. We are not afraid to go to court to seek the best verdict for your interests.

What if my accident was caused by a roadway defect?

You may still have a case. That is dependent upon whether or not the conditions of the roadway happened because of another entity's negligence. A skilled California bike accident attorney will investigate who may be responsible and hold them accountable.

What if I was injured by a hit-and-run driver?

First and foremost, call the police. Report to them as much identifying information you can such as make and color of the vehicle, the location of the incident and any other details you remember. A license plate number will enable the officer to track the vehicle down. If no driver can be found, your insurance's uninsured motorist, or UM, liability coverage can help you. A bike accident lawyer can assist you in that process as well.

How do I know how much my claim will be worth?

The value of your claim is based on a series of factors. These will help determine your claim:

  • The severity of injuries
  • The cost of medical bills and whether you require ongoing treatments
  • The injuries sustained required you to take time off work and lost wages
  • The level of long term and permanent impairments, disfigurement, or disabilities
  • The physical and psychological distress you have endured due to your injuries and accident

The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, has the experience to review the circumstances of your case and estimate what your claim may be worth.

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Why Seek Legal Help After a Bike Accident?

Legal action isn't about revenge. It's about getting you the compensation that you deserve for lost wages and benefits, hospital fees, surgery costs, physical therapy expenses, the cost of medication, pain and suffering, and more. Insurance companies often offer injured claimants a much lower settlement than they may be entitled to.

However, when you have a Long Beach bicycle accident lawyer to vouch for you, you’re prepared to dodge or combat the deceptive practices of the insurance companies so you can receive full and just compensation.

After a serious bicycle crash, a family may have to cope with an entirely different way of living due to a disability, catastrophic injury, or death. Compensation from a lawsuit is intended to help a person receive closure, prevent negligent parties from striking again in the future, and cover expenses related to the injury.

For more information on how to protect your well-being and future, get in touch with a Long Beach bike accident attorney at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV by calling (888) 454-5569 or filling out an online contact form.

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Bike Accidents

"Joseph, Thank you for your assistance. Your understanding compassion & incredible expertise are admired & appreciated. I will be referring any of my clients who require legal help to you."
- M.D.