If you are injured and wondering what to do after a bicycle accident in San Jose, you might feel overwhelmed by medical bills, missed time from work, and the hassle of dealing with insurance companies. Fortunately, a bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and hold the responsible party accountable.
While it may be tempting to handle things on your own, an experienced attorney can offer guidance through every stage of the process—from filing insurance claims to preparing a lawsuit, if needed. Our skilled legal team can help you identify liable parties, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call today to begin working with a dedicated legal advocate.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Bike crashes often stem from preventable behavior like distracted or reckless driving. Motorists failing to yield the right-of-way, running red lights, or opening car doors without looking are just a few examples of how negligence can lead to collisions that cause severe injuries.
One of the first steps a person injured in a San Jose bicycle collision can take is to work with an attorney to investigate the cause of the accident. Police reports, eyewitness accounts, traffic camera footage, and medical records may all be crucial for building a strong personal injury claim. By identifying how the crash occurred, our legal team could help establish the other party’s liability and strengthen the injured party’s case for compensation. Learn more by reaching out today.
Injuries and Damages After a Bicycle Crash
Because cyclists have little physical protection, they are highly vulnerable to the force of even a minor collision with a motor vehicle. When a car strikes a cyclist, the impact can often throw the rider from their bicycle. This can result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken or fractured bones, internal organ damage, and painful abrasions known as road rash. In more severe cases, these injuries can result in paralysis, disfigurement, or long-term cognitive impairment. Recovery from such trauma may involve extensive surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, and, in some cases, lifelong assistance with daily tasks.
Following a motor vehicle crash involving a bicycle in San Jose, an attorney can help assess the full extent of the cyclist’s losses. State law permits an injured cyclist to file for both economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim. Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care needed. They may also include compensation for lost income due to time away from work and reduced earning potential if the injuries prevent the cyclist’s return to the same job or career. Contact our team to learn more about the types of damages available after an accident.
Legal Deadlines and Filing Requirements
Cyclists injured in a San Jose accident need to act quickly. The state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident, according to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Failing to file within this time frame could result in a permanent loss of the right to compensation.
A knowledgeable attorney can help file a claim on time, ensure the proper submission of all documents, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. Cases involving a government entity—such as a city bus driver or hazardous public road conditions—have an even shorter timeline, with a six-month deadline to file a notice of claim under California Government Code § 911.2.
Call an Attorney for Support Following Your San Jose Bike Crash
Are you unsure of what to do after a bicycle accident in San Jose? It is important to remember that you do not have to go through the recovery process alone. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, explain your options, and advocate on your behalf.
The attorneys at Valero Law Group are committed to helping injured cyclists secure the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. With over 100 years of combined experience, we offer compassionate guidance and aggressive representation tailored to your unique case. Do not wait to get the support you deserve—call today for a free injury case review and to take the first step toward justice.
