Santa Cruz is a popular place for bicyclists, with beautiful beach views and off-road bicycle paths. However, the city is not known for being the most bike-friendly. Heavy traffic congestion and dangerous drivers put vulnerable cyclists at risk of serious accidents.
If you were recently injured in a Santa Cruz bicycle accident, the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers can handle your injury claim in the most effective way possible based on the specific facts of your case. Contact us to begin with a free consultation. Because you deserve justice.
Why Choose Our Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Lawyers?
- We strive to offer our clients the highest quality service with a knowledgeable team of experienced personal injury lawyers. We will handle every step of your bike accident claim.
- We will not only pursue the financial compensation that you deserve after a bicycle accident but make sure you get the best medical care available for your injuries, as well.
- Our Santa Cruz bicycle accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we charge $0 for our legal services unless they result in financial compensation for the client.
What Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Santa Cruz Do for You?
Dealing with insurance companies as the victim of a bicycle accident in Santa Cruz is not easy. While you receive treatments and struggle to recover, an insurance company could exploit you and try to convince you to settle for a lower amount than you need – or deny your claim outright. An insurance adjuster may try to blame you for the accident or give other reasons why it can’t pay a valid claim.
When you hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney, you gain access to a wealth of resources and aggressive litigators. Your lawyer can prove your claim against a driver or another party using evidence, including qualified experts, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. The right lawyer will make sure you have everything you need to move forward from a bike accident.
Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident Statistics
Recent data reveals concerning trends in bicycle safety across Santa Cruz, it ranked 2nd in California for bicyclist injuries/fatalities in 2021.
In Santa Cruz County, 52 bicyclists were killed or injured in vehicle-related accidents in 2018, following 165 bicycle accident victims in 2017.
The causes of these crashes are primarily attributed to driver behavior: 33% resulted from speeding vehicles, another 33% from improper turning and right-of-way violations, and 11% involved drugs or alcohol.
How to Seek Financial Compensation After a Bike Crash in Santa Cruz
You have the right to file a claim against another party for causing or significantly contributing to your Santa Cruz bicycle accident. If someone else’s negligence, meaning an act or omission that fell short of the duty of care, caused your bicycle accident, you can hold the negligent party accountable through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
If a careless motor vehicle driver crashed into you, for example, his or her car insurance company can be held responsible for your medical bills and property repairs. Drivers are often at fault in bicycle accident cases due to mistakes such as speeding, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, following too closely and dooring.
Motor vehicle drivers in California are required to carry certain amounts of insurance to pay for victims’ losses when they cause accidents. To achieve a fair settlement from an insurance provider, however, you may need to work with an attorney. A legal team by your side can ensure that you receive the full compensation you are owed.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review in Santa Cruz
Jacoby & Meyers has a reputation for exceeding clients’ expectations and achieving life-changing case results. For over 50 years, we have provided cyclists in California with access to high-quality legal and medical services to maximize their recoveries: physical, emotional and financial.
Discuss how we can help with your particular bicycle accident claim by contacting our Santa Cruz law office anytime, day or night. We offer free initial case consultations. Contact us online or call (408) 341-6883 today.
Santa Cruz Bicycle Accident FAQ
Immediate Steps After a Bicycle Accident
- Call police and seek medical attention
- Document the scene with photos
- Collect witness information and driver details
- Preserve evidence (damaged bike, helmet, clothing)
- Avoid discussing fault
- Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Bicycle accident victims can recover various types of damages. These include current and future medical expenses for treating your injuries. Lost wages are compensable if you missed work during recovery. You can claim the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle and equipment. Additionally, you may receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy, are also recoverable.
How Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect Your Case?
While California law only requires helmets for riders under 18, not wearing one as an adult could impact your case. Insurance companies may argue comparative negligence to reduce your compensation. You can still recover damages even without a helmet. The key factor is whether a helmet would have prevented your specific injuries. Medical experts often testify about injury causation in these cases.
What If You Were Hit in a Bike Lane?
Drivers who hit cyclists in bike lanes typically bear primary liability. California law provides strong protections for cyclists using marked bike lanes. Document the lane markings, traffic signals, and road conditions with photos. Witness statements can help establish the driver violated your right-of-way. An accident reconstruction expert may help prove the driver’s negligence.
What Are the Filing Deadlines?
You have two years from the accident date to file claims against private parties in California. Claims against government entities must be filed within six months. These deadlines are strict – missing them likely bars recovery. Evidence tends to disappear over time, so consult an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
Should You Talk to Insurance Companies?
Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters record conversations looking for ways to minimize payment. They may twist your words or pressure you into quick, lowball settlements. Let your attorney handle all insurance communications to protect your interests.
What Does Legal Representation Cost?
Most bicycle accident attorneys work on contingency fees. This means you pay nothing upfront, and fees come from your settlement or verdict. Attorneys only get paid if you win. Initial consultations are free with no obligation.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
California follows “pure comparative negligence” You can recover damages even if partially at fault, but your compensation reduces by your fault percentage. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you receive 80% of total damages. An experienced attorney can help minimize your assigned fault and maximize recovery.