How Much Is a Bicycle Accident Worth in California?

If you had a bicycle accident in Los Angeles or another California city, you might wonder how much you could get if you file a claim. To give a short answer: the average settlement for bicycle accidents in California is around $30,000 for minor cases and over $100,000 for serious injury cases.

Some cases settle for seven figures, though many five-figure cases bring the average range to about five to six digits. Based on the severity of the accident, the average bicycle accident settlements in California can be estimated as follows:

• Minor severity: approximately $5,000 to $30,000.
• Moderate severity: approximately $30,000 to $85,000.
• High severity: approximately $85,000 to $500,000 or more.

Keep in mind that these numbers are, as we mentioned, estimates. Every case is unique, depending on its specific characteristics. If you’ve had a bicycle accident, the best thing you can do is consult with a bicycle accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and provide a more accurate and detailed outlook. Get a free consultation with My Lawyer Mark by calling (866) 721-5808. We offer high-quality legal services entirely in Spanish, with Hispanic attorneys.

How to Obtain Compensation for a Bicycle Accident with an Attorney

While you focus on your treatment and recovery from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, an attorney can handle the details of your claim and seek the maximum financial recovery for your harm and loss. An attorney is essential for carrying out key tasks, such as:

• Gathering evidence to establish accident liability, including accident police reports, photos of the accident scene, surveillance/traffic camera footage, dashboard/helmet camera footage, or eyewitness statements.
• Identifying other parties potentially responsible for your injuries, such as the employer of the at-fault driver or the owner of the vehicle that hit you.
• Documenting your financial and personal losses to determine what compensation you’re legally entitled to.
• Filing a claim on your behalf and managing communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters.
• Filing a lawsuit and defending your case in court if litigation offers the best opportunity for fair financial recovery.

Factors That Influence Your Settlement

What Can Increase Your Compensation?

• Severity of Injuries: More serious injuries, especially those requiring extensive medical treatment or resulting in long-term disabilities, may lead to higher compensation.
• Medical Expenses: Higher medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care, can contribute to a larger payout.
• Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to injuries from the accident, lost wages can be considered in your compensation. This can include both current and future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life, can increase the total compensation amount.
• Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your bicycle and other personal property may be included in the settlement, covering repair or replacement costs.
• Clear Liability of the At-Fault Party: Strong evidence establishing the at-fault party’s responsibility can strengthen your position during negotiations. If it’s clear the other party was negligent, it can lead to a more favorable settlement. Conversely, if you were partially at fault, you can still receive compensation, but a percentage will be deducted according to your degree of responsibility.
• Witness Testimony and Evidence: Eyewitness accounts, video footage, or other evidence supporting your version of events can strengthen the case and potentially lead to higher compensation.
• Insurance Policy Limits: If the responsible party has a higher coverage limit, it may provide more funds for your compensation.
• Negotiation Skills: The effectiveness of your attorney’s representation and negotiation skills can play a crucial role in securing higher compensation.
• Preexisting Conditions: If the accident worsens any preexisting health conditions, this could contribute to a higher settlement amount.

What Can Decrease Your Compensation?

• Delay in Seeking Medical Treatment: Delays in seeking medical treatment or gaps in medical care after the accident may be used by insurance companies to argue that the injuries weren’t serious or weren’t directly related to the accident.
• Minor Injuries: If the injuries from the bicycle accident are relatively minor and don’t require extensive medical treatment, the settlement amount may be lower.
• Lack of Clear Liability: Uncertainty or lack of evidence about who is at fault may lead to a lower settlement amount.
• Limited Insurance Coverage: If the at-fault party has low insurance coverage, it may limit the available funds for your compensation.
• Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage: If the at-fault party has no insurance or insufficient coverage, it may affect the possibility of obtaining a higher settlement. Recovering the full amount in such cases may be more challenging.
• Preexisting Conditions: If you had preexisting health conditions, insurance adjusters might attribute some injuries to these conditions, potentially reducing the settlement amount.
• Quick Settlements: Insurance companies may offer lower settlements early in the claims process to resolve the case quickly. In some cases, injured individuals may accept these offers without fully considering the long-term impact of their injuries.
• Insufficient Documentation: Inadequate documentation of injuries, medical expenses, and other damages can weaken your case and lead to a lower offer.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the injured cyclist lacks uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it may limit the ability to recover additional compensation if the at-fault party cannot cover the total damages.

How Long Can a Bicycle Accident Settlement Take?

The time it takes to settle a bicycle accident case varies greatly depending on the case’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, and other factors. Simple cases with clear liability can resolve in a few months, while more complex cases may take a year or more.

Initial negotiations with insurance companies may take place weeks or months after the accident. However, if a lawsuit is filed, the legal process can extend the timeline.

Factors such as evidence collection, negotiation with insurance experts, and potential court proceedings contribute to the overall timeline. Consulting with a bicycle accident attorney can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

Call us today at (866) 721-5808 to evaluate your case and get started on your representation as soon as possible. We’ll fight for every cent you’re owed by law. We’re experienced Hispanic accident attorneys. We know the law and know how to win.