If you were injured while riding a bicycle in Monterey County, California, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact Mercado Kramer, LLP for a free consultation at (888) 311-4050. Our Monterey County bicycle accident attorneys will work hard to maximize the value of your claim from the start.
We know what’s at stake in these cases, and we’re passionate about fighting for the rights of accident victims in our local area. If you hire us, we’ll make your case our priority and won’t cut any corners, including taking your claim all the way to trial if that’s what’s best.
Call our law office today to learn more about your rights and options. We can answer all of your questions and provide some initial legal advice at that time.
Why Choose Mercado Kramer, LLP for Help After a Bicycle Accident in Monterey County, CA?
At Mercado Kramer, LLP, we bring more than 18 years of combined experience to every claim we handle, and our Monterey County personal injury attorneys have received accolades on both the national and local levels for their exceptional work.
Here’s why clients trust us:
- Track record of success: We have recovered substantial compensation for injured cyclists and other accident victims throughout California.
- Personalized service: We understand that no two cases are alike. We will tailor our approach to fit your unique needs and circumstances.
- Trial experience: While many cases settle, we are always prepared to take a case to court if it means securing justice for our clients.
- Local knowledge: Our attorneys know Monterey County courts, judges, and procedures, which can provide an advantage in building your case.
When you work with our firm, you’ll have a dedicated legal team that cares about your recovery and is ready to fight for your future. Contact our bicycle accident lawyers in Monterey County, CA, today to schedule a free case review.
California Bicycle Accident Laws and Insurance Considerations
California law treats bicycles as vehicles in most situations. That means cyclists are entitled to use the road and must also follow traffic laws. Unfortunately, not every driver respects cyclists’ rights, and collisions are often the result.
Insurance coverage after a bicycle accident can be complicated. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy will apply. If the driver does not have enough coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy might come into play.
Our personal injury lawyers can help you determine your best path forward during your free consultation. Call us today or reach out online to set up a time to meet.
What Is My Monterey County Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of a bicycle accident claim depends on many factors. Serious injuries generally lead to higher settlements or verdicts, but every case is unique at the end of the day.
Some of the issues that can affect the value of your case include:
- The severity of your injuries and whether they will heal fully
- The cost of your medical treatment, both current and forward-looking
- How much time you miss from work and whether your earning ability is permanently affected
- The pain, suffering, and emotional distress you have endured
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- The available insurance coverage
Our personal injury attorneys will take the time to evaluate every aspect of your case and ensure your damages are carefully documented. With experienced legal representation, you improve your chances of securing the full amount you are entitled to under California law.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Monterey County, CA
Bicycle crashes in Monterey County occur for many reasons, but driver negligence is often the primary cause.
Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
- Speeding or reckless driving in residential areas
- Failure to yield to cyclists at intersections
- Drivers opening car doors without checking for approaching bicycles (“dooring”)
- Unsafe lane changes or turns
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor road conditions, including potholes and debris
- Inadequate bike lane markings or signage
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable because they lack the protection of a vehicle, which means a low-speed collision can still potentially result in life-altering injuries. When someone else’s negligence caused your crash, our law firm will work hard to hold them liable.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Monterey County Bicycle Accident Case?
Victims of bicycle accidents in California may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages. These fall into two broad categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
These economic damages are designed to reimburse you for the tangible financial losses caused by your injury, helping you manage both current expenses and future costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the harder-to-measure impacts of an accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Conditions like anxiety and depression
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or intentional.
What if I’m Partially at Fault for My Bicycle Accident in Monterey County?
It is common for insurance companies to argue that cyclists share some of the blame after a crash. They may claim, for instance, that you failed to signal, didn’t wear a helmet, or were riding outside of a designated bike lane.
Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation even if you were mostly at fault. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For instance, if your claim is worth $100,000 but you are found 30% at fault, you would still recover $70,000.
Our bicycle accident lawyers can help you respond to any allegations of shared fault appropriately so that you can maintain the full value of your claim. Contact us today to learn more during a free consultation.
Who Could Be Liable for a Bicycle Accident in Monterey County?
When a serious bicycle accident happens, one of the first questions to address is who may be held legally responsible. In California, liability is not always straightforward, and several parties might share responsibility depending on how the crash occurred.
Potentially liable parties include the following:
- Negligent drivers who do things like speed or text behind the wheel
- Trucking and delivery companies if their employees cause a crash while on the job
- Government entities responsible for maintaining safe roads and intersections
- Manufacturers of defective products or vehicle components that contribute to the accident
In many cases, these claims overlap. For example, a distracted driver might be primarily at fault, but a local government agency could also share responsibility if road conditions were not up to par. By identifying every liable party, our attorneys will aim to make sure as much compensation ends up in your pocket as possible.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Monterey County Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
After a serious crash, the last thing most people want is another financial burden. That’s why our lawyers at Mercado Kramer, LLP handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis.
You will not pay anything up front to hire us, and there are no hourly charges either. Instead, our fee is collected only if we recover compensation for you. If we do not win compensation for your case, you owe nothing in terms of attorney’s fees.
This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible to every injured cyclist and ensures our lawyers are motivated to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have To File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in California?
California has strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most bicycle accident cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim in court. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation.
If your accident involved a government entity (such as a claim against Monterey County or the State of California for unsafe road conditions), the timeline is much shorter. You may have only six months to file an administrative claim.
Since there are only rare exceptions to these deadlines, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. That way, you can ensure your claim is filed on time.
Contact Our Monterey County Bicycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Were you involved in a bicycle accident in Monterey County, CA? You may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party, and our lawyers at Mercado Kramer, LLP can help you file a claim and take action immediately.
We’re committed to helping accident victims across Monterey County get the justice and compensation they deserve. With more than 18 years of combined experience and a track record of successful recoveries for our clients, our attorneys are ready to stand up for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Monterey County bicycle accident lawyer.
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450 Lincoln Ave Ste. 102, Salinas, CA 93901
(888) 311-4050
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