Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Were you recently involved in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles? If so, you may be able to pursue legal action to help cover the cost of medical attention for personal injury or repair to fix or replace your bicycle.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at how Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers may be able to help you.
Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence while riding a bicycle, you should know that you have rights. This includes the right to sue the other party for compensation if you experience some type of loss as a result of the accident.
Unfortunately, proving damages to the civil court is rarely easy or straightforward. It’s important to connect with a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer who understands this complex area of law and can help you navigate it with confidence.
Here are a few qualities to look for when searching for Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers.
1. Listening Skills
A good lawyer knows how to listen to the information a client shares without interrupting, talking over you, or making you feel talked down to. He or she should speak to you at a level you understand, without using terms that confuse you.
2. Recommends Honesty
Listening is just the first step. A good lawyer can also identify elements of truth and pull them out to draw attention to them without dishonesty.
If any attorney tells you to take actions that seem dishonest or even downright illegal (such as lying on the stand), consider this a warning sign. Walk away and choose someone else. This is why we recommend seeking help through an attorney referral service certified by the state of California.
3. Truthful
Honestly in business also matters. Reputable attorneys will never lie to a client about their chances of success to try and make more money. If your case doesn’t have a high chance for success, they will tell you. If they foresee problems in court, they’ll be honest enough to let you know upfront.
Be wary of anyone who guarantees your success before they’ve even had time to review your information. There are rarely ever any guarantees in law.
4. Reputable
If you search for a lawyer, you should be able to find evidence of their practice reasonably easily. They don’t need to be famous, or even be that well-known, in order to be a good lawyer – but you should at least be able to confirm their existence.
Pay close attention to the information you find when you look to confirm an attorney’s worth, too. While you should always take negative reviews with a grain of salt, a significantly high proportion of bad reviews or accusations of scams might be a red flag that the lawyer isn’t necessarily reliable.
Lastly, don’t forget that you can always call the California Bar to check if a lawyer has an active license to practice and/or any past complaints.
5. Understands California Bicycle Laws
The California Vehicle Code (which also includes bicycles) is notoriously complex. The defendant’s lawyer will very likely try to use elements of the code in ways that allow them to dodge responsibility for your accident. Or, they may use the code to turn the case around and accuse you of being responsible instead.
For this and many other reasons, you should always work with an attorney who specializes in bicycle law after an accident. Having someone on your side who has the expertise and knowledge to predict problems and interpret the law can greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
6. Understands Medical Billing
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you will undoubtedly need medical attention. This often starts at the emergency room, but depending on the injury, you might need ongoing care for months or even years.
The good news is that if you can prove the other party is at fault, the courts may award you damages to cover all associated medical bills. But this can take time, and providers aren’t likely to allow you to simply stop paying until it happens.
An attorney who understands the complexities of medical billing can also advocate for you when insurance companies or collection agencies come knocking. They may be able to negotiate lower payments, work out an insurance lien, or even help you submit claims and appeal refusals if your provider gives you a hard time.
7. Is Transparent About Fees
Lawyers are required by law to be upfront and clear about the costs associated with their services. While they are free to charge what they see fit, and they do have the option to alter your agreement where such changes are needed, they cannot bait and switch you, lie to you, or tack on additional fees after they provide service.
A good bicycle lawyer will be happy to tell you what they charge and whether they charge by the hour, per diem, or on a contingency basis.
Lawyers who charge by the hour set a specific rate (e.g., $100) for each hour they work on your case. Those who charge per diem charge a flat rate per service (e.g., $100 to review your case).
A contingency, on the other hand, only pays the lawyer a specific percentage of the award if you win. For example, an attorney might ask for a contingency of 10 percent of the total you are awarded by the courts if you succeed.
As for which is best for bicycle accident cases? There’s no one answer; it depends on the nature and facts of your case. However, contingencies may be more cost-effective and reliable if the expected reward is very high (over $10,000).
8. Has Experience in Civil Court
Last but not least, your lawyer should have past experience dealing with the civil court as it applies to a bicycle accident and personal injury lawsuits. This is critical; an inexperienced civil litigation lawyer may inadvertently invalidate your case by stepping outside of their role or taking the wrong action at the wrong time.
Be mindful that having experience in civil litigation of one kind may or may not make a lawyer appropriate for work in another kind. A commercial personal injury defense lawyer will naturally look at civil tort law from a much different perspective than someone who fights only for individual victims. These differences do matter.
How to Find Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
If you’re interested in learning more about pursuing legal action
If you’re interested in speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, contact the SFVBA Attorney Referral Service to schedule a free consultation. We will help you find the right lawyer for your case in Los Angeles and schedule up to 30 minutes of free consultation.
Are you in search for a certified attorney to represent you?
Let us help you find one today!