Bicycle accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant emotional and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bike accident, having experienced legal representation is necessary to help face your claim. At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, we are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal representation for victims of bicycle accidents.
Based in San Diego and serving clients throughout California, Jared J. Drucker brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success in securing the compensation you deserve. Trust us to advocate for your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on your path to recovery.
Trust Jared J. Drucker With Your Bike Accident Claim
When it comes to handling bike accident claims, Jared J. Drucker’s experience and proven track record make him the right choice for securing the compensation and justice you deserve. Here’s why you should trust Jared with your bike accident claim:
- Proven Experience: Jared J. Drucker has a wealth of experience successfully representing personal injury clients in bike accident cases. His deep understanding of personal injury law and specific knowledge of bike accident regulations ensure your case is managed with the highest level of competence.
- Disciplined Legal Background: Jared J. Drucker is a former Marine Corps Sergeant who joined the military after the 9/11 attacks, serving six years, including a tour in Iraq. This experience instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, dedication, and service to others. After his military service, Jared attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, where he honed his legal skills and developed a passion for helping individuals. He initially worked in corporate construction defect litigation before transitioning to personal injury law to better serve those in need.
- Personalized Attention: At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, every client receives focused, individualized attention. Jared personally handles each case to make sure your unique needs and concerns are addressed throughout the legal process. You are not just another case; you are a valued client.
- Clear and Transparent Communication: Effective communication is a cornerstone of Jared’s practice. Our team will keep you fully informed about every aspect of your case and provide clear advice to promptly address any questions or concerns.
The Benefits Of Effective Legal Representation Bike Accident Claim
Securing effective legal representation for your bike accident claim can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are the key benefits of having an experienced attorney like Jared J. Drucker on your side:
- In-Depth Legal Knowledge: Jared J. Drucker understands the nuances of personal injury law, including specific regulations that pertain to bicycle accidents.
- Accurate Assessment: Our legal team will provide a thorough evaluation of your case, determining the full extent of your damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. They ensure that you seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
- Adherence to Deadlines: Personal injury claims have strict deadlines for filing. We have a strong, robust system to make sure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, preventing your claim from being dismissed due to procedural errors.
- Negotiations and Litigation Representation: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Jared J. Drucker has the negotiation skills to handle insurance adjusters effectively and make sure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your losses. If your case goes to trial, he will present your case compellingly, counter-defense arguments, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
Bicyclist Right To The Road In California
Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers, as outlined in California Vehicle Code §21200 (a) (1):
“A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Section 27400, Division 16.7 (commencing with Section 39000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (2) A person operating a bicycle on a Class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle pursuant to Section 20001, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.”
This means that bicycles are treated similarly to motor vehicles and have the same rights and protections. In return, this also means that cyclists are expected to follow the same rules of the road, such as obeying traffic signals, stopping at stop signs, and yielding the right-of-way when required. All vehicles, whether bicyclists or motor vehicles, must obey all traffic signals and stop signs, just like motor vehicle drivers. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs and proceeding only when it is safe and legal to do so.
Additionally, drivers must provide a safe distance when overtaking and passing a bicyclist. California law requires at least three feet of clearance between the vehicle and the bicycle. If three feet is not possible, drivers must slow down and pass only when it is safe to do so.
Bicyclist Helmet Laws In California
California’s helmet laws are outlined in California Vehicle Code §21212 (a):
“A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.”
What this means is that all cyclists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bike in California. This includes passengers, such as children riding in an attached seat or trailer. Helmets must meet specific safety standards as required in the law.
This is relevant because California follows a comparative negligence system, where the fault for an accident can be divided among the parties involved. If a minor involved in a bike accident was not wearing a helmet, the defense might argue that the cyclist’s injuries were partially due to their failure to wear a helmet. The argument of lack of helmet would be used to try and reduce the compensation awarded.
Common Causes of San Diego Bike Accidents
To determine who is responsible for causing your bicycle accident, we need to understand how the collision occurred. Many bike accidents are caused when a negligent driver crashes into an unassuming biker. Far too many motorists on the roadways do not give motorcyclists or bicyclists the space and attention to detail they are entitled to. If the driver who hit you was distracted, failed to check their blind spots, or is otherwise responsible for causing your injuries, you may have grounds for a legal claim against them.
However, reckless drivers are not the only cause of bicycle accidents in San Diego. Sometimes dangerous road conditions contribute to these collisions. For instance, if the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or the City of San Diego failed to make necessary repairs despite repeated complaints, they may share responsibility for your injuries and damages. Similarly, if the driver who hit you could not prevent the collision because parts of their vehicle were defective or malfunctioning, multiple parties could share liability, such as:
- Safety inspectors
- Vehicle maintenance workers
- The owner of the vehicle
- Auto parts manufacturers
- Auto parts designers
- Motor vehicle dealerships
- Auto parts retailers
- Auto parts distributors
- Executives
- Other third parties
These are just a few potential parties who may be partially at fault for your bike accident and the injuries you suffered. Our team will need to conduct an intensive investigation to uncover the identities of anyone and everyone who shares responsibility for the collision.
Compensation for Your Damages After a Bike Accident in San Diego
It may surprise you to find out how much your San Diego bicycle accident insurance claim and civil lawsuit is worth. The types of damages you have the right to recover are known as compensatory damages. They include a variety of economic and non-economic damages. Some of the most common types of damages awarded in bicycle accident claims include the following:
Wage Losses
Wage losses describe compensation for the time you had to take off of work while you were recuperating. If you are unable to work or return to your pre-injury position, you may also be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity. Furthermore, any employee benefits, such as retirement savings contributions from your employer or employer-provided health insurance coverage should also be included in your settlement.
Medical Bills
Your medical expenses should also be taken care of by the liable party. This does not only include the cost of your hospital stay and treatment either. If you suffered catastrophic injuries and require medical devices, such as a prosthetic limb, wheelchairs, or even medical home accommodations, these costs should all be taken care of by the liable party and their insurance company.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a non-economic loss. It is difficult to determine how much compensation you should be awarded for emotional distress, chronic pain, and other intangible losses. However, when they have had such a devastating impact on your life, we will ensure you are compensated fairly.
Punitive Damages
In limited circumstances, punitive damages can also be awarded in San Diego bicycle accident claims. For instance, if the driver who hit you was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and has a history of impaired driving, the court system may consider their actions grossly negligent or malicious. Per California Civil Code Section 3294, this is the standard that must be met for punitive relief to apply.
Contact Jared J. Drucker Today For Your Bike Accident Claim
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bike accident, securing skilled legal representation is important to handling your claim so you receive the compensation you deserve. At The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker, we are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal support.
With unmatched legal prowess in handling bike accident claims, Jared J. Drucker will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t face this challenging time alone.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice and recovery. Let us help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.