If you have recently been involved in a bicycle accident in Mountain View, San Mateo, we understand how overwhelming and distressing this experience can be. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and the emotional aftermath can leave you feeling lost and uncertain about the next steps.
That said, seeking legal support from a skilled Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos attorney can navigate this difficult time. Our experienced team of Mountain View bicycle accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and moving forward.
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Why Choose Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos?
Here are a few reasons why Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos is the right choice for your bicycle accident case:
- Experience: Our bicycle accident attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience. We have handled numerous bicycle accident cases and comprehensively understand the laws and regulations surrounding these types of accidents.
- Track Record: We are proud of our track record of success in obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. We have successfully represented clients in cases involving negligent drivers, defective bicycle parts, and dangerous road conditions.
- Convenient Location: Our office is at 411 Borel Ave #405, San Mateo, CA 94402, four minutes drive from San Mateo Japanese Garden.
Bicycle Accident Compensation
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages.
Compensation can help cover:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses include hospital bills, surgeries, medication, ambulance charges, and physician bills. You’ll likely receive a higher settlement value if you sustained a severe injury with a lengthy recovery period.
Lost Wages
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for past and future lost income. Lost earnings cover losses related to missed earnings, including bonuses, regular salary, and accrued vacation time.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
The costs can quickly add up when you're involved in a bicycle accident. One of the main concerns is the out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury. These include transport expenses to and from medical appointments, structural adjustments to your home, and over-the-counter medications.
When you hire our bicycle accident lawyer, they will work to ensure that you are fully compensated for all of your damages, including these out-of-pocket expenses. They will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take your case to court if necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Pain and Suffering
Bicycle accidents often result in physical and emotional pain and suffering. Pain and suffering can arise as a result of chronic pain, loss of enjoyment of life, or disfigurement. Compensation can help alleviate the financial burden associated with these losses.
Emotional Distress
You may also be entitled to compensation if the events leading to the bicycle accidents were traumatizing. Discovering you’ll be permanently disabled after a bicycle accident may trigger emotional anguish.
Loss of Companionship
A bicycle accident can create a negative impact on the relationships of the victim. For instance, you can find it difficult to move on after the loss of your loved one. It can also be painful and challenging to live a normal life after the injury of a family member or spouse.
A bicycle accident may take away your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed together, such as going on long bike rides or exploring new trails. It can also mean the absence of emotional support and companionship that comes from sharing experiences, dreams, and goals with your loved one.
Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and seek compensation for this intangible loss. They will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and the legal process with empathy and compassion.
Where Do Accidents Occur in Mountain View
Bicycle accidents can occur in various locations throughout Mountain View. Some areas where accidents are more likely to occur include:
- Intersections: Most accidents occur in heavy traffic areas near intersections, including Shoreline Boulevard (121) and Middlefield Road (98). When a freeway intersects with a major road, accidents increase.
- E El Camino Real/Sylvan Ave: Many bicycle accidents occur in E El Camino Real/Sylvan Ave due to road users' failure to yield at an intersection.
Our Mountain View Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you’ve sustained an injury in a bicycle accident in Mountain View, our lawyers can guide you on the steps for protecting your rights as an injured victim.
Here are some of the accidents that our Mountain View bicycle accident attorney can handle:
- Hit and Run Accidents: These occur when the driver of a vehicle hits a cyclist and leaves the scene without exchanging their contacts. Our attorneys can investigate to find the liable party and pursue compensation from their insurer.
- Dooring Accidents: A dooring bicycle accident occurs when a parked driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, causing a crash. It often leads to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Failure to Yield Accidents: These mainly occur at intersections when a driver fails to yield to cyclists at an intersection, crosswalk, or roundabout, leading to a collision.
- Right Hook Accidents: Right hook accidents occur when a cyclist is struck by a motorist, a move that cuts off the motorist riding on the right side of the road.
Our bicycle accident attorneys can also fight for compensation if you sustain any of these injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractured arms or legs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial Fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Dental Fractures
- Eye injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
Fighting the Insurance Company
When seeking compensation for a bicycle accident, you will likely encounter resistance from insurance companies.
These companies often try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. However, with the help of our experienced Mountain View bicycle accident attorneys, you can fight back against the tactics used by insurance companies.
Here are some strategies our attorneys may adopt to level the playing field:
Gathering Evidence
Our experienced bicycle accident attorney at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos understands the importance of collecting and preserving evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. While the injured victim has the right to compensation, they must demonstrate fault by the defendant.
Our bicycle accident attorneys will work tirelessly to gather evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. Our lawyers will also obtain the police report and review it for any discrepancies or missing information.
By entrusting our skilled bicycle accident attorney with your case, you can rest assured that we will leave no stone unturned when gathering evidence. We aim to build a solid foundation for your case, enhancing your chances of receiving a fair settlement value for your losses.
Calculating Damages
When you've been involved in a bicycle accident, it's essential to understand the value of your damages. This is where our bicycle accident attorney can lend their experience. They have the experience and understanding of the various factors that determine the value of damages.
For instance, they may assess your medical expenses, including current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary ongoing treatments. They may also consider the extent of your injuries based on the severity of physical pain or emotion.
Our attorneys may also examine the accident's impact on your ability to work, including lost earnings due to missed work and any potential future income loss caused by long-term or permanent injuries.
By thoroughly evaluating the above factors, our bicycle accident attorney understands the value of damages, which sets a foundation for fruitful negotiations.
Negotiating a Settlement
The support of a skilled attorney on your side can make all the difference in the settlement negotiations. Our bicycle accident lawyers are experienced negotiators and understand how far insurance companies are willing to go.
A key strategy in negotiations is knowing the actual value of your claim. Our attorneys understand the various damages applicable to your case. They will then apply this knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation your case deserves.
Litigating in Court
Our bicycle accident lawyers are trial-ready and willing to take your case to court if the at-fault party doesn’t offer a fair settlement. They will present your case before a judge and jury, providing a compelling argument for maximum compensation.
Going through the legal aspects of a claim can be daunting, especially when dealing with insurance companies focused on profits. Our skilled bicycle accident attorneys will ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After an Accident
A bicycle accident can leave you with physical and emotional pain, making it challenging to comprehend the next steps. Your actions after an accident can enhance your recovery efforts and protect your rights as an injured victim.
Take the following steps after an accident:
Seek Medical Attention
Bicycle accidents can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, leading to severe and long-term health complications. However, you can improve the outlook of the injury by seeking prompt medical attention.
When you consult a physician after a bicycle accident, they can initiate a treatment plan. Further, the doctor will generate medical records you can rely on to file a personal injury claim.
Keep vital records like medical bills, doctor’s notes, prescription notes, or specialist reports. More importantly, adhere to the treatment plan so the at-fault party doesn’t question the extent or severity of your injuries.
Document the Accident and the Injuries
While you may be entitled to compensation after a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s fault, you must demonstrate their fault. You should, therefore, document the scene to protect yourself.
Here’s how you can document the scene:
Take Pictures
Document the scene by taking images of the bicycle and vehicle from different angles. The picture should capture the damage to the bike and, if possible, your injury. It is also a good idea to capture the other vehicle's license plate.
You’ll share accident-related images with our bicycle accident attorneys, who will use them to support your claim.
Record Key Details
Note the license plate number, driver’s license, and contact details of the other driver involved in the accident. If there is a witness to the accident, take down their names and contact details.
Inform the Police About the Accident
You should alert the police anytime you’re involved in an accident. When a police officer arrives at the scene, they’ll generate a report you can rely on to file a personal injury claim. Note down the name and the badge of the responding police officer.
Further, request the police to direct you to where you can obtain a copy of the accident. Our bicycle accident attorney will use the findings of the police accident report to establish fault.
Inform Your Insurer About the Accident
You should ensure your attorney informs your insurer about the crash immediately after sustaining an injury. Your insurer can cover your losses if the at-fault party has no insurance coverage or holds limited coverage.
Your insurer may try to minimize or deny your claim altogether. Do not negotiate or sign any agreement without the advice of our bicycle accident lawyers. Our attorneys will guide you through the process, evaluate any offer, and protect your interest in the case.
Get in Touch With an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney
While many injured victims obtain compensation from the at-fault party's insurer, some lose. Working with our bicycle accident attorney enhances the chances of a positive outcome. Bring your medical records and accident-related information when meeting our bicycle accident attorney.
Our bicycle accident lawyer will advise you on the case's merits and develop a strategy for pursuing compensation from the at-fault party. Our lawyers can use their excellent negotiation skills to push for a higher settlement value that covers your losses.
Get Justice For Your Injuries With Our Mountain View Bicycle Accident Attorneys
At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, we are committed to helping bicycle accident victims in Mountain View seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys will fight tirelessly on your behalf, leveraging our knowledge of personal injury law to build a strong case.
Contact us at (650) 345-8484 to schedule a free case consultation.