Davis California Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bay Area Bicycle Law is the only law firm in Northern California to specialize exclusively in representing cyclists. To learn more about how our Davis Bicycle accident lawyers can help you with your injury claim or wrongful death claim, contact us today for a free consultation at 866-242-9253.
Bicyclists in Davis are aware and proud of the city’s reputation as “The Bicycle Capital of America,” a title that according to the city’s Wiki page stretches back as far as 1964. The title is rightfully earned: The League of American Bicyclists has granted the city a Platinum rating, and a 2014 USA Today article reported that 22% of residents commute to work by bike, and 95% of city roads have bike paths. Davis consistently ranks 1st as the best city in the USA for cyclists because of its nice weather, geographically flat landscape, and its longstanding commitment to prioritize safety and provide safer avenues for its bicyclists to ride on. Statistically speaking, the city of Davis has more bicycles than residents!

We are the Davis California Bicycle Accident Lawyers.

Much can be learned by how the Davis prioritizes bicycle transit and safety, but despite the city’s longstanding progressive stance towards alternate methods of transportation, there are surprisingly few to no options for bike riders seeking cycling specific legal representation should they be involved in a crash. While many firms in the area will take on cases involving an accident between a bicycle and a motor vehicle, they don’t have the experience or the passion for cycling that it takes to handle the nuances such cases demand. Legally speaking, a bicycle on the road should be treated the same way as a motorist, yet often cyclists find themselves at a disadvantage in legal proceedings due to biases on behalf of law enforcement. This frequently results in bad traffic collision reports that are written unfairly against the cyclist.
At Bay Area Bicycle Law, we understand the challenges faced by cyclists who commute or ride on shared roads. We’re here to be the voice of cyclists in the Davis area, to ensure they receive the compensation that they’re entitled following an accident. It goes without saying that bicycles offer much less protection than a car; so while property damage remains a major focus in determining legal compensation after a collision, it is often secondary to the health concerns and medical costs that cyclists face. For many crash victims, long term physical therapy or care must be considered before getting back to spinning the pedals. Our experienced attorneys understand the pains – both physical and mental – that accompany a collision, and will work to get you the highest settlement possible so that you can focus on your recovery.

Insurance issues after bicycle accidents

Davis’ legacy of bike activism and infrastructure has done wonders to shape its residents’ outlook on what it means to share the road. Despite the city’s generally amicable relationship between bicycles and motor vehicles, bicycle riders understand that every time they leave their house on two wheels they’re taking on inherent risks. Accidents occur during all types of riding; whether commuting to work, training for a race, or just getting out for some air. Though motor vehicles are arguably the biggest hazard, road debris, construction, or natural obstructions can all put an untimely end to an otherwise enjoyable ride. In those situations, many people rely on their insurance carrier to relieve the financial burdens of property damage and medical bills. What they don’t realize however, is that insurance companies’ end game is to pay out the smallest claim possible.
This is where great legal representation is your best asset. The attorneys at the Bay Area Bicycle Law will use their full understanding of bicycle law, as well as any resources at their disposal, to establish liability and to ensure that your financial burdens following an accident are taken care of. An initial consultation is free, and our legal representation comes at no out of pocket cost to you. Drivers, insurance companies, and police officers alike are quick to find the cyclist at fault, often citing risky riding, unclear signaling, or traveling at an unsafe speed. BABL attorneys are aware of the tactics that police use to place the cyclist at fault. We pledge to use our extensive knowledge of the California vehicle code to defend your rights as a cyclist, and to fight to get the highest settlement possible on your behalf.

Community Involvement in Davis California

The Bay Area Bicycle Law firm does more than represent cyclists in personal injury cases. We are also actively involved in cycling specific community events and local coalitions. By using our firm as a platform for advocacy, we intend to promote safe cycling through a philosophy akin to what the League of American Bicyclists calls the “5 E’s for a bicycle friendly America”:

Engineering: Creating safe and convenient spaces to ride and park
Education: Giving people of all ages and abilities the skill and confidence to ride
Encouragement: Creating a strong bike culture that welcomes and celebrates bicycling
Enforcement: Ensuring safe roads for all users
Evaluation and Planning: Planning for bicycling as a safe and viable transport option

Just this past year, BABL has sponsored the Bicycle Advocacy Day in Sacramento where we partnered with the California Bicycle Coalition to speak to CALTRANS and elected officials about supporting bicycle education programs as well as better cycling infrastructure.
Positive partnerships like these have proven fruitful for the local cycling community and strengthens the city’s reputation as being bike friendly. In 2015, similar lobbying by Bike Davis (a nonprofit supporting advocacy and education) led to the removal of street parking on B street; the city’s most narrow arterial road. Changes like these have a big impact in encouraging more people to swing a leg over a frame and start pedaling.
Without a doubt, California is one of the best places in the country to be a cyclist. Beautiful vistas and fun, challenging riding aside, our temperate climate makes it easy to be a commuter year round and good weather means less bike maintenance! Still, there’s lots to be done to improve infrastructure and to make the roads safer for cyclists. Until the vision of safer shared roads is realized, Bay Area Bicycle law is here to help provide resources and care to cyclists who have been wrongfully injured.

Davis Bicycle Accident FAQs

Why should I choose a firm that specializes in bicycle law?

Choosing the right attorney can make a huge difference in the amount of compensation you get for your accident. General practice attorneys aren’t familiar with bicycle laws. They may not know that different insurance rules and traffic laws apply when bicycles are involved. At Bay Area Bicycle Law, we deal exclusively with injured cyclists and we help them in getting just compensation for their injuries.

If I’m hit by a car while delivering on my bicycle, can I sue the person who hit me?

In Davis, delivery bikes are everywhere, and if a delivery rider is injured, then he or she might have a work-related injury, but they can also seek compensation from any negligent third party. The driver of the car might be at fault, or maybe the place you delivered to was at fault. At Bay Area Bicycle Law, we leave no stone unturned in getting you compensation for your injuries.

How long do I have to file a claim if I’m injured riding my bike?

In California, you have two years from the date of the injury, or from when the injury was discovered, to file a claim against the negligent party. At Bay Area Bicycle Law, we know both personal injury law and the laws regarding bicycle injury negligence. If you’ve been injured on a bike, don’t wait until it’s too late, come see us right away.

Contact a Davis Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Whether you just moved to Davis as a freshman Aggie or you’re a local legend gearing up for your next Davis Double Century, Bay Area Bicycle Law is here to give you the legal support you need should you find yourself involved in a crash. While we’re lucky to ride in an area where drivers have such high awareness of cyclists, when push comes to shove having proper legal representation following a crash is essential to get the compensation you need to recover and get back out on the road. Bicycle accident injuries can cause bills to pile up from medical care and missed work and insurance companies are notorious for underpaying claims to their customers. Legal representation is necessary to avoid being victimized by other parties whose interests are to give you the least compensation possible after your crash.
Call us at (415)-466-8717 or contact us here for a free consultation. As we work through your case, we can also assist you with finding the medical attention you need so you can put your full focus on your recovery. Our proven case history and passion for cycling, as well as our extensive knowledge of California vehicle code, allows us to be your biggest advocate and maximize your settlement. We pledge to be honest, keep you in the loop about your case, and only recommend what we consider your best course of action. Bicyclists know that cycling embraces the spirit of community, and Bay Area Bicycle Law is here to do our part in supporting that community any way we can.
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