Bay Area Bicycle Law is the only law firm representing clients in northern California that exclusively represents cyclists. To learn more about how our bicycle accident lawyers can help you with your bicycle related injury claim or wrongful death claim, contact us today for a free consultation at 866-242-9253.
Biking in Hayward
Hayward’s relatively flat landscape and proximity to other major Bay Area cities should make it an ideal place for bicyclists. The city was one of the first in the Bay Area to incorporate green lanes for bicycle traffic, as well as to expand its infrastructure to include more bike friendly streets. In recent years, reduced crime rates and steady renovation have made Hayward a desirable location for many Bay Area residents. But despite these changes, Hayward cyclists must remain vigilant when riding. Many intersections are hazardous due to poor lane markings and fast moving vehicle traffic. While changing infrastructure to prioritize rider safety can mitigate some of those risks, even the safest street can’t eliminate the margin for human error. As recently as 2016, a man on a bicycle was killed in a hit-and-run collision with a car by the Tennyson/I-880 interchange.
Getting hit by a car is a life altering event. Whether you’re a long-time bicycle commuter or new to the two-wheeled lifestyle, it’s important to know the resources available to you. Bay Area Bicycle Law is here to help. We’ll eliminate the confusion and tedious work of seeking reimbursement for injuries and property damage, all at no out of pocket cost to you. Our firm is the only one in the Bay Area specializing in bicycle law, and our attorneys work hard to stay up to date on the latest legal developments to ensure you the highest possible settlement. Contact us at bayareabicyclelaw.com or 415-466-8717 for a free consultation; we’ll go over your options and see if you have a case.
In the Event of an Accident
Many cyclists aren’t aware of what compensation they’re entitled to post-accident or how to obtain it. If you were physically injured in the collision, Bay Area Bicycle law strongly suggests seeking medical attention as soon as possible after your accident. Undiagnosed injuries can result in health complications later on down the line. Furthermore, large gaps in treatment are treated suspiciously by auto insurance adjusters and could result in denial of an injury claim. For those reasons, documentation from a medical professional is very important to both your case and your personal health. Even if you feel okay after the accident, it’s important to get checked out. Sometimes adrenalin can mask injury symptoms, leading to additional health complications.
After addressing medical needs, the next important step is to reach out for a consultation. If we take on your case, we can help alleviate the stress of dealing with insurance carriers and give valuable advice on what actions you can and should take. We understand that injuries sustained in an accident cause major life disruptions. Bay Area Bicycle Law’s goal is to help our clients get back on two wheels as fast as possible.
Property Damage
A trusted bicycle is like a close friend. If you’re lucky enough to come out of a crash unscathed, chances are your bike took some damage. Being cyclists ourselves, we understand how much time, effort, and money can be put into your bike. We take every aspect of your crash into consideration to ensure you’re fully compensated for damages to both your bike and your person. While nothing can replace your two wheeled companion, we can certainly help get you the resources to find a trusty new steed.
UIM Coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a critical addition to any automotive insurance package, but it is especially important if you’re a cyclist. UIM coverage protects you after an accident involving a driver with either little or no insurance coverage. The coverage protects you as both a cyclist and pedestrian, making it an invaluable asset for riders in Hayward and the surrounding regions. Bay Area Bicycle Law recommends checking with your automotive insurance provider to see if you already have UIM coverage, or if it’s an option available to you.
Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies are for-profit institutions whose primary goal is profit. This is great news if you’re a share holder, but is bad news for everybody else. To keep their profit margins, insurance carriers will minimize payouts whenever possible. This is where Bay Area Bicycle Law comes in. As personal injury attorneys, our responsibility is to hold drivers and insurance providers accountable. Bay Area Bicycle Law has the experience and knowledge to see through the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts to injured cyclists. We’re here to alleviate the stress caused by insurance bureaucracy and to get the highest possible settlement for our clients so they can focus fully on their recovery.
Hayward’s Bicycle Master Plan
As previously mentioned, Hayward is at the forefront of Bay Area cities to implement more bike-friendly infrastructure in the last decade. The bicycle master plan implemented by the city in 2007 “provides a long-term vision and direction for bicycle transportation and recreation”. In 2015, Bike East Bay (an important cycling advocacy group in Alameda County) made a push to uphold that vision by asking for community input regarding which street changes should take highest priority to increase cyclist safety. Notable streets include Jackson Street, Hesperian Boulevard, Industrial Parkway, and Winton Avenue. Mockups for suggested changes are available on Bike East Bay’s website. It remains to be seen which proposals will come to fruition in the coming years.
In addition to its bicycle master plan, the city of Hayward encourages bicycling as part of its effort to incorporate a greener city. in 2015, Hayward held its first Bike Rodeo, “a collaborative event between the City, the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Improvement Area, Kaiser Permanente, Bike East Bay, and other local organizations.” The city also participates in Bike to Work Day, a movement that incentivizes non-auto transit.
Hayward Bicycle Accident FAQs
How will a lawyer that specializes in bicycle law help me in a personal injury case?
If you’ve been injured on a bicycle, then you need an attorney who understands the specific laws that protect cyclists. The responsibilities for the driver of a motor vehicle are different than those of a cyclist, and a general practice personal injury attorney is not going to be as closely aware of those laws.
If I get injured riding in a green bike lane in Hayward, who can I sue for compensation?
Hayward was one of the first cities to install green bike lanes and has a masterplan to add more. If you get hit by a negligent driver when you are using a green bike lane, then you are likely entitled to compensation. The purpose of these lanes is to protect cyclists and increase awareness of the rexisting bike lanes. At Bay Area Bicycle Law, we understand the laws and the rights of cyclists and stand ready to help you get compensation for your injuries.
If my bike is destroyed in an accident, can I get a new bike?
California law requires the negligent driver in an auto accident to pay for all injuries and economic losses that come from an accident. This covers all medical bills and lost time from work, as well as any property damage such as a destroyed bike. You are entitled to the fair market value of your destroyed property, so If the bike was brand new, then it’s likely you will be able to get a new replacement.
Contact a Hayward Bicycle Accident Lawyer
At Bay Area Bicycle Law, we understand how disruptive an accident can be. Lingering physical pain, repairing and replacing damaged property, and the financial stress that accumulates as bills stack up make for a stressful experience. Seeking legal help can greatly mitigate those stresses. Unfortunately, many law firms lack the specialization required to build an effective case on your behalf. As the only bicycle specific law firm serving Hayward and northern California, Bay Area Bicycle Law has the winning record and experience to ensure you the highest possible settlement. Our attorneys are cyclists and understand how important it is to keep up-to-date on changing laws in order to properly defend our clients’ rights.
Go to bayareabicyclelaw.com or call us at 415-466-8717 to begin a free consultation. As we work on your case, we can assist you in finding medical treatment so you can put your full focus into your recovery. We’ll work with insurance providers, interview witnesses, obtain full documentation, and do everything in our power to build you the best possible case. A bike accident is a traumatic event — the recovery process doesn’t have to be. Let Bay Area Bicycle Law provide the assistance you need to get back on the saddle.