This is a question that is asked by many following a bicycle crash on the roadways in California. And yes, the law is in your corner in obtaining the care you require, the peace of mind you merit and the financial support to which you are entitled.

Here’s a really simple guide to help you wrap your head around it. This blog will help you understand what you can expect after a bike crash and how the law can help you.

Your Right to Ride Safe

Are you on a bike path in California by any chance? The law gives you just as much right to the road as anything with wheels. SO there are public streets and bike lanes, and trails. And if something does happen and you’re injured, especially if it’s someone else’s fault and they were driving negligently, the law makes it possible for you to take action and demand compensation.

But it’s not just the law; it’s also getting your life back on track. Every little thing counts, whether it’s coverage for medical care, time lost at work or getting a new bicycle to replace the one that’s damaged.

What Does Compensation Include?

Here is where the law and the filling of the gap begin to come into consideration. It covers many aspects of your recovery. Here’s what you can claim:

Medical Expenses

From that first ambulance ride to your last day in therapy, it all goes. The cost of receiving emergency aid, as well as hospital bills, medication, surgery and postoperative care can all be included.

Future Medical Needs

If you have ongoing expenses because of your injury (like doctor’s visits or help at home), you can include this as well. Some injuries are so damaging that time is of the essence in trying to heal them, and the law understands that.

Lost Income

The accident could even cause you to miss work. The missed days of work can be compensated, and even if the injury transitions your job, it may still be a component of your claim.

Future Earnings

If you are injured and the injury threatens your future earning ability, the law permits you to seek what you are likely to lose over the coming months or years.

Bicycle Damage

If your bike was damaged, you can also add the cost of repairing it or purchasing a new one. The paperwork also matters when you’re filing a claim.

Who Can Help You?

It can always be beneficial to talk with someone familiar with how bicycle accident cases function. If you need direction in California, specifically in Sacramento, connect with bicycle accident lawyers sacramento.

They can hear your story, review your case, and inform you what the next steps would be to take, without there being any charge upfront. They tend to operate on a “no-win, no-fee” basis. So, unless they help you recover money, you don’t pay them. 

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident

Right, so now that you know your rights, let’s discuss a few easy things that you can do if you, or a friend or a loved one, are in a bicycle accident.

Step 1: Get Medical Help

So if you feel good, go and see the doctor anyway. Certain injuries take time to appear. Medical records are also useful when making a claim.

Step 2: Collect Information

If you are good on the scene, take pictures, speak to witnesses and get the contact information of the driver. All is meat and drink to make your case vigorous.

Step 3: Write It Down

When you get back home, try to put down on paper everything you remember — how the accident happened, what the weather was, what you had on, anything at all. These little things can come in handy.

Step 4: Talk to a Lawyer

Legal advice doesn’t mean you’re going to court. It just means someone will steer you right, so you can get what’s truly coming to you.

Final Thoughts

You were in a bike accident, but that doesn’t mean you’re the only one who has to solve the puzzle of how to file a claim. You could have options, rights, and resources that you are not even aware of that can aid you in the recovery process you are currently facing. 

If you’re a survivor in California, you’re entitled to the help you need and the peace of mind you’re due. So, if any of you ever get into this, don’t be too fast or too excited. Breathe, understand your rights and summon allies who can stand with you in strength.