Davis is widely recognized as the Bicycle Capital of America, with a proud legacy as the first city in the nation to install a bike lane. But even in a community built around cycling, preventable accidents still occur. Recent statistics from UC Davis show a 43 percent increase in bike crashes on campus over just 10 months. Citywide, nearly 330 bicycle accident victims were injured or killed in a seven-year period.
When bicycles and cars collide, the rider often sustains the most severe injuries. Victims may be left with crushing medical costs and an uncertain future. If you or a loved one was hurt in a bike crash someone else caused, a Davis bicycle accident lawyer from Demas Law Group can listen to your story and outline your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Our Davis Bicycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
A reputation for excellence matters when choosing a bike crash lawyer in Davis. Insurance companies work hard to shift blame for accidents to cyclists to avoid making fair payouts. Demas Law Group has a track record of success representing California bike riders, including a $10.2 million jury award for a couple injured on the American River Bike Trail.
When you choose us to handle your bicycle accident claim, you get a team dedicated to seeking maximum compensation for everything you endured. Our personal injury lawyers in Davis prepare every case like it’s going to trial, sending a firm message to insurers that we’re ready to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Our law firm holds a 4.9-star rating on Google, based on over 800 results. Clients often describe us as dependable, responsive, and dedicated to their well-being. Many reviews highlight our commitment to keeping them informed at every step. Some comments from our past clients include:
“They were able to help me find the medical care I needed and helped me get back on my feet. I think they wear capes under their suits.”
– Kari M.
Your Legal Rights as an Injured Cyclist in California
California law generally gives cyclists the same rights and duties as drivers. Both motorists and bicyclists have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing a traffic accident. The Three Feet for Safety Act requires drivers to leave three feet when overtaking a cyclist or to slow down until passing is safe. When a bicycle accident lawyer builds a case, they rely on California personal injury and traffic laws to show how an at-fault party’s negligence led to the crash and resulting injuries.
While many bike injuries result from car accidents, other parties could also be liable for a crash. For example, a property owner could be legally responsible for a bicycle accident if they failed to repair or warn of a dangerous condition on their premises. Companies may be liable if bicycle defects contributed to a collision. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can pursue claims against all parties whose conduct contributed to the accident.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Davis
Though praised for its bike-friendly infrastructure, members of the riding community still express concerns that Davis isn’t doing enough to promote rider safety. Common causes of bicycle crashes include:
- Drivers passing too closely, speeding, drifting into bike lanes, or opening doors without paying attention
- Drivers making unsafe left turns across oncoming cyclists near campus and downtown
- Poor road maintenance, including cracked pavement and road debris
Police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene can help show what caused the bike crash that injured you. A skilled attorney may gather other records, such as phone logs, vehicle data, and city maintenance reports, to support your version of events. Compelling evidence helps your attorney build a bicycle injury claim in Davis that shows your injuries were the result of negligent acts that could have been avoided.
Seeking Compensation for Your Bike Crash Injuries
Financial recovery should match the full impact of your injuries, not just the initial medical expenses. The value of a bicycle claim varies depending on the unique facts of each case. Davis injury victims typically seek compensation for financial and personal losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
A Davis bicycle accident lawyer should work to recover compensation that accounts for the full scope of your losses. For example, a rider who sustains a traumatic brain injury may be entitled to compensation for future medical bills expected due to ongoing disability. When settlement offers arrive, an attorney will compare them against your long-term needs instead of focusing on a resolution that feels rushed.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident
Your health comes first after a cycling accident. Seek immediate medical attention after the crash, even if you don’t feel hurt. You may have hidden injuries that need treatment.
Practical tips for the days and weeks that follow include:
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all appointments.
- Save medical bills, pay stubs, and any other accident-related expenses.
- Avoid posting anything on social media about the crash or your injuries.
- Consult a Davis bicycle accident attorney to learn your legal rights.
Insurance adjusters typically contact injured riders promptly to request recorded statements or medical release forms — or even to make a quick settlement offer. Speaking with a Davis personal injury attorney before agreeing to anything helps protect your bicycle accident case. After you reach out to Demas Law Group, your lawyer can handle conversations with insurers so you don’t have to worry about saying something that jeopardizes your case.
Contact Our Davis Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you were hurt in a Davis bicycle accident, the personal injury attorneys at Demas Law Group can help you seek justice for what happened. California gives bicycle riders two years to file an insurance claim, but prompt action protects your rights and can help preserve important evidence. Call or contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
