San Jose Bicycle Accident Attorney

California has some of the most beautiful cycling trails in the United States — and San Jose features some of the most stunning cycling routes in California. Destinations such as Mount Hamilton or the Guadalupe Trail offer scenic beauty and a look at the heart of the city of San Jose.

Yet whether you are riding for pleasure or as part of your commute, dangers exist. In 2020, seven cyclists were killed while riding in the San Jose area, according to the San Jose Spotlight. These deaths included several collisions between cars and trucks and cyclists, and two fatal collisions between cyclists who ran into each other at high rates of speed.

The city has taken steps to make cycling in San Jose safer, including improved infrastructure, warning signs and raising driver awareness.

However, sometimes those steps are not enough. If you have been in a cycling accident in the San Jose area, it’s important that you know what steps to take in the wake of the collision.

Cycling Accident Checklist

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a serious accident, taking the following measures can help ensure that you are safe and that your legal rights are protected.

• After a collision, move yourself and your bike to a safe area, if possible. Follow-up collisions are often deadlier than the initial accident, so it is important to remove yourself from the road or trail.
• Once you are safe, contact law enforcement or first responders as needed.
• If there are significant injuries or property damage, ensure that you get a police report. You should also speak to any witnesses and ask for contact information. Their statements may prove critical to establishing liability.
• Take videos and/or photos of the crash site. Document anything that is relevant to the crash, including weather and road conditions.
• If you require medical attention or physical therapy, keep an accurate tally of any bills you receive. If you miss work due to your injuries, keep records of any lost wages.

The next step, in many cases, is finding an experienced San Jose bicycle accident attorney.

Why Finding the Right Attorney is Important

Serious cycling accidents can leave victims with health problems that can often lead to financial losses or a reduction in earning power. Pursuing a negotiated settlement with an insurer is one way to seek fair compensation. Yet negotiating with an insurance company is a difficult task for most people. Insurance companies employ experts who are tasked with getting crash victims to settle for as little as possible. Crash victims, on the other hand, typically have little experience with issues such as determining liability or assessing a fair value for what they’ve lost.

An experienced bicycle accident attorney can level the playing field. By working with a law firm that specializes in such litigation, victims can ensure that they are not being taken advantage of, and that they have an advocate working in their best interest.

Why Work With Gary Brustin?

Gary Brustin is one of the most experienced bicycle lawyers in San Jose. In fact, Gary has handled nothing but bicycle injury cases for the last twenty years.

If you need help, contact us for a fast, free consultation.