Getting into a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure whether you were at fault. Maybe you didn’t follow a traffic rule, or perhaps you made a sudden turn. Either way, you might wonder: Can I still file a claim? And do I even need legal help if I was partly to blame? The answer is yes, and it's more important than you might think to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, even if you share some of the fault.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation. Let’s say the court finds you 30% responsible. That doesn’t mean you walk away empty-handed; it just means your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
For example, if your total damages were $100,000, you'd still be entitled to recover $70,000. That’s a significant amount, and it's exactly why legal representation matters.
Insurance adjusters often jump at the opportunity to shift as much blame onto you as possible. Their goal? Minimize what they have to pay.
If you admit even partial fault without legal guidance, you could lose a lot of money or your entire claim. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles understands these tactics and can push back with solid evidence, expert opinions, and proper legal arguments to protect your rights.
Sometimes, what feels like partial fault isn't legally considered negligence. Maybe you weren’t wearing a helmet, but the law doesn’t require adults in California to wear one. Or perhaps you rode outside a bike lane because it was blocked. An experienced lawyer will examine the entire situation, including traffic cams, witness statements, and police reports.
By hiring a**** bicycle accident law firm near you**,** you’ll get the benefit of someone who can help accurately assess the situation instead of just taking your word, or worse, the other party’s word, for what happened.
Most cyclists underestimate the value of their claim. Beyond bike repairs and medical bills, you might be entitled to compensation for:
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Future medical treatment
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Without legal help, many victims settle quickly and for far less than they deserve. A bicycle accident law firm near you**** will calculate the full scope of your losses, including the hidden ones.
Even if you're not planning to sue, having legal representation early on helps in many ways:
Communicating with insurance adjusters
Avoiding accidental self-incrimination
Gathering critical evidence before it disappears
Making sure your paperwork and deadlines are in order
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles also knows local court procedures and how judges typically handle comparative fault. That insight can make a huge difference in how your case plays out.
Just because you made a mistake doesn’t mean you should suffer alone. California law gives you the right to recover damages, even if you were partially at fault. But exercising that right properly takes legal know-how.
By consulting a trusted bicycle accident law firm near you**,** you give yourself the best shot at a fair outcome. Don’t wait until the insurance company decides how much your case is worth. Take control, get the right support, and protect your future.