Why Choose Reiner & Frankel, LLP, for Your Bicycle Accident Case?
When you are dealing with a serious injury, choosing the right legal team is a critical decision. At Reiner & Frankel, LLP, we bring a unique combination of local dedication and nationally recognized legal skill to every case we handle.
Our roots in Northern California run deep, and for four decades, we have been a steadfast advocate for our neighbors in Redding. We know the local court systems, we have working relationships with regional law enforcement, and we understand which experts a Shasta County jury will find credible. This local insight is something that law firms from outside the area simply cannot offer.
Our commitment to our clients has resulted in a track record of success, including securing over $600 million for those we represent and achieving the largest single-plaintiff jury verdict in the history of Shasta County. We are not a high-volume settlement mill; we are trial lawyers who prepare every case as if it will go before a judge and jury. This thorough preparation and our willingness to go to court often lead to more significant settlement offers from insurance companies.
With Reiner & Frankel, LLP, you can expect:
- Deep Local Knowledge: An understanding of Redding’s roads, courts, and community.
- A History of Results: A proven ability to handle complex, high-value injury cases.
- Personalized Attention: A commitment to understanding your individual needs and goals.
- Resources to Win: The financial strength and legal skill to take on any opponent, no matter how large.
We provide honest, candid assessments of every case because we believe you deserve transparency. Our goal is to help you rebuild your life with the full and fair compensation you are entitled to receive.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Redding
While cyclists have a right to share the road, they are exceptionally vulnerable to the actions of inattentive or reckless drivers. Many of the bicycle accidents we see in and around Redding could have been prevented if a driver had simply exercised reasonable care. Our firm investigates all aspects of a collision to determine the cause and identify who is at fault in a bicycle accident.
Some common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Failure to Yield: Drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections, particularly at busy crossings like those on Cypress Avenue or Hilltop Drive.
- Distracted Driving: A driver who is texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying full attention poses a deadly threat to anyone on a bicycle.
- “Dooring” Incidents: A driver or passenger opening a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist can cause a sudden and severe accident, especially in downtown Redding or areas with street parking.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Motorists who swerve into a bike lane or change lanes without checking their blind spots frequently cause serious collisions on roads like Churn Creek Road and Hartnell Avenue.
Understanding the cause of the accident is the first step in building a strong case for compensation. Our team works with accident reconstructionists and other professionals to piece together exactly what happened.
A Redding Bicycle Accident Lawyer Understands Local Roads
From the dedicated bike lanes on the Sacramento River Trail to the shared roadways that connect our neighborhoods, a Reiner & Frankel bicycle accident lawyer from Redding knows the specific hazards cyclists face. We understand how traffic patterns on Interstate 5 can affect surface streets and the unique challenges presented by roads leading to recreational areas like Whiskeytown Lake. This local perspective is invaluable when explaining the circumstances of your accident to an insurance company or a jury.
Understanding Negligence and Liability in California
To successfully pursue a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident, you must be able to show that another party was negligent. In simple terms, negligence means that someone failed to act with reasonable care, and this failure caused your injuries.
The four elements of negligence are:
- Duty: The driver had a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and share the road with others, including cyclists.
- Breach: The driver breached, or violated, that duty through a careless action, such as speeding, running a red light, or texting while driving.
- Causation: The driver’s breach of duty was the direct cause of the collision and your resulting injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses, lost income, and physical pain, as a result of the injuries.
In California, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This is outlined in the California Vehicle Code, which grants cyclists access to most roadways. When a driver violates these rules and injures a cyclist, they can be held legally and financially responsible for the harm they cause.
Catastrophic Injuries from Bicycle Collisions
Because a cyclist has virtually no protection in a crash with a motor vehicle, the injuries are often severe and can have lifelong effects. Our firm has extensive experience representing clients who have sustained catastrophic injuries, and we understand the immense medical and financial resources required for their care. We are particularly focused on cases involving traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which are tragically common in bicycle accidents.
Other serious injuries we frequently see include:
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe road rash, leading to permanent scarring and infection risk
- Amputations
We work with life care planners, medical professionals, and economists to calculate the full, long-term cost of your injuries. This includes not just current medical bills but also future surgeries, rehabilitation, in-home care, and any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle.
Pursuing Fair Compensation for Your Losses
A serious injury can affect every part of your life, from your ability to work and earn a living to your capacity to enjoy your favorite activities. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to provide financial compensation for these losses, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial hardship.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Economic Damages: These are the tangible financial losses you have incurred. This category includes all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and costs for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate you for the non-financial impact of the injury. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement.
Insurance companies will often try to minimize the value of these damages or make a low settlement offer shortly after the accident. Their goal is to protect their profits, not to ensure you have what you need for a lifetime of care. Our attorneys will handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from their tactics and fighting for the full value of your claim. A
The Reiner & Frankel, LLP Approach to Your Case
We believe that you should understand the legal process and feel confident in the team representing you. We are always honest and candid about the strengths of your case and will keep you informed at every stage. Our process is designed to be thorough, strategic, and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you.
- Your First Contact with Our Firm: When you call us, you will speak with a caring staff member who will listen to your story and gather initial information about what happened. This first conversation is always free and confidential.
- Our Attorney Contacts You: You will then speak directly with one of our experienced attorneys. They will ask more detailed questions to get a complete picture of the accident and your injuries. This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your legal options.
- We Provide an Initial Assessment: After our conversation, we will provide a straightforward assessment of your potential case. We will explain the legal principles involved and discuss a potential strategy for moving forward.
- We Build Your Case and Send a Demand: If we move forward together, our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation. We gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions. Once we have calculated the full extent of your damages, we will assemble a detailed demand package and present it to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Throughout this process, our reputation as skilled trial lawyers gives your case an immediate advantage. Insurance companies know we are not afraid to take a case to court if they refuse to make a fair settlement offer. This willingness to go to trial is often the key to resolving a case successfully without ever needing to step inside a courtroom.
Redding Bicycle Accident FAQs
Here you can find answers to some common questions our clients have after a bicycle accident in Redding.
What should I do if the driver’s insurance company contacts me?
It is generally advisable not to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster or provide a recorded statement without first consulting with an attorney. The adjuster’s job is to minimize the amount the company has to pay. Anything you say could be used to reduce the value of your claim later. You can politely decline the insurance company’s offer and refer them to your lawyer.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This is a strict deadline, and if you miss it, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. There are some exceptions, so it is crucial to speak with a Redding bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your final award would be reduced by 10%.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
At Reiner & Frankel, LLP, we handle bicycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney’s fees upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a jury verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery, so there is no financial risk to you.
What kind of evidence is important for my bicycle accident claim?
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful claim. Important items include the police report, photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries, contact information for any witnesses, your damaged bicycle and gear, and all of your medical records and bills. Your attorney will help you gather and preserve this crucial evidence.
Contact a Redding Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Reiner & Frankel, LLP Today
If a catastrophic injury has changed your life or the life of a loved one, you deserve dedicated and experienced legal representation. The team of personal injury lawyers at Reiner & Frankel, LLP is committed to helping accident survivors in Redding reclaim their futures. We offer personalized legal solutions tailored to your unique circumstances and needs. For more than 40 years, our firm has fought to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible.
Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation. We will listen to the details of your accident, explore every aspect of what happened, and explain how we can help you demand the compensation you deserve.
