Santa Clara, CA – On a seemingly ordinary afternoon, October 24, 2014, a cyclist’s commute took a devastating turn at the intersection of Scott Blvd. and San Tomas Expressway. At 12:24 p.m., while riding eastbound, he was struck by a negligent driver operating a 2001 Toyota Camry, resulting in severe injuries and significant financial hardship.
The Incident: A Moment of Negligence, Lasting Impact
The cyclist was adhering to traffic laws when the collision occurred. Under clear road conditions, the accident was attributed to the driver’s failure to maintain their lane. The impact resulted in a serious head laceration and arm injuries, necessitating immediate transport by Rural Metro Ambulance to Valley Medical Center in San Jose for emergency treatment.
The Fight for Recovery and Fair Compensation
The victim faced a challenging recovery, requiring ongoing medical treatment for a range of severe injuries, including facial fractures, a collapsed lung, lacerations, rib fractures, fractures of T8, T9, L3, and road rash. The inability to work compounded the stress as medical bills mounted. Seeking clarity and justice, he turned to GJEL Accident Attorneys, seeking answers to critical questions:
- Who would be responsible for his escalating medical expenses?
- How could he manage his financial obligations amidst lost income?
- What recourse was available for potential long-term physical impairments?
GJEL’s team responded promptly, providing immediate assistance and sending an attorney to meet with the client and his father. Recognizing the severity of his injuries and the mounting financial pressure, he entrusted GJEL Accident Attorneys to advocate for his rights.
GJEL’s Strategic Approach Yields Substantial Settlement
GJEL initiated a thorough investigation, obtaining the official police report from the Santa Clara County CHP, which determined the other driver was 80% at fault. Despite initial resistance from Geico Insurance, who disputed the extent of their client’s liability and the victim’s injuries, GJEL persisted.
Attorney Andy Gillin skillfully navigated the case, meticulously gathering evidence and securing expert testimony from an accident reconstruction specialist. This compelling evidence ultimately persuaded Geico to agree to an enhanced settlement before a lawsuit was necessary. Within approximately five months, GJEL secured a $100,000 settlement, providing crucial financial relief for the victim.
Key Details:
- Insurance Company: Geico Insurance
- Law Enforcement: Santa Clara County CHP
- Vehicle: 2001 Toyota Camry
- Location: Scott Blvd. at San Tomas Expressway, Santa Clara, CA
- Medical Providers: Rural Metro Ambulance, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
- Injuries: Facial fractures, collapsed lung, lacerations, rib fractures, fractures of T8, T9, L3, and road rash.
- Outcome: $100,000 settlement secured by GJEL Accident Attorneys.
This case underscores the importance of seeking experienced legal representation following a serious bicycle accident. GJEL Accident Attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of negligence obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.
This case demonstrates the significant challenges faced by cyclists injured by motorists’ negligence. Even with clear police reports indicating a fault, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, forcing victims to fight for their rightful compensation. In this instance, GJEL Accident Attorneys’ thorough investigation, expert testimony, and unwavering advocacy proved instrumental in securing a substantial settlement for the injured cyclist. Their ability to effectively counter the insurance company’s resistance and negotiate a favorable outcome highlights the critical role of experienced legal representation in such cases.
For cyclists who have suffered injuries in accidents, seeking immediate legal counsel is crucial. GJEL Accident Attorneys understands cyclists’ unique challenges and is committed to protecting their rights. Their expertise in navigating complex insurance claims and securing maximum compensation can provide victims with the financial resources needed to recover and rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact GJEL for a free consultation and take the first step towards justice.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.