In Brentwood, CA, a cyclist injured in a collision with a car received a $112,500 settlement with the help of GJEL Accident Attorneys. Despite the cyclist initially being cited for riding against traffic, GJEL’s investigation and expert analysis proved the automobile driver’s shared liability.
This case demonstrates GJEL’s expertise in handling complex bicycle accident claims and securing fair compensation for their clients. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, contact GJEL for a free consultation.
Accident Overview
On July 20, 2013, at 11:52 a.m., our client was riding his Schwinn bicycle eastbound on Balfour Road 168 feet west of Logan Way in Brentwood, county of Contra Costa, state of California. Our client was riding his bicycle against the flow of traffic, violating California Vehicle Code Section 21650.1.
The police also cited the automobile driver for failing to yield, violating section 21804 of the California Vehicle Code. The bicycle accident in Brentwood resulted in the loss of work, serious injuries, and large medical bills, leaving our client in a state of uncertainty.
About the Auto vs Bicycle Accident Settlement in Brentwood
This was a bicycle versus automobile accident that resulted in serious injuries for our client, partly due to the other driver’s negligence. The car’s driver that caused the accident was driving a 2004 Toyota Tundra.
There were no adverse road conditions when the accident happened.
After the accident, our client suffered from a fractured right patella, a broken nose, and lacerations to his forehead and neck. CalSTAR Med-Evac transported our client to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, where he underwent treatment for his injuries. The driver of the car that caused the accident was insured by Safeco Insurance.
Case Facts
Our client needed surgery for his fractured right patella and his broken nose. At first, Safeco Insurance was unwilling to pay our client’s medical bills since the police officer placed our client as violating section 21650.1. Our client missed a significant amount of work and had large medical bills from this accident.
Based on this information, he reached out to GJEL Accident Attorneys to see if he was entitled to compensation and to have his questions answered. He wanted to know:
- Who is responsible for my medical bills?
- How will I pay these bills and the loss of work?
- What if I have permanent lifelong damage to my body?
The staff at GJEL could quickly evaluate the case over the phone and arrange to meet him at John Muir Hospital.
Based on the serious injuries from this accident and the mounting medical bills, our client decided to retain GJEL Accident Attorneys to help get his life back on track after this tragic accident.
The staff at GJEL started a full investigation by getting the police report from the Brentwood Police Department. The police report showed that both drivers were partly at fault.
At first, the party at fault’s insurance company, Safeco, was unconvinced that their driver had the main liability. As the firm continued to collect evidence and hire an accident reconstruction expert, the insurance company changed its mind.
Attorneys Jim Larsen and Andy Gillin helped our client through this difficult time and ultimately settled this case. The case took approximately eleven months to resolve. Ultimately, our client was awarded $112,500 for this bicycle accident.
| Insurance Company Names: | Safeco |
| Police Report | Brentwood Police Department |
| Vehicle Types | 2004 Toyota Tundra |
| Accident Locations: | Balfour Road at Logan Way, Brentwood, CA |
| Hospitals and Medical Centers Visited | Cal STAR MediVac, John Muir Hospital, AMR |
| Types of Injuries (As specific as possible) | Fractured right patella requiring surgery, broken nose, laceration to forehead, and neck injury. |
As a California bicycle law firm, GJEL Accident Attorneys understands cyclists’ unique challenges on the roads. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to representing injured cyclists and fighting for their rights. Whether you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, a dooring incident, or a collision with a motor vehicle, we are here to help.
We have a proven track record of success in securing fair compensation for our clients, and we are committed to providing personalized attention to each and every case. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for a free consultation today.
This Brentwood bicycle accident case demonstrates GJEL Accident Attorneys’ unwavering commitment to securing justice for injured cyclists, even when faced with complex liability disputes. By meticulously investigating the accident, challenging the initial police report, and leveraging expert analysis, GJEL successfully negotiated a $112,500 settlement.
This outcome highlights the firm’s ability to navigate intricate legal challenges and advocate for their clients’ rights, ensuring they receive the compensation necessary to recover from their injuries and rebuild their lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in California, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced team understands cyclists’ unique challenges and is dedicated to fighting for your rights.
We will thoroughly evaluate your case, answer your questions, and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Let us help you navigate the legal process and ensure your future is protected.
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.