Cyclist Hit in Crosswalk by Truck – $300k Settlement
Introduction
At Sally Morin Law, we understand that every personal injury case has a unique story. Today, I want to share with you the journey of one of our clients, a very fit 75-year old avid cyclist who faced a life-altering bicycle crosswalk accident near the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station in California. This case showcases not only the severe physical and emotional impact such accidents can have but also the difference our dedicated legal representation can make in the lives of our clients.
The Bicycle Crosswalk Accident and Injuries
Our client was riding his bicycle in a crosswalk on Cutting Street when a pedestrian (also in the crosswalk) began to cross ahead of him. A pickup truck driver, focusing solely on the pedestrian, stopped momentarily but failed to notice our client in the crosswalk on his bike. Tragically, the truck drove right into him, resulting in catastrophic injuries including:
– Immediate loss of consciousness
– Fractured skull
– Five brain bleeds
– Difficulties with walking and balance
– Short term memory loss
Initial Consultation with Sally Morin Law
Overwhelmed by the medical bills, paperwork, and the daunting legal process, our client sought legal help. He first consulted with the California Bicycle Coalition’s website for bike-friendly law firms who were experts in bicycle accident cases in California, so he searched a few names from the California Bike Coaltion’s list and liked our website and that we are an all women firm… not to mention, he really liked our basic philosophy. Even though he was considering other law firms, he didn’t call any other firms after speaking to us. He knew from our very first consultation that we were the right fit for him and his case.
It was clear he needed an advocate to handle the complexities of his bicycle crosswalk case, and we have lots of experience with these specific cases. Even though people often think it’s illegal to ride your bike in the crosswalk in Californai, it is not, and you have rights as a cyclist and deserve legal representation and compensation when you are hit on your bicycle in a crosswalk. During our initial meeting, we assured him that our all-female team at Sally Morin Law would fight tirelessly on his behalf.
Our Approach
Our approach to this case involved several key steps:
– Immediate Action: We promptly gathered all necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and police reports.
– Expert Consultations: We consulted with medical experts to fully understand the extent of our client’s injuries and their long-term implications. We also consulted with our traffic accident reconstruction expert to run the facts of the bicycle crosswalk accident by him to ensure we had a strong case.
– Focused Strategy: Our strategy was to maximize the settlement by presenting a detailed and compelling case to the insurance company, underscoring the severity of the injuries and their impact on our client’s life, and also provide solid legal arguments for holding the driver responsible for hitting our client who was biking in the crosswalk.
The Legal Battle
Engaging in legal battles requires persistence and expertise. We negotiated assertively with the insurance companies, ensuring no detail about our client’s suffering was overlooked. The evidence we presented highlighted the negligence of the pickup truck driver and the profound impact the accident had on our client’s daily life and future prospects.
Liability when someone is hit on their bike in the crosswalk is often disputed. The at-fault driver will claim that riding a bike in the crosswalk is illegal or not allowed. However, our team has plenty of experience shooting down these defenses to achieve great settlements for our bicycle crosswalk accident clients.
The Settlement
After thorough negotiations, we secured a financial settlement of $300,000 (the truck driver’s insurance policy limits.) This sum covered all medical expenses, legal fees, and provided substantial compensation for our client’s pain and suffering. After deducting the necessary costs, our client received $168,258.24, a significant amount that alleviated his financial concerns and contributed to his healing process.
Outcome and Impact
The settlement allowed our client to focus entirely on his recovery, free from the stress of financial burdens. He could afford high-quality medical care, rehabilitation sessions, and took the time needed to heal without rushing back to work prematurely.
Conclusion
This case is a testament to our commitment at Sally Morin Law to empower our clients through diligent, compassionate, and expert legal representation. We pride ourselves on providing personalized support, ensuring that our clients can navigate their difficult journeys with confidence and peace of mind. We are also very proud of our expertise in bicycle crosswalk accident cases and getting fair settlements for cyclists hit in crosswalks.
Key Facts
– Accident Location: Cutting Street near El Cerrito del Norte Bart Station
– Accident Type: Bicycle hit by truck in crosswalk
– Injuries: Immediate loss of consciousness, fractured skull, five brain bleeds, difficulty walking, balance issues, short term memory loss
– Settlement Amount: $300,000 (policy limits)
– Client Received: $168,258.24 after medical and legal expenses
Reflections from Sally Morin
Reflecting on this case, I am reminded of the profound impact our work has on the lives of our clients. It’s not just about the settlements; it’s about restoring hope and stability. At Sally Morin Law, we strive to ensure that every client feels supported throughout their journey, confident that they have an unwavering advocate in their corner.
If you or someone you know is facing a similar challenge, please reach out to us. We are here to help you focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.
SAN FRANCISCO’S TOP RATED PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
If you or someone you know is facing a similar struggle, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. At Sally Morin Law, we are here to guide you to a brighter, more secure future.
Don’t let the legal system add to your stress. Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing. Get a free online case evaluation today or call us at 877-380-8852.
