A:
Yes. In just a few minutes over the phone I can give you some good
free advice and tell you what your case is worth so that you don't
accept an unfair settlement. If, at a later time, you want to hire
me, simply call me, I will not charge you a fee, unless I can increase
the settlement offered to you.
A: Call me immediately. I return all
phone calls and emails promptly. I will be more than happy to discuss
your bicycle accident case and answer any questions you may have. I
answer calls and talk to cyclist every day even after hours. The call
and the attorney consultation are free.
A: Recommended. Most lawyers and law
firms do everything from dog bites to divorce. But at the Reinecke
Law Firm our practice is limited to include cycling accident and
injury cases only. You will then have piece of mind that you have
hired an attorney with the expertise, knowledge and the winning
track record needed to get you the maximum recovery for your cycling
injury case.
A: No. Do not give a written or recorded statement to
any insurance company unless you call an attorney first. As a former insurance
defense attorney, I know that the wording and order of the insurance company questions
will have you partially "at fault" by the end of the statement. I never allow recorded
statements. If you learn one thing from my web site, never, ever give a written or
recorded statement to the other side's insurance company.
A: Yes. After we confirm liability and insurance coverage
we work to get your bike fixed or get you a new bike and get you reimbursed for your
damaged clothing and gear, all within the first thirty (30) days. And we always
handle the property damage portion of our client's cases for free.
A:No recovery- No Fee. Simply put, this means,
you are not required to pay any money upfront to retainer quality legal
representation and, most importantly, if we don't win your case, then you don't
pay, not a dime.
A: Maybe. Your bike and its components and parts are "products". If you have been injured by a product defect or failure, you may have a case against the bike manufacturer or distributor. Whether your specific case is worth pursuing depends on how you were injured, the extent of your injuries and the specific product defect.
In bicycle product liability cases, there are three types of defects:
If you were in a bicycle accident case in which you suspect that the bicycle accident was caused by a defective product including the bike, parts or components, the bike or defective part must be protected from loss or destruction. The bike component or parts must be "preserved" in the exact condition as they existed on the date of the accident. As such, do not repair your bike or give the bike or parts to any insurance company or investigator. Store your bike in a secure place. If your bike is repaired, destroyed or not in the same condition you may be prevented from pursuing a products liability case. In addition to preserving the evidence, identify the product or parts that are defective including the name, model of the bike, the place of purchase and the serial number.
Product Liability bike case include:
Pursuing a bicycle products liability case is complex, expensive and time consuming and will require a team including an experienced bicycle accident attorney and experts.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident where you sustain injuries as a result of an alleged defective bike, components or parts, preserve the evidence and call us to discuss your case.
You bike accident may involved a recalled bike or component. Recent bicycle recalls include:
(Partial List)
A: Maybe. If you were involved in an accident with an
uninsured motorist or a hit and run accident you may still recover money for your personal
injuries if you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage with your automobile insurance policy.
You can recover for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering even if the
driver did not have liability insurance. Many auto insurance policies will provide
coverage for medical expenses or underinsured motorist coverage.
There are strict
rules that must be followed in making an uninsured motorist claim. A review of your
insurance policy by an attorney can determine available coverage.
A:Yes. If you are dissatisfied or frustrated with your
current lawyer, the progress of your case or your lawyer simply does not return your
calls, I recommend that you make an appointment with your lawyer to discuss your case.
If you are still not satisfies with your lawyer, you can change lawyers at any time and
there is no additional fee or cost to you to change lawyers.
At our firm, clear
communication and cooperation are the keys to a successful attorney-client relationship.
Call us and we will answer any questions you may have regarding your bicycle accident case.
A: Yes we can. Our firm is can refer you to a doctor
that is a specialist for your type of injuries. We are glad to provide you with options
to obtain the best health care. If you do not have health insurance we can refer you to a
doctor or specialist who will provide you with care but will not require payment until your
case is resolved. It is most import that you get the best medical care, get well and get
back on your bike.
A:See a doctor. Many injuries like road rash or a broken
bone are easy see and diagnose but other injuries may take several days to progress.
For example pain, swelling and instability in the knee are symptoms of an internal
derangement or tear inside the knee which may require an MRI to diagnose.
Our advice,
seek medical care and be vocal about your injury symptoms. Your doctor can then be able
to diagnose your injuries and provide you with treatment options.
A: In California most causes of actions for personal
injuries have a two (2) year Statute of Limitations. The "Statute of Limitations"
means the time limits placed on filing a lawsuit in court. For example, the time
period starts to run on the date of a bike accident.
However, some lawsuits against
governmental entities or municipalities, for example with road defect cases, require
that a formal Governmental Claim be filed within six (6) months of the date of the
accident.
There are also circumstances and types of injury cases where a complaint
may be filed after the two-year statute of limitations.
We recommend that you
consult an attorney before the running of the applicable Statute of Limitations or
governmental claim filing deadline or you may be forever prevented or barred from
obtaining compensation for your damages. The applicable statute of limitations
and claim notification requirements for any particular case or claim require the
analysis and advice of an attorney.
A: After we personally meet you we start working on
your case the same day. We promptly begin our investigate which may include
obtaining the Traffic Collision Report, contact the insurance companies
involved , interviewing witnesses, photograph your injuries, your bike and
the accident scene. In some case where liability is disputed we may hire
bicycle accident experts.
While you are being treated for your injuries our firm will continue
to obtain evidence, information and medical records. Once you have completed
treatment, our firm will prepare a formal Settlement Evaluation and Demand
going to the insurance company.
The insurance company is then given 30 days to respond. We will then begin
to negotiate a settlement which may take up to an additional 14-30 days. If
a settlement is reached, it usually takes an addition two weeks to get the
settlement documents and check. Our firm has a high 98.7% Settlement Success
Rate.
A slow response is usually due to an issue in the case as to liability or
damages, the insurance company or the attitude of the insurance adjustor
which may lengthen the settlement process. In some case we may go to
mediation with the assistance of a neutral mediator or retired judge to
assist in resolving the case.
Some bicycle accident cases do not result in a settlement. In those cases,
we will discuss the options of mediation, arbitration or the filing of a
lawsuit. At the Reinecke Law Firm our goal is to efficiently and
effectively work to resolve the case and obtain the maximum recovery
for the client.
A: Your bicycle injury case is worth either
the negotiated settlement amount you accept from the insurance company or
the award determined by the arbitrator, judge or jury. We will examine
the facts of your case, liability, your injuries, medical bill and your
damages to determine the value of your case.
Each case and client are
different. We have had injury cases involving road rash, fractures, closed
head injuries and concussions, torn ACL and cartilage, scarring, and even
more serious injuries involving spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and
wrongful death. An important part of your damages is your personal harms
and losses, future medical care needs, permanent injury, disfigurement or
disability and how the accident and your injuries have affected the quality
of your life including any loss of your joy and passion of cycling.
Over the
past twenty years we have recovered million of dollars for our cycling
accident and injury clients. Naturally we cannot give any guarantee,
representation or warranty as to the value of your specific case without a
comprehensive analysis of all of the details concerning your case. Rest
assured, it is our goal to work to ensure that you get the money you
deserve for your bicycle injury case.
A: Call me and we can discuss your case. The call and consultation are always free.
A: Maybe. A Traffic Collision Report (and the conclusions of the reporting officer) are technically hearsay which means, absent a legal exception, they may not be admissible in court to prove liability. However, your verbal admissions or statements made at the accident scene are admissible. However, insurance companies still use the conclusions of the Traffic Collision Reports in their liability assessments.
Even if the Traffic Collision Report says you are the "Primary Collision Factor," you may still have a case and recover for your injuries and damages.
A: Yes. As a father of four, I have a special compassion as a parent and for my child injury cases and children injured in bike accidents. We have reduced fees for all child injury cases.
Nearly 1 million children are injured in bike accidents every year.
Nearly one half of all bicycle fatalities involve children under the age of 16.
75% of serious injuries and deaths are from head injuries, and
40% percent of bike fatalities occur after dark.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, please contact us for a free, confidential consultation.