Bike messengers, also known as couriers, are at a high risk of getting into accidents and suffering injuries due to the strenuous nature of the job and the lack of protection against other vehicles. If you have been hurt as a bicycle messenger due to someone else’s negligence, you may feel frustrated but unsure of your rights and how to recover compensation. Depending on your unique circumstances, you can file a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim and recover economic and non-economic damages.
At Younglove Law Group, we are here to provide injured bicycle messengers with the knowledge they need to fight for their rights and the maximum compensation they deserve. Our compassionate lawyers understand the physical and emotional challenges you face in this situation, so we take your legal burdens off your shoulders and allow you to focus on recovery. With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record, you can rest assured your rights are protected and your claim is in the right hands.
What Legal Rights Do Bike Messengers Have in California?
As a bike messenger in California, it is important to know your rights. If you get injured in an accident, do not settle for unfair treatment and compensation. Depending on whose negligence caused your accident and when it occurred, you have the following rights:
- File a Claim: You can file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer if the accident occurred while you were on the job or due to employer negligence, such as poor training, lack of bicycle maintenance, or unsafe work conditions.
- Three-Foot Buffer: The Three Feet for Safety Act requires all drivers to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing them in traffic. If drivers are unable to maintain this buffer, they must slow down and only pass when it is safe to do so.
- Duty of Care: Bicyclists and other drivers have a duty to act carefully and follow all traffic laws and signals.
- Contact a Lawyer: If you have suffered injuries as a bike messenger, you have the right to contact an attorney for help with filing your claim and seeking the justice you deserve for your losses.
Our knowledgeable lawyers at Younglove Law Group understand California bicycle laws can be confusing, so we take the time to inform you of your rights and the legal options you have to receive a fair settlement.
How Can a Bike Messenger Seek Compensation for Injuries?
If you have suffered injuries as a bike messenger while working due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim, depending on the specific details of the accident. Our skilled lawyers at Younglove Law Group can help you understand the eligibility requirements for these types of claims, which include the following:
Workers’ Compensation
According to the California Labor Code 3700, companies with one or more employees must provide workers’ compensation coverage. Therefore, if you were injured because of your job as a bike messenger, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive compensation for your losses. This three-step process involves reporting the injury, filing the claim with your employer, and filing an application for adjudication of the claim with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
Personal Injury
If you were injured while working as a bike messenger but another driver, pedestrian, or other party not related to your employer caused the accident, you can also file a personal injury claim to hold them accountable for their negligence. In these cases, we can help you pursue damages through the liable party’s insurance company and fight for a fair settlement.
What Compensation Is Available for Injured Bike Messengers in California?
The impact of a bike messenger accident often goes beyond physical, causing emotional and financial damages. At Younglove Law Group, we take the time to listen to your story and understand how your injuries have affected your life to calculate your claim’s value accurately. Based on the severity of your injuries and other details of your case, you can receive compensation for the following:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Ambulance ride
- Prescribed medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
We understand the aftermath of a bike messenger accident can be stressful, so we provide the support and guidance you need to secure a fair settlement. Our passionate lawyers fiercely advocate for the compensation you deserve, implementing personalized, innovative strategies that give you the best chance of achieving maximum compensation.
Learn More About Your Rights After a California Bike Messenger Accident from the Trusted Lawyers at Younglove Law Group
If you have been injured as a bike messenger, Younglove Law Group is dedicated to helping you navigate your legal options. Our team understands bike messengers’ unique challenges, and we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of recovering more than $50 million for our clients, we have the knowledge and resources to handle your claim effectively.
We focus on taking the legal burdens off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries. Contact us at (949) 691-3660 or through our contact form to discuss your case and start your journey toward justice.
