If you've been injured in a bicycle accident, a dedicated bicycle accident attorney can help you through the legal process and seek the compensation you may be entitled to. Whether dealing with negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, or defective equipment, bike accident lawyers understand the unique challenges cyclists face and will fight to protect your rights.
Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
A bike accident attorney will help an injured bicyclist receive fair compensation for injuries and damages. They understand the nuance of traffic laws, can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if needed. The expertise of bicycle injury lawyers helps you focus on recovery while they handle the legal aspects, ensuring the rights of bike accident victims are protected, and that you get the support you need.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes
Common scenarios involving bicycle crashes often result from a combination of the following factors:
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers are a significant cause of bicycle accidents due to negligent actions. When drivers are not fully focused on the road due to activities like texting, eating, or using in-car technologies, they're more likely to overlook cyclists. This lack of attention can lead to collisions, often resulting in serious injuries for the bike rider who has much less protection compared to a motor vehicle.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of bicycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as a cyclist entering the road. High speeds also increase the severity of collisions, making accidents more dangerous and potentially fatal for cyclists.
Dooring
Dooring occurs when a parked car's door is opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This is often caused by drivers or passengers who don't properly check for approaching bicycles before opening their doors. Dooring can cause cyclists to crash into the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it, both of which can lead to catastrophic injury.
Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be quite serious. Common bicycle injuries include:
- Fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, and collarbone, as bicycle riders often try to break their fall are common injuries.
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are also prevalent, even with helmet use.
- Road rash, which is abrasions caused by the skin scraping against the pavement.
- Back and spinal cord injuries, which are bike accident injuries that can have long-term effects.
Damages in a Bicycle Accident Case
Damages in a biking accident case cover a range of losses you might face. You could be looking at medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and rehab, as well as property damage.
Economic damages include tangible costs like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover more subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
If an injury leads to long-term issues or a permanent disability, you can also include future medical costs and lost earning potential.
The goal is to help injury victims recover and move on without being stuck with a financial burden.
Who Is Liable in a Bike Accident?
Figuring out who's at fault in a bike accident can be a bit tricky. Determining who is liable can involve multiple parties depending on the circumstances. Here are some potential liable parties accountable for cycling accidents:
- The Driver: If a motorist's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield, caused the accident, they can be held responsible.
- The Cyclist: If the cyclist was not following traffic laws or was riding recklessly, they might share some of the blame.
- Manufacturers: If defective bicycles or cars contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the faulty equipment could be liable.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, caused the accident, the government body responsible for maintaining the road might be a responsible party.
Personal injury lawyers specializing in bike accidents will dig deep to determine the negligent party and to make sure bicycle accident victims get fair financial compensation.
Bicycle Accident FAQs
Who Pays for My Medical Expenses After a Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, the responsibility for paying medical expenses depends on several factors.
If the accident was caused by a negligent driver, their insurance may cover your medical bills through their liability coverage. Additionally, your own health insurance policy can help cover medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospital bills, and rehabilitation.
In some cases, you may also be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party's insurance company through a personal injury claim.
How do helmet laws affect my bicycle accident case?
Helmet laws can play a role in your bike accident case, depending on where the accident happened and whether you had a helmet on.
In places with strict helmet rules, not having one could effect your chances of getting compensation for your injuries. Even in states without helmet laws, not wearing a helmet might be used against you by insurance companies or the at-fault party's legal team to argue that you were partially at fault for your injuries.
Wearing a helmet is always a good idea for safety, and it could even help your case if you end up in a crash.
What are my rights as a cyclist on the road?
As a cyclist on the road, you have rights to ensure your safety and fair treatment:
- Right to Use the Road: A cyclist has the same rights to the road as a motor vehicle driver. This means you are entitled to ride in traffic lanes, make turns, and navigate streets just like any other vehicle on the road.
- Right to Safe Passing: Motorists are required to give you enough space when passing. They should maintain a safe distance and not crowd you off the road.
- Right of Way: You have the right of way at intersections and should be yielded to by motorists when appropriate. Remember to signal your intentions clearly and make eye contact with drivers when possible.
- Right to Legal Support: If you encounter any issues or feel unsafe while cycling, don't hesitate to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney or reach out to local authorities for assistance.
What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
If you were partially at fault for a crash while cycling, here's what you need to know:
- Contributory Negligence: In some cases, if you contributed to the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. This means you may still be eligible for compensation, but the amount could be lessened.
- Comparative Negligence: Some states follow a comparative negligence system, where each party's degree of fault is considered. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages, but they could be reduced based on your level of responsibility for the accident.
- Legal Representation: It's important to talk to a lawyer if you think you played a part in the crash. A skilled attorney can look into what happened and figure out how much responsibility you might have, as well as what you can do to get compensated.
- Insurance Coverage: Your insurance coverage, as well as the insurance policies of other involved parties, will also play a role in determining how liability is apportioned and how compensation is calculated.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Case Review
When you contact a bicycle accident lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a free case review, you're taking the first step towards seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.
Our dedicated team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a bicycle accident can take on the life of an injured party. We're here to provide compassionate support and expert legal assistance every step of the way.
During your free consultation, we'll listen to your story, evaluate the details of your case, and offer personalized advice on the best course of action to pursue.
With our extensive experience and proven track record of success in handling bicycle accident claims, you can trust our law firm to fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
