Bicycle accidents are common in the U.S. These accidents can cause severe injuries. If you were recently in this type of accident, you might have a right to claim compensation. To do this, you must establish negligence and file the claim as per the state laws.
It may be best to hire a bicycle accident lawyer to protect your legal rights and increase your chances of fair compensation. A legal team can investigate your case, help you file a claim, negotiate with insurers, and litigate if necessary.
What You Should Do After the Accident
Your chances to claim maximum compensation after a bicycle accident starts right after the accident. If the accident was due to the negligence of a driver, a government entity, or a company, you might have a right to claim compensation. To do this, you should know what to do immediately after the accident. Some of the most critical steps to take after the accident are:
- Calling 911
- Taking pictures of the scene
- Collecting the at-fault party’s contact detail and insurance information
- Collecting the contact information of the witnesses
- Seeking medical attention
- Taking pictures of your injuries
- Keeping records, bills, and relevant documents
- Calling a bicycle accident lawyer
Since what you do or say can affect your claim, your lawyer can give you legal advice to ensure you protect your claim. Remember to refrain from talking to the at-fault party or insurance company. Allow a lawyer to handle all aspects of your claim, including any correspondence.
Your lawyer can ensure you begin the process of claiming compensation immediately and file a claim or lawsuit as per your state laws. Remember, every state has a time limit or a deadline for when personal injury claims and wrongful death claims should be filed. If you fail to file the case as per the statute of limitations, you can lose your chance of claiming compensation and recovering damages.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Anderson, call 800-333-9999
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Apart from a driver’s negligent actions, several other things can cause bicycle accidents. Some of the causes of these accidents include:
- Motorists turning without warning or checking for cyclists nearby
- Vehicle drivers running a stop sign
- Poor visibility
- Drivers passing a cyclist on the left and then making a right-hand turn in front of them
- Poor road design or maintenance
- Drivers or passengers opening their doors right in front of the bicyclist
- Failing to account for bike lanes
- Following vehicles too closely
- Driving while distracted
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Mechanical or equipment failure
The cause of the accident can also determine the liable party or parties and how much compensation you can claim.
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Liability in Bicycle Accidents
When investigating your case, your lawyer can determine the cause of the accident and establish liability.
Depending on the cause of the accident, the liable party can be:
- A Vehicle Driver: If the accident was due to a driver’s negligent actions, such as DUI, fatigued driving, speeding, or running a stop sign, they might be liable for the accident.
- Road Hazards: Suppose the accident was due to an uneven bike lane, potholes, or other hazardous conditions. The local, city, or state agency responsible for maintaining the road can be liable.
- Bike Manufacturer: The bike manufacturer or a repair shop may be liable if the accident resulted from a mechanical failure or a defective bicycle part.
- Negligent Cyclists: Cyclists can sometimes be fully or partially liable for their actions. Several regulations govern the use of bicycles on the road. Cyclists must adhere to state laws and regulations that involve using a bike on the road. If the accident was due to ignoring safety instructions, such as wearing reflective clothing or obeying traffic signals, the cyclist could be liable for their actions.
When investigating the case, your lawyer can establish negligence, including comparative negligence. Your lawyer can file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party, value your claim, and negotiate a fair settlement.
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Damages to Recover From a Bicycle Accident
Bicyclists are vulnerable to several severe injuries. The injuries can result in a lifetime of medical costs and productivity losses depending on the accident. To help victims deal with such expenses, they can claim several economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical care expenses and related costs
- Lost benefits and wages
- Pain and Suffering damages
- Physical therapy
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If the accident were fatal, your lawyer would help you file a wrongful death claim. Depending on the age and role of the victim in the family, the surviving family member can claim medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral and burial expenses.
The value of your claim can be determined by the severity of your injuries, the effects of the accident on your life, and your degree of fault if you are partly at fault for the accident.
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Let an Anderson Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help
If you or a loved one is a victim of a bicycle accident, you may want to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Bicycle accident lawyers understand state laws that govern such claims and can defend your rights for compensation. We’re ready to discuss your case at Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers to determine what recovery options are available. Call us for a free consultation and legal help in Anderson.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
